| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08202208B2 |
Airbag folding device and airbag folding method
There are provided an airbag folding device, and an airbag folding method, for mechanically folding an airbag to form a doughnut-shaped airbag. The airbag folding device is characterized in comprising a support member (62) columnar in shape, rising while supporting a tubular tether belt (11a), an outer cylinder (63) coaxial with the support member (62), for containing the airbag body (10a) on the outside of the support member (62), by rising, a work table (61) having the support member (62), and the outer cylinder (63), and a clamping member (64) positioned straight above the support member (62), for clamping the tubular tether belt (11a) between the clamping member (64) and the support member (62), wherein a pair of plates (65) in such a state as to cover an upper end of the outer cylinder (63), and to be fitted to a lower end of the clamping member (64) cause the support member (62), the outer cylinder (63) and the clamping member (64) to concurrently descend. |
| US08202207B2 |
Blank for packing substantially flat articles, a method and machine for making the blank
The invention relates to a blank (1), a method and a machine (11) for realising the blank (1). The blank (1) is constituted by four lengths (5) which are consecutively joined to form a structure (2) or frame (6) which can be folded around one or more flat articles (4) or tiles to be packed. The machine (11) and the method for realising the blanks (1) include supplying identical panels of cardboard which are joined to constitute a continuous strip (10) and which are subsequently cut to correspond to lengths of sides of the tiles. Each length (5) is joined to a consecutive length (5) by deposits (7a) of glue. |
| US08202201B2 |
Stationary exercise scooter
The invention is a stationary exercise scooter device and method of operation for improved physical fitness, physical therapy, strength, balance, mental fitness and entertainment, enabling a user to actualize balance and cardiopulmonary exercise benefits from side to side movement, and simulated forward movement of an unstable board or scooter, with the physical demands of riding the device within a proximate space of the device as a whole. |
| US08202193B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set; a second planetary gear set; a third planetary gear set; an input shaft; an output shaft; and five friction elements. A first ring gear is constantly locked. A third carrier is connected with a second ring gear to define a rotating member. The input shaft is constantly connected with a second carrier, and the output shaft is constantly connected with the rotating member. The five friction elements include a first friction element adapted to selectively connect a first carrier with a third ring gear; a second friction element adapted to selectively connect a first sun gear with the second carrier; a third friction element adapted to selectively connect the first sun gear with a second sun gear; a fourth friction element adapted to selectively connect the first carrier with the second carrier; and a fifth friction element adapted to selectively connect the first carrier with the second sun gear. Each of at least seven forward speed-ratios and one reverse speed-ratio is achieved by an engaged state of two friction elements selected from the five friction elements. |
| US08202191B2 |
Clutch and gear arrangement for a front wheel drive vehicle
A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and the brakes are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls. |
| US08202186B2 |
Hydraulic control apparatus for automatic transmission
A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission, including a sequential shift control means for performing sequential shift control in a case where it is necessary to execute the second shift during execution of the first shift. The sequential shift control includes starting reduction of hydraulic fluid pressure in the third friction element when a parameter that varies in accordance with a degree of progress of the first shift has reached a predetermined value, and performing piston stroke control that includes outputting a high hydraulic pressure command as a hydraulic fluid pressure to the second friction element when the selector valve is switched from the second position to the first position, and subsequent to completion of outputting of the high hydraulic pressure command, outputting a low hydraulic pressure command that is lower than the high hydraulic pressure command. |
| US08202184B2 |
Housing of a tensioning system with an intergrated spray nozzle
The invention relates to a tensioning system (8) of a traction mechanism (1) to which a hydraulic fluid is applied and which interacts with a tensioning rail (6). The design of the tensioning system (8) provides that in the operating state hydraulic fluid is fed to the traction means (2) and/or the tensioning rail (6) via a transverse groove (18) which is located in the region of an attachment screw (15) and has an end-side spray nozzle (22). |
| US08202181B2 |
Engine
An engine having an engine case on one side of which a V-belt type of continuously variable transmission is provided, the CVT being placed in a transmission case and constituted that a V-belt is routed around a drive pulley and a driven pulley, the drive pulley being attached to one end of a crankshaft, the driven pulley being attached to one end of a transmission shaft parallel to the crankshaft, characterized in thatthe crankshaft is supported for free rotation with the engine case, one end of the crankshaft is projected in cantilever fashion from the engine case into the transmission case, the drive pulley is attached to the projected portion, and the transmission case is made as a component separate from or independent of the engine case and supported with the engine case so that a space is present between the engine case and the transmission case. |
| US08202180B1 |
Disc launching and catching device
A device for use in launching and catching flying discs includes a frame having a handle section and an open forked section. The opened forked section includes a pair of opposing forks wherein each fork has a distal end and a proximal end with the distal end being free and the proximal end adjoining the proximal end of the opposing fork. Flexible material such as nylon netting is strung between the opposing forks in a manner which enables the formation of a relatively deep elongated channel having an open end so that a forceful swing of the device will cause a flying disc placed in the channel to roll in the channel and out through the open end of the channel at a high rate of speed. A method of using the device to launch a flying disc as well as a novel flying disc are also disclosed. |
| US08202176B2 |
Golf ball with a non-ionomeric inner cover, stiff TPU intermediate cover, and cast thermoset outer cover
A golf ball including a core and a cover disposed about the core. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D; an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 and 60 Shore D; and a stiff intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layers and having a hardness greater than the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is formed from a non-ionomeric composition including a non-ionomeric stiffening polymer and at least one E/Y copolymer or E/X/Y terpolymer, where E is an olefin, Y is a carboxylic acid, and X is a softening comonomer. The intermediate cover layer is formed from a stiff thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea composition and the cover outer cover layer is formed from a thermoset polyurethane, a polyurea, or a urethane-urea blend. |
| US08202175B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head of this invention includes a head body, a weight member attached to the head body, and a fixing unit to fix the weight member at one of a plurality of attachment positions of the head body. The plurality of attachment positions are located on a virtual cylindrical surface having the axis of a shaft to be mounted to the golf club head as a center. |
| US08202173B2 |
Angled connection for golf club heads and shafts
A golf club having a shaft, a club head and a connection region structure provides an angled connection of the shaft to the club head. The connection region structure includes a first end, a second end and a bore extending from the first end toward the second end. The first end has an opening to receive the distal end of the shaft. The second end is opposite to the first end and includes a mounting surface. The bore receives the distal end of the shaft and defines a longitudinal axis. The mounting surface is at a non-zero angle to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bore. Further, the mounting surface abuts the first surface of a shaft-attachment structure that projects from a main body of the club head. |
| US08202172B1 |
Child rocking toy
A child's rocking toy provides a body, the body having a lower convex surface and an upper concave surface with a peripheral edge. The upper concave surface has a lower portion with a seat and a seating surface. A handle, handles or a steering wheel is mounted to the upper concave surface at a position next to the peripheral edge. The seating surface is placed in a position well below the peripheral edge and closer to the bottom of the body. |
| US08202168B2 |
Systems and methods for managing memory in wagering game machines
Systems and methods manage memory in a wagering game machine. The systems and methods determine one or more quantities of various types of memory that are required by a wagering game application. The systems and methods determine if the wagering game machine has enough available memory to perform a requested operation such as downloading the wagering game, activating a component of the wagering game, or installing content for the wagering game. |
| US08202163B2 |
Driving game steering wheel simulation method and apparatus
A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided. |
| US08202158B2 |
Apparatus to pass a value based parameter for a wagering game
Methods, apparatus and systems for accessing a bonus game with a wagering game machine are described. A portal module can be used to pass a desired expected value from a base wagering game to a portal bonus game module. The portal bonus game may use the desired expected value to generate bonus game payout frequencies and bonus game payout values. Wagering game machines according to the various embodiments of the invention are also disclosed. |
| US08202157B2 |
Device and method for providing payouts based on activity and ranks of other gaming sessions
One embodiment of the present invention provides for determining a first gaming session; determining a rank of the first gaming session; determining at least one gaming session, each at least one gaming session of the first set having a respective rank that is not higher than the rank of the first gaming session, determining data corresponding to the at least one gaming session; determining at least one bonus based on the data; and applying the at least one bonus to the first gaming session. |
| US08202153B2 |
Gaming device having wager dependent bonus game play
In one primary embodiment of the present invention, the player must wager a number of paylines to qualify for one of a plurality of bonus games. The highest required number of paylines qualifies the player to play the main or most elaborate bonus game. The main or first bonus game preferably has the highest average payout per credit wagered. This provides an incentive to the player to play the highest required number of paylines. In an embodiment, any number of paylines less than the highest required number or max lines qualifies the player to play a second bonus game. The second bonus game has an average payout per credit wagered that is slightly less than the main bonus game. This allows the incentive or disparity between payouts to be set by the game designer so that the player not wagering max lines or the highest required number is not overly disadvantaged. |
| US08202145B2 |
Service truck body pressurized storage system
A pressurized storage system for a service truck body or the like which pressurizes the storage compartment thereof by means of an air blower located above the storage compartment. |
| US08202143B1 |
Poultry paw cutter and related methods
A poultry paw cutting apparatus can include a conveyor that conveys a plurality of shackles. Each of the shackles can be adapted to hold a poultry paw. A chain can receive the poultry paws from the shackles at a first location and can convey the poultry paws substantially in unison with the shackles to a second location. The poultry paws can be released from the shackles at the second location. A paw cutting station can be positioned along the chain. A first guide member can be located along the chain substantially between the second location and the paw cutting station. The first guide member can be adapted to press the poultry paws against the chain. A method of cutting a poultry paw is also disclosed. |
| US08202141B2 |
Tool for machining composite material parts
A tool for machining composite material parts and a machining machine including such a tool. The tool has a substantially cylindrical main body. The main body includes a polishing part with a diameter D1, with a main axis and an abrasive part with a diameter D2, with D2 |
| US08202140B2 |
Wafer polishing carrier apparatus and chemical mechanical polishing equipment using the same
A wafer polishing carrier apparatus and a chemical mechanical polishing equipment employing the same includes a drive rotary union rotating on an axis and receiving a flow of fluid through a first conduit in a sealed-up state; driven rotary unions revolving on their own axis at different sides of the drive rotary union, and receiving the flow of fluid from the drive rotary union through a second conduit in a sealed-up state; a carrier attached to an end part of the driven rotary union to adsorb/detach a wafer using a fluid pressure provided through a third conduit connected through the second conduit; and a filter filtering pollution material in the fluid flowing in and out of the third conduit on the periphery of the carrier to prevent the pollution material from escaping external to the carrier, the pollution material generated from rotation of the drive rotary union and driven rotary unions. |
| US08202136B2 |
Watercraft with steer-responsive reverse gate
A method of operating a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft includes an engine, a jet propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, the jet propulsion system includes a reverse gate, and a steering assembly for steering the watercraft. The method comprises: determining if the steering assembly is turned; sensing an operating parameter of the watercraft, the operating parameter being related to a thrust generated by the propulsion system; determining if the operating parameter of the watercraft is within a predetermined range; and moving the reverse gate to a lowered position when the steering assembly is turned and the operating parameter of the watercraft is within the predetermined range. A watercraft capable of performing the method is also disclosed. |
| US08202131B2 |
Power line coupler
The present invention relates to a power line coupler for coupling a pair of cables together. The coupler comprises a protector for receiving and protecting the cables. A clamp is provided for clamping the protector and cables together. In many embodiments, the protector comprises an inner tube in which the cables can be inserted from opposite sides. In one embodiment, the clamp comprises an outer tube in which the protector is located. |
| US08202125B2 |
Card connector having an improved spring arm
A card connector includes a first inserting slot (151) for insertion of a first memory card (200) with first terminals (3) extending thereinto; a second inserting slot (152) for insertion of a second memory card (300) with second terminals (4) extending thereinto; and a partition wall (14) located between the first and second inserting slots for separating the first and second inserting slots. The partition wall has one spring arm (142) integrally extending therefrom and located between the first and second inserting slots, when one of the first and second memory cards (200, 300) is inserted into the corresponding one of the first and second inserting slots (151, 152), the spring arm (142) protrudes into the other one of the first and second inserting slots (151, 152) so as to prevent the other one of the first and second memory cards from being inserted into the other one of the first and second inserting slots. |
| US08202124B1 |
Contact and receptacle assembly for a vehicle charging inlet
A contact is provided having a tubular body that defines an internal cavity. The body is configured for elastically deforming to receive a terminal within the cavity. An elongate member extends from the body. A retention tab extends from the elongate member; and includes a slot formed therein for receiving a lead of an electrical component. A circuit is also provided, which includes a pair of the contacts that are connected to the electrical component. A receptacle assembly is provided for supporting the circuit. A method is also provided for forming the contact and assembling the circuit to the receptacle assembly. |
| US08202123B1 |
Connector
A connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals assembled in the insulating housing, and a shielding shell curved from a metal plate to show a substantially rectangular tubular shape with a receiving space therein. Two free ends of the metal plate are acted as a pair of jointing plates end-to-end jointed with each other. Two end edges of the jointing plates jointed together each have a portion bent downward beyond a level plane of the jointing plates and then extended overstride the joint of the jointing plates to form a reinforcing portion. The reinforcing portion of one jointing plate is superposed against a bottom face of the other jointing plate and further welded with the other jointing plate together to ensure the jointing plates firmly jointed with each other. The insulating housing with the terminals is inserted rearward in the receiving space of the shielding shell. |
| US08202118B2 |
Differential electrical connector assembly
A differential connector has a plurality of rows. Each row includes a plurality of signal conductors provided as differential pairs. Each signal conductor has a first contact end connectable to a printed circuit board, a second contact end, and an intermediate portion having a first width. For each differential pair, one first contact end lies along a first line parallel to the plurality of rows and the other first contact end lies along a second line parallel to and spaced from the first line. The differential connector further includes a plurality of ground conductors, with each ground conductor corresponding to a differential pair. Each ground conductor has a first contact end connectable to the printed circuit board, a second contact end, and an intermediate portion having a second width that is at least twice the first width. |
| US08202116B2 |
Connector for being capable of use for a portion to connect a power harness, which is used for large power transmission
A connector includes a metallic male terminal housing with a plurality of first joining terminals aligned and accommodated therein, a female terminal housing with a plurality of second joining terminals aligned and accommodated therein, a stacked structure that when the male terminal housing is mated into the female terminal housing, within the male terminal housing, the plural first joining terminals an the plural second joining terminals face each other to form pairs, respectively, at one surface thereof, and the first joining terminals and the second joining terminals are disposed alternately, and an electricity screening plate disposed between the stacked structure and the male terminal housing to cover a side surface of the stacked structure facing the male terminal housing. |
| US08202111B2 |
Connector and cable assembly
A connector with which a cable assembly with suppressed generation of a noise during high-speed signal transmission can be formed, and a cable assembly using the connector. The connector includes: a substrate; multiple signal terminals provided parallel to each other on one surface of the substrate; and a ground layer provided on another surface of the substrate Each of the signal terminals and the ground layer are disposed in such a manner that at least a portion of the ground layer and at least a portion of each of the signal terminals are superposed on each other with the substrate therebetween. Multiple holes are formed in the portion of the ground layer superposed on each of the signal terminals. A largest diameter of each of the holes is smaller than a distance between the centers of the signal terminals adjacent to each other. |
| US08202110B2 |
Block-out cover and removal tool
A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover. |
| US08202105B2 |
Electrical connector with floating contact
An electrical connector is provided for mounting on a printed circuit. The electrical connector includes a housing having a mating face, a mounting face, and an interior cavity. The mounting face is configured to be mounted on the printed circuit. A port extends through the mating face into the interior cavity. The interior cavity is defined by an interior wall of the housing. An electrical contact is held by the housing. The electrical contact includes a mating segment and a mounting segment. The mating segment extends within the interior cavity of the housing. The mating segment includes an exterior surface and a mating interface positioned proximate the port. At least a portion of the mounting segment extends along the mounting face of the housing for engagement with the printed circuit. A clearance exists between the exterior surface of the mating segment and the interior wall of the housing. The mating segment is movable within the interior cavity relative to the housing via the clearance. |
| US08202104B2 |
Electrical socket
The present invention relates to an electric socket having at least two insertion holes of upper lid, a base with two axles, two insertion objects, a touch tone loop and a movable element. The insertion object has two elastic plates and two contact plates, the contact plates respectively have a contact portion; the touch tone loop comprises two movable plates and two fixture plates. The movable plates respectively have a contact portion; the fixture plates respectively have a contact portion corresponding to the contact portion of the contact plates, and a contact portion corresponding to the contact portion of the movable plates. The movable element has two bars, two blocks and two elastic elements. The bar has an end connected to the movable plate and the other end thereof connected to the block. By using an assembly of a insertion object, a touch tone loop and a moveable element to control contact or non-contact of the contacting portion of the touch tone loop with the contact portion of the insertion object for connection or non-connection of the loop formed by the insertion object, the fixture plate and the movable plate, and thereby achieve prevention of electric shock by accidentally plugging wrong object. |
| US08202103B2 |
Electrical connector with ejector
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the base portion along a mating direction, a number of contacts (2) assembled in the insulative housing, and an ejector (4) comprising a slider (41), a pin member (43), and at least one spring element (42) for cooperatively ejecting a mating component. The slider has a rear lengthwise portion (411) extending along the mating direction and a front transverse portion (412) perpendicular to the mating direction. The lengthwise portion is moveably assembled on the base portion, and the transverse portion is positioned upon the tongue portion for being pushed by the mating component. |
| US08202102B2 |
Earth terminal
An earth terminal is disclosed. The earth terminal includes a fixing member fixed to a vehicle body by a bolt, a barrel member to which an earth wire is inserted and fixed, and a cut member for connecting the fixing member and the barrel member, in which the cut member is broken or disengaged by bending. Since the cut member is bent and broken, if necessary, the earth wire is easily and conveniently disengaged from the vehicle body to enhance a disengaging performance of a wire harness. |
| US08202100B2 |
Electrical connector connecting two board shaped device
An electrical connector includes a lengthwise insulating housing defining a central axis along a lengthwise direction and two groups of terminals disposed in the base portion. The housing includes a base portion and two mounting portions at opposite ends of the base portion. Each conductive terminal includes a retaining portion retained in the base portion, and a first and a second contacting portion extending oppositely from the retaining portion. The two groups of terminals are located at two sides of the central axis and the first contacting portions expose to a first surface of the base portion and the second contacting portions expose to a second surface opposite to the first surface of the base portion. |
| US08202098B2 |
Method of model scaling for an automated essay scoring system
A method and system for customizing an automated essay scoring system are disclosed. Relative weights may be assigned to a plurality of features for a plurality of benchmark essay responses. Based on the relative weights, automated scores may be determined for one or more first essay responses to a first prompt. The automated scores may be scaled based on one or more scoring standards for the first prompt. A scaled automated score may be assigned for a second essay response to the first prompt based on the scaled automated scores for the one or more first essay responses. |
| US08202096B2 |
Big canyon balloon
An educational tool for teaching students may include a tarp portion, an inflatable being positioned on the tarp portion, the inflatable portion including a first end section positioned on a first end of the inflatable portion, a river section connected to the first end section, a middle section connected to the river section, and a second end section connected to the middle section. The river section may include a top river section and a bottom river section, and the top river section may be independently inflatable with respect to the bottom river section. The first end section may include a first contour portion, and the middle section may include a second contour portion. The second end section may include a third contour portion to cooperate with the second contour portion, and the second end section may include a fourth contour portion. The river portion may include a pullout portion, and the educational tool may include a tunnel baffle adapted to allow users to walk in a passageway of the tunnel baffle. The tunnel baffle may cooperate with the middle and second end section in order to form a classroom. |
| US08202092B2 |
Periodontal surgery operation methods and instruments
The present invention relates generally to methods of performing periodontal surgeries, and instruments for performing said surgeries. A method of performing periodontal surgery to correct a gingival defect of a patient according to a general embodiment comprises the steps of making an incision at or near a fornix of the patient near the gingival defect, inserting an instrument into the incision to detach a flap, advancing the flap horizontally without enlarging the incision, elevating a papilla within the flap, stretching the flap to cover the gingival defect, and pressing against the flap to promote fibrin formation. An instrument for performing periodontal surgery according to one general embodiment comprises a handle, a first shank connecting to and extending from the handle, a connector section, and a blade section. The connector section further comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end connects to the first shank at a first angle, and the second end connects to the blade section at a second angle. Further, the blade section is approximately perpendicular to a plane formed by the handle and the connector section, and a cutting surface of the blade section is parallel to the second end of the connector section. |
| US08202091B2 |
Dental treatment trays comprising silicone elastomeric material
Non-customized dental treatment trays used to provide a desired treatment are formed from elastomeric silicone or silicone-like material. They may be injection molded from a two-part liquid silicone composition or a silicone-like TPE material (e.g., preferably SEBS and/or VERSAflex thermoplastic elastomer). The dental treatment trays possess high adaptability, flexibility, softness, and elastic elongation while also exhibiting resiliency in order to readily conform to the ridges, depressions and contours of a person's teeth during use. The trays possess a greater ability to adhere to a person's teeth compared to non-elastomeric thermoplastic materials. Due to their high adaptability and conformability, the non-customized dental trays behave like a semi-custom dental tray when placed over conformed to a person's teeth, particularly when used in combination with a sticky, viscous treatment composition. |
| US08202090B2 |
Artificial tooth medicating apparatus for controlling, regulating, sensing, and releasing medical agents into the body
An artificial tooth apparatus for dispensing medicating agents to the body through the patient's jaw bone comprising a mechanical movement and kinetic mainspring winder, a tourbillon mechanism, a electronic regulator, and a pump mechanism arranged and configured to allow any medicating agent to be dispensed from the apparatus in a highly controlled and regulated manner according to input received by the electronic regulator and the patient's specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes. Multiple artificial teeth or a comprehensive bridge with several chambers may be used in cases where a polypharmaceutical approach is needed. |
| US08202089B2 |
Supraosseous dental implant
The supra-osseous dental implant has a laminar elongated plate with a central, substantially rigid part extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated plate. An upright extending shank is fixed to the central part. A dental prosthetic can be fixed to the shank. The plate also has two lateral anchoring parts extending by two thin arms from each side of the central part. The arms are malleable and flexible relative to the central part such that the plate can bridge over a jawbone in a transverse direction to the bone crest. The anchoring parts are a vestibular anchoring part and a lingual or palate anchoring part. The anchoring parts have holes and recesses for positioning at least two anchoring screws in the lingual or palate side of the jaw bone and at least four anchoring screws in the vestibular side. |
| US08202080B2 |
Stackable valve system
A blow molding machine having the valves integrated into the valve block is disclosed. The valve pistons form annular rings stacked vertically along the stretch rod axis. The valve pistons activate by moving up/down along the stretch rod axis. The valve seat for each vertically stacked valve is formed radially around the stretch rod. |
| US08202074B2 |
In-mold molded product coating mold and in-mold molded product coating forming method
An in-mold molded product coating mold includes a sealing portion molding cavity being positioned outside apart from a mold cavity while including a first molding surface which extends from a parting surface of the mold cavity in a mold mating direction of a stationary mold and a movable mold and is formed at either one of the stationary mold and the movable mold. A second molding surface extends from the parting surface in a mold opening/closing direction of the mold cavity and is formed at the other of the above-described two molds. A third molding surface connects the first molding surface and the second molding surface to each other, and forms a sealing portion for sealing the first and second molding surfaces by filling a resin identical to or different from a resin. Pressers are provided for pressing a pressing surface of the sealing portion defined by the third molding surface under a predetermined pressure, so as to bring the sealing portion into press-contact with the first and second molding surfaces, respectively. |
| US08202072B2 |
Lubricant-tight vane rotary vacuum pump
A lubricant-tight vane rotary vacuum pump, includes a pump stage (17) having a pump stage housing (10) with a gas inlet, compression chamber (11), and a gas outlet (51), a channel (50) connecting the compression chamber (11) with the gas outlet (51), and a groove (54) at least partially surrounding a mouth of the connecting channel (50) that opens into the gas outlet (51), so that lubricant, which is tossed out of the compression chamber, is collected in the groove (54) and re-entry of the lubricant back into the compression chamber (11) is prevented. |
| US08202071B2 |
Motor-driven scroll type compressor
In a motor-driven scroll type compressor, a rotary shaft includes a first opening at a position adjacent to a front end of the rotary shaft and facing an inner surface of a bearing for rotatably supporting the front end of the rotary shaft, a second opening at a position adjacent to a rear end of the rotary shaft and communicating with a back pressure chamber provided in front of a movable scroll member in a housing of the compressor, a communication passage interconnecting the first opening and the second opening, and a throttle formed by a clearance between the first opening and the inner surface of the bearing. |
| US08202070B2 |
Spherical positive displacement rotary machine
A positive displacement rotary machine with a body having an internal spherical cavity, a rotor, and a ring working cavity formed by the body and the rotor. The working cavity is functionally divided into bypass and propulsion halves. A separator embodied in the form of a wobble plate is mounted in the working cavity at an angle to the rotor. A piston with a sealable through-slot for the separator passage is mounted in a slot made in the rotor. Multiple openings made through the separator in the propulsion half of the cavity make the separator transparent for the working medium flow. The openings are small enough so the separator seals the through-slot of the piston. The configuration allows for one input port and one output port on the opposite sides of the separator in the bypass half to make the supply steady. |
| US08202067B2 |
Oil pump for a refrigerating compressor
Oil pump for hermetic refrigerating compressor comprising a tubular sleeve having an upper portion affixed to at least one of the parts of crankshaft and rotor, and a lower portion having a lower end immersed in the lubricant oil, said tubular sleeve being provided with an inner surface presenting, along at least part of its longitudinal extension, at least one helical groove upwardly extending from the lower end; and a pump body disposed inside the tubular sleeve and defining, with the adjacent helical groove of the tubular sleeve, a lubricant oil ascending channel, said pump body presenting a lower end portion mounted to one of the parts of shell, cylinder block and stator, so as to be freely displaced within the tubular sleeve, in radial directions orthogonal to the crankshaft and rotatively locked in relation to the rotor. |
| US08202063B2 |
Base plate for power equipment configured for mounting an engine and a tool
A pressure washer includes an engine having a vertical shaft and a pump designed to be powered by the engine. Additionally, the pressure washer includes a base plate, where the engine is coupled to the base plate with a first set of fasteners and the pump is independently coupled to the base plate with a second set of fasteners. The base plate is designed to allow the engine to be unfastened and removed from the base plate without also unfastening the pump. |
| US08202061B2 |
Control system and method for pump output pressure control
A pump system includes pump having a control feature which, responsive to a supply of pressurized working fluid, reduces the pressure of the working fluid pressurized by the pump. The control feature is connected to the output of the pump by a regulating valve. The control feature receives pressurized working fluid to decrease the output of the pump in response to the pressure of the supplied working fluid. A regulating valve selectively connects the pressurized working fluid to the control feature. The regulating valve has a control port to receive pressurized working fluid from the pump to urge the valve to a closed position against a biasing force. A controllable valve is operable to interrupt the supply of pressurized working fluid to control port to alter the output pressure of the pump. |
| US08202060B2 |
Compressor having a high pressure slide valve assembly
A compressor having a high pressure slide valve assembly is disclosed. The slide valve assembly includes: a volume slide valve mechanism, the mechanism slidably movable to control compressor volume ratio and power input to the compressor. The assembly also includes a capacity slide valve mechanism that is in operational association with the volume slide valve mechanism, the capacity slide valve mechanism slidably movable to control compressor capacity. At least one of the volume slide valve mechanism and the capacity slide valve mechanism includes at least one groove or channel, and the at least one groove or channel provides for lubrication to ensure relative movement between the slide mechanisms in a high pressure environment. A method of controlling compressor volume ratio, power input and capacity in a compressor operating in a high pressure environment is also disclosed. |
| US08202058B2 |
Variable displacement piston machine with a sensor
A variable displacement axial piston machine. The variable displacement axial piston machine includes a cylinder block with at least one main cylinder and main piston, a swash plate, a plunger arrangement with a plunger and auxiliary cylinder, and a sensor. The swash plate is arranged to effect movement of the main piston in the main cylinder upon rotation of the swash plate relative to the cylinder arrangement. The plunger is arranged to tilt the swash plate relative to the cylinder arrangement and to control a stroke of the main cylinder in the main piston. To provide a simple and reliable measurement of displacement of the main piston in the main cylinder, the invention provides a sensor element which is fixed in the auxiliary cylinder and which is adapted to sense movement of the plunger therein. |
| US08202057B2 |
Oil-free scroll compressor
An oil-free scroll compressor prevents wraps from being broken and provides improved reliability. The oil-free scroll compressor includes an orbiting scroll member and fixed scroll members, and has compression channels into which water is injected each formed between the intake port and exhaust port provided in the fixed scroll member. The oil-free scroll compressor includes temperature sensors each of which detects temperature in the compression channel, regulating valves each of which controls ratio of the amount of the water to be injected into the respective compression channels to the total amount of the water to be injected into the compression channels, and controller which controls the opening degrees of the regulating valves such that a difference between the detected temperatures from the compression channels is small. |
| US08202055B2 |
Fan and impeller
A fan includes a housing, an impeller and a motor. The impeller includes a hub, a ring and a plurality of flat blades. The ring surrounds the hub without substantial contact therewith and is connected to the hub by at least one connecting arm. The flat blades are disposed on the ring and the active surface of each flat blade has an imaginary extending lines which is which is tangent to a rim of the hub. |
| US08202053B2 |
Micro-electromechanical current sensing apparatus
An apparatus includes an optical portion disposed on a carrier portion. The optical portion includes an optical path of and a magneto-sensitive element within the optical path. A light source is disposed on the carrier portion in operative communication with a first end of the optical path, and a photo-detector is disposed on the carrier portion in operative communication with a second end of the optical path. |
| US08202052B2 |
Three-part stator blade
A blade for a stator in a torque converter, including: a first blade segment connected to an inner circumferential section of the stator; at least one second blade segment, separately formed from the first blade segment, and connected to the inner circumferential section; and a third blade segment, separately formed from the first and second blade segments, and connected to the inner circumferential section. In some aspects, the first, second, and third blade segments include respective outer radial portions and the outer radial portions are fixedly connected. In some aspects, the first and second blade segments are in contact and the second and third blade segments are in contact. In some aspects, the first, second, and third blade segments include respective edges and the first and second blade segments are in contact along the respective edges and the second and third blade segments are in contact along the respective edges. |
| US08202049B2 |
Independent blade pitch control
A system and method are provided to increase efficiency of turbines in wind farms. A sensor is configured to generate a wind map of an inflow of wind. A controller is configured to generate a control signal based the wind map. A pitch adjustment device configured to adjust pitch of a blade of the turbine based on the control signal. |
| US08202045B2 |
Blower fan for low profile environment
According to some embodiments, a method and system are provided to receive an airflow at a blower fan via an axial fan, and expel the airflow via a blower fan. The blower fan comprises a hub associated with an axis of rotation, and the axial fan comprises the hub. |
| US08202040B2 |
Pump header and implementation thereof
A header body for use in fluid circulation systems such as a hydronic heating system is provided in which the header body is configured to couple fluid flow to individual fluid circuits of the system. In one embodiment, the header body comprises a suction chamber with a fluid passage through which fluid flows as between one or more header bodies coupled together to form a manifold. A valve is disposed in the suction chamber, wherein in one example the valve comprises a valve body that is supported by portions of the suction chamber on opposite sides of the fluid passage. The valve body is configured with an aperture that is aligned with the fluid passage in a first and second operating state, one of which decouples the fluid circuit from the system. |
| US08202038B2 |
Variable turbo supercharger and method of driving the same
A hydraulic servo drive device for driving a swing mechanism of a variable geometry turbocharger includes a servo piston connected to a driveshaft of the swing mechanism and a pilot spool that is accommodated in a center hole of the servo piston and slides by pilot pressure. A first hydraulic chamber to and from which pressure oil flows are provided in a housing. The servo piston separately includes a pressure port for introducing pressure oil from an outside, a first piston port for intercommunicating the center hole and the first hydraulic chamber, a second piston port for intercommunicating the center hole and the second hydraulic chamber, and a return port for exiting pressure oil. |
| US08202037B2 |
Steam turbine and method for operation of a steam turbine
Disclosed is a steam turbine comprising an exterior housing and an interior housing. The exterior housing and the interior housing are provided with a fresh steam supply duct. A rotor that encompasses several impeller blades and a thrust-compensating piston is rotably mounted within the interior housing. The interior housing is equipped with several guide blades that are disposed such that a flow duct comprising several blade stages, each of which comprises a series of impeller blades and a series of guide blades, is formed along a specific direction of flow. The interior housing is further equipped with a recirculation duct which is embodied as a pipe that communicates between a space located between the interior housing and the exterior housing and the flow duct downstream of a blade stage. The interior housing is additionally equipped with a supply duct that is configured as a pipe which communicates between the space located between the interior housing and the exterior housing and an antechamber of the thrust-compensating piston located between the thrust-compensating piston of the rotor and of the interior housing. |
| US08202033B2 |
Cowl cross member mounting unit
The present invention features, in preferred aspects, a cowl cross member mounting unit that includes an adjustment bolt for suitably absorbing a tolerance occurring when a vehicle body panel and a cowl cross member are suitably coupled with each other, and a cap maintaining the coupling between the adjustment bolt and a fixing nut. |
| US08202020B2 |
Traffic control marker with delineator and ground stake
A traffic control assembly for marking roadways or other marking areas is shown generally having a base, a stake, a pin, a collar, and a flexible marker that extends substantially vertically from the base when in a non-impacted and non-deformed state. The pin passes through pin holes in the stake, collar, and marker when the traffic assembly is installed. The traffic control assembly has fewer parts and is thus easier to install and replace. The pin is in contact with the base to provide support to the stake and prevent it from listing when the assembly is struck by a vehicle. |
| US08202019B2 |
Vehicle arresting device
A vehicle arresting device comprises a net intended to be laid flat on the ground in the path of an oncoming vehicle to be arrested. Two rows of barbed spikes are attached to the net along its leading edge. When a vehicle runs over the device the spikes lodge in its front tires and the net is caused to wrap around the front wheels, eventually being pulled tight under the vehicle so that the tension in the net prevents further rotation of the wheels and the vehicle is brought to a stop. The net is manufactured such that in its deployed condition it has sufficient lateral stretch to allow it to become fully wrapped around the front wheels before the tension builds up to a level at which there might otherwise be a risk of the spikes being pulled from the tires. |
| US08202016B2 |
Grill brush
A grill brush having a brush handle with a handle end and a brush end, the brush head having a fluid reservoir, a brush handle conduit and a valve located therein; a reservoir cap removeably attached to the handle end of the brush handle; the valve being in fluid communication with the reservoir; the brush handle conduit being in fluid communication with the valve; a brush head; a bristle holding member; a brush bristle surface located on the bristle holding member; a brush head conduit located in the brush head, and in fluid communication with the brush handle conduit; a plurality of groups of bristles emanating from the brush bristle surface; a plurality of orifices located on the brush bristle surface, and in communication with the brush head conduit; and a scraper is provided herein. |
| US08202015B2 |
Media tray assembly and a printer having the same
A media tray assembly for a printer includes an output tray that is removably and pivotally mounted onto an input tray. The output tray is configured such that it can be easily installed into and quickly removed from the printer. In addition, the output tray can be pivoted upward from a substantially horizontal position and latched into an inclined position in one continuous motion by a user. |
| US08202014B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a recording head, a holding tray on which a first recording material is set and which is configured to be advanced and retracted in a linear path between a first position wherein it opposes the recording head and a second position wherein it is retracted from the first position, a reverse transporting portion for transporting a second recording material which is set under the second position while reversing the second recording material in a U shape, and a path forming member for guiding the reversed, another recording material to the linear path after the recording material is bypassed above the second position. |
| US08202010B2 |
Connector component for optical fiber, manufacturing method thereof and optical member
A connector component for optical fibers has good dimensional accuracy and parallelism. The connector component includes a base material. The base material is provided with at least two holes for inserting and fixing optical fibers therein. The base material is made of quartz glass. Inner components are arranged for forming holes for inserting optical fibers in a die for forming an outer form of the connector component with a dimensional accuracy equal to or less than 2 μm. Slurry is poured into the die, the slurry including quartz powder, a resin binder, a dispersant, water and a curing agent. The poured slurry is cured and heated under vacuum so as to vitrify the cured slurry to obtain the quartz glass. |
| US08202009B2 |
MPO type optical fiber adapter
An MPO type optical fiber adapter according to the present invention is provided. The main body of the MPO type adapter is unitary thereby avoiding the prior art problem that the stresses cause the two halves of the adapter to separate from each other after time. |
| US08202007B2 |
Multiple row, axially biased angular ball bearing and method for production thereof
A multiple-row and axially biased angular ball bearing with a one-piece outer ring and an inner ring that has two inner ring halves. In order to facilitate an easy and precise setting of the desired pretensioning force and to produce a transport-safe mount cartridge, it is intended that the axial distance of at least two close-end contact surfaces of the angular ball bearing should be equal to zero in the pretensioned state, and that the axial distance of at least two close-end contact surfaces of the angular ball bearing should be greater than zero in a nonpretensioned state. |
| US08202005B2 |
Bearing module for a vacuum pump
A bearing module for supporting a rapidly rotatable shaft of a vacuum pump includes a rolling bearing for supporting rotatably the shaft, a reservoir for a lubricant having an element forming a sliding contact with a delivery structure supported on the shaft for delivery of the lubricant in the rolling bearing under action of centrifugal forces generated during rotation of the shaft, and a radial delivery element provided on a side of the rolling bearing opposite a side of the bearing at which the delivery structure is located, for returning the lubricant to the reservoir. |
| US08202001B1 |
Self-opening bag pack and method thereof
Disclosed herein is a self-opening bag pack comprising a plurality of bags comprising or obtainable from a polymer composition comprising an effective amount of medium density polyethylene. Each of the bags may include a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom portion integrally connected with both the front wall and the rear wall, and a bag mouth opposed to the bottom portion, wherein the front and rear walls being integrally joined at their sides; and at least a portion of the outer surface of the front and rear walls of each of the bags having been surface-treated. The process of making the self-opening bag pack is also disclosed. |
| US08201997B1 |
Imaging temperature sensing system
An imaging temperature sensing system having at least one imaging component and at least one temperature sensing component, thus providing means for implementing temperature sensing and imaging within a single device. |
| US08201995B2 |
Method and system for a temperature sensing crystal integrated circuit with digital temperature output
Aspects of a method and system for a temperature sensing crystal Integrated circuit with digital temperature output are provided. In this regard, an indication of temperature may be generated in an integrated circuit (IC) comprising a memory, a crystal or crystal oscillator, and at least a portion of an analog-to-digital converter. The temperature indication may be digitized via the analog-to-digital converter. Operation of one or more circuits may be controlled based on the digital temperature indication. The digital temperature indication may be communicated over a communication bus. An analog portion of the analog-to-digital converter may be integrated in the IC and may comprise, for example, a delta-sigma modulator. A digital portion of the analog-to-digital converter may be external to the IC and may comprise, for example, a digital filter. |
| US08201992B2 |
Sensor device and method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of gas phase substances
New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration. |
| US08201991B2 |
Frequency corrector and clocking apparatus using the same
In a frequency corrector, a counter divides a clock signal CK to be input into a fraction of a natural number larger than one to generate a signal having a clock frequency. The counter corrects the number of clock pulses of the signal having the clock frequency in response to a correction signal to output a first frequency-divided signal. A frequency divider circuit divides the first divided signal to output a unit time signal having another frequency and another frequency-divided signal Db composed of plural frequencies. A correction timing generator decodes the both divided signals to detect a correction timing for the first divided signal, and generates plural correction timing signals different in timing from each other. A correction signal generator generates the correction signal in response to the correction timing signals and correction values to provide the correction signal to the counter. |
| US08201987B2 |
Batter shaking apparatus
A kitchen shaking apparatus includes a housing, a controllable oscillating actuator contained in the housing, a platform mechanically coupled to the controllable oscillating actuator, and a plurality of adjustable coacting restraining arms operably coupled to the housing. Each of the restraining arms including a vertical segment and a horizontal segment and is positioned and configured to allow the vertical segment to contact an object on the platform. A speed control is configured to control frequency of oscillation of the actuator. A timer control is configured to control duration of operation of the actuator. A locking mechanism releasably locks at least one adjustable restraining arm at a user-selectable position. A removable pad is attached to the top surface of the platform. After shaking mixed ingredients using the apparatus, the ingredients are devoid of substantial air pockets and the consistency is improved for an enhanced processed food product. |
| US08201986B2 |
Warm mix asphalt production system and method
A warm mix asphalt plant comprising a counter-flow drum, apparatus for precisely metering flows of A/C and water, an asphalt expander with no moving internal parts where a circular curtain of flowing clean water is mixed with a coaxial circular curtain of moving heated A/C to create asphalt foam which is heated and mixed inside a lower portion of the asphalt expander and then distributed to cover aggregate inside the counter-flow drum. |
| US08201981B2 |
Projection module for a motor vehicle headlight
The invention relates to a projection module for a headlight. The module generates light distributions with light sources switchable independently. In order to generate a first distribution, light from a first group is coupled into an optical element in the beam path. The optical element has a reflecting underside having a contour corresponding to the bright-dark boundary. The light coupled out from the optical element is projected by a lens for generating the first distribution. A further light group is additionally activated in order to generate a second distribution. The light emitted by this group illuminates a region of the light distribution above the bright-dark boundary. Part of the light from this group is coupled into the optical element, mixes there with the light from the first group and is then coupled out together to generate an unsharp bright-dark boundary. |
| US08201978B2 |
Lamp with a box-like lamp housing element and a light outlet element
A luminaire having a box-like luminaire housing for receiving at least one elongate light source and at least one reflector surface arranged—seen from the region to be illuminated—neighboring the light source, the luminaire housing forms a light exit opening which is closed by a light exit element. The light exit element has in a first emission region, located in substance in front of the light source, a first light emission characteristic, and has in a second emission region, separate from the first emission region, a second light emission characteristic different with respect to the first light emission characteristic. |
| US08201976B2 |
Heat-dissipating apparatus
A heat-dissipating apparatus for a vehicle lamp includes: a heat-dissipating apparatus including: an LED-mounting block having an LED mounted thereon; a thermally conductive material disposed adjacent to the LED-mounting block for transmitting heat generated by the LED; and a heat sink disposed adjacent to the thermally conductive material for dissipating the heat transmitted by the thermally conductive material, wherein at least one concave portion is formed in one side of the LED-mounting block which is adjacent to the thermally conductive material, one side of the heat sink which is adjacent to the thermally conductive material, or both. The thermally conductive material is inserted in the concave portion or portions. |
| US08201975B1 |
LED lighting fixture with rotating terminal block
A LED lighting fixture with a rotating terminal block is revealed. The LED lighting fixture includes a housing with a connection hole on one end. Positioning teeth are arranged at an inner edge of the connection hole and a rotating shaft sleeve with a stop flange against the connection hole is mounted in the connection hole. Moreover, positioning teeth corresponding to the positioning teeth of the connection hole are disposed on an inner side of the stop flange. A threaded segment threaded with a terminal block for connection and positioning is set on an outer edge of the rotating shaft sleeve. Thus the housing can be rotated directly and the positioning teeth of the housing and the positioning teeth of the rotating shaft sleeve are engaged and locked with each other so as to make the housing rotate around the terminal block. Therefore, the lighting angle is adjusted optimally. |
| US08201974B1 |
Pan-tilt spotlight
The disclosed pan-tilt spotlight is a sealed, remote controlled unit which allows continuous 360° rotation (pan) of visible or infrared (IR) light sources as well as vertical (tilt) aiming of the light sources 65° above horizontal and 25° below horizontal. The light sources are solid state (LEDs) which are energy efficient and extremely durable in the field, requiring little maintenance. Light shields are employed to control stray light, thereby enhancing the stealth of the spotlight in covert operations. The rotating parts of the spotlight are supported at several locations spaced from the axis of rotation in a manner that re-directs forces that would otherwise be carried by the shaft. Temperature sensitive current regulators and robust thermal design protect the LEDs from heat damage. Sophisticated motor control allows fast and precise positioning of the light beam and worm final drive gears keep the light beam in position. |
| US08201972B2 |
LED molded tree branches with blossoms
A decorative tree has a trunk, a plurality of double limbs and individual limbs connected to the trunk, and controlling electronics. Each double limb includes two individual limbs joined at a branch joint. Each individual limb has a plurality of flexible lamp stems and a molded branch formed around a structural rod. The lamp stem has two insulated wires, has a stiffening rod wrapped in a smooth sheath, and terminates in a molded lamp holder that supports an LED. Each lateral lamp stem connects to the molded branch at a molded branch fork and the tip lamp stem connects to an end of the stiffening rod. The controlling electronics provide an operating signal to the LED, which preferably causes the LED to sequentially emit more than one color in a repeated sequence. |
| US08201971B2 |
Multiple LED bulb with thermal management features
An LED bulb assembly device having thermal management features. The device and methods for its manufacture are provided. The device consists of a machined base element that accepts a circuit board, a divider element, a heatsink element, and an LED assembly. The LED assembly includes a plurality of LEDs, but typically nine or eighteen. A reflector element encloses the internal components by positively engaging the base element. External electrical contact pins provide for electrical engagement with a compatible decorative lighting fixture. |
| US08201965B2 |
Modular light fixtures
A modular light fixture having a construction that enables the same fixture to be used for standard on/off operation under control of a wall-mounted switch in a circuit by itself and/or with other fixtures and to be upgraded in “plug and play” fashion to operate independently of other fixtures in the same circuit and/or for stepped dimming. The modular construction of the fixture also allows for safety and ease of maintenance in that ballasts can be replaced without quickly and conveniently without exposing an electrician or maintenance worker to the internal wires of the fixture. The construction of the fixture also provides temperature management by isolating the temperature-sensitive components of the fixture from high temperatures while placing the lamps of the fixture in an enclosure, or shroud, in which temperature is contained so that the lamps operate efficiently. In the event the passive thermal management provided by the construction of the fixture is not enough to maximize the operating efficiency of the fixture and/or the service life of its components, the fixture is upgradeable, again in plug and play fashion, to provide active thermal management. |
| US08201963B2 |
Flashlight with photovoltaic power source
A flashlight including a photovoltaic power source adapted to convert incident light energy to electrical energy and wherein the flashlight is configured such that the flashlight is induced to orient the photovoltaic power source to face upwards when the flashlight is placed on a generally horizontal surface. The flashlight can include a rechargeable battery pack so as to have a hybrid power supply. Also, a method of powering a flashlight including attaching at least one solar cell to a body of a flashlight, connecting the at least one solar cell to a battery such that electrical output of the solar cell can charge the battery, and connecting a switch and a lamp to the at least one solar cell and the battery such that a user can actuate the switch to connect the battery to the solar cell for charging of the battery or to the lamp for generation of light from the flashlight. |
| US08201962B2 |
Recessed downlight fixture frame assembly
A recessed fixture frame mounting device comprises a first hanger bar connected to a first joist, a second hanger bar connected to a second joist, a recessed can light and junction box connected to the first and second hanger bars, the recessed can and the junction box movable about an axis extending between the first and second joists. |
| US08201961B2 |
Rotatable headlamp
A rotatable headlamp includes a light head, a rechargeable power source, a mounting arrangement and a rechargeable dock. The light head includes a light housing having a light window, and a LED light source supported in the light housing to align with the light window. The mounting arrangement is movably coupled with the light housing to selectively adjust a light projecting orientation of the LED light source through the light window. The rechargeable dock, which is adapted for electrically connecting with an external power supply, has a docking cavity detachably receiving the light head to charge the rechargeable power source. A rotating member is further provided for detachably mounting to the mounting panel for selective adjusting the light projecting angle in three-dimensional manner. |
| US08201957B2 |
Lamp-based scent releasing system
A lamp-based scent releasing system includes a housing with light holes, a lamp holder fixedly mounted inside the housing, a lamp bulb installed in the lamp holder, a power cable connected to the lamp holder for connection to an electric outlet to obtain the necessary working voltage for the lamp bulb, a heat-transfer tray fastened to the top open of the housing and holding an aromatic substance, and a heat-resistant protective cup surrounding the lamp bulb inside the housing and having radiation holes for guiding radiation heat from the lamp bulb toward the heat-transfer tray to heat the aromatic substance to release a scent. |
| US08201949B2 |
Projection-type image display apparatus
A projection-type image display apparatus that projects an image onto a screen and includes a laser light source, an optical engine, a projection lens, and a control unit. The laser light source includes a plurality of light source units that respectively emit laser beams of different wavelengths. The optical engine combines the laser beams received from the light source and forms an image. An optical sensor is arranged in the optical engine to detect a physical property of a uniformly-scattered laser beam and outputs a physical property signal indicative of the detected physical property to the control unit. The control unit controls output powers of the light source units based on the physical property signal. |
| US08201947B2 |
Wavelength converter and green light source and projection apparatus using the same
A wavelength converter includes a supporting substrate and a ferroelectric substrate, the ferroelectric substrate includes at least one waveguide facing the supporting substrate and at least one wavelength-filtering pattern positioned between the waveguide and the supporting substrate, the waveguide includes a plurality of inverted domains and non-inverted domains configured to convert an infrared light into a green light, and the infrared light emitted from the semiconductor laser enters the waveguide of the wavelength converter. For example, the wavelength-filtering pattern includes a Bragg grating. |
| US08201944B2 |
Method, device and arrangement for measuring the dynamic behavior of an optical system
A method for measuring the dynamic behavior of an optical system is aimed at rendering the dynamic behavior of the optical system objectively detectable. To this end, the optical system to be measured is stimulated by stimuli whereby causing it to react, and the reaction is detected by means of a wave front analysis. |
| US08201942B2 |
System and method for identifying a position to insert a scleral prosthesis into an eye
A method includes identifying an actual location of a ciliary body in a patient's eye. The method also includes identifying a position for a scleral prosthesis to be inserted into scleral tissue of the patient's eye based on the identified location of the ciliary body. The method could also include forming a scleral tunnel in the scleral tissue of the patient's eye based on the identified position and inserting the scleral prosthesis into the scleral tunnel. Identifying the actual location of the ciliary body could include illuminating a first portion of the patient's eye using illumination provided at a second portion of the patient's eye. The illumination provided at the second portion of the patient's eye may be provided through an eyelid of the patient and may travel under a cornea of the patient's eye to the first portion of the patient's eye. |
| US08201938B2 |
Eyeglasses with slot for detachable accessories
An eyeglasses frame includes a frame front comprising end pieces, and temples coupled to the end pieces. At least one temple defines a slot for receiving a decorative or functional accessory. The accessory has a hook fastener that is inserted into the slot to removably attach the accessory to the temple. |
| US08201935B2 |
Image recording method
The image recording method includes ejecting an ink to form an image on the surface of a recording layer of a recording medium; and then applying a glossiness imparting liquid on the surface of the recording medium. The ink includes a particulate colorant, a surfactant and water, and has a solid content of not lower than 6% by weight. The recording layer is located overlying a substrate including cellulose pulp as a main component and includes an inorganic pigment and a styrene-butadiene copolymer. The surface of the recording medium bearing the recording layer absorbs the ink in an amount of from 1 ml/m2 to 10 ml/m2 before coating the glossiness imparting liquid when the ink absorbing amount is measured with a dynamic scanning absorptometer at a contact time of 500 ms. |
| US08201933B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes a head body, a supply member having a first member, a second member, and a third member each having a liquid supply channel, the supply member including a first filter provided between the first member and the second member and a second filter provided between the second member and the third member; a first outer portion being provided between the first member and the second member, the first outer member being formed by integral molding for fixing the first member, the second member; a second outer portion being provided on the outer peripheries of the second member and the third member, the second outer portion being formed by integral molding for fixing the second member, the third member, and the second filter. |
| US08201927B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and method for producing the fluid ejecting apparatus using an adhesive containing a hydrophilic function agent
A fluid ejecting apparatus, contains: an ejecting head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a fluid and having a laminated structure in which a flow passage plate, in which a passage for the fluid is formed, is provided via an adhesive, in which the adhesive contains an adhesion resin, to which a hydrophilic function agent that gives hydrophilicity to the adhesive is added in a proportion of from 0.25 wt % to 5.0 wt %. |
| US08201926B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and actuator
A liquid ejecting head includes a flow channel forming substrate in which pressure generating chambers in communication with nozzles are formed; a piezoelectric element made up of a first electrode formed over the flow channel forming substrate, a piezoelectric layer formed over the first electrode and a second electrode formed over the piezoelectric layer; and a coating film provided by coating the piezoelectric element, wherein a hollow section formed by removing the coating film and a part of the second electrode is provided at an area opposite to the piezoelectric element, and an inclination angle θ1 of an end face of the coating film defining the hollow section with respect to the flow channel forming substrate and an inclination angle θ2 of an end face of the second electrode defining the hollow section satisfy a relationship of θ2<θ1. |
| US08201925B2 |
Ink jet print head having board with varying heat resistance
An ink jet print head is provided which has a reduced size and still can prevent an overall temperature increase in a printing element board. To this end, among ink supply port arrays formed on both sides of each nozzle array, the heat resistance of the portion (beams) of the printing element board between the adjoining ink supply ports is lowered in those arrays that are close to the end portions of the common liquid chamber. |
| US08201924B2 |
Liquid diverter for flow through drop dispenser
A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening, and a liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides liquid under pressure from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A selectively actuatable diverter member imparts heat energy directly to a first portion of the liquid to divert a second portion of the liquid toward outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. |
| US08201915B2 |
Method for evaluating discharge amount of liquid droplet discharging device
A discharge amount evaluation method of a liquid droplet discharging device evaluates a discharge amount of a liquid discharged by the liquid droplet discharging device. The liquid includes at least one of a solution prepared by dissolving a solute in a solvent and a dispersion prepared by dispersing a dispersoid in a dispersion medium. The method includes discharging the liquid by the liquid droplet discharging device on a receiving layer of a test piece, the test piece including the receiving layer that absorbs at least one of the solvent and the dispersion medium as components included in the liquid and a base layer that is abutted with the receiving layer and that does not absorb the at least one component absorbed by the receiving layer in the components included in the liquid; and evaluating the discharge amount of the liquid based on a result obtained by evaluating an area of an absorbing portion where the at least one absorbed component has spread in the receiving layer. |
| US08201913B2 |
Drop detector
In one embodiment, a drop ejector assembly includes a printhead, a drop zone immediately downstream from the printhead, an array of optical fibers exposed to the drop zone such that light scattered off drops in the drop zone illuminates at least some of the optical fibers in the array, and a photo detector operatively connected to the array of optical fibers for converting light from the optical fibers into an electrical signal. In another embodiment, a drop detector includes a light source for illuminating drops passing through a drop zone and a light sensor for sensing light scattered off drops in the drop zone. The length of drop zone is 3 mm or less and the light sensor has a cross sectional dimension less than the length of the drop zone. |
| US08201912B2 |
Liquid jet recording apparatus, liquid jet head unit, and liquid jet recording method
A liquid jet recording apparatus adjusts the pressure of liquid jetted from a jetting portion toward a recording medium. The liquid jet recording apparatus has a pressure sensor provided in a tube between a liquid storing portion and a roller tube pump. The pressure of the liquid which flows through the tube is measured, and a pressure value is sent to a control portion. The pressure value is compared with lower limit values and upper limit values stored in a definition file stored in the control portion, and a corresponding drive signal is sent to a drive portion to drive the roller tube pump in a forward or a reverse direction to adjust the pressure of the liquid in the jetting portion. |
| US08201907B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: a recording head having a recording element row in which multiple recording elements are disposed, with recording elements at dispersed positions in the recording element rows as blocks; a scanning unit configured to scan the recording head in a main scanning direction; a time-division driving unit configured to drive the recording elements in increments of blocks; a storing unit configured to store recording data; an obtaining unit configured to obtain information relating to the inclination of the recording element row relative to the main scanning direction; and a changing unit operable to change, in increments of individual recording elements, the storage position in the main scanning direction of recording data stored in the storing unit that is to be provided to recording elements of a group, which is configured of consecutive recording elements in each block in the recording element row, based on the obtained information. |
| US08201905B2 |
Head drive apparatus of ink jet printer, head driving method, and ink jet printer
With an appropriate signal transmission form, a drive pulse output circuit is mounted to an ink jet head, so that waveform distortion of an actuator drive pulse for jet of ink drops is inhibited or prevented. Modulated signal data in memory is read to output a modulated signal, which is power-amplified by a digital power amplifier. The amplified digital signal is smoothed to be output to an actuator as a drive pulse. As a result, the digital power amplifier having high amplification efficiency efficiently amplifies the power of the modulated signal, thereby eliminating the need to use a cooling unit. The drive pulse output circuit can be mounted to the ink jet heads, thereby shortening the transmission path of an actuator drive pulse, which inhibits or prevents any waveform distortion of the drive pulse. The transmission of the modulated signal data DATA is implemented with a low frequency. |
| US08201900B2 |
Safety cabinet
A safety cabinet has a box body having an open front side, a pair of doors hinged to the body and pivotal between closed positions closing the front side and open positions exposing the open front side, and a shelf slidable between an in position wholly contained in the body behind the open front side and an out position projecting forward at least partially from the open front side. A guide is provided on the shelf extending at an acute angle to the pullout direction, and an arm connected to one of the doors rides in the guide so that moving the one door into the respective open position pulls the drawer into the out position. A link connects the other door at least indirectly to the guide for pulling the other door into the respective open position on movement of the one door into the respective open position. |
| US08201897B2 |
Hill hold for an electric vehicle
A method for braking an electric utility vehicle including a motor and an electromechanical brake. The method includes storing a value indicative of at least one of an amount of current, voltage, and power that is commanded to a motor of the electric utility vehicle to maintain the electric utility vehicle in a stopped state; engaging a parking brake function of an electromechanical brake after the storing; disabling the motor after the engaging; commanding the at least one of the current, voltage, and power to the motor at the stored value when an accelerator pedal is depressed; and disengaging the parking brake function after the commanding. |
| US08201895B2 |
Power supply architecture for aircraft brakes fitted with electromechanical actuators
The invention relates to an architecture for powering aircraft brakes for an aircraft having at least two undercarriages, each having a certain number of wheels (L1, L2; R1, R2), each of the wheels being fitted with a brake having a certain number of electromechanical braking actuators (1, 2, 3, 4). The architecture has at least four power supply units that power groups of actuators taken from complementary groups of wheels. |
| US08201891B2 |
Leg rest and exercising device
A leg rest and exercise apparatus constructed of an elongated planar member having concave depressions in one end thereof for receiving the legs of a user. The opposite end of the planar member has an irregular surface, preferably a plurality of protrusions, for engaging a support surface to prevent the apparatus from sliding during use. |
| US08201888B2 |
Vehicle seat fitting
A fitting is specified, in particular for a vehicle seat, which has a first fitting part and a second fitting part that is rotatable around a rotary axis relative to the first fitting part, and which has at least one safety bolt that is movably guided in the radial direction on the first fitting part for the purpose of forming an interlock with the second fitting part. According to a first variant, at least one rotatable actuating cam is provided for radially supporting the safety bolt, which has outer, middle and inner support surfaces running in the circumferential direction, the support surfaces each having a radial offset relative to each other, and the step between the middle and the outer support surfaces forming a stop against the safety bolt. According to a further variant, fitting has an engagement means for retracting the safety bolt, which is designed as a link guiding the safety bolt, which includes a radial limiting surface that acts as a stop in interaction with the safety bolt. A fitting of this type is effectively protected against over-rotation. |
| US08201886B2 |
Lumbar support
Lumbar support for a seat backrest, comprising a support basket (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the seat backrest, a frame (12) to which the support basket (10) is mounted and an adjustment device (11) which changes the position of the support basket relative to the frame, the adjustment device including a plurality of adjustment members (60) some of which are movable with respect to one another. |
| US08201885B2 |
Seating for a passenger vehicle
A seating arrangement for a passenger-carrying vehicle, especially aircraft. The arrangement provides a plurality of seating positions, a seating position comprising a seat and a footwell. The footwell of a first seating position is located beside the seat of a second seating position, the second seating position being located generally forward of the first seating position. Each seat is operable into a reclined state in which a leg-supporting component of the seat projects into the associated footwell. A tray assembly is associated with each console, the tray assembly being deployable from a stowed state in or on the console in which it is disposed generally parallel with a ground surface on which the seating arrangement rests during use. |
| US08201884B2 |
Capacitor type seat sensor
A capacitor seat sensor includes a cushion pad for a vehicle seat, protective panels installed on an upper surface of the cushion pad, including upper, intermediate and lower sheets, and extending a predetermined distance beyond a front end of the cushion pad, conductive panels including a sensor antenna panel and a sensor guard panel which is respectively interposed between the upper and intermediate sheets of the protective panels and between the intermediate and lower sheets of the protective panels to detect the presence of an occupant on the cushion pad, and a fastener for fastening front end portions of the protective panels onto a lower end of the cushion pad so as to prevent the conductive panels from wrinkling. |
| US08201883B2 |
Adjusting device for a headrest of a motor vehicle seat
An adjusting device for a headrest of a motor vehicle seat is specified. The adjusting device comprises, in a first variant, a capacitive proximity sensor integrated into or designed for integration into the headrest having at least three transmitting electrodes spaced apart vertically from one another and having a common receiving electrode. In a second variant of the adjusting device, the proximity sensor has at least three receiving electrodes spaced apart vertically from one another and has a common transmitting electrode. In both variants, the adjusting device also has an actuating drive for motorized vertical adjustment of the headrest relative to the vehicle seat, as well as a control unit. The control unit here is designed to drive the transmitting electrodes or transmitting electrode for emission of an alternating electric field to determine from the received electrical signals detected from the receiving electrode or the receiving electrodes, respective associated measured capacitance values that contain information about the capacitance produced between each of the transmitting electrodes or receiving electrodes and the common receiving electrode or transmitting electrode, and to drive the actuating drive to establish a vertical target position of the headrest relative to the head position of a vehicle occupant as a function of the measured capacitance values. |
| US08201882B2 |
Clutch mechanism for vehicle seat
A clutch mechanism for a vehicle seat is provided. The clutch mechanism includes a pressure-receiving member rotatably assembled to a frame of a seatback of the vehicle seat, a connecting arm having a weight and a pin, and provided rotatably to the pressure-receiving member, and a swinging member provided rotatably to the frame, and including a rib which is formed with a cutout capable of receiving the pin. While inertia force occurring due to a crash of a vehicle from behind acts on the weight, when the pressure-receiving member rotates upon receipt of a seatback load of a passenger of the vehicle seat, the connecting arm moves along with the rotation of the pressure-receiving member so that the pin of the connecting arm pushes either one of an edge of the rib and a cutout of the rib while entering the cutout, to rotate the swinging member. |
| US08201880B2 |
Seat cushion covering structure
A seat cushion covering structure includes a fabric seat cushion cover into which conductive fibers, electrically connected at one end to a conductive member, are woven, and a groove, which is formed in the seat cushion and into which the fabric seat cushion cover is tucked. The conductive member is provided in the groove. |
| US08201879B2 |
Tray system for child's high chair
A high chair is equipped with a tray system incorporating a multiple tray structure that is positionally adjustable relative to the high chair structure. The tray system includes a smaller lower tray formed with rearwardly extending, horizontal posts that are received within horizontally aligned sockets in the high chair structure. The distal ends of the tray posts are provided with rollers, and the high chair sockets have rollers, to provide for a smooth insertion of the posts into the sockets. The larger upper tray is detachably mounted on the lower tray for positional adjustment with the lower tray by releasing the tray posts for movement within the high chair sockets. The larger tray is formed with a depression to allow access to the position adjustment actuator. A third tray can be supported on the larger tray to facilitate cleaning of the tray system. |
| US08201876B2 |
Passenger seat with single actuator seat mechanism
A passenger seat includes a rigid frame, a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame, a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan, a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan, and a single actuator linked to the leg rest such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline. A method of adjusting the passenger seat includes activating the actuator such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline. |
| US08201873B2 |
Body structure of vehicle
A hinge reinforcement is provided at a hinge pillar at a specified position which corresponds to an upper door-hinge attachment portion. Attachment portions which extend toward a hinge pillar inner and are attached to this hinge pillar inner are provided at the hinge reinforcement which corresponds to the upper door-hinge attachment portion. A branch frame and a gusset member which transmit an impact load inputted from a front side frame extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction to the attachment portions via the hinge pillar inner are provided so as to extend from the front side frame. Accordingly, the impact load inputted to the vehicle body at the vehicle collision can be properly transmitted to the vehicle rear portion, so that the deformation of the vehicle compartment can be restrained surely. |
| US08201869B1 |
Multi-hinged tailgate assembly
A tailgate assembly for connection to a vehicle body includes a first panel portion configured for hinged connection to the vehicle body, as well as a second panel portion hinged to the first panel portion. The second panel portion is configured to be pivoted from a first position in which the second panel portion is generally parallel with the first panel portion to a second position in which the second panel portion is generally perpendicular to the first panel portion to reduce a first height of the tailgate. In some embodiments, the tailgate assembly further includes a third panel portion hinged to the second panel portion and configured to be pivoted between a stowed position in which the third panel portion extends generally parallel with the second panel portion and a use position in which the third panel portion extends generally perpendicular to the second panel portion. |
| US08201868B2 |
Gate removal assembly and related storage systems for use with hauling and transport vehicles
Gate removal assemblies are disclosed herein that include a stabilizing assembly; an adjustment assembly coupled to the stabilizing assembly; and a releasing assembly coupled to the adjustment assembly. Gate rack assemblies are also disclosed that includes a coupling mechanism, and at least one support mechanism. Gate removal systems are disclosed herein and include at least one gate removal assembly, and at least one gate rack assembly. In some embodiments, gate removal systems further include a gate removal assembly caddy. |
| US08201867B2 |
Threaded hoist ring screw retainer
An omni-positional hoist ring assembly including a bushing element that includes a sleeve with an axial length, a proximal end and a distal end. A load bearing flange is radially disposed about the proximal end of the sleeve. The sleeve has an internal thread extending at least part way of the axial length of the sleeve. A mounting screw element has a major axis, a head, and a shank disposed generally co-axially around the major axis. The shank includes a threaded shank portion and a bearing portion. The bearing portion is a generally cylindrical axially extending portion of the shank that has a diameter approximately equal to the minor diameter of the thread in the threaded shank portion. A thrust washer element is provided between the head and the distal end of the sleeve. A body element receives the in-turned opposed ends of the legs of a lifting loop element in sockets. The lifting loop is free to pivot. The body element is free to rotate about the sleeve, so the lifting loop will self align with a load that is applied to it from any direction within a hemisphere centered on the major axis of the mounting screw element. The elements of the hoist rig assembly are assembled by aligning them and inserting the mounting screw element into the sleeve and threadably advancing it until the bearing is aligned with the internal thread so further rotation of the mounting screw element does not threadably advance the mounting screw element relative to the sleeve. |
| US08201859B2 |
Door handle assembly
A door handle assembly for a door substrate having an aperture, said door handle assembly comprising: a bell crank capable of pivoting about an axis, the bell crank including a first arm, a second arm and a base therebetween; a door handle that operatively engages the second arm of the bell crank, wherein a free end of the second arm extends upward and outward away from the base such that the free end of the second arm sweeps around a generally conical shape as the bell crank pivots about the axis; means for securing the door handle to the bell crank including a pin and notch assembly, wherein the pin is inserted through an aperture in the door handle and engages a notch located on the second arm; and a plurality of ribs formed on one or more surfaces of the bell crank. |
| US08201852B2 |
Pipe coupler and gasket with positive retention and sealing capability
A coupler for joining a pipe to another pipe, a tee, or other fitting, and more particularly, to a coupler which provides positive retention of the gasket about the circumference of the coupler sufficiently to precisely position and hold the gasket during placement about pipe ends and/or fittings to be coupled, and which provides controlled circumferential compression of the gasket during coupling, for positive sealing when the coupler is closed, while allowing one handed handling and operation during placement and coupling, such that the other hand can be used for supporting a pipe to be coupled, and which is operable for releasing and breaking loose the coupler and associated gasket from a pipe during uncoupling. |
| US08201847B2 |
Safety arrangement and a method of assembling a safety arrangement
A safety arrangement includes an airbag housing, a cover and pair of horn contacts for actuating a vehicle horn. The airbag housing mounts to a steering wheel frame. The cover is resiliently mounted on the housing and spaced therefrom such that the cover may be depressed towards the housing to close the horn contacts. The housing and cover are hooked to one another for preventing subsequent disconnection of the cover from the housing upon release of the cover to open the horn contacts. A stop is mounted to one of the cover and the housing for movement between a operable position, in which the stop arrests relative movement of the cover and housing towards one another so as to prevent un-hooking of the cover from the housing, and an assembly position, in which the cover may be depressed sufficiently far towards the housing to allow un-hooking of the cover from the housing and consequent disconnection of the housing and cover upon release of the cover. |
| US08201845B2 |
Assembly including a device for removably affixing a base to a plate
An assembly including a plate, a base, and a device for removably attaching the plate to the base. The plate is adapted to be associated with a device for removably retaining a boot, the base is adapted to be associated with a gliding board, such as a ski, the device for removably attaching the plate to the base including an arrangement for longitudinally guiding the plate with respect to the base. An immobilization mechanism is manually actuated to immobilize the plate with respect to the base along the longitudinal guiding direction. |
| US08201843B2 |
Trailer hitch system
The present invention comprises a trailer hitch system, for attaching a trailer to a vehicle having a winch attached to the frame of a vehicle, a hollow receiver attached to the frame of a vehicle, where the receiver has a receiver opening, which is defined by a top guide, bottom guide and at least two side beams. The winch wire attaches to the winch, travels through the receiver, out of the receiver opening and attaches to a hitch bar at a tab. When the winch is activated the winch wire pulls hitch bar and thus, the attached trailer, into the receiver opening. A bearing located on the forward facing side of the hitch bar reduces friction between the hitch bar and the receiver as the hitch bar enters the receiver opening. |
| US08201837B2 |
Skateboard backpack system
Disclosed are a backpack skateboard system and methods for use thereof in which a skateboard is movably attached to a backpack, so that the skateboard can pivot 180° along the longitudinal axis thereof and rotate 90° into a folded configuration in which the skateboard is substantially parallel to the backpack with rear wheels of the skateboard facing the backpack and pivot 180° along the longitudinal axis thereof and to rotate 90° into an unfolded configuration in which the skateboard is substantially perpendicular to the backpack with the rear wheel assembly positioned downward. |
| US08201836B2 |
Toe binding of a safety ski binding
A toe binding of a safety ski binding includes a housing for at least partly mounting at least one release spring determining the safety release values and at least one sole holder loaded by the force of the release spring. When an upper force threshold is exceeded the sole holder releases the front section of a boot secured by the binding at least in lateral direction relative to the boot longitudinal axis. An adjusting device is adapted for individually changing the lateral alignment between the sole holder and the housing transversely to the binding longitudinal axis of the binding and substantially parallel to the standing plane for a boot, so that an angle or a lateral deflection between the boot longitudinal axis of a boot inserted into the binding and the binding longitudinal axis of the safety ski binding can be changed and individually preadjusted within predefined adjusting limits. |
| US08201830B2 |
Airtight magnetic seal for bearing casings
The airtight magnetic seal, in a compact single body, made of two concentric sections, an inner section (1a) and an outer section (1b), unitized, which are able to rotate independently. These sections are engaged and squared to create a permanent contact-seal inside in combination with two labyrinth-seals type and associated drains at each end, and a pressure relief safety means, when the seal is embedded into an annulus in a rotary operational assembly. |
| US08201828B2 |
Wagering game based on Bayes' theorem
A method to implement a casino card game. After the player places an ante wager, the dealer can deal three cards and the player selects a player selected card and the dealer randomly selects a dealer selected card. The goal for both the player and the dealer is to pick the highest (or strongest) card. The dealer will then reveal the lowest (or weakest) of the two remaining cards that are not the dealer selected card. The player can then place an optional raise wager, and the dealer may randomly switch the dealer selected card. All three cards are then revealed, and if the player picked the highest (strongest) card and the dealer did not pick the highest (strongest) card, then the player wins a payout on the ante wager and any raise wager placed. If the dealer picked the highest (strongest) card and the player did not pick the highest (strongest) card, then the player loses his or her ante wager and any raise wager placed. |
| US08201824B2 |
Variable force nip assembly
An apparatus and method for transporting substrate media including a nip assembly having a drive wheel operably connected to a drive mechanism for rotating the drive wheel, and an idler member disposed adjacent the drive wheel. The idler wheel and drive wheel forming a nip. The drive wheel and idler wheel are displaceable from each other to form a nip gap therebetween. A nip force generator is operably connected to the nip assembly. The nip force generator develops a first nip force upon entry of the substrate media into the nip and formation of the nip gap and develops a second nip force subsequent to the first nip force. The second nip force is greater than the first nip force. |
| US08201823B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus
A rotatable pick roller and a rotatable separating roller are formed integrally with a roller case. A retard roller opposes the separating roller and rotates in a direction opposite to that of the separating roller. A lift detecting sensor is mounted on the roller case. When a first sheet and second sheet that are stapled together are accidentally placed on a sheet table, the pick roller picks-up the first sheet and feed it in the gap between the retard roller and the separating roller, the second sheet abuts with the retard roller so that a portion of the first sheet and the second sheet gets lifted. The lift detecting sensor detects the lifted portion and stops rotations of the rollers. |
| US08201819B2 |
Valve device and paper sheet pickup apparatus
A valve device is provided with a first block connected to an upstream-side suction tube that is connected to a negative-pressure chamber, a second block connected to a downstream-side suction tube that is connected to a pump, first and second shielding plates rotatably interposed between the first and second blocks, and servo motors for rotating the shielding plates. Each of the shielding plates has a plurality of air passing holes, and are rotated in opposite directions. |
| US08201818B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with sheet feeding apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus is provided with a sheet feeding device 60, a first air blow device 40 to blow air towards a side edge of a sheet bundle and a sheet side regulation member 71. The sheet side edge regulation member is provided with an air outlet 72 to blow air towards the side edge of the sheet bundle and an exhaust outlet 73 to exhaust air accumulated between a sheet separated from the sheet bundle and the sheet bundle. |
| US08201813B2 |
Head window fixture and method
The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap. |
| US08201812B2 |
Viscous fluid-sealing damper
A viscous fluid-sealed damper (1) having a shaft receiving section (2c) in which an installation shaft (3) with a swollen head (3b) is fitted and also having a separation wall (2). At least a portion of the separation wall (2) is constructed from an elastic separation membrane, and the separation wall (2) continues to the periphery of the upper edge of the shaft receiving section (2c) such that the shaft receiving section (2c) extends inward. Viscous fluid is sealed inside the separation wall (2). A positioning section (2f) for positioning the shaft receiving section (2c) is provided at that position of a bottom face (2a) of the separation wall section (2) that faces the shaft receiving section (2c). The viscous fluid-sealed damper can be assembled with good work efficiency and is unlikely to be damaged during assembly. |
| US08201811B2 |
Microbubble therapy method and generating apparatus
A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object. One method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, to a fluid chamber connected a fitting; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid. Another method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, into an air entrapment chamber; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid. |
| US08201810B2 |
Kinematic mount
A cable-wound drum style hoist with a rotating shaft supported by bearings that has both: (i) some freedom of motion in (at least) one of the bearings; and (ii) a pillow block in the shaft to impart some freedom of motion (beyond freedom to rotate about the central axis) in the shaft itself. By allowing some freedom of motion both the bearing(s) and the shaft, the hoist can better accommodate for bent shafts and/or slight misalignment of coaxial bearings. Also, a set of preferred connection hardware for mechanically connecting a hoist reducer box to a hoist backbone with preferred degrees of freedom/constraint. |
| US08201803B2 |
Actuator device
An actuator device comprising an actuator housing with a fitting for connecting the actuator to an object, a motor, which via transmission elements, drives an output actuator shaft of the actuator, where the actuator shaft is rotationally disconnectable from the motor, the actuator shaft being rotatable between two angular positions where the one angular position may correspond to the object being in a first condition and the other angular position may correspond to the object being in a second condition, and where the actuator is provided with an element for storage of mechanical energy, the element by energy cut-off to the actuator being releasably arranged to be able to displace a nut being prevented from rotating around its longitudinal axis, along a screw thread complementary fitting to the nut, and connected to the actuator shaft, whereby the actuator shaft is rotated between the two angular positions. |
| US08201801B2 |
Shear pin activated overhead sign bracket
A sign bracket for over-road highway signs and other signs. The bracket is comprised of a first assembly attached to the sign and a second assembly attached to a support structure. A shear pin prevents relative movement between the first assembly and second assembly in its normal state. When sufficient pressure is exerted on the sign the shear pin shears and the first assembly is freed to rotate the sign approximately ninety degrees. The sign is essentially laid flat either face up from wind force striking the face of the sign or face down from wind striking the rear of the sign. When the sign is laid flat it produces substantially reduced wind resistance and the support structure remains intact. The sign may then easily re-erected by insertion of a new shear pin. |
| US08201796B2 |
Corner protector
A corner protector comprising a guard, strap, and plate or rod are disclosed. The first portion and second portion of the guard are substantially orthogonal to the top portion, and to each other. The first portion and second portion meet to define a corner protrusion. The guard has interior extending ribs that are substantially vertical and maintain contact with the guard. The strap has at least one connection member on each end to allow the corner protector to be adjusted vertically. The plate or rod has at least one locking member for creating a locking mechanism with the connection member. |
| US08201794B1 |
Portable beverage container stand
A portable beverage container stand includes an elongated pointed shaft, a flat cage plate fixed to one end of the shaft and extending laterally outward, a plurality of holes in the cage plate configured to receive beverage containers, a flat shelf plate below the cage plate fixed to the shaft and extending laterally to support containers placed in the cage plate holes, and a push member adjacent the shaft bottom for applying foot pressure for inserting the shaft into the ground. Alternatively, the shaft may also be mounted on a base component having a rectangular bottom frame, with an upwardly extending bridge and brace projected therefrom, with holes therein adapted to cooperatively receive and contain the shaft therein. |
| US08201793B1 |
Habitat mount for wall mounted taxidermy mannequin
A habitat mount for a wall mounted taxidermy mannequin includes a habitat piece having a three dimensional first side with the appearance of one or more natural elements and an opposing generally planar second side. A tab extends outwardly from and generally parallel to a plane defined by the second side of the habitat piece. The tab is sized and shaped to mount directly to a rear side of the wall mounted taxidermy mannequin. |
| US08201792B2 |
Support stand for flat-panel display monitor and elevating support used for support stand
A support stand for a flat-panel display monitor includes a rotatable bracket, and an elevating support rotatably connected to the rotatable bracket. The elevating support includes a base member, a first rotatable module, a second rotatable module, and a third rotatable module. The first and second rotatable modules are both rotatably assembled between the rotatable bracket and the base member. The second rotatable module is positioned opposite to the first rotatable module. The first and second rotatable modules are spaced by a predetermined distance, and rotate along a same direction relative to the base member. The third rotatable module is positioned between the first and second rotatable modules, and rotatably follows the first and second rotatable modules. |
| US08201791B2 |
Support stand
A support stand includes a base, a supporting bracket, a first hinge assembly positioned between the base and the bracket, a second hinge assembly, and a third hinge assembly. The second hinge assembly and the third hinge assembly are positioned between the supporting bracket and a display body of the electronic device. The second hinge assembly includes a connecting bracket. The third hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft and a sleeve member. The sleeve member includes a leaf and a sleeve extending from an end of the leaf. The pivot shaft is firmly engaged in the sleeve of the sleeve member. |
| US08201790B2 |
Roller rod assembly for a sunshade
A window blind includes a rod and a support unit. The support unit is disposed on an end portion of the rod, and includes an end cover, a fixing pillar, a support pillar, an inserting tube, and a metallic brace member. The end cover has an outer surface and an inner surface. The fixing pillar includes a rectangular pillar body having a pair of opposing wide faces and a pair of opposing narrow faces. The support pillar extends from the inner surface of the end cover and into the rod. The inserting tube is sleeved rotatably on the support pillar and inserted fixedly into the rod. The metallic brace member includes a ring portion, two wing portions, and two engaging portions. |
| US08201789B1 |
Blind support for installation of a blind rail
A blind support for installation of a blind rail. The blind support includes a main support body and an engagement member. The main support body has two horizontal support boards and a vertical support board connected between the horizontal support boards to form a support body with an open side. The blind rail can be placed into the main support body through the open side thereof and supported by the main support body. The engagement member has horizontally extending abutment sections that can be slidably received slide channels of the main support body. Each abutment section has a key body projecting therefrom. The key bodies are engageable in engagement holes formed on the main support body to block the open side thereof and enclose and support the blind rail. |
| US08201788B2 |
Side arm clamp assembly
A side arm clamp assembly is formed of a molded body having a clip receiver slot, a retention clip formed of a retention portion and an insertion portion that is slidingly receivable into the clip receiver slot. A detent is provided between the clip receiver slot and the insertion portion of the retention clip received thereinto. Means are provided for securing the molded body relative to an electronics platform with the retention portion of the retention clip projected over a mounting surface thereof. |
| US08201787B2 |
Clamp, self-advancing climbing device, and method of coupling same to a tubular
There is disclosed a clamp, a self-advancing climbing device including two such clamps, and a method of coupling such a clamp to a tubular. In one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a clamp (1) for a tubular, in particular a thin-walled tubular such as the tower (3) of a wind-turbine. The clamp (1) comprises at least one clamp member in the form of a friction pad (9) adapted to grip the tower (3), and at least one flexible elongate energising element in the form of a tendon (16) adapted to exert a force on the friction pad (9) to urge the pad (9) to grip the tower (3), whereby the pad (9) and the tendon (16) are adapted to exert a substantially uniform radial clamp load on the tower (3). |
| US08201785B2 |
Camera positioning systems
A camera mounting system with a ball swivel mechanism that joins a camera mounting plate to a bracket arm. The bracket arm is joined to a grip plate that can be secured to an object, such as a tree. The bracket arm is optionally joined to a monopod that can be secured to the ground. The camera mounting plates are configured to secure to multiple types of game-security cameras. |
| US08201784B2 |
Display device with height-adjustment assembly having spring member
An exemplary display device includes a display panel and a height-adjustment assembly. The height-adjustment assembly includes a rail unit defining a rail, a sliding unit, and a spring member. The sliding unit is configured to slide along the rail. The display panel is fixed to the sliding unit. The spring member is fixed to the rail unit, and is configured to provide an elastic force applied to the sliding unit to the sliding unit when the sliding unit slides along the rail. |
| US08201777B2 |
Aircraft door and method for using the same
An external door for use in accessing a cargo area of an aircraft fuselage. The door includes a locking system, a latching system, a lock monitoring system, an uplock used to secure the door in an open position, and an actuating system that assists in at least one of opening and closing the door. The locking system works by interfering with the movement of the latching system components. The locking system includes a monitoring device that prevents the aircraft from being pressurized in case of a malfunction in the locking system. The latching system includes a handle locking system that prevents operation of the latch handle by accident or by ground loading or flight forces. The systems of the door are preferably manually operated, and utilize rigid members. |
| US08201775B2 |
Improved decompression device with adjustable release pressure
The invention relates to a decompression element for pressure equalization in a cabin of an aircraft, with a decompression element frame, a flap, and a hinge element or at least one bearing element for fitting the flap to the decompression element frame. The hinge element or the bearing element can be produced from a plastics material. A decompression device for decompressing a cabin area includes a decompression device frame, a first opening which enables a flow to take place between a line of an air-conditioning system of the aircraft and the interior space of the decompression device, a second opening which enables a flow to take place between the cabin area and the interior space of the decompression device, and a third opening receiving the decompression element with the flap. |
| US08201771B2 |
Helicopter rotor control system with individual blade control
A method of controlling rotor pitch in a helicopter comprising the steps of: generating at least one blade dynamics signal representing at least one dynamic force acting on at least one of a rotor blade rotating assembly and a helicopter non-rotating assembly, the rotor blade rotating assembly including a plurality of rotor blades and a pitch actuator for each rotor blade; extracting information representing the at least one dynamic force; generating a dynamic force compensation output representing a compensation for at least a portion of the at least one dynamic force; receiving flight control signals directing flight of the helicopter from flight controls of the helicopter; generating from the flight control signals and the dynamic force compensation output a compensated pitch control signal for each blade of the rotor blade rotating assembly, and providing a compensated pitch control signal to compensate for a portion of the at least one dynamic force. |
| US08201770B2 |
Toilet paper roll holder capacity extender
Several embodiments of an apparatus for increasing the roll diameter capacity of a toilet paper roll holder are disclosed. One of the embodiments uses elongate extenders which are adhesively attached to the inside surfaces of a conventional roll holder. Another embodiment uses simple links which are attached by pins to the existing spindle receptacles in the roll holder. The links may be substantially permanently attached to the ends of a telescopic spindle. |
| US08201765B2 |
Mechanical lysis arrangements and methods
Methods and arrangements to lyse a biological sample are described. The arrangements comprise a lysis tube containing the sample, one or more electromagnets generating a magnetic field, and one or more permanent magnets inside the lysis tube. The permanent magnets move and lyse the sample when a magnetic field is generated by the electromagnets. |
| US08201764B2 |
Device for comminuting feedstock with scraping elements
A device for comminuting scrappable feedstock by way of cutting or shear-cutting is provided that includes at least one rotor situated within a housing. The rotor has a plurality of rotary disks which are situated at an axial distance from each other, forming spaces, and which are fitted on their circumferences with comminuting tools which interact with additional comminuting tools to perform the comminution work. Stationary scraping elements extend into the spaces in the radial direction. To achieve a largely unhindered flow of stock through the device, it is proposed according to the invention to situate the stationary scraping elements in the dead zone of the at least one rotor with regard to the direction of stock flow. |
| US08201762B2 |
Sphere-producing/comminution machine
A machine for noduling of metal scrap that can upon conversion be used for comminuting such scrap. Frequently machines for comminuting are constructed by a bipartite frame solely for cleaning purpose. One part is solidly fixed to a foundation while the other one is fixed to the first one by hinges and a locking device, so that it can be turned away from the first part of the frame. To further develop such machines that an exchange of worn components is possible and that simply by conversion and by saving of time, one sort of usage can easily be transferred to another one, the complete rotor-block is mounted together with its bearings on a swivelling arm that can be turned away from the frame of the machine in order to enable free access to the interior of the machine. |
| US08201759B2 |
Broadcast spreader with rate control system
A control mechanism for a spreader incorporating a movable material control gate comprises a first limit switch having a fixed position, a linear actuator having a positional member which moves in response to operation of the linear actuator. Movement of the positional member in a first direction causes the positional member to contact the first limit switch to define a closed position of the control gate. The control mechanism also includes a second limit switch mounted to the positional member and an adjustment system comprising a user adjustment device engaged with a linear adjustment member adjustable through a positional linear range. Movement of the adjustment device by a user causes the adjustment member to move within the linear range. Additionally, movement of the positional member in a second direction causes the second limit switch to contact the adjustment member to define an adjustably open position of the control gate. |
| US08201758B2 |
Fluid spraying device
A fluid spraying device comprises a fluid oscillator used to oscillate fluid to generate spraying water and including an inlet, at least one power nozzle, an interacting chamber, and an outlet, characterized in that: the fluid oscillator including a first portion and a second portion; a connection of the first and the second portions communicates with the power nozzle to flow fluid through a predetermined traveling position, and the first portion includes the inlet and a section of the power nozzle, and the second portion includes the outlet and another section of the power nozzle, by using an interaction of the first and the second portions, a cross sectional area of the fluid at the connection of the first and the second portions is changed to adjust spraying water from the outlet. |
| US08201755B2 |
Single valve ready to use sprayer
A sprayer head assembly for dispensing a chemical stored within a container comprises a body having a bore and a valve moveably positioned at least partially within the bore. The sprayer head assembly includes passages for the carrier fluid and the chemical. A vent passage is also provided. The valve selectively closes and opens the carrier fluid, chemical and vent passages. The valve is configured to move in a side to side motion which is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the assembly. |
| US08201742B2 |
Barcode processing apparatus and barcode processing method
According to one embodiment, a barcode processing apparatus comprises a reading unit configured to read an image of a barcode configured by a plurality of bars laid out at a predetermined interval, each bar being formed by a plurality of ink dots, and a barcode recognition unit configured to filter the read image using a mask which has a width smaller than the predetermined interval and larger than a width of one bar, and corresponds to a length of one bar so as to extract a group of a plurality of ink dots, to couple the plurality of ink dots in the extracted group, to detect one bar based on the coupling result, and to recognize a barcode configured by a plurality of detected bars. |
| US08201740B2 |
Imaging reader for and method of improving visibility of aiming pattern
An aiming light assembly supported by a mobile imaging reader projects an aiming light pattern on a symbol. A controller modulates the aiming light pattern to render the aiming light pattern more visibly discernible to an operator, especially in a brightly lit ambient environment, to enable the operator to position the aiming light pattern on the symbol prior to reading. |
| US08201732B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine may also include a portal device that is operative to cause the display, card reader and other devices in the machine to operate in response to communications through the portal device. |
| US08201729B1 |
Customer terminal that directs a bank customer to the specific location in the bank where the customer's desired transaction can be earliest completed
A banking facility terminal operates to read identification data provided by a bank customer. The terminal further operates to receive from the customer, a request for a financial transaction which the customer desires to conduct at the bank. The terminal is operable to then display output which both addresses the customer by name and directs the customer to a specific location in the banking facility where the financial transaction can be earliest completed. The terminal further operates to cause transaction data corresponding to the customer's identification and request to be sent to the specific location. The transaction data is usable by banking facility personnel at the specific location to begin the desired financial transaction before the customer arrives at the specific location. The transaction data also allows the banking facility personnel to greet the customer by name upon arrival at the specific location. |
| US08201725B2 |
Mailer forms for forming outgoing mailers having an integrated return mail piece
Mailer forms having return mail pieces are described herein. An example form to be folded as an outgoing mailer includes a sheet having substantially parallel top and bottom edges, and substantially parallel first and second side edges, where the first and second side edges are substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom edges. The form includes a first fold line substantially parallel to a second fold line to allow the sheet to fold as an outgoing mailer. A perforation divides the sheet into a removable portion and a reply portion. The form 102 also includes a third fold line different from the first and second fold lines to form a reply mail piece when the removable portion is detached from the sheet and the reply portion is folded along the third fold line. The perforation and the third fold line are substantially parallel to the first and second fold lines. |
| US08201720B2 |
Pouch used to deliver medication when ruptured
An anvil assembly for a circular stapling device includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon, a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a rod member of the circular stapling device, an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, wherein the anvil plate includes an inner diametral edge, and wherein the anvil plate defines a plurality of staple forming pockets therein at a location radially outward of the inner diametral edge, a recess formed in the anvil head, wherein the recess is defined by the inner diametral edge of the anvil plate and a rear surface of the anvil head, and a wound treatment material disposed substantially within the recess. |
| US08201718B1 |
Kneeboard for pilots
A modular pilot kneeboard system with detachable and interchangeable side pockets and accessories is herein disclosed. Each side edge of a main base plate is equipped with a zipper edge that allows add-on pieces, each with a mating zipper edge, to be zippered onto the main base plate and folded over like a conventional binder. Such side pieces are envisioned to provide pockets, straps, compartments and the like to hold additional items such as flight calculators, GPS systems flashlights, pens, and virtually any item a pilot may need quick access to during a flight. These items can attach by the aforementioned zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, elastic bands, clips and the like. |
| US08201716B2 |
Dispenser with replaceable actuators and related methods
Dispensers with replaceable actuators and related methods. A representative dispenser includes a sealed fluid chamber with a fluid inlet and a valve seat, a valve member configured to be reciprocally moveable relative to the valve seat, and an actuator interface. The dispenser includes first and second actuators configured to be coupled with the actuator interface for reciprocally moving the valve member. The first actuator is configured to operate by a different motive force than the second actuator. The first actuator can be removed and replaced with the second actuator. The methods involve the ability to replace the first actuator with a second actuator. |
| US08201710B2 |
Attachment mechanism for a dispenser
An attachment mechanism for a container includes a bracket and a connector. The bracket has upper and lower portions. An annular wall is disposed between the upper and lower portions. A plurality of projections extend from the lower portion. The projections are adapted to releasably engage an upper portion of a container. A tab extends radially inwardly from the upper portion. The connector has a prong, wherein a distal portion of the prong is spaced circumferentially from the connector. The prong is adapted to be secured within a slot defined between the tab and the annular wall. |
| US08201709B1 |
Food dispensing assembly and method
A food dispensing assembly includes a front wall attached to a rear wall. The container includes a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of lateral edges. The lateral edges taper toward the bottom edge and the bottom edge is pointed. A food product is positioned in the container. A gripping sleeve has a frusto-conical shape and includes an open upper edge and an open lower edge. The container extends through the sleeve and the sleeve is positioned between the top and bottom edges. The container is cut along a plane of the lower edge to remove the bottom edge and open the container. |
| US08201702B2 |
Foldable recycling apparatus
The invention provides a modular and foldable recycling apparatus for home use. The apparatus contains multiple modules attached in series, which can be separated into individual modules. Each module is made of a foldable frame to hold a container, such as a bag, for the containment, separation and transport of recyclable materials. The apparatus can be folded like an accordion to allow for convenient storage. |
| US08201700B2 |
Container for inspection
Provided is a container 1 for inspection which stores and pours out contents therein, and the container is provided with a container main body 2 having a mouth portion 22 formed thereon, a cover portion 3 attached to the mouth portion 22 to seal the container main body 2, and an opening cap 4 attached to the cover portion 3. The cover portion 3 has a closing wall 34 for closing the mouth portion 22, and the opening cap 4 is provided with an pouring outlet 421, and a cutting portion 431 for cutting the closing wall 34. When the opening cap 4 is attached to the cover portion 3, the cutting section 431 cuts the closing wall 34 to enable pouring out the contents.Thus, in the provided container 1 for inspection, sealing properties of the container main body 2 are ensured by the cover portion 3, and the closing wall 34 of the cover portion 3 is cut by the opening cap 4 attached to the cover portion 3 without removing the cover portion 3, whereby the contents can be poured out. |
| US08201698B2 |
Enhanced bottle rack
A bottle rack with opposing panels connected by rods or other connection structures to compactly support bottles is provided. Each panel includes a plurality of structures that are geometrically arranged to form a combination of large openings and small openings. Each large opening is positioned adjacent to a small opening. For adjacent pairs of large-small openings, the plurality of segments include (A) a first tangent structure that is (i) tangential to both the large and small opening, (ii) positioned on a same side of the two openings, and (B) a second tangent structure that is (i) tangential to both the large and small opening, and (ii) positioned in between the large and small opening. |
| US08201696B2 |
Apparatus and methods for separating a hydrocarbon
Apparatus and methods for liquid-liquid extraction. The apparatus can include a housing having a first section, second section, and third section. One or more sieve trays can be disposed in the first section, and one or more gratings can be disposed in the second section. A hydrocarbon feed inlet can be disposed adjacent the second section, wherein each grating has a plurality of openings formed therethrough. The openings having at least three sides. The first section can be disposed at a first end of the second section, and the third section can disposed at a second end of the second section. |
| US08201695B2 |
Lift type pore-controllable fiber filter
A lift type pore-controllable fiber filter includes a filter tank, a strainer coaxially formed as a porous tub in the filter tank, extending to an outside of the filter tank at a bottom thereof to communicate with a treated water drain pipe, and having a piston guide recessed in an axial direction at an upper portion thereof, a lifting driver including a cylinder and a piston, an upper filter material fixing plate having fixing means, fixed to the piston above the strainer, and working in collaboration with reciprocation of the piston, a lower filter material fixing plate having fixing means and fixed below the strainer, and at least one fiber filter material fixed to the fixing means of the upper and lower filter material fixing plates at upper and lower ends thereof respectively, and forming filtering pore layers on an outer circumference of the strainer. |
| US08201692B2 |
Materials separation module
An automated system for sorting dissimilar materials, and in particular for sorting plastics from other materials and for sorting different types of plastics from one another comprises, depending upon the embodiment, combinations of a sizing mechanism, a friction separation, an air separator, a magnetic separator, a dielectric sensor sortation bed, shaker screening, a ballistic separator, an inductive sensor sortation system and a float/sink tank. The dielectric sensor sortation system may be either analog or digital, depending upon the particular implementation. One or more float/sink tanks can be used, depending upon the embodiment, each with a media of a different specific gravity. The media may be water, or water plus a compound such as calcium chloride. In addition, multiples of the same general type of module can be used for particular configurations. A heavy media system or a sand float process can be used either alternatively or additionally. |
| US08201691B1 |
Pill intake reminder and container cap device and method of use thereof
An easy pill intake reminder that screws on the top of a container for articles such as medications and or vitamins in the form of pills, caplets, capsules, and or tablets and which serves as a cap there on, is surmounted by a cylinder housing a number of wedge shaped buttons marking a periodic time frame such as the days of the week all arrayed around a central circular button. Each wedge shape button can be lowered individually to mark a respective period of time such as a day, and stays lowered until the central button is pushed down. The lowering of the central button resets the surrounding wedge buttons to their upper position and thereby enabling the users to repeat the process. |
| US08201687B2 |
Tablet PC cover with stowable input device
A cover for a tablet PC provides protection to the body while allowing free access to a touch screen and other controls. The cover has an integrally connected keyboard or other input device which can be simply deployed for use, allowing conventional keyboard- or other-based input to the PC. When not in use the input device can be stowed at the rear of the cover, complementing device protection thereto. The cover further provides support elements allowing the PC to be situated for use on a horizontal surface, with the actual angle of situation adjustable to meet individual needs. When not needed or for transport, the support elements collapse and are received within the cover. In addition, the cover allows the PC to be situated, with the input device deployed or otherwise, in either a landscape or portrait orientation. |
| US08201686B2 |
Golf bag assembly having a main bag and a removable accessory bag
A golf bag that includes a main bag and an accessory bag coupled to the main bag. The main bag is formed to include a bag-receiver chamber that is configured to accept the accessory bag. The accessory bag is coupled to the main bag by posts that engage a retention slots formed in the side walls of the bag-receiver chamber. The accessory bag is supported by the main bag and includes a foldable leg assembly that permits the accessory bag to be set up in a tripod configuration when separated from the main bag. The golf bag also includes a slot formed in the side walls of the main bag to allow the main bag to be secured to a golf cart by a retaining strap provided on the golf cart while still allowing the accessory bag to be separated from the main bag. |
| US08201681B2 |
Method for gapping for sortation rate maximization
The invention provides a method which minimizes the gaps between packages to the minimum required by the sorter. The gapping required to allow scanning the identification label(s) will be done first, then another gap adjustment (to reduce gaps) is done immediately after scanning. The induction control system requires inputs from additional sensors which are necessary to obtain certain package dimensions. This information (dimensions of the packages) is used by the control algorithm to calculate or select from a table based on package geometry, the minimum (or optimum) gaps required for scanning and by the sorter. |
| US08201680B1 |
System and method of distributing currency
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes a system and method for distributing currency to one or more cash drawers for use in a cash register or other point of sale device. A user may pre-configure an amount of currency to be distributed to one or more cash drawers or tills. The cash recycler may include one or more slots into which the one or more cash drawers or tills may be inserted. The preconfigured amount of currency will then be distributed to each of the tills inserted into the cash recycler. In some arrangements, multiple cash drawers may be inserted into the cash recycler and currency will be distributed to each of the cash drawers simultaneously. |
| US08201676B2 |
Clutch cover assembly
A clutch cover assembly (1) is a clutch cover assembly for pressing and releasing a friction member of a clutch disk assembly against and from the flywheel of an engine, and includes a clutch cover (2), a pressure plate (3), a diaphragm spring (4), a cone spring (14), and a limiting mechanism (10). The limitation mechanism (10) limits movement of the pressure plate (3) to the flywheel (51) side when the amount of wear of the friction member (53) has reached a maximum allowable wear amount. |
| US08201675B2 |
Torque converter reverse clutch system and method of operating a reverse clutch system
A torque converter including a clutch assembly and a channel. The clutch assembly includes: a reverse clutch with a piston plate, the reverse clutch controllably connecting a reverse stator and a drive hub; a forward clutch including the piston plate, the forward clutch controllably connecting a turbine and the drive hub; and a cavity partially formed by the piston plate. The channel supplies fluid to the cavity and to vent fluid from the cavity and the piston plate is displaceable in response to fluid pressure in the cavity to control operation of the reverse and forward clutches. In a preferred embodiment, forces associated with operation of the reverse and forward clutches are balanced within the clutch assembly. The torque converter also includes a clutch rotationally connected to a turbine and a ground and a one-way clutch rotationally connected to a forward stator and the ground. |
| US08201674B2 |
Torque converter with reverse
A torque converter including: a turbine; a first stator; a first interlocking clutch; and a second interlocking clutch. In a first operating mode, to enable rotation of the turbine in a first direction, the first clutch is for engaging with the turbine and is engageable with an input shaft of a transmission and the second clutch is for engaging with the first stator and is engageable with a fixed shaft of the transmission. In a second operating mode, to enable rotation of the first stator in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the first clutch is for engaging with the first stator and is engageable with the input shaft and the second clutch is for engaging with the turbine and is engageable with the fixed shaft. |
| US08201672B2 |
Enhanced structure for base with roller and belt of hardshell zipper case
An enhanced structure for the base with roller and belt of hardshell zipper case is provided, including a hardshell zipper case main body, a plurality of hidden roller units, a retractable belt unit, and an auxiliary wheel set. The hidden roller units and the retractable belt unit are placed inside the roller housing trench and the belt housing trench located at the bottom of the hardshell zipper case main body. When the hidden roller units are not in use, the roller units are entirely hidden inside the roller housing trench so that the roller unit will not be damaged due to careless handling. To move the hardshell zipper case, the outer rim of the roller units are exposed outside of the surface of the roller housing trench so that the roller units can roll along when moved. The belt of retractable belt unit can be easily pulled out from one end of the bottom of the hardshell zipper case. After surrounding the hardshell zipper case main body with the belt, the belt can be fastened to the other end of the retractable belt unit. In this manner, the belt can be easily pulled out for fastening the case when necessary, and can be retracted when not in use. |
| US08201670B2 |
Bicycle hydraulic brake actuation device
A bicycle hydraulic brake actuation device includes a hydraulic master cylinder housing having a bore, a lever, a master piston and an adjuster. The lever is pivotally coupled to the hydraulic master cylinder housing for movement between an at rest position and a brake engagement position. The master piston is disposed within the bore and having an adjustment end. The adjuster is operably disposed between the adjustment end of the master piston and a portion of the lever. The adjuster is movable between a plurality of adjustment positions relative to the adjustment end such that with the lever in the at rest position, movement of the adjuster between the plurality of adjustment positions moves the master piston between a corresponding plurality of adjustment positions along an axial length of the bore. |
| US08201669B2 |
Amplitude sensitive damper apparatus
An amplitude sensitive damper apparatus that is provided with an amplitude sensitive valve unit may include a plug coupled to a piston rod to form a spring groove with the piston rod in a predetermined section, a spool member configured and dimensioned to cover the spring groove and slidably coupled to the piston rod to move up and down along the piston rod, wherein the spool member includes a supporting portion that protrudes toward the piston rod from a middle portion of an inner surface of the spool member, upper and lower elastic members that are mounted inside the spring groove to support the supporting portion of the spool member upwards and downwards respectively along the piston rod, and an amplitude sensitive valve that is integrally mounted on an outer surface of the spool member to generate a damping force when the spool member is moving. |
| US08201664B2 |
Lubrication system and method, and vortex flow separator for use therewith
An aircraft engine lubrication system has a vortex separator, a first pump line having a first pump, an inlet connected to a separated lubricant area at the outlet end of the separator, and an outlet connectable to the engine. A scavenge line is provided for returning lubricant from the engine to an inlet end of the separator. A lubricant tank is connected in fluid flow communication with the separator by a connection line. A second pump line having a second pump has an inlet connected to the lubricant tank and an outlet connected to the separator for pumping lubricant from the tank to the inlet end of the separator. |
| US08201662B2 |
Electric motor driven lubrication pump control system and method for turbomachine windmill operation
A system and method are provided to selectively control lubricant supply flow to a rotating machine that is installed in an aircraft having ram air turbine that is movable between at least a deployed position and a stowed position. A controller determines at least when the ram air turbine is in the deployed position, and determining when rotational speed of the rotating machine exceeds a predetermined value. The electric motor driven lubrication pump is at least selectively energized to control the measured lubricant pressure to a predetermined minimum pressure at least when the ram air turbine is deployed and the rotational speed exceeds the predetermined value. |
| US08201661B1 |
Platform for extension ladder
A platform for an extension ladder comprises a plate member adapted to engage a pair of rails on each of a first stage and a second stage of the extension ladder and become wedged therebetween and to remain parallel to the ground when the plate member rests on a rung of the extension ladder. The plate member has at least six sides, a bottom cutout, a middle cutout and a top cutout; each cutout oppositely disposed on at least six sides; and each cutout relating to various positions along a length of the extension ladder. |
| US08201658B2 |
Electric power steering system
An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, a rack-and-pinion type steering gear box connected to the steering wheel, a steering torque sensor, a pinion shaft, and a steering actuator mounted on the pinion shaft to assist a steering operation conducted by a driver. An overload preventing control is conducted so that a sum of a torque conversion value of an assist current and a steering torque detected by the steering torque sensor equal a predetermined threshold value. When the steering gear box has reached a stroke end, and the assist current or the steering torque is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the overload preventing control is conducted using a threshold value that is less than the predetermined threshold value. |
| US08201656B2 |
Vehicle steering system
A vehicle steering system includes a gear rack supported in a fixed position, a pinion gear in meshing engagement with the gear rack, a steering subsystem supporting the pinion gear and moveable in a translational manner relative to the gear rack and at least one steering arm coupled to steering subsystem and configured to steer a motive member in response to movement of the steering subsystem. The vehicle steering system is configured to remain substantially within a framework of the vehicle while steering one or more motive members of the vehicle. |
| US08201655B1 |
Gas pedal locking assembly
A gas pedal locking assembly for immobilizing the gas pedal of a vehicle to prevent theft includes a pedal arm having a first portion and a second portion. A pedal is coupled to the first portion. A protrusion extends from the pedal arm and has a pivot aperture extending therethrough. A fixed pivot pin extends through the pivot aperture. A locking mechanism is provided for holding the second portion of the pedal arm in a static position to prevent pivoting of the pedal arm. |
| US08201654B2 |
Air cleaner system for motorcycle
A saddle-riding type vehicle includes an air intake path disposed between a front bank and a rear bank and an air cleaner connected to an outer side of the air intake path. The air cleaner includes an air cleaner case and an air cleaner element housed in the air cleaner case. The air cleaner case includes air intake ducts disposed on either side of the air cleaner element in a vehicle longitudinal direction across the air cleaner element. |
| US08201651B2 |
Automobile over-bulkhead air intake system
A vehicle air intake system includes a grille disposed along the front portion of an engine compartment, a hood disposed over the engine compartment and a bulkhead cover disposed in the engine compartment below the hood. The bulkhead cover has a bulkhead cover intake port and a deflector disposed along and extending forwardly from a lower portion of the bulkhead cover intake port to circuitously redirect airflow passing from the grille to the bulkhead cover intake port. |
| US08201644B2 |
Dual pipe for increased fluid flow
A dual pipe drill string system having increased fluid flow. The dual pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections, each pipe section having an inner rod and an outer pipe. The inner rod and the outer pipe of each pipe section may be coupled to the inner rod and outer pipe of an adjacent pipe section. An annulus between the inner rod and the outer pipe defines a fluid flow path through the dual pipe system. The outer pipe defines a shoulder at each end of an individual pipe section. The inner rod defines at least one stop for maintaining the inner rod within the outer pipe. A spacing assembly disposed around the circumference of the inner rod defines paths for fluid flow and maintains a minimum distance between the stop and the shoulder at one end of outer pipe of the pipe section. |
| US08201642B2 |
Drilling assemblies including one of a counter rotating drill bit and a counter rotating reamer, methods of drilling, and methods of forming drilling assemblies
Drilling assemblies include a drill bit and a reamer apparatus in which the drill bit is configured to rotate in rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of a drill string and the reamer apparatus is configured to rotate in an opposite rotational direction about the longitudinal axis. Methods of forming a drilling assembly include configuring a drill bit to drill a subterranean formation when rotating in a counter-clockwise direction and configuring a reamer apparatus to ream a wellbore within the subterranean formation when rotating in a clockwise direction. Methods of drilling wellbores in subterranean formations include rotating a drill bit in a first rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of a drill string to drill a wellbore and rotating a reamer apparatus in an opposite rotational direction about the longitudinal axis of the drill string to ream the wellbore. |
| US08201632B2 |
Downhole valve assembly and actuation device for a downhole valve assembly
A downhole valve assembly including a valve mounted in a tubular body, the valve moveable between an open and closed position. Movement is achieved by a fluid operated valve actuation mechanism located downhole of the valve having a fluid inlet port located uphole of the valve. A method of controlling fluid flow downhole is also described allowing the valve to be moved between the open and closed positions and between closed and open positions. |
| US08201630B2 |
Methods of using hydrocarbon gelling agents as self-diverting scale inhibitors
Method of treating a subterranean formation using a hydrocarbon treatment fluid using a phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agent that is capable of both increasing the viscosity of the hydrocarbon treatment fluid and remaining in the subterranean formation after the viscosity of the gel is broken such that it can act as a scale inhibitor. Phosphor-based hydrocarbon gelling agents may be formed from a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or from a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid. |
| US08201628B2 |
Wellbore pressure control with segregated fluid columns
A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include placing a barrier substance in the wellbore while a fluid is present in the wellbore, and flowing another fluid into the wellbore while the first fluid and the barrier substance are in the wellbore. The first and second fluids may have different densities. Another method can include circulating a fluid through a tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore, then placing a barrier substance in the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore and then flowing another fluid into the wellbore. A well system can include at least two fluids in a wellbore, the fluids having different densities, and a barrier substance separating the fluids. |
| US08201626B2 |
Method and system for producing hydrocarbons from a hydrate reservoir using available waste heat
A method and system of producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon containing subterranean hydrate reservoir is disclosed. Waste heat is captured and transferred to a hydrocarbon bearing hydrate formation to dissociate hydrates into natural gas and water. The waste heat can be heat generated from surface facilities such as a Gas To Liquids (GTL) plant, a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant, an electric or power generation plant, and an onshore or offshore facility producing other conventional or unconventional hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. Alternatively, the waste heat can be obtained from subterranean reservoirs such as hydrocarbon containing producing wells and geothermal wells producing heated water. |
| US08201624B2 |
Clustered wellhead trunkline protection and testing system with ESP speed controller and emergency isolation valve
The systems and processes of the present invention includes ESP variable speed drive controllers that function in conjunction with a safety logic solver, pressure sensors, and an emergency isolation valve to perform a functional test of the complete wellhead trunkline protection system without interruption of production. |
| US08201621B2 |
Heat exchanging hollow passages with helicoidal grooves
A hollow passage in a machine element for enhancing the heat exchanging properties between the machine element and a fluid flowing through the hollow passage; the hollow passage including a helicoidal groove. In some embodiments, the machine element comprises a heated machine element and the fluid comprises a coolant. In some embodiments, the machine element comprises a stator blade or a rotor blade of a gas turbine engine and the coolant comprises compressed air. In some embodiments, the helicoidal groove comprises a depression in an outer wall of the hollow passage that extends axially along the hollow passage to form a helicoidal or swirling path. |
| US08201615B2 |
Heat storage devices
A device for storing and discharging heat that employs thermal energy storage materials (TESM) and related methods of manufacturing the device. The device includes a housing, an array of capsules within the housing, and TESM contained in the capsules. The device exhibits a high initial power density. The TESM is encapsulated between metal plies. The metal plies may have a thickness on the order of 10−1 to 102 μm. The capsules may have a thickness from 0.5 mm to 20 mm. The volume fraction of TESM in the housing may be 0.5 or more. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and one or more flow paths for flowing a heat transfer fluid through the housing. The flow paths and the capsules are arranged so that the device has the required average initial power density. |
| US08201614B2 |
Method and an apparatus of controlling chemical composition of a molten metal during continuous casting
A method of controlling composition of a molten copper or a molten copper alloy during continuous cast, comprising the steps of determining continuously specific resistance of the molten copper or the molten copper alloy; calculating the composition of the molten copper or the molten copper alloy based on relationships between specific resistance of the molten copper or the molten copper alloy and each constituent which are preliminarily comprehended; and controlling the composition of the molten copper or the molten copper alloy based on the calculated composition. It is possible to consider temperature or content of dissolved oxygen to calculate the composition. |
| US08201608B2 |
Apparatus for making sheets of composite material
A product sheet of composite material can be made by disposing composite materials of composite material in adjacent (side-by-side) relation with each other. The composite materials comprise fibers in a thermoplastic matrix material. The adjacent composite materials are bonded together to provide a product sheet of composite material. Preferably, a cross ply of composite material is disposed on the composite materials. The cross ply may be a unidirectional sheet and the fibers in the cross ply may be disposed in transverse relation to the fibers in the composite materials. |
| US08201603B2 |
Pneumatic tire
Provided is a pneumatic tire: in which a film made of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by blending an elastomer in a thermoplastic resin is used for an inner liner layer; and which is improved in its internal pressure holding performance while maintaining its durability satisfactorily. The pneumatic tire according to the present invention is a pneumatic tire in which: a carcass layer including multiple reinforcing cords is laid between paired bead parts; and the carcass layer is wound up around each of bead cores from the inner side to the outer side of the tire. In the pneumatic tire, an inner liner layer including a film made of the thermoplastic resin or the thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by blending the elastomer in the thermoplastic resin is disposed on a tire inner cavity side of the carcass layer, the inner liner layer is wound up around each bead core from the inner side to the outer side of the tire, and the winding-up height (L-TUH) of the inner liner layer is set at 25% or more of the sectional height (SH) of the tire. |
| US08201602B2 |
Head cover for golf clubs
Disclosed herein is a head cover for golf clubs. The head cover includes an open-and-shut frame, a head cover body, and a locking unit. The open-and-shut frame includes wings which are opened by elastic force of elastic means. The head cover body accommodates the open-and-shut frame therein, and includes an entrance and a receiving space for receiving the golf club. The locking unit is secured to the outer surface of the middle portion of the head cover body, thus closing the entrance of the head cover body opened by the open-and-shut frame. |
| US08201592B2 |
Method and arrangement for making up preparations
A method for filling a container (16) with a preparation consisting of a number of components, stored in a number of sub containers (1, 23), placed inside a housing (29). A robot, accommodated inside the housing (29), composes the preparation based upon a supplied prescription and places the sub containers (1,23) containing the components mentioned in the prescription one by one above the container (16) and makes flow out an amount of the respective component as specified by the prescription. |
| US08201588B2 |
Portable fluid exchange system for concurrently pumping liquid from a source container to a destination container and pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container
A portable fluid exchange system comprises a source container, a liquid and vapor pump for pumping liquid from the source container to the destination container and for pumping vapor from the destination container to the source container. The liquid inlet and vapor outlets of the liquid and vapor pump are connected in fluid communication with the source container. A liquid delivery hose delivers liquid from the pump to the destination container. A vapor delivery hose delivers vapor from the destination container to the pump. A selectively controllable actuation mechanism actuates the liquid and vapor pump to thereby concurrently pump liquid from the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid outlet and vapor into the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor inlet, and concurrently pump vapor from the liquid and vapor pump through the vapor outlet and liquid into the liquid and vapor pump through the liquid inlet. |
| US08201585B2 |
Method and apparatus for filling coating material
According to the present invention, even though the paint is filled or discharged repetitively to or from the paint bag (5), so that bursting of a coating bag (5) or lack of coating material during coating are not caused by accumulation of error between the filling amount and the using amount.That is, before a predetermined amount of the coating material is supplied to the coating material bag (5), the remaining coating material in the coating material bag (5) is extruded to empty it, since the coating material bag (5) is squashed by the pressure of fluid which was supplied to the hydraulic fluid chamber (6) outside of the bag. |
| US08201577B2 |
Feeding arrangement for a liquid additive for an internal-combustion-engine
An arrangement is provided for feeding a liquid additive from a receptacle into a fuel pipe or into an exhaust line of an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The receptacle is fillable with additive from a larger storage tank that is also accommodated in the motor vehicle by way of a connection line that can be blocked by a shut-off element. A pump is installed in the receptacle or in the connection line. A heating device for heating at least a partial volume of the additive is present in the receptacle. A blockable return line branches off into the receptacle from the connection line between the pump and the shut-off element. |
| US08201572B2 |
Water supply control apparatus and method for use in homes or other structures
A water supply control apparatus for use in homes or other structures is provided that incorporates a radio frequency transmitter and a receiver regulating the open or closed state of an electrical solenoid valve in fluid communication with a structure's water supply. A by-pass switch enabling manual regulation of the solenoid valve is mounted on the valve itself. Also provided is a method of controlling the flow of water supplied to a structure utilizing radio frequency pulse broadcasts to regulate the open or closed state of the solenoid valve. |
| US08201570B2 |
Dishwasher drawer gasket system
A cover assembly for sealing a dishwasher drawer includes a rigid, movable cover casing that frames a flexible sealing cover which is capable of receiving and covering tall dishes extending beyond a height of the drawer. Rocker arms are placed on each perimeter edge of the cover casing, and pivot to raise and lower the casing onto the drawer so that the sealing cover seals a wash chamber therein. A seal adhered to a bottom of the cover casing presses against a lip of the drawer to prevent leakage of wash fluid circulated therein. |
| US08201569B2 |
Fluid inlet for a dishwasher
A fluid inlet for a dishwasher configured to help manage acoustic emissions is provided. The fluid inlet includes a nozzle that defines a plurality of relatively small-diameter orifices and a plurality of relatively large-diameter orifices. The large diameter orifices may define a diverging cross-section. The relatively small-diameter orifices may be interspersed in a plurality of clusters between the relative larger diameter orifices. The fluid inlet may further include an enclosure defining a vertically descending channel from the nozzle toward a bottom of a tub of the dishwasher and one or more dampers within the enclosure such that the water exiting the nozzle cascades down onto and over the dampers and out of the enclosures through one or more outlets of the enclosure to the bottom of the tub. |
| US08201564B2 |
Cigarette filters
Fibrous material suitable for incorporation into filter elements of smoking articles such as cigarettes are impregnated with additives and agents such as flavorants, flavorant-enhancers and/or free radical scavengers. The fibrous material is contacted with the additive dispersed in a high pressure gas or supercritical fluid (SCF) held at elevated pressures. The high pressure gas or SCF swells the fibrous matrix and enables the additive to be incorporated within the matrix. When pressure is reduced, the gas or SCF vaporizes and leaves the additive embedded in the fiber interstices. As a result, the additive is slowly released over a finite period of time. When incorporated into a cigarette filter, the additive is released at a desired rate from the interior of the fibrous filter into the cigarette smoke. |
| US08201563B2 |
Method for introducing materials into a body
The invention comprises a method for introduction of materials into a patient's body. The method generally comprises providing an elongate member for introducing the material. The elongate member defines a lumen and comprises a distal end defining an aperture and a proximal end. The method further comprises the steps of positioning the elongate member at a target site of a patient's body; providing a motorized device at least partially disposed within the lumen; and introducing the material through the lumen into the target site using the motorized device. |
| US08201560B2 |
Flexible dental appliance
A flexible dental appliance a left posterior occlusal pad having a base and an outer wall including a plurality of loops; a right posterior occlusal pad having a base and an outer wall including a plurality of loops; and a support bridge between the left posterior occlusal pad and the a right posterior occlusal pad. The plurality of loops create gaps in the outer wall and extend over a buccal aspect of the teeth of an upper jaw for enhancing retention of the dental appliance. The plurality of loops engage the teeth at interproximal spaces and cementoenamel junctions. |
| US08201557B2 |
Method to compensate for the effect of recirculation of inert blood soluble gas on the determination of pulmonary blood flow in repeated inert gas rebreathing tests
The present invention discloses a method to compensate for a non-zero mixed venous partial pressure of inert blood soluble gas when determining physical parameter(s) of a patient in successive inert gas rebreathing tests. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining the partial pressure of said inert blood soluble gas inhaled and/or exhaled by said patient in a period prior to said successive rebreathing test; obtaining the partial pressure of said inert blood soluble gas inhaled and/or exhaled by said patient in said successive rebreathing test; determining said physical parameters) using said partial pressure of said inert blood soluble gas inhaled and/or exhaled by said patient and obtained in said period prior to said successive rebreathing test and said partial pressure of said inert blood soluble gas inhaled and/or exhaled by said patient and obtained in said successive rebreathing test. Furthermore the present invention relates to a corresponding system and computer-readable medium. |
| US08201555B2 |
Inhaler
A dry powder inhaler (101) comprises an inhaler body (110), including an air passageway, and a medicament container (120). The medicament container (120) holds a dose of medicament and is provided with at least one dispensing aperture (123) through which the medicament may be drawn from the medicament container (120). The medicament container (120) is displaceable from a first position, in which the dispensing aperture (123) is occluded, to a second position, in which the dispensing aperture (123) is open and air is able to flow along the air passageway. When the medicament container (120) is in the first position, the air passageway is occluded by the medicament container (120). |
| US08201548B2 |
Power tool stand and tool coupling for mounting a portable power tool on the stand
A power tool stand includes a guide carriage (4), and a tool coupling (1) for a portable power tool (3) and including a carriage coupling member (1a) provided on the guide carriage (4), having a clamping surface (5a), two hooks (7a, 7b) spaced from each other along the clamping surface (5a) with at least the first hook (7a) being displaceable along the clamping surface (1a), and connectable with a tool coupling member (1b) for the power tool (3) and having a clamping surface (5b the tool coupling member (1b) having two free-lying, arranged at least partially circumferentially, bolts (6) which can be hanged behind the two associated hooks (7a, 7b) of the carriage coupling member (1a). |
| US08201547B2 |
Bolt and valve mechanism that uses less gas
The proposed invention is a new bolt and gas release valve mechanism for a projectile launching device, such as a paintball marker, that uses significantly less gas per shot than prior art devices. The open gas chamber between the projectile, such as a paintball, and the gas release mechanism is eliminated thereby requiring much less gas to be used for each launch of a given projectile. Thus, only the launching gas to propel the projectile is needed and not the additional gas required to fill the chamber in the bolt directly behind the projectile. This enables desirably smaller gas supply tanks to be used during use to launch the same number of projectiles. Also, with the present invention, more projectiles can be launched using the same gas supply tank. |
| US08201542B2 |
Safety device for the throttle operation
A safety device for the throttle operation includes a shaft, a linking plate having an end connected and moving with the shaft and another end provided with an projecting bent wing, a pulling plate having one end formed with a shaft hole for combining with the shaft and located at a side of the bent wing and another end resting on an end surface of the bent wing and connected with a throttle line. The bent wing moves the throttle line to move the pulling plate for an angle for opening the throttle. The safety device further includes a contact switch for contacting the linking plate so an engine control system may be electrified by the contact switch to reduce its speed to a slow condition even if the throttle line is stuck immovable and unable to return to its original position after pulling open the throttle, keeping safe a vehicle. |
| US08201541B2 |
Closure device and operating method
The invention relates to a method for operating at least one rotating closure element in a flow channel; alternately opening and blocking the flow channel relative to a reference variable and with an adjustable phase position; flowing through a cross-section; changing a phase position; and utilizing at least one of a flow force and a flow torque to act on the closure element for at least one of temporarily accelerating and temporarily decelerating the closure element. |
| US08201539B2 |
Carburetor cover
A carburetor cover includes a first portion with a flanged portion extending from an outer edge of the first portion. The first portion includes a plurality of spaced holes and a first opening for receiving a fastener of a carburetor. The spaced holes of the first surface have diameters that are greater than 2 mm and less than 8 mm. A side wall includes a plurality of spaced holes having diameters that are greater than 2 mm and less than 8 mm. One end of the side wall is connected to the flanged portion. Another end of the side wall is configured to be mounted on a surface of the carburetor. Airflow is received directly by the first portion and the side wall without passing through a filter medium. Airflow flows through the carburetor cover directly to an engine without passing through a filter medium. |
| US08201537B2 |
Multi-part cooled piston for an internal combustion engine
Proposed is a multi-part cooled piston (1) for an internal combustion engine, which piston (1) is composed of an upper piston part (2) and a lower piston part (6). The upper piston part (2) forms an inner annular cooling duct (11) with the lower piston part (6), which cooling duct (11) is covered by an upper region (31) of the lower piston part (6). The region (31) is of thin-walled design in such a way that it can be deformed in the manner of a plate spring. Simple and fast assembly of the upper piston part (2) on the lower piston part (6), and a fixed and secure screw connection between the two piston parts, result in that the upper piston part (2) is provided on its underside with a blind bore (26) which is arranged centrally and coaxially with respect to the piston axis (25) and has an internal thread (28), and in that the upper region (31) of the lower piston part (6) has a threaded bolt (29) which is arranged centrally and coaxially with respect to the piston axis (25), points upward and has an external thread (30), with the internal thread (28) matching the external thread (30), such that the upper piston part (2) can be screwed to the lower piston part (6) by means of the blind bore (26) and the threaded bolt. |
| US08201536B2 |
Intake system with resonator
An engine assembly may include an engine block, first and second cylinder heads, and a first and second intake manifolds. The engine block may include a first bank defining a first set of cylinders and a second bank defining a second set of cylinders. The first cylinder head may be fixed to the first bank and the second cylinder head may be fixed to the second bank. The first intake manifold may be fixed to the first cylinder head and may include a first acoustic tuning mechanism in communication with the first intake manifold. The second intake manifold may be fixed to the second cylinder head and may include a second acoustic tuning mechanism in communication with the second intake manifold. |
| US08201535B2 |
Air intake device
An air intake device for a vehicle is provided. The air intake device includes a housing that defines a plenum and is configured for mounting on a vehicle. The air intake device also includes an air scoop that is movably coupled to the housing. The air scoop is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The air intake device also includes a valve assembly coupled to the air scoop. The air scoop defines at least one ram air inlet port having a flow area. The at least one ram air inlet port is positioned to receive ram air and is in fluid communication with the plenum when the air scoop is in the deployed position. The valve assembly is operable for varying the flow area of the at least one ram air inlet port. |
| US08201530B2 |
Valve drive of an internal combustion engine
A valve drive of an internal combustion engine with a camshaft including cams for actuating gas-exchange valves, wherein at least one cam, comprising several cam faces, is guided nonrotatably but with freedom of axial movement on the camshaft, wherein a stroke profile, which cooperates with an actuating pin for the axial displacement of the cam, is assigned to the associated axially displaceable cam, and wherein the stroke profile of the axially displaceable cam in question comprises several stroke curves. A first stroke curve and a second stroke curve of the stroke profile are contoured both in the axial direction and in the radial direction such that the contour in the axial direction of the stroke profile of the camshaft is responsible for a defined axial displacement of the associated cam, and the contour in the radial direction of the stroke profile of the camshaft prevents the stroke curves from colliding. |
| US08201526B2 |
Two-stroke internal combustion engine
Disclosed is a two-stroke internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder (2) and a cylinder head (4) releasably secured thereto, the cylinder (2) featuring a main exhaust port (12) and at least one auxiliary exhaust port (13) which can be covered at least in part by means of control slide members actuatable by a slide stem (16) arranged at an angle to a cylinder axis and axially actuated by an actuator (19), and the control slide members are configured integrally with a common control slide (14) coupled to the slide stem (16) and the slide stem (16) penetrating the cylinder head (4). |
| US08201524B2 |
Method and device for controlling the initial opening of a thermostat regulating the temperature of an internal combustion engine
A device for controlling opening of a cooling circuit control valve system of an internal combustion engine, containing a coolant, which is automatically opened under effect of a cooling liquid being heated to a standard temperature. The control performs an early controlled opening of the control valve system of a cooling circuit located upstream of a heat exchanger before the temperature of the cooling liquid reaches a set temperature value for activating the opening of the control valve system, which is itself lower than the standard temperature, the controlled opening being performed only when the control valve system is first opened. |
| US08201521B2 |
Animal attracting device
An animal attracting device is provided. The animal attracting device may include a body that has an exterior body surface that has at least one recessed portion for the receipt of attractant so that the attractant may be deposited on the exterior body surface and the at least one recessed portion. An attachment member may also be included for attachment to a support member. |
| US08201519B2 |
Liquid reservoir and bird feeder incorporating the same
A nutrient dispensing apparatus for birds having a hanger and two interchangeable dispensers supported by the hanger. Each dispenser includes a bottle for holding liquid or solid nutrients, and at least one basin into which the liquid or solid nutrients, water and bird feed, for example, are made available to the birds. The user can change the configuration of the dispensers as desired to provide just liquid nutrients, just solid nutrients or both. The flow rates for dispensing of the nutrients are different for each nutrient alternative. |
| US08201517B2 |
Method for low temperature growth of inorganic materials from solution using catalyzed growth and re-growth
The present invention involves a method and apparatus for depositing a silicon oxide onto a substrate from solution at low temperatures in a manner that produces homogeneous growth of the silicon oxide. The method generally comprises the following steps: (a) Chemically treating a substrate to activate it for growth of the silicon oxide. (b) Immersing the treated substrate into a bath with a reactive solution. (c) Regenerating the reactive solution to allow for continued growth of the silicon oxide. In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a first container holding a reactive solution, a substrate on which the silicon oxide is deposited, a second container holding silica, and a means for adding silica to the reactive solution. |
| US08201510B1 |
Collapsible sail frame for watercraft
A collapsible sail frame for a watercraft. The sail frame includes a shaft, a skeletal assembly, and a sail. The shaft has a tip and a handle. The skeletal assembly includes ribs, struts, a first ring and a second ring. The sail is attached on the ribs. First pivoting joints connect ribs to the first ring, with ribs extending in a radial pattern. Second pivoting joints connect struts to the second ring. Third pivoting joints connect struts to ribs. The first ring is fixed on the shaft and the second ring is slidably mounted on the shaft so as to be manually operable for deploying the skeletal assembly, to spread the sail. A loop is provided on the deck of the watercraft, for retaining the tip of the shaft and the handle includes a clamp for engaging the deck of the watercraft. |
| US08201508B2 |
Needle thread feeding device for multi-needle embroidery sewing machine
The present invention provides a needle thread feeding device for a multi-needle embroidery sewing machine which includes a drive roller having a length that extends across the plurality of needle threads, a needle thread guide mechanism that arranges the needle threads side by side in an axial direction of the drive roller and guides the needle threads, a pressure roller that presses the selected needle thread onto the drive roller, and a thread distributing mechanism that relatively moves the needle thread guide mechanism and the pressure roller in the axial direction of the drive roller in synchronization with movement of the sewing machine head. The thread distributing mechanism interposes the selected needle thread between the drive roller and the pressure roller. |
| US08201505B2 |
Counterbalance apparatus
A counterbalance apparatus for use in a workstation to raise and lower a work surface of the workstation. The counterbalance apparatus compensates for the load on the work surface. The counterbalance apparatus includes an inner column telescopingly mounted in an outer column. A base member is positioned at one end of the outer column. A grooved member positioned between the inner column and the base member and a force mechanism between the grooved member and the inner column or the work surface. The grooved member moves in and out of the inner column and base member to raise and lower the work surface. |
| US08201503B2 |
Railroad car diaphragm
A railcar diaphragm is described having a first and a second plate assembly, a bellows assembly, and a spring assembly. The first plate assembly is coupled to a railcar. The second plate assembly is configured to contact another railcar. The bellows is disposed between first and second plate assemblies. The spring assembly includes a leaf spring and a pivot member coupled to the leaf spring. The first and second plate assemblies are coupled through the spring assembly. The spring assembly has a first and a second configuration based on whether the railcar is engaged to another railcar. The spring assembly and the second plate assembly can collectively swivel about a centerpoint associated with the pivot member when the spring assembly is in the second configuration and the railcar is in a curved portion of a track. |
| US08201502B2 |
Magnet pole for magnetic levitation vehicles
A magnet pole, for magnetically levitated vehicles, includes a core (10) and a winding provided with winding disks that are arranged axially on top of each other. Both of the disks contain conduction band sections (6a, 6b) that are wound counter to the direction of winding and in several layers about the core (10). The conduction band sections are connected together in an electrically conductive manner by means of a connection part (1) on the core (10) near ends. The connection part (1) is bent in an outward manner on lateral longitudinal edges that are parallel to each other thus forming a curved outlet (12a, 12b). |
| US08201499B2 |
Plate inserting apparatus
A plate inserting apparatus includes a plate cylinder, press roller, and braking unit. A plate is to be mounted on the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The press roller is rotatably supported to oppose the outer surface of the plate cylinder, and inserts the leading edge bent portion of the plate, supplied to the plate cylinder upon rotation of the plate cylinder, into a groove portion formed in the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The braking unit is arranged in a plate storing portion for storing the plate supplied to the plate cylinder, and brakes the plate with the leading edge bent portion inserted in the groove portion of the plate cylinder. |
| US08201497B2 |
Stencil discharging box, stencil receiving apparatus, and stencil printing apparatus
The present invention provides an easy-to-use stencil discharging box that can easily be detached from a printing apparatus with one hand, and can smoothly execute vertical discard in this state. A stencil discharging box that is detachably mounted to a printing apparatus for receiving a used stencil compressed by compressing means of the printing apparatus is detached from the apparatus. When an operation lever is depressed, a cover member provided to an upper opening of a main body moves in an upward direction to open the opening, and a stencil moving member integrally formed with the cover member pivots in a frontward and upward-direction from between compression ribs of the main body so as to lift up the used stencil sticking to the ribs in the main body. When the main body is tilted with a discharge port provided at one side face of the main body (at the near side in the figure) facing downward, the used stencil can be discharged to the outside (vertical discard). |
| US08201496B1 |
Biomass harvester compressor system
A biomass harvester compressor system for efficiently harvesting and compacting biomass. The biomass harvester compressor system generally includes a harvester for harvesting a biomass crop and a compressor following behind the harvester for being fed the harvested biomass crop. The compressor includes at least one compacting device for compacting the biomass, at least one freezing assembly for freezing the biomass and at least one cutting mechanism for cutting the biomass after the freezing. |
| US08201493B2 |
Oven
An oven has a first conveyor, a first burner that directs heat toward the first conveyor from above the first conveyor, and a second burner directs heat toward the first conveyor from below the first conveyor. A method includes providing foodstuff on a conveyor, exposing the foodstuff to heat directed toward the foodstuff from above the conveyor, and exposing the foodstuff to heat directed toward the foodstuff from below the conveyor. Another oven has a first conveyor and first conveyor insulators that surround the first conveyor and define a first zone. Another method includes introducing foodstuff to a first conveyor belt within a first insulated zone, introducing heat into the first insulated zone, and retaining a portion of the heat within the first insulated zone. Another oven has an insulated cooking zone that closely envelopes a cooking path and an insulated oven zone that substantially envelopes the cooking zone. |
| US08201492B2 |
Popcorn popping machines and associated methods of manufacture and use
Popcorn popping machines and associated methods of manufacture and use are disclosed herein. A popcorn popping machine configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing having an interior portion and a first side portion opposite a second side portion. The popcorn popping machine also includes a corn mover, a heat source, and an air mover positioned in the interior portion. The air mover is positioned on a support shaft extending from the first side portion to the second side portion of the housing. In operation, the air mover is configured to direct heated air from the heat source to corn kernels moved through the interior portion by the corn mover. |
| US08201489B2 |
Gas system for an automatic firearm
The present invention is a gas system for a firearm comprising a hollow gas tube extending between a forward gas tap in a firearm's barrel and a rearward piston assembly to impinge upon and operate the firearm's bolt operating system. The system does not have a translation rod extending between the two components as in prior art systems nor does it have a rearward tap like others. As such, it balances cleanliness and weight reduction of the prior art systems and reduces moving parts. |
| US08201485B2 |
Tubular braid and composite hollow fiber membrane using the same
A tubular braid and a composite hollow fiber membrane using the same are disclosed. The tubular braid is made by braiding yarns, the yarn made by combining thin filament and thick filament, wherein the thin filament is comprised of a plurality of monofilament having a fineness of 0.01 to 0.4 denier, and the thick filament is comprised of at least one monofilament having a fineness of 3 to 50 denier. Also, the composite hollow fiber membrane using the tubular braid of the present invention can realize excellent water permeability, high mechanical strength, good filtration reliability, great peeling strength, low dope permeation, and high stiffness. |
| US08201480B2 |
Barrel drive mechanism for pallets
A rotary drive mechanism is used to insert a pallet into the workzone of a machine tool past the plane the guard doors. Cam barrels are mounted one each on the opposite ends of a pair of opposed drive shafts that are driven by a pair of drive hubs. The cam barrels engage cam followers mounted on the underside of the pallet to drive the pallet into the workzone of the machine tool. The connection between the drive shafts and the drive hubs is separable, allowing the drive shafts to be uncoupled from the drive hubs when desired. The drive hubs are mounted on a hub carrier that is rotatable about a vertical axis to uncouple the drive hubs from the drive shafts and swing the drive hubs out of the plane of the guard doors, allowing the doors to close. |
| US08201473B2 |
Worm-like mechanism
The invention relates to a worm-like mechanism comprising a support structure, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the mechanism, and at least two actuating units, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the support structure and each of which has two supporting elements, which while extending transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction of the support structure are attached to the latter at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction, and at least one actuating element, which is arranged between the supporting elements and by which the supporting elements can be moved in relation to one another. In order to provide a further worm-like mechanism, which provides precise open-loop or closed-loop control of its movements while in particular being of a simplified, slender construction, it is provided that the actuating elements can be activated individually or in group by way of a central line. |
| US08201471B2 |
Gears and gearing apparatus
In a gear (G1) according to the present invention, which is provided with a plurality of teeth (1) to be mated with teeth of a mating gear to thereby transmit a rotational motion, a predetermined region (A) in at least one tooth flank (7) of each tooth (1) is formed in a configuration such that, from at least one place in a tooth width direction on a crossing (8) of the tooth flank (7) and a tooth tip surface (3), the mating with the teeth of the mating gear is started with the point contact or the line contact shorter than the total tooth width, and thereafter, is gradually shifted to the line contact so that the length of contact line (10) thereof is sequentially increased as the line contact moves from a tooth tip surface (3) side toward a tooth root side. |
| US08201468B2 |
Electromotive furniture double drive and switch arrangement
An electromotive furniture double drive includes at least one drive motor, which is in driving engagement with a speed reduction gear train. An output element, which is secured against rotation, can be moved in its longitudinal direction by means of the speed reduction gear train. At least the speed reduction gear train and the output element are arranged in the housing, and the end positions of each output element are limited by at least one end switch. The output element and/or the housing has an adjustment device by means of which the position of the switching threshold of the at least one end switch can be adjusted from an area outside the housing. |
| US08201466B2 |
Multi-channel pipette including a piston holder with guidance
A device for use in a multi-channel pipetting system is provided. The device includes a body, a plurality of modules mounted to the body, a plurality of pistons mounted to a piston holder for simultaneous movement of the plurality of pistons in a first direction, and a guidance assembly. Each module includes an orifice connecting to an intake chamber. A piston extends into the intake chamber for movement in the first direction. The guidance assembly includes a first rotating element, a second rotating element, a shaft connecting the first rotating element to the second rotating element, and a first track and a second track extending parallel to the first direction. The shaft extends in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first rotating element is mounted to roll along the first track, and the second rotating element is mounted to roll along the second track simultaneously with the plurality of pistons. |
| US08201453B2 |
Medium fatigue detection apparatus and medium fatigue detection method
A medium fatigue detection apparatus and a medium fatigue detection method detect fatigue of a sheet-like medium. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic sending device for oscillating ultrasonic waves as burst waves, an ultrasonic receiving device, and a sensed intensity detector. The ultrasonic sending device and ultrasonic receiving device are arranged to oppose each other and allow a sheet-like medium to pass between them. The ultrasonic waves sent from the ultrasonic sending device are incident on a principal surface of the sheet-like medium at a predetermined incident angle θ. Fatigue of the medium is detected by measuring a variation in sensed intensity of the ultrasonic waves having passed through the sheet-like medium. |
| US08201449B2 |
Sensor
A sensor includes detecting element (28) with an acceleration sensor, which is formed of weight (18) coupled to rigid section (14) via flexible section (16), substrate (10) confronting weight (18), and an electrode section including opposed electrodes (20, 22, 24, 26) placed on respective opposed faces of weight (18) and substrate (10). This structure prevents weight (18) from moving along Z-axis, so that a detection accuracy of acceleration occurring along X-axis or Y-axis can be improved. |
| US08201443B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring catalyst device integrity
Systems and methods for monitoring catalyst presence, reverse and damage in an aftertreatment device. The disclosed systems and methods involve calculating the heat capacity of the catalyst device based on information received from sensors for measuring temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the SCR device and the exhaust mass flow. |
| US08201441B2 |
Method and device for determining the degree of hardness of semisolid materials
An apparatus and a method allows a determination of the degree of hardness of semisolid materials with a higher accuracy and a simultaneously lower sensitivity with respect to electronic and mechanical disruptions.An adjusted force value (FBer) is determined prior or during a downward movement of a force/path sensor (20) and the force difference (ΔF32−ΔF51) is determined between the adjusted force value (FBer) and respective measured force value (ΔF32−ΔF51) and a zero time (t41) is determined, wherein the position (21, s41) of the measuring body (5, 8) at the zero time (t41) is used as the exact starting position (21, s41) of the surface of the material to be measured (22). |
| US08201435B2 |
Plate workpiece processing tools and machines
Machines and tools that can be used to process (e.g., to cut and/or form) plate-like workpieces, such as metal sheets. In some aspects, a plate workpiece processing tool includes a first tool portion, which is drivingly connectable to a stroke drive, and a second tool portion. The tool has at least one processing device on the first tool portion and at least two counter-devices on the second tool portion. By using an activating device provided on the second tool portion, different device pairings can be activated for workpiece processing. |
| US08201432B2 |
Plate workpiece processing with interchangeable tools
A plate workpiece processing machine includes a workpiece support, a tool punch holder, a tool die holder, a tool drive, multiple tool punches, and multiple tool dies. Various tool punches and tool dies have tool heads of differing heights. The tool punch holder is positionable based on the tool head height of a tool punch secured to the tool punch holder and/or the tool die holder is positionable based on the tool head height of a tool die secured to the tool die holder. |
| US08201431B2 |
Method and device for handling/transporting working rolls and/or support rolls
The invention relates to a method for handling/transporting rolls and/or supports rolls in a roll workshop. The invention is characterized in that the working rolls (7, 8) are pulled/displaced by means of a locomotive mechanism (9) from the roll stand (4) in the roll hall (1), via platforms (20), into the roll workshop (2), the locomotive mechanism (9) is displaced in a roll changing hole (10), the roll workshop (2) comprises, to the right and left adjacent to the roll changing hole, a support structure (26) which comprises a left part (27) and a right part (28), a changing carriage (31) is displaced on the support structure (26) and devices (32) for receiving the working rolls/working roll sets (7, 8, 35) are provided on the changing carriage (31), and/or the support rolls (5, 6) are pulled/displaced by the locomotive mechanism (9) from the roll stand (4) into the roll workshop (2); the support rolls (5, 6) are withdrawn from the roll changing hole (10); a novel support roll set is placed in the roll changing hole (10) and the novel support roll set is displaced by the locomotive mechanism (9) in the stand (4). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method. |
| US08201423B1 |
Combination and key operated locks with indicators
Locks for luggage, travelcases, briefcases and the like that can be operated by setting a combination or by using a key include an indicator to provide a signal in response to use of the key. The locks retain relatively movable components in latched engagement when locked, and permit relative movement of the components when unlocked. In some embodiments, the indicator provides a visual signal if an associated travelcase has been opened for inspection by unlocking the associated lock using a key; and, in some embodiments, the indicator can be reset upon entry of a proper combination. |
| US08201422B2 |
Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub fixed in the cabinet, and a drum that performs a washing process. A motor rotates the drum, a supporting device that extends from a rotation shaft of the motor to the cabinet rotatably support the drum. A buffering-and-sealing device is provided at the rear side of the tub to buffer a space between the rotation shaft and the tub and to seal the rear side of the tub. A drying device extends from one side of the tub to the other side of the tub to circulate air in the drum and to dry laundry in the drum. Thus, the size of the washing machine is reduced, the washing capacity thereof is increased, and laundry is dried by the drying device. |
| US08201419B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing float glass
An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass, including a float bath for strong a molten metal on which a molten glass flows, wherein the molten metal flows in the float bath, comprises a plurality of discharge slits formed through a wall of a downstream end of the float bath to discharge a molten metal crashing against the wall and dross floating on the molten metal; a flow-back channel formed in a widthwise direction of the float bath and communicated with the discharge slits; and a dross collecting member for collecting the dross flowing through the flow-back channel. |
| US08201416B2 |
Method and system of temperature-control for electronic component
A method and a system of temperature-control for an electronic component are provided, in which a plurality of temperature sensors is disposed in each area of the electronic component. The temperature-control method includes obtaining a plurality of sensed temperature values; looking up a temperature-control table recording the relationship between a temperature-control threshold and a temperature-control operation set for each area; selecting the temperature-control operation corresponding to sensed temperature values greater than the temperature-control thresholds depending on the temperature-control table; and starting the temperature-control operation to make the sensed temperature values being lower than or equal to the temperature-control thresholds. |
| US08201414B2 |
Assistance device for transient acceleration and deceleration phases
A turbine engine for a helicopter, including a gas generator and a free turbine driven in rotation by the gas flow generated by the gas generator is disclosed. The turbine engine further includes a motor/generator coupled to a shaft of the gas generator, to provide a quantity of additional rotational kinetic energy to the shaft during a stage of turbine engine acceleration, or to draw a quantity of rotational kinetic energy from the shaft during a stage of turbine engine deceleration. |
| US08201413B2 |
Seal land with air injection for cavity purging
An exhaust liner assembly including an interface between moveable parts includes a seal liner having a plurality of slots. The size of each slot varies with the circumferential position of the liner assembly to provide a stable cavity pressure within the interface to create a stable barrier about the entire circumference of the exhaust liner assembly. |
| US08201411B2 |
Deep chilled air washer
A deep chilled air washer for a gas turbine compressor. The deep chilled air washer may include one or more spray arrays for chilling an inlet air stream and one or more drift eliminators positioned downstream of the spray arrays. The drift eliminators may include a heating element therein so as to reheat the inlet air stream. |
| US08201409B1 |
Closed loop, hot dry rock heat recovery fluid
The present invention is a heat recovery fluid to be used in a closed loop, hot dry rock system, where the fluid remains in a liquid state flowing down from the surface in an annular, downflow conduit to a terminal end heat exchanger. At the terminal end heat exchanger, the heat recover fluid partially vaporizes as a result of indirect heat transfer locally from the geological formation, resulting in a dual-phase fluid or vapor stream flowing out from the terminal end heat exchanger to an axial, return upflow conduit. In one embodiment, the upflow conduit is separated by a single wall from the downflow conduit. When the upflow conduit bears a dual-phase fluid, it has been found that the degree of vaporization of the heat transfer fluid does not result in substantial separation of the vapor and remaining liquid, i.e., which could result in plugging or slug flow in a sloping upward direction, but instead produces a stable flow regime for return of the heated heat recovery fluid to the surface. At the surface, vapor is separated from a liquid phase of the heat transfer fluid from the upflow conduit or is directed as a single vapor stream. Said vapor phase stream can be used directly in a turbine or said separated liquid and vapor phases can indirectly transfer heat to a water or light hydrocarbon liquid, vaporizing it as a working fluid for driving a turbine for electrical power production. |
| US08201408B1 |
Biomass (woodfuel) cogeneration powerplant
A sustainable closed loop system with zero waste for cogeneration of electric and thermal energy using woodfuel from a closeby energy plantation of quick growing trees such as Gliricidia Sepium. In addition to the energy plantation sub-system, the system includes a biomass fuel preparing sub-system and a steam and power generation sub-system for use with a biological wastewater treatment sub-system. No chemicals are used for wastewater treatment. |
| US08201404B2 |
Motor control device for construction machinery
A motor control device for construction machinery includes a hydraulic pump; a hydraulic motor driven by pressure oil from the hydraulic pump; a control valve that controls a flow of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor; a pair of main conduit lines that connect the hydraulic motor and the control valve on a delivery side and a return side thereof; an operation member that operates a spool of the control valve to either a neutral position that does not allow the pressure oil for driving from the hydraulic pump to pass through control valve to the hydraulic motor or a non-neutral position that allows the pressure oil for driving to pass through the control valve to the hydraulic motor; a braking pressure generating device that generates braking pressure in the main conduit lines on the return side in a state where the spool of the control valve is positioned in the neutral position as a result of being operated by the operation member, the braking pressure opposing rotation of the hydraulic motor; and a flow control device for allowing the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump to flow into the pair of main conduit lines while the braking pressure is generated by the braking pressure generating device. |
| US08201401B2 |
Passive valve assembly with negative start angle
A passive valve assembly for a vehicle exhaust system includes an exhaust component that defines an exhaust gas flow path and a vane that is positioned within the exhaust gas flow path. The vane is positioned at an initial start position and is movable between a closed position to provide a minimum exhaust gas flow and an open position to provide a maximum exhaust gas flow. The start position is orientated at a negative angle relative to the closed position. |
| US08201395B2 |
Variable position catalyst
A variable position catalyst includes a catalyst housing (7) accommodating a catalyst body (1) and an actuator member (9) for moving the catalyst body (1) with respect to the catalyst housing (7) such that the catalyst body (1) can be moved to an active catalyst position (35) or to an inactive catalyst position (14). The variable position catalyst is incorporated in the exhaust line of an internal combustion engine upstream of a turbocharger. The variable position catalyst can be controlled such that the catalyst body (1) is moved to the active catalyst position (35) when the engine is in a predetermined first operation state, and the catalyst body is moved to the inactive catalyst position (14) when the engine is in a predetermined second operation state. |
| US08201392B2 |
Emission reduction system for turbo charged engine
An emissions reduction system includes an emissions control module that selectively controls fuel injection at a lean A/F ratio based on a first temperature of a catalytic converter and that selectively turns on an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) based on the first temperature. A fuel injection module selectively injects fuel into an engine cylinder during an expansion stroke based on a second temperature of the EHC. |
| US08201388B1 |
Sensor for a header height control system
A header height sensor (102) for an agricultural harvester has an elongate sensor arm (112), a reversing joint (114) and a rotary sensor (116) mounted to a bracket (106) that is fixed to a point (100) of a harvesting head. The reversing joint includes a housing (152) that limits the deflection of the sensor in a lateral direction. |
| US08201386B2 |
Method for making package-absorbent article assembly and package-absorbent article assembly obtained by the same
The present invention includes following the steps of:In a first step, first and second breast milk absorbent pads 2(i), 3(i) are fed onto wrapping sheet web 29. In a second step, the first breast milk absorbent pad 2(ii) is fed so as to be displaced from a transverse center line 32 toward an upper end 30 by ¼ of a dimension H thereof as measured in a longitudinal direction Y, and the second breast milk absorbent pad 2(ii) is fed so as to be displaced from a transverse center line 32 toward an lower end 30 by ¼ of a dimension H thereof as measured in a longitudinal direction Y. In a third step, the first and second breast milk absorbent pads 2, 3(iii) are respectively folded back from the upper and lower ends 30, 31 toward the transverse center line 32 in two-ply fashion. In a fourth step, the upper and lower ends of the wrapping sheet web 29 are folded back toward the transverse center line 32. In a fifth step, a joint zone 20 is formed between the first and second breast milk absorbent pads 2, 3(v) and these two pads 2, 3(v) is cut apart along a cutting line 33. |
| US08201385B2 |
Multi-purpose covering and method of hygienically covering a container top
A covering substrate which is inexpensive to manufacture and adhere to a container yet provides a hygienic environment at a top portion of the container as well as provides multiple promotional or advertising surfaces. A covering substrate capable of being bonded to a rim of a container, the container including a top wall and the rim extending beyond the top wall defining a top portion of the container, the covering providing a hygienic environment at the top portion of the container, including a substrate, a heat seal coating laminated to the substrate and disposed for bonding the substrate to the container substantially along the perimeter of the rim, and a bondable material layered in part to the substrate opposite the heat seal coating, a portion of the bondable material defining a tab therein substantially contained within the perimeter of the substrate. |
| US08201383B2 |
Beam for a co-ordinate measuring machine, method for its production, and measuring machine provided with said beam
A beam for a measuring machine is constituted by a plurality of extruded beam elements, which are set alongside one another and welded together so that each forms a portion of the cross section of the beam itself; the beam elements and the beam have a hollow section shaped like an equilateral triangle. |
| US08201382B1 |
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. |
| US08201376B2 |
Dry-stack masonry system
A masonry block and hardware set for constructing dry stack walls and columns, including a wall unit, a corner unit, and an end unit, wherein each of the wall, corner, and end units have a top surface with a depression that is brought into substantial alignment when an adjoining block at the same level or in the same course is abutted with the respective unit, and further wherein when any two of the units are adjoined, the units create a vertically oriented space for accommodated clamping hardware, and further wherein each of the end and corner units include an alignment slot to align the end units and the corner units in relation to adjoining wall units. Clamping hardware is employed to bolt the wall while construction proceeds, the hardware being disposed in the masonry unit depressions and in the vertically oriented space created by stacked units. The clamping provides a downwardly directed compressive force and lateral rigidity. |
| US08201373B2 |
Liner for concrete forms
The liner for concrete forms is a plastic matrix for simulating the mortar grooves conventionally formed in masonry construction. The liner is placed within a concrete form, and the concrete is poured thereover. The form is removed after the concrete sets, thereby exposing the surface with the liner still remaining therein. The surface of the concrete panel may then be treated as desired to produce a surface finish resembling brick or other masonry construction, e.g., sandblasted or coated with stucco or other material, with the liner remaining in place to protect the simulated mortar grooves. Once the surface of the concrete panel has been treated as desired, the liner is removed to expose the natural concrete surface within the grooves, with this natural concrete surface closely resembling the mortar joints in a masonry wall. |
| US08201367B2 |
Wind and debris resistant garage door window frame and method of installation
A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The front and rear members are brought toward each other to sandwich the borders of the door panel defining the window opening and while also capturing an associated transparent pane. The rear frame member has a rib formed about an inner peripheral edge which is received in locking engagement within a cooperating peripheral groove provided on an inner side of the transparent panel. The rib and groove locking arrangement transfers impact forces on the pane to deformation forces on the front and rear frame members. A series of fastening members are used to hold the front and rear frame members securely against each other. |
| US08201366B2 |
Taper lock system
A glass locking system of locking a glass panel within a base shoe having side walls, comprising a first tapered plate having a first end and a second end. The first plate is tapered such that the first end is thinner than the second end. A second tapered plate has a first end and a second end, the second plate being tapered such that the first end is thinner than the second end. The first and second plate are insertable between a side wall of the base shoe and a glass panel in overlapping relation. Moving the second tapered plate laterally towards the first plate serves to generate a compressive force on the glass panel, and moving the plates laterally apart serves to reduce the compressive force on the panel. |
| US08201364B1 |
Rigid component system
A rigid component is formed of a plurality of coupled cylinders. Each cylinder has a circular cross sectional configuration with an axis, a top, a bottom, first and second sides and a slit. The coupled cylinders have parallel axes and include an upper plane with the axes in a common upper plane and a lower plane with the axes in a common lower plane. The slits face downwardly in the upper plane and upwardly in the lower plane. The slits receive a side of each of its adjacent cylinders. The cylinders are secured with respect to each other by the resilience of the cylinders at their slits holding the sides of the cylinders passing through the slits. |
| US08201360B2 |
Method of covering a potted plant or floral grouping with a floral sleeve
A method of covering a potted plant or a floral grouping with a floral sleeve. The sleeve has, in one embodiment, a plurality of randomly positioned overlapping folds disposed in a sidewall of the sleeve. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion. |
| US08201358B2 |
Fishing hook
A plurality of grooves are formed at a position in a hook tip where a barb is to be generally provided, avoiding damage to a caught fish and avoiding fishing failure. |
| US08201357B2 |
Fishing pole grip
In various embodiments, a fishing pole includes a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end receives a grip and the distal end includes at least one line guide for receiving a fishing line. The grip of certain embodiments includes a flexible mounting tube that engages the proximal end of the rod and a sheet including a polymer outside layer and a fibrous inside layer. In some embodiments, the sheet has a configuration corresponding to the exterior shape of the flexible mounting tube, being wrapped about and adhered to the mounting tube, with the side edges of the sheet abutting one another to define a substantially longitudinal seam extending from the interior surface of the sheet to the exterior surface of the polymer layer. In some embodiments, the grip includes a tube and a strip that is spirally wrapped around the tube to form a substantially helical seam. |
| US08201356B2 |
Ice fishing device for protecting a fishing line
An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught. |
| US08201355B2 |
Rail attachment mechanism
A rail mounting mechanism for coupling an auxiliary device to a weapon has an eccentric hub and a blade with a lever arm that can be used to overcome tolerances in mounting rails to provide a consistent grasp of the rail. |
| US08201352B2 |
Ironing board cover with storage pouch
An ironing board cover assembly has a cover sized and shaped to fit an ironing board. The cover folds into a compact arrangement for storage and unfolds into a expanded arrangement to secure to the ironing board. A pouch attached to the cover, receives the cover when the cover in the compact arrangement. When installed on the ironing board, the pouch receives ironing accessories. |
| US08201351B2 |
Procedure and device for the micro-mixing of fluids through reflux cell
Procedure and device for the micro-mixing of miscible or immiscible fluids through reflux cell, produced by the invasion of one of the fluids going upstream into the feeding tube of the other fluid. This tube is closed and has a tube exit which is placed opposite an area of confluence where the exiting flow of the intercepted fluid meets an approximately perpendicular current of invading fluid, which is radially and centripetally directed to the axis of this exiting flow. The product is released outside through an exit orifice. The edges of the tube exit and the exit orifice are opposite each other and separated by an axial gap; and the penetration of this reflux cell into the feeding tube is regulated by controlling the velocity of the fluid. An application of the invention is the ironing with a steam-aided water spray of drops smaller than 200 microns. |
| US08201348B2 |
Studded footwear
A shoe stud and receptacle, the shoe stud including a ground-engaging part and the two components are adapted to be secured together by a multi-start threaded connection comprising a screw-threaded spigot on one of the two components adapted to be inserted with rotation into a screw-threaded socket on the other component, and a locking means of the components which is arranged to become interengaged to resist unscrewing of the assembly, the locking means comprising a primary locking means and at least one secondary locking member, the primary locking means comprising a ring of posts extending axially from one of the components and a ring of teeth on the other component, the posts engaging between the teeth, and wherein the or each secondary locking member is adapted to engage with a post to maintain the interengagement of the primary locking means. |
| US08201345B2 |
Method for operating a cleanout cycle in a dispensing dryer
A method for operating a cleanout cycle to remove treating chemistry dispensed within a dispenser dryer. |
| US08201341B2 |
Coordinate measuring machine with rotatable grip
A portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) can have one or more rotatable grip assemblies to provide a locations for an operator to grasp the PCMM. A rotatable grip assembly can include a rotatable sleeve, a grip portion disposed over the sleeve, and one or more retaining rings to prevent the rotatable grip from axially sliding along one or more members of an articulated arm PCMM. A PCMM can include two rotatable grips to allow an operator to grasp the PCMM with both hands for positioning and repositioning operations. One rotatable grip can be positioned on an arm member most distant the PCMM base, and another rotatable grip can be positioned on a housing at least partially encasing an articulating joint assembly coupled to the arm member most distant the PCMM base. Other numbers of and locations of rotatable grip assemblies can be used in PCMMs. |
| US08201338B2 |
Positioning device used in antenna testing system and a method of accurately positioning a testing antenna
A positioning device, used in antenna's testing system, includes a crane, a fastening device, a testing antenna and a laser generator. The crane includes a gearing with a sliding shoe thereon. The fastening device is fixed on the sliding shoe of the crane. The testing antenna is fixed in font of the fastening device. The laser generator is fastened on the fastening device and located on a level different from the testing antenna. The laser generator sends out laser for defining the position of the testing antenna. |
| US08201335B2 |
Self-contained vacuum saw
A portable cutting apparatus. The apparatus includes a motor and a cutting blade driven by the motor. A protective housing encloses at least a portion of the cutting blade. A vacuum impeller is disposed in a vacuum housing to generate airflow to move dust and debris created by the cutting blade into a removable vacuum bag. At least one vacuum tube directs the airflow from the protective housing to the vacuum housing. The motor operates both the cutting blade and the vacuum impeller. A bellows interconnects the protective housing and a lower platform. The lower platform pivots relative to the cutting blade about a pivot axis that is outwardly spaced from and parallel to a cutting plane defined by the cutting blade. |
| US08201333B2 |
Method of making flush door skins
Universal master boards and methods of making flush door skins and doors from the universal master boards are disclosed. The universal master boards each have an expansive surface with a graphic design of at least first depressions and second depressions in at least first and second surface regions, respectively. The first depressions simulate a first wood grain pattern, and the second depressions simulate a second wood grain pattern aligned in a different direction than the simulated first wood grain pattern. The universal master boards may be cut and demarcated selectively to establish different assortments of simulated wood patterns and different ornamental features, such as stiles and rails. |
| US08201332B2 |
Method for reinforcing a metal tubular structure
A method for reinforcing a metal tubular structure (1) including the following steps: introducing inside the metal tubular structure (1), a plurality of substantially linear elements (4) having a tensile strength higher than a predetermined value; and injecting a curable filling product inside the metal tubular structure, so that the curable filling product contacts an inner surface of the metal tubular structure (1) and coats the substantially linear elements (4) of said plurality of elements. |
| US08201331B2 |
Catalytic converter and method of making the same
A method of making a catalytic converter includes providing a catalyst substrate having a substrate periphery and a mat support disposed thereon. The method also includes providing a metal shell having a shell wall having a shell periphery and a bore that is configured to receive the catalyst substrate and mat support. It further includes inserting the catalyst substrate and mat support into the bore of the metal shell in slidable engagement therewith. Still further it includes reducing the shell periphery while applying an axial force sufficient to cause translation of the catalyst substrate and mat support relative to the bore until the force reaches a predetermined retention force threshold, whereupon the reducing of the shell periphery and translation of the catalyst substrate is stopped. |
| US08201326B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
One aspect is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and semiconductor device. One embodiment provides a plurality of modules. Each of the modules includes a carrier and at least one semiconductor chip attached to the carrier. A dielectric layer is applied to the modules to form a workpiece. The dielectric layer is structured to open at least one of the semiconductor chips. The workpiece is singulated to obtain a plurality of devices. |
| US08201323B2 |
Hypodermic needle extraction and disposal system and device
A hypodermic needle extraction device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer, the device including at least one guide rod disposed with the device, a carriage assembly having a carriage slidably mounted on the guide rod, and a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle is separated from the syringe body as the syringe body and needle are urged apart. |
| US08201316B2 |
Lamination cooling system formation method
An electric motor, transformer or inductor having a cooling system. A stack of laminations have apertures at least partially coincident with apertures of adjacent laminations. The apertures define straight or angled cooling-fluid passageways through the lamination stack. Gaps between the adjacent laminations are sealed by injecting a heat-cured sealant into the passageways, expelling excess sealant, and heat-curing the lamination stack. Manifold members adjoin opposite ends of the lamination stack, and each is configured with one or more cavities to act as a manifold to adjacent passageway ends. Complex manifold arrangements can create bidirectional flow in a variety of patterns. |
| US08201312B2 |
Working equipment and method for working a structure
A working equipment comprising an external working head and an internal working head both arranged for applying a thrust on a structure having a wall. The wall comprises an external side and an internal side opposite to said external side. The thrust is opposite to the thrust applied to a same part by the other of the internal and external working head. The external working head is provided with a pressure device comprising a slide which holds a piston head comprising a supporting plate, an intermediate plate and a fixed base. The supporting plate is attached to the intermediate plate and the intermediate plate is attached to the fixed base. The supporting plate has a tool passage opening. The suction chamber is arranged inside the intermediate plate and inside the fixed base. |
| US08201306B2 |
Hinge apparatus of engine hood for vehicle
A hinge apparatus of an engine hood for a vehicle which is provided between a hood panel and a vehicle body panel to ensure rotation of the hood panel. The hinge apparatus includes a hinge bracket mounted to a vehicle body panel, a hinge arm mounted to the hood panel and hinged to the hinge bracket by a hinge shaft and including a rail slot formed at one end thereof, a support link unit pivotally linking the hinge bracket to the hinge arm, and a return link unit pivotally linking the support link unit and the rail slot of the hinge arm so that the support link unit is selectively locked by the return link unit. |
| US08201304B2 |
Compliant door hinge
An apparatus including a frame, a door and a compliant hinge mechanism hingably mounting the door to the frame, the compliant hinge mechanism including a resistance configured to provide a preload to balance the door in a first open position and an increasing force resisting further opening of the door when the preload is overcome and the door is opened past the first open position. |
| US08201303B2 |
Vacuum cleaner lint brush attachment
A vacuum cleaner lint brush accessory system having a lint brush and cradle. The lint brush has longitudinally opposed handle and brush portions. The brush portion has a brush material adapted to remove fibrous substances from a surface to be cleaned. The cradle has a chamber opening leading to a chamber. The chamber extends in the longitudinal direction and is adapted to longitudinally receive at least the brush portion of the lint brush, the chamber has at least one brush cleaning pad adapted to engage the brush material and remove the fibrous substances from the brush material. The chamber further includes an air outlet spaced from the chamber opening. The air outlet is selectively connectable to a vacuum passage of a vacuum cleaner. |
| US08201300B2 |
Cleaning implement
A cleaning implement is disclosed for effectively removing not only liquid and solid food debris from plate or dish surfaces, but also dirt and other debris accumulated on other surfaces without the use of water, thereby conserving water consumption. |
| US08201293B2 |
Apparatus and method of providing adjustable support and massage to a sleep system
An apparatus for providing a sleep support surface that includes a resiliently deformable sleep support having a person-supporting surface and a resiliently deformable layer with a substantially closed elongate opening that accommodates part of a massaging apparatus that has resistive compressive properties of a resiliently deformable layer lacking an elongate opening when the opening is closed. In one embodiment, the sleep support is a mattress having a foam layer with a slit formed therein in which a movable massager that is a massager head of the massaging apparatus is received. One mattress embodiment includes a foam submattress having a lengthwise extending slit extending substantially the length of the mattress and a mattress topper overlying the massager head. |
| US08201290B1 |
Convertible sofa with contained air mattress
A sofa is convertible to a bed. An air mattress normally stored in deflated condition in the sofa, is automatically deployed upon opening a folded framework into a bed. An electric pump inflates or deflates the mattress. A bag enclosing the bottom and sides of the mattress, is zipped onto the mattress, and has hook-and-loop fasteners securing it to strategic locations on the framework. The conversion from sofa to bed, and back to sofa, is done without removing any cushions and without moving the sofa away from anything behind it. |
| US08201288B2 |
Automatic body spray system
A booth for automatic spray application of multiple liquids onto a human subject may include an HVLP nozzle including a nozzle tip, an air inlet port connected to an air pathway, a linear slide operably connected to a motor and to the HVLP nozzle, a plurality of check valves, and a controller, where the controller is operably connected to the motor and configured to cause the motor to move the HVLP nozzle vertically along at least a portion of the linear slide thereby adjusting the vertical position of the nozzle tip, where the controller is further configured to control an air source for causing air to flow through the air pathway, and where the controller is further configured to control one or more liquid sources for causing the first liquid associated with the first liquid inlet port from the multiple liquid inlet ports to flow through the first liquid inlet port from the multiple liquid inlet ports and the second liquid associated with the second liquid inlet port from the multiple liquid inlet ports to flow through the second liquid inlet port from the multiple liquid inlet ports. |
| US08201283B2 |
Toilet tank valve structure
A toilet tank valve structure comprises a knob unit, a rotatable shaft unit, a pole unit, a whole discharge pull wire, a partial discharge pull wire, a whole discharge assembly, a partial discharge assembly, and a water seal; the knob unit comprising a partial discharge knob and a whole discharge knob; the rotatable shaft unit comprising a shaft core and a shaft sleeve; the pole unit comprising a partial discharge pole and a whole discharge pole; the whole discharge knob being secured to an outer end of the shaft sleeve, an inner end of the shaft sleeve being secured to a first end of the whole discharge pole, a second end of the whole discharge pole being connected to the whole discharge pull wire to link the whole discharge assembly and the water seal; the partial discharge knob being secured to an outer end of the shaft core, the shaft core being inserted into the shaft sleeve, an inner end of the shaft core being secured to a first end of the partial discharge pole, a second end of the partial discharge pole being connected to the partial discharge pull wire to link the partial discharge assembly and the water seal. This structure is convenient for installation and operation. |
| US08201281B2 |
Toilet bowl trapping device
A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap, a plurality of hooks, and an adjustment buckle. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the second end includes a plurality of adjustment holes, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks is attached to an inner wall of the strap, wherein the hooks extend at approximately 45-60 degrees away from the strap. The adjustment buckle is attached to the first end of the strap, wherein the second end of the strap slides through the adjustment buckle to adjust the diameter of the strap. |
| US08201280B1 |
Arrangement for protecting a waste water line
An arrangement for protecting a waste water line from plugging due to debris includes a pipe with spikes projecting upstream toward the oncoming waste water flow. |
| US08201271B2 |
Armor vest with mechanical quick release mechanism
Bulletproof vests, body armor, and other tactical vests with quick release buckle mechanisms are described along with methods of their use. The multi-point buckle mechanisms release upon rotating a shaft, allowing the vest panels and straps to fall cleanly to the ground without knocking the wearer off balance. Waist belt clips allow a wearer to put the vest on over his or her head without engaging the emergency release, or the multi-point buckle mechanism can release only the waist straps upon rotating the shaft in the opposite direction. A flap protects the rotatable quick release mechanism from inadvertent activation. |
| US08205262B2 |
Hardware support for computer speciation
A system for disrupting malware includes a transform function and its inverse transform function which, when applied serially to an original bit pattern will return the original bit pattern, but when applied in solo will result in a bit pattern which is different than the original bit pattern, a preprocessor configured to apply the transform function in order to transform each benign program received from the computer-readable medium from an architecturally standardized form into a locally-specific form prior to storage of the program code in the program memory; a postprocessor configured to apply the inverse transform function in order to inversely transform all programs prior to their execution, such that previously transformed benign programs are converted back to the architecturally standardized form and malicious programs are rendered dysfunctional for their intended purpose. A method includes operations for serially transforming and inversely transforming authorized programs, but only inversely transforming unauthorized programs. |
| US08205261B1 |
Incremental virus scan
Incremental scanning is disclosed. A system is monitored to detect object events, and a scan list may be updated with information regarding objects to be scanned, based on some of the object events. Objects are scanned based on the information in the scan list. |
| US08205260B2 |
Detection of window replacement by a malicious software program
Various embodiments of a system and method for providing protection against malicious software programs are disclosed. The system and method may be operable to detect that a first window of a legitimate software program has been replaced by a second window of a malicious software program, e.g., where the second window includes features to mimic the first window in an effort to fool the user into inputting sensitive information into the second window. The method may operate to alert the user when the window replacement is detected. |
| US08205259B2 |
Adaptive behavioral intrusion detection systems and methods
Systems and methods for analyzing historical network traffic and determining which traffic does not belong in a network are disclosed. Intrusion detection is performed over a period of time, looking for behavioral patterns within networks or information systems and generating alerts when these patterns change. The intrusion detection system intelligently forms correlations between disparate sources to find traffic anomalies. Over time, behaviors are predictive, and the intrusion detection system attempts to predict outcomes, becoming proactive instead of just reactive. Intrusions occur throughout whole information systems, including both network infrastructure and application servers. By treating the information system as a whole and performing intrusion detection across it, the chances of detection are increased significantly. |
| US08205257B1 |
Systems and methods for preventing threats originating from a non-process based component hosted by a trusted process
A computer-implemented method for preventing threats originating from a non-process based component hosted by a trusted process is described. The loading activity of the trusted process is monitored. A trust level associated with the trusted process is altered when an unverified component is loaded into the trusted process. Events performed by the trusted process are monitored. An unverified component that originated the event is identified. The trusted process is terminated based on a security risk associated with the unverified component that originated the event. |
| US08205256B2 |
Apparatus for detecting intrusion code and method using the same
An apparatus and method of detecting an intrusion code is provided. The apparatus for detecting an intrusion code includes: a set value input unit in which a set value differentiated for each group is input; an immune database generation unit which generates an immune database, based on the set value; and an intrusion code determination unit which determines whether data corresponds to an intrusion code, based on the generated immune database. |
| US08205252B2 |
Network accountability among autonomous systems
Accountability among Autonomous Systems (ASs) in a network ensures reliable identification of various customers within the ASs and provides defensibility against malicious customers within the ASs. In one implementation, reliable identification is achieved by implementing ingress filtering on data packets originating within individual ASs and defensibility is provided by filtering data packets on request. To facilitate on-request filtering, individual ASs are equipped with a Filter Request Server (FRS) to filter data packets from certain customers identified in a filter request. Thus, when a requesting customer makes a filter request against an offending customer, the FRS within the AS to which the offending customer belongs conducts on-request filtering and installs an on-request filter on a first-hop network infrastructure device for the offending customer. Consequently, the first-hop network infrastructure device filters any data packet sent from the offending customer to the requesting customer. |
| US08205249B2 |
Method for carrying out a secure electronic transaction using a portable data support
A method for effecting a secure electronic transaction on a terminal using a portable data carrier is proposed. According to the method a user (30) first authenticates himself vis-à-vis the portable data carrier (20). The portable data carrier (20) at the same time produces quality information about how authentication was done. The authentication is confirmed to the terminal (14). Then the portable data carrier (20) performs a security-establishing operation within the transaction, for example the creation of a digital signature. It attaches the quality information to the result of the security-establishing operation. |
| US08205245B2 |
System and method for creating a secure trusted social network
A system for a plurality of users to share resources with access, control and configuration based on pre-defined relationships of trust between the users of the system. A computer-based authority provides the services of authentication, identification and verification of each user within network. Processes are described that leads to the formation of an electronic community, which facilitates electronic communication and transactions in a defined manner. |
| US08205244B2 |
Systems and methods for generating, managing, and displaying alarms for wireless network monitoring
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for generating, managing, and displaying alarms associated with monitoring a wireless network. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides one alarm per security event, and the ability to see an event in context over time and aggregate information. This results in a significant reduction in alarm volume for wireless monitoring which increases manageability and reduces storage requirements. Further, this provides better security by avoiding the “needle in the haystack” problem where you see few actionable alarms rather than being flooded by multiple copies of the same event over time. Finally, the present disclosure provides improved system scalability with large deployments by managing alarms through lesser alarm volume, and through visual representation. |
| US08205241B2 |
Detection of hardware-based virtual machine environment
A method and a processing device are provided for detecting a hardware-based virtual machine environment. An execution time of a privileged instruction may be measured and an execution time of a nonprivileged instruction may be measured. The execution time of the privileged instruction may be compared with the execution time of the nonprivileged instruction. When the execution time of the privileged instruction exceeds the execution time of the nonprivileged instruction by at least a threshold or a threshold factor, then a hardware-based virtual machine environment is detected. In some embodiments, a well-known technique for detecting a software-based virtual machine environment may be used in conjunction with a technique for detecting a hardware-based virtual machine environment. A licensing policy of a software product may be accessed and the software product may be prevented from executing when a detected machine environment is in violation of the licensing policy. |
| US08205239B1 |
Methods and systems for adaptively setting network security policies
Determining a security policy to apply to access requests to network sites that have not been classified for security risks is accomplished according to user behavior. Past behavior of users and requests to access network sites that are known security risks is recorded. When a user requests access to a site that is not classified for security purposes, a security policy is selected based on one or more users' past behavior. When a user has a history of not accessing sites that pose security risks, a more permissive security policy is set, and when a user has a history of requesting access to sites that do pose security risks a more restrictive security policy is set. Access requests are tracked, and security policy may be set at a name server that is remote from a user or user's computing system. |
| US08205237B2 |
Identifying works, using a sub-linear time search, such as an approximate nearest neighbor search, for initiating a work-based action, such as an action on the internet
A media work may be associated with an action by (a) extracting features from the media work, (b) determining an identification of the media work, based on the features extracted, using a sub-linear time search, such as an approximate nearest neighbor search for example, and (c) determining an action based on the identification of the media work determined. The media work may be an audio work. The features extracted from the work may include (A) a frequency decomposition of a signal of the audio work, (B) information samples of the audio work, (C) average intensities of sampled windows of the audio work, and/or (D) information from frequencies of the audio work. |
| US08205236B2 |
Contents distribution system, contents distribution method thereof and contents distribution program thereof
The contents distribution system for distributing contents to a terminal of each user through a communication network, including a distribution server which connects to each terminal through the communication network to distribute contents, in which the distribution server sequentially divides data of contents to be distributed into frames to generate frames coded by a predetermined plurality of different coding systems, selects, based on a request from the terminal of the user, a frame appropriate for the request from among the generated frames and transmits the selected frame to the terminal in question. |
| US08205235B2 |
Systems and methods for representing a tuner device in a media server content directory service
Systems and methods for representing a tuner device in a content directory service that is implemented in a media server are disclosed. An exemplary method involves representing a tuner as a tuner container. A broadcast channel which is accessible to the tuner is represented as a broadcast item within the tuner container. The exemplary method also involves exposing the broadcast item within the tuner container as an object for browsing by a control point. Information about the broadcast item may be sent to the control point in response to a browse request. A connection may be established with a media renderer for transmission of content from the broadcast channel to the media renderer. |
| US08205234B1 |
Information processing device and method for controlling programmed video recording of television broadcast program and recorded medium on which program is recorded
A recording reservation data comprised of text data indicating the information that the text data is the recording reservation data, the information specifying the date and time of starting the recording, the information specifying a channel for recording, the information specifying the date and time of start of the recording and the information specifying the time of end of the recording is transmitted. |
| US08205233B2 |
Scheduler apparatus employing a gopher recording agent for use in a television receiver
In a television system in which at least program title information for programs which are to be transmitted in the future is transmitted in advance to form a channel guide listing, apparatus is provided for searching the listing for specific user-entered information, and upon successful conclusion to the search, the apparatus schedules the tuning of the desired program, or in the alternative, notifies the viewer of the availability of the program. In those instances where descriptive text accompanies the program listing, apparatus of the invention performs a search of the text for a particular text string which may relate to the title, the star, the director, or the context of the program, among other search criteria. |
| US08205231B2 |
Apparatus and method managing personal schedule and providing overlapping broadcasting programs
An apparatus for effectively managing a personal schedule and broadcasting programs includes a schedule management unit for managing a personal schedule, a broadcasting program management unit for managing basic information of broadcasting programs, an interface unit which receives an input signal, and a control unit which finds a first broadcasting program which overlaps with the personal schedule, searches for basic information for the first broadcasting program, and provides a first list including a title of the first broadcasting program, the basic information, and a display component for performing a control operation in response to an input signal. |
| US08205226B2 |
System and method of dynamically allocating advertisement according to audience rating
A method and system are provided for allocating a dynamic advertisement according to audience ratings. The method includes selecting an advertisement broadcast to be transmitted based on broadcast viewing information of users and a transmission condition, and providing the selected advertisement broadcast. |
| US08205225B2 |
Television transmitter, television transmitting method, television receiver and television receiving method
A TV transmitter, a TV transmitting method, a TV receiver and a TV receiving method allowing users to find and choose desired programs through the use of a program guide displayed by graphical user interface (GUI). The TV transmitter comprises a signal generation unit for generating text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals, a multiplexer for multiplexing the text data signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signals of the TV broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed TV broadcast signal, and an output unit for outputting the multiplexed TV broadcast signal provided by the multiplexer. The TV receiver comprises a display unit for receiving and displaying text data signals extracted from a multiplexed TV broadcast signal interleaving the text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals a designation unit for designating any one of the text data signals displayed by the display unit a detection unit for detecting the hyper text data signal corresponding to the text data signal designated by the designation unit and a processing unit for processing the TV broadcast program corresponding to the hyper text data signal detected by the detection unit. |
| US08205217B2 |
Methods and systems for configuring a specific-use computing system limited to executing predetermined and pre-approved application programs
Systems and methods for configuring a specific-use computing system are disclosed. A computing system may comprise a first set of predetermined application programs and a processor limited to executing the first set of predetermined application programs and pre-approved application programs received from a pre-approved computing device. The computing system may also include a communication interface configured to enable communication between the first computing system and the pre-approved computing device. Exemplary methods and computer-readable media are also enclosed. |
| US08205215B2 |
Automated event correlation
Events captured at an application are compared to event correlation instances, wherein an event correlation instance represents a relationship between events of components of the application. The event of a plurality of events that is a potential root cause event of the plurality of events is determined. The potential root cause event and component associated with the potential root cause event are outputted. |
| US08205213B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically brokering object messages among object models
The present invention dynamically brokers object messages between object models. An mediating component provides a bridge between object models such that messages can be transmitted in either direction between object models. The mediating component can be resident on a client machine, a server machine, or both. The mediating component can be used as a bridge between two instances of the same object model running on different machines. Thus, network communication is made possible for objects of an object model that otherwise lacks a networking capability. The mediating component maps a client object to a server object through proxy objects and stub objects. The proxy object always responds affirmatively when queried by a client object whether a server object can execute a particular method. A client object's message is forwarded to a server object. The mediating component performs any necessary translation of arguments or format of the message. In addition, the mediating component translates a server object's response. |
| US08205210B2 |
Associating processes with processing elements and adjusting association
A method, apparatus and system for adaptably distributing video server processes among processing elements within a video server such that video server operation may be adapted in a manner facilitating rigorous timing constraints. |
| US08205208B2 |
Scheduling grid jobs using dynamic grid scheduling policy
The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for scheduling grid jobs. In one embodiment, a process identifies information describing available resources on a set of nodes on a heterogeneous grid computing system to form resource availability information. The process identifies a set of static scheduling policies for a set of static schedulers that manage the set of nodes. The process also identifies a static scheduling status for a portion of the set of static schedulers. The process creates a dynamic grid scheduling policy using the resource availability information, the set of static scheduling policies, and the static scheduling status. The process also schedules a set of grid jobs for execution by the available resources using the dynamic grid scheduling policy. |
| US08205205B2 |
Multi-objective allocation of computational jobs in client-server or hosting environments
A method of processing a computational job with a plurality of processors is disclosed. A request to process a job is received, where the job has a priority level associated with the job. A first group of the processors is designated as being available to process the job, where the number of processors in the first group is based on the priority level associated with the job. A second group of the processors is designated as being available to process the job, where for each processor in the second group a current utilization rate of the processor is less than a second predetermined utilization rate. Then, the job is processed with one or more of the processors selected from the first group of processors and the second group of processors. |
| US08205201B2 |
Process for maintaining execution synchronization between several asynchronous processors working in parallel and in a redundant manner
A process for maintaining synchronization of processors that are executing a same plurality of applications in parallel includes interrupting a current task between processing two successive instructions of an application being processed when an interrupt request occurs to process another application. An intermediate state reached by the current task is saved when the interrupt request occurs, and a counter for each of the processors indicating a number of instructions processed by each of the processors is maintained. A processor is caused to issue a synchronization confirmation in response to a comparison result that the numbers of instructions processed are identical. The processor is caused to enter a wait state when its number of processed-instructions is the largest among the processors or to execute a procedure for processing the instructions until its processed-instruction counter reaches the largest number. |
| US08205197B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for granting hypervisor privileges
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for granting hypervisor privileges. An installation module installs a monitor hypervisor wherein only the monitor hypervisor is granted the hypervisor privileges by the computer. An authentication module authenticates a second hypervisor. An eviction module evicts the monitor hypervisor if the second hypervisor is authenticated. The installation module further installs the second hypervisor after the monitor hypervisor is evicted so that only the second hypervisor is granted hypervisor privileges by the computer. |
| US08205196B2 |
Systems and methods for using operating system (OS) virtualisation for minimizing power consumption in mobile phones
A mobile phone that uses OS virtualization for minimizing power consumption in mobile phones is provided. A mobile phone according to the invention may include a plurality of application stacks and a plurality of processor cores. Each of the application stacks preferably corresponds to one of the plurality of processor cores. The mobile phone also includes a hypervisor. In a first state, the hypervisor allocates tasks from each of the application stacks to the processor core that corresponds to the respective application stack. In a second state, the hypervisor allocates selected tasks from the plurality of application stacks to a single processor core. The second state may be an idle state and the tasks that are allocated to the single processor core may be periodic tasks. |
| US08205195B2 |
Method and system for automatically classifying and installing patches on systems
A tool for classifying and installing patches on terminals. Specifically, when a patch is designed, it may be automatically installed on a terminal if it does not have a direct impact on the terminal and is not in an area which relevant to the terminal user. |
| US08205192B2 |
Compiler device, program, and recording medium
Compiler device for optimizing program which manipulates a character string includes append instruction detection unit, store code generation unit, and append code generation unit. The append instruction detection unit detects an append instruction which appends a character string to a string variable for storing a character string, in the program. The store code generation unit generates, a substitute for each of a plurality of the append instructions detected by the append instruction detection unit, a store code for storing data of an appendant character string to be appended to the string variable by the append instruction into a buffer. The append instructions append the character strings to the same string variable. The append code generation unit generates append code for appending a plurality of the appendant character strings to the string variable, at a position executed before an instruction to refer to the string variable in the program. |
| US08205190B2 |
Data processing system and method
A method of patching at least one function of an executing program, comprising determining when the at least one function is not being executed; and replacing original code in the at least one function with patched code. |
| US08205188B2 |
Automatically generating a second graphical program based on a first graphical program
System and method for programmatically generating a second graphical program associated with a second programming development environment based on a first graphical program associated with a first programming development environment. The second graphical program may be generated programmatically, without relying on user input, or may prompt for user input to determine various options to use in generating the second graphical program. The second graphical program may implement the functionality of, or a portion of the functionality of, the first graphical program. The method preferably generates the second graphical program such that the second programming development environment is operable to treat the second graphical program identically to a graphical program interactively developed by a user using the second programming development environment. Thus, once the second graphical program has been generated, the user may use the second programming development environment to edit the second graphical program, execute the second graphical program, etc. |
| US08205182B1 |
Automatic synthesis of clock distribution networks
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for designing an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes automatically partitioning clock sinks of an integrated circuit design into a plurality of partitions; automatically synthesizing a clock tree from a master clock generator into the plurality of partitions to minimize local clock skew within each of the plurality of partitions; and automatically synthesizing clock de-skew circuitry into each of the plurality of partitions to control clock skew between neighboring partitions. |
| US08205181B1 |
Victim net crosstalk reduction
A circuit analysis tool is provided, enabled with software instructions, for minimizing circuit crosstalk. The instructions provide a first circuit connected to an output mode, having a last gate with a plurality of inputs and an output. The instructions calculate a first circuit victim net delay range (timing window) having a minimum delay (Vmin) and a maximum delay (Vmax). A second circuit is provided having an output connected to the output node to supply an aggressor net delay range (A1) having a minimum delay (A1min) and a maximum delay (A1max). The aggressor net delay range at least partially overlaps the victim net delay range. Without increasing the value of Vmax (critical path timing), the first circuit victim net delay range is shrunk, thereby minimizing crosstalk between the first and second circuits without an increase in first circuit maximum signal delay. |
| US08205180B1 |
Method of and system for generating a logic configuration for an integrated circuit
A method of placing a circuit design in logic blocks of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a circuit design to be implemented in the logic blocks of the integrated circuit; determining clock skew for a clock tree providing clock signals to a plurality of memory elements of the integrated circuit; evaluating timing requirements associated with the circuit design; and transforming the circuit design to a placement configuration, wherein the placement configuration places the circuit design in the logic blocks of the integrated circuit according to the timing requirements of the circuit design and the clock skew for the clock tree. |
| US08205179B2 |
Fast evaluation of average critical area for IC layouts
Method and apparatus for approximating the average critical area of a layout or layout region, involving summing, over all the object segments of interest, respective critical area contribution values that are dependent upon particular layout parameters of the objects, each of the contribution values being representative of a plurality of defect sizes, and being defined such that for each defect size in the plurality of defect sizes, and for a particular defect type, the contribution values collectively count all critical areas arising due to the object segments of interest only once. |
| US08205178B2 |
Common clock path pessimism analysis for circuit designs using clock tree networks
Method, computer program and system to perform timing analysis of designs containing clock networks by eliminating Common Clock Path Pessimism. The method includes transforming a clock network into a clock tree that includes nodes with different clock signal arrival times and leaf nodes representing source and destination registers. The tree is populated with information regarding the source and destination registers and the associated timing for the clock arrival signal. The method then enumerates Common Clock Path Pessimism (CCPP) groups, where any source register and any destination register in a CCPP group have the same nearest common ancestor node in the clock tree. The creation of CCPP groups enables analysis time reduction because only one timing calculation is required for the CCPP group instead of having to perform the analysis for each possible pair of registers. The method eliminates CCPP for each CCPP group and then displays the results. |
| US08205177B2 |
Non-linear receiver model for gate-level delay calculation
A characterized cell library for EDA tools includes receiver model data that provides two or more capacitance values for a given receiver modeling situation (signal type and operating conditions). The receiver model can then use different capacitance values to generate different portions of the model receiver signal, thereby enabling more accurate matching of actual receiver signal timing characteristics. For example, a two-capacitance receiver model can be generated by using the first capacitance value to match the delay characteristics of an actual receiver, and by using the second capacitance (in light of the use of the first capacitance) to match the slew characteristics of that actual receiver. Because typical EDA timing analyses focus mainly on delay and slew (and not the detailed profile of circuit signals), a two-capacitance receiver model can provide a high degree of accuracy without significantly increasing cell library size and computational complexity. |
| US08205176B2 |
Method and system for automated schematic diagram conversion to support semiconductor body bias designs
A computer implemented method and system for converting schematic diagrams. The method includes accessing a first set of schematic diagrams, wherein the schematic diagrams represent an integrated circuit design to be realized in physical form. A plurality of a first type of circuit elements in the first set are converted into a second type of circuit elements. The conversion is implemented in accordance with a set of conversion rules. A second set of schematic diagrams representing the integrated circuit design and including the second type of circuit elements are then output. |
| US08205172B2 |
Graphical web browser history toolbar
The present subject matter describes a graphical web browser toolbar the stores visual representations of user-selected web pages. A saved page is included in the toolbar as a tile that shows a thumbnail image of at least a portion of the page. A user may customize the thumbnail image by zooming onto an area of the page. The user selects a tile from the toolbar to show an enlarged version of the thumbnail image with data from the web page, such as a link to the web page. A comments section allows a user to enter comments related to the web page into the tile. Tiles may be arranged according to groups as configured by the user. The toolbar may be stored and transmitted to a remote location. Using the described techniques, a web shopper can save images in a graphical toolbar and send items saved therein to an acquaintance. |
| US08205162B2 |
Execution contexts for a graphical program
System and method for creating a graphical program (GP) having portions that execute on different targets. A GP including a plurality of interconnected nodes visually indicating functionality of the program is created in response to user input, including a first graphical code portion with a first execution context specifying execution of the first graphical code portion on a first target. A second execution context indicating a second target for execution of a second graphical code portion of the GP is established in response to user input, e.g., by displaying a context structure indicating the second execution context and associating the second graphical code portion with the context structure in response to user input. During execution of the GP, the first graphical code portion executes on the first target using the first execution context, and the second graphical code portion executes on the second target using the second execution context. |
| US08205161B2 |
Graphical programming system with event-handling nodes
A system and method for enabling a graphical program to receive and respond to programmatic events, such as user interface events. The graphical program may include a graphical user interface having various user interface elements and a block diagram having a plurality of nodes indicating functionality of the graphical program. The graphical program may be configured to receive and respond to one or more user interface events. For each event, a portion of graphical source code (such as a plurality of interconnected nodes) may be included in the block diagram, wherein the portion of graphical source code is operable to receive and respond to the respective user interface event. The portion of graphical source code may be executable to perform a desired process or action in response to the respective event. In one embodiment, a sub-program node may be associated with each event. In another embodiment, an event structure node may be included in the block diagram, wherein the event structure node includes one or more sub-diagrams, each sub-diagram including graphical source code for responding to one or more events. |
| US08205156B2 |
Determining a high contrast display setting on a client device to process a web document
Described herein are processes and devices that determine a high contrast setting on a client. One of the devices described is a high contrast mode detector. The high contrast mode detector creates an object in a web document and assigns a pre-determined value to a displayable property of the object. The predetermined value is different than a high contrast value that the client would use to display the web document object if a high contrast setting is enabled. The high contrast mode detector associates the object with the web document. The client generates a computed value used to display the object. If high contrast mode is enabled, the client applies the high contrast value as the computed value, otherwise the client applies the pre-determined value. The high contrast mode detector compares the pre-determined value to the computed value and detects the high contrast setting based on the comparison result. |
| US08205151B2 |
Syndication of documents in increments
Some embodiments of a publishing tool to provide syndication in increments have been presented. In one embodiment, a set of documents in different formats and/or different natural languages has been generated from a master document. In response to a change in the master document, a corresponding part in each of the plurality of documents is synchronously generated without regenerating an entirety of each of the plurality of documents. Then each of the set of documents is updated using the corresponding part generated. |
| US08205148B1 |
Methods and apparatus for temporal alignment of media
A method for synchronizing media clips uses audio data of the media clips. The method estimates a global offset between two media clips. The global offset may be determined in a wide variety of ways. The method selects a first test region of the audio track of the first media clip and uses the global offset to identify a corresponding second test region in the audio track of the second media clip. The first and second test regions are compared, for example by cross-correlation, to determine a local offset. In some embodiments a plurality of local offsets are determined for different parts of the media clips. A computer system may perform the method to automatically synchronize media clips. |
| US08205144B1 |
Error event processing methods and systems
Circuitry and methods can be provided to correct errors in decision bits. A plurality of error event syndromes can be computed for a first plurality of error events. For each of a plurality of error event syndromes, two best error events can be selected. A cross-syndrome second best error event can be selected from among the first plurality of error events. A global second best error event can be selected from among the cross-syndrome second best error event and the second best per-syndrome error events. A second plurality of error events can be selected from among the global second best error event and the best per-syndrome error events. The second plurality of error events can be used for data post-processing. |
| US08205143B2 |
Multi-layer cyclic redundancy check code in wireless communication system
A communication device is disclosed. The device is configured to generate a first block of first cyclic redundancy check (CRC) parity bits on a transport block wherein the first block of CRC parity bits is based on a first generator polynomial, to attach the first block of CRC parity bits to the transport block and to segment the transport block into multiple code blocks. The processor is also configured to generate a second block of CRC parity bits on each code block wherein each of the second blocks of CRC parity bits is based on a second generator polynomial that is different than the first generator polynomial. The first and second generator polynomials have a common degree. A second block of CRC parity bits is attached to each code block, and the code blocks are concatenated after channel encoding. |
| US08205141B2 |
Virtual lane forward error correction in multilane distribution
A system and method are provided for generating virtual lane (VL) forward error correction (FEC) overhead (OH) in a communication multi-lane distribution (MLD) protocol transmitter, and for recovering data words from virtual lanes with FEC OH in an MLD protocol receiver. The transmission method accepts an Optical Transport Network (OTN) frame with n consecutively ordered payload chunks of data words, at a first data rate. Each payload chunk is assigned to a virtual lane data word (VLDW) in an MLD frame of n consecutively ordered VLDWs. The assignment order of payload chunks to VLDWs is rotated at the start of each MLD frame. VLDWs are joined into VLDW groups, where each VLDW group includes at least one VLDW. FEC blocks are calculated for VLDWs, creating ordered VL codewords (VLCWs). Then, the VLCWs are multiplexed to maintain a consistent assignment of VLCW order to physical transmission lanes and transmitted. |
| US08205138B2 |
Memory controller for reducing time to initialize main memory
In a method of initializing a computer memory that receives data from a plurality of redrive buffers, a predetermined data pattern of a selected set of data patterns is stored in selected redrive buffers of the plurality of redrive buffers. Each of the selected set of data patterns includes a first initialization data pattern and an error correcting code pattern that is a product of a logical function that operates on the first initialization data pattern and an address in the computer memory. The selected set of data patterns includes each possible value of error correcting code pattern. A redrive buffer of the plurality of redrive buffers that has stored therein an error correcting code pattern that corresponds to the selected address is selected when sending a first initialization data pattern to a selected address. The selected redrive buffer is instructed to write to the selected address the first initialization data pattern and the error correcting code pattern that corresponds to the selected address. |
| US08205136B2 |
Fault tolerant encoding of directory states for stuck bits
A method of handling a stuck bit in a directory of a cache memory, by defining multiple binary encodings to indicate a defective cache state, detecting an error in a tag stored in a member of the directory (wherein the tag at least includes an address field, a state field and an error-correction field), determining that the error is associated with a stuck bit of the directory member, and writing new state information to the directory member which is selected from one of the binary encodings based on a field location of the stuck bit within the directory member. The multiple binary encodings may include a first binary encoding when the stuck bit is in the address field, a second binary encoding when the stuck bit is in the state field, and a third binary encoding when the stuck bit is in the error-correction field. The new state information may also further be selected based on the value of the stuck bit, e.g., a state bit corresponding to the stuck bit is assigned a bit value from the new state information which matches the value of the stuck bit. |
| US08205125B2 |
Enhanced control in scan tests of integrated circuits with partitioned scan chains
A test controller implemented in an integrated circuit (IC) with partitioned scan chains provides enhanced control in performing scan tests. According to an aspect, a test controller can selectively control scan-in, scan-out and capture phases of scan tests for different scan chains of the IC to be independent. The number of pins required to interface the test controller with an external tester is less than the number of partitions that the test controller can support. According to another aspect, an IC includes a register corresponding to each partition to support transition fault (or LOS) testing. According to another aspect, an IC with partitioned scan chains includes serial to parallel and parallel to serial converters, thereby minimizing the external pins required to support scan tests. |
| US08205124B2 |
Microcontroller for logic built-in self test (LBIST)
Built-in self-test (BIST) microcontroller integrated circuit adapted for logic verification. Microcontroller includes a plurality of hardware description language files representing a hierarchical description of the microcontroller, the plurality of hardware description language files including a library of circuit design elements, a plurality of library design circuit elements adapted to store a uniquely defined set of input and output signals to enable a logic BIST, and a plurality of latches adapted to store a plurality of values corresponding to a behavioral profile of a test clock. |
| US08205118B2 |
Software component self-scrubbing
Software components “self-scrub” to improve software reliability, serviceability and availability (RAS). Each component designates a routine to perform a component level consistency check on major data structures and to verify the state of component. This is performed as an on-going task during the life of the component. The component registers an entry point with the system to receive notification of scrubbing parameter changes. The entry point is also called with the request to perform component-scrubbing operations. The entry point functions are responsible for executing within limitations on central processing unit (CPU) usage and memory footprint when performing scrubbing operations. |
| US08205114B2 |
Method and system for partitioning data files for efficient processing
An approach is provided for fast processing of data files. A plurality of records are received from a source system. The records are validated against a predetermined data source. An error notification is generated based on the validation. The validated records are partitioned based on a unique parameter. The partitioned records are transformed according to a format specified by a target system. The transformed records are selectively corrected. |
| US08205113B2 |
Fault tolerant batch processing
Among other aspects disclosed are a method and system for processing a batch of input data in a fault tolerant manner. The method includes reading a batch of input data including a plurality of records from one or more data sources and passing the batch through a dataflow graph. The dataflow graph includes two or more nodes representing components connected by links representing flows of data between the components. At least one but fewer than all of the components includes a checkpoint process for an action performed for each of multiple units of work associated with one or more of the records. The checkpoint process includes opening a checkpoint buffer stored in non-volatile memory at the start of processing for the batch. For each unit of work from the batch, if a result from performing the action for the unit of work was previously saved in the checkpoint buffer, the saved result is used to complete processing of the unit of work without performing the action again. If a result from performing the action for the unit of work is not saved in the checkpoint buffer. The action is performed to complete processing of the unit of work and the result from performing the action is saved in the checkpoint buffer. |
| US08205111B2 |
Communicating via an in-die interconnect
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for writing data from a writer coupled to a reader via an in-die interconnect into a queue entry according to a first clock of the writer, generating a mapping of which second clocks of the reader that the reader is allowed to read from the queue, based at least in part on the first and second clocks, and reading the data from the entry at an allowed second clock. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08205110B2 |
Synchronous operation of a system with asynchronous clock domains
A system may be employed for allowing the synchronous operation of an asynchronous system. The system may be a system that may include multiple clusters. The clusters may include asynchronous clock domains and may also receive a global clock signal through a global clock grid that may overlay the system. Furthermore, a method may be employed for synchronizing asynchronous clock domains within a cluster. The method of synchronizing may include providing a global clock that corresponds to a global clock grid to each cluster. Additionally, the method of synchronizing may include accounting for the mismatch between the asynchronous clock domains by employing logic in a block. |
| US08205105B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device comprising: a wiring substrate having a first power-supply wiring to which a first power-supply potential is applied and a second power-supply wiring to which a second power-supply potential lower than the first power-supply potential is applied; a microcomputer having first and second power-supply terminals in which the first power-supply terminal is connected to the first power-supply wiring and the second power-supply terminal is connected to the second power-supply wiring; and a connector connected to the first and second power-supply wirings, wherein an inductor element for correcting an impedance error of the first and second wirings is connected in series to either one of the first and second power-supply wirings. According to such configuration, unnecessary electromagnetic radiation posed by a common current can be suppressed. |
| US08205102B2 |
Intelligent power management of an intermediate network device switching circuitry and PoE delivery
Embodiments of the invention include a management agent which has access to power output control circuitry of a digital electronic communication switch, a power meter, a load sharing means, and the ability to manage the power of switching circuits in the switch. The power meter enables the management agent to identify the power consumed by the switching circuits that are enabled and operational. This information, coupled with (1) knowledge of the power allocated to each port via PoE, and (2) policy information (which specifies power allocation preferences) is used in a two-pass power management method. |
| US08205101B2 |
On-machine power supply with integral coupling features
A power supply for providing power to devices in a network is described as incorporating an integral coupling feature that terminates the provision of power from an upstream power supply while maintaining connectivity of communications signals and ground from an upstream portion to a downstream portion of the network relative to the power supply. The power supply includes a logic feature that monitors a power status of an upstream power supply and/or its own power status. When the logic feature detects a power cycle, it initiates a coordinated power cycle of the associated power supply and/or other networked power supplies. |
| US08205099B2 |
Power over Ethernet connector with integrated power source equipment (PSE) controller
In a Power over Ethernet (POE) system, a power source equipment (PSE) device configured to deliver power to one or more powered devices (PDs) over a plurality of Ethernet transmission lines. The PSE interface includes a multi-port transmission line connector capable connecting to multiple Ethernet transmission lines, and a power source equipment (PSE) controller module integrated with the multi-port transmission line connector. The PSE controller module is capable of semi-automatic mode and legacy detection of one or more of the PDs that are coupled to the Ethernet transmission lines. The PSE controller module includes a plurality of PSE controllers corresponding to the Ethernet transmission lines, including a master PSE controller and plurality of slave PSE controllers coupled to the master PSE controller. The master PSE controller controls the slave PSE controllers, so as to provide power management to said corresponding PD devices, without an external microcontroller. In another embodiment, the PSE controller(s) inside the connector are configured for fully automatic mode, and include the feature of independent power management. |
| US08205096B2 |
Software license embedded in shell code
Software application protection methods and systems for protecting and verifying licensing of an original application. The system reads the original application executable, and generates a shelled application comprising the original application and a shell containing the license information. The shelled application implements license APIs, and establishes secure communications within the shelled application between the original application and the shell. Licensing for the original application can be verified by the shelled application alone. |
| US08205094B2 |
Tamper evident removable media storing executable code
A mobile wireless device operable to install code on a removable medium, in which the device is programmed to calculate and store a digest of this code into a persistent non-removable store inside the device. When the removable medium is plugged back, and when the code is invoked, the device recalculates a digest from the code it wants to load from the removable medium and compares it with the one stored inside the persistent non-removable store. If they do not match, the code has been tampered with and therefore cannot be trusted by the device. The digest is accessible only by components in the Trusted Computing Base so is itself secure. The digest may be a hash or other unique and representative value. |
| US08205093B2 |
Restricting access to information
Technologies are presented herein for restricting access to information. According to various embodiments described herein, an authorization device is provided that includes functionality for detecting other proximately located authorization devices. When an authorization device detects another proximately located authorization device, authorization data stored in the detected device is retrieved. The retrieved authorization data is compared to stored authorization data and a determination is made as to whether a person associated with the detected device is authorized to receive information. The authorization device provides an indication as to whether the person is authorized to receive information. The authorization device may also provide an indication of the particular information that the person is authorized to receive. The authorization device may also be utilized to ensure that only authorized individuals participate in a meeting and that each participant is authorized to receive the information that is the subject of the meeting. |
| US08205087B2 |
Tool for digitally signing multiple documents
A software tool for digitally signing multiple documents is disclosed. When a user wishes to sign multiple documents containing embedded executable code for purposes of authenticating the code, the user launches this software tool. The user specifies the documents which he or she wishes signed. Thereupon, the tool automatically signs each of the documents and displays the results. |
| US08205086B2 |
Watermark information embedding device and method, watermark information detecting device and method, watermarked document
The present invention is relate to watermark information embedding apparatus and method for the same, watermark information detecting apparatus and method for the same, and method of containing watermark document. A document image generator (101) generates a document image according to document data (105). A watermark image generator (102) generates a watermark image. The watermark information (106) is denoted with dot pattern, and the dot pattern within the outline of the watermark information are of special value. A synthesizer (103) overlaps document image generated from the document image generator (101) and the watermark image generated from the watermark image generator (102) so as to generate a containing watermark document image. |
| US08205085B2 |
Key update system, key management device, communication terminal, and key information construction method for multihop network
The invention provides a key update system for a multihop network system including an authentication management device that manages keys using a hierarchical structure. That device constructs key information having a hierarchical structure in accordance with the structure of the multihop network. In addition, that device determines respective encryption keys for encrypting the keys based on the key information, and the communication terminals obtain the respective keys. In this system, that device includes a key tree management portion that constructs and manages the key information; an encryption portion that encrypts the keys using the keys included in the key information; and a transmission portion that transmits the encrypted keys. Each communication terminal includes a receiving portion that receives the encrypted keys; a key management portion that manages the keys that need to be held and stored by the given communication terminal; and a decryption portion that decrypts the encrypted keys. |
| US08205079B2 |
Encryption/decryption system and method thereof
An encryption/decryption system includes a displaying unit, an operating unit, a pressure sensing unit and an indicating unit. The displaying unit is configured for displaying files. The operating unit is configured for selecting a desired file to be encrypted or decrypted. The pressure sensing unit is integrated with the operation of sensing a pressure applied on the operating unit and producing a signal corresponding to the sensed pressure. The indicating unit is integrated on the operating unit. The indicating unit is configured for receiving the signal outputted from the pressure sensing unit, emitting a sensible signal according to the signal associated with a sensed pressure, and recording a signal associated to the pressure and the duration of the pressure as a mixed password for use in the operation of encryption or decryption of the selected file. |
| US08205077B2 |
Management apparatus
A management apparatus comprising memory to store owner information, dependence relationship information, and authorized user information are associated with file information identifying the secret file, an authorized user determination unit to determine whether a source user of the browse request is registered as the authorized user of the browse request file, a dependent file specifying unit to specify a dependent file having a dependence relationship with the browse request file by referring to the dependence relationship information when the source user is authorized; and a browse permission response transmitting unit to transmit the browse permission response to the source user based on whether or not the source user is registered as the authorized user of the dependent file by referring to the authorized user information. |
| US08205076B1 |
Imparting real-time priority-based network communications in an encrypted communication session
This specification describes technologies relating to imparting real-time priority-based network communications in an encrypted session. In general, aspects of the subject matter described can be embodied in methods that include establishing, based on cryptographic information in a reserved, random-data portion of a handshake communication, a session, receiving parameter values relating to a sub media stream, included in a header of a network communication, storing the parameter values, obtaining state information and a data payload included in a second network communication, identifying, from the state information, a purpose of the second network communication, and whether a header of the second network communication includes one or more new values corresponding to one or more of the parameters, updating one or more of the stored values based on the one or more new values, and processing the data payload based on the identified purpose and the stored parameter values. |
| US08205072B1 |
Method and apparatus for electronically configuring a secured user desktop
A method of providing endpoint security for a session on an untrusted computer accessing data on a networked server is disclosed. A virtual secure desktop is created on the untrusted computer that protects the user's applications running in the virtual secure desktop from malicious code and encrypts all data. Data to be written to the hard drive is stored in a secure vault. The secure vault is completely encrypted and erased at the end of the virtual secure desktop session. The virtual secure desktop may be created by creating a separate user session on the untrusted computer and linking the separate user session to the secure vault. Alternatively, the virtual secure desktop may be created by intercepting calls the Native API and redirecting requests from the virtual secure desktop session to the secure vault. |
| US08205071B2 |
Method for moving rights objects into other device in digital rights management
A method, device and system for moving a rights object. The method includes receiving a first move request message including a reqID element indicating a first device ID and a nonce element indicating a random value generated by the first device; receiving a second move request message including a reqID element indicating a first device ID and a nonce element indicating a random value generated by the first device; comparing the reqID element and nonce element of the first move request message with the reqID element and nonce element of the second move request message; and determining whether or not a rights object is moved from the first device to a second device based upon the comparison. |
| US08205059B2 |
Buffer management method and optical disc drive
An optical disc drive is provided, mainly comprising a buffer, a processor and a driving module for accessing an optical disc. The optical disc drive receives a plurality of write commands. Each write command comprises a data block and a destination address. The buffer buffers data blocks to be recorded to the optical disc with corresponding write commands in either a random mode or a sequential mode. The processor schedules a recording operation based on the write commands, and selectively switches the buffer to the random mode or to the sequential mode based on arrangements of data blocks buffered in the buffer. The driving module is controlled by the processor to perform the recording operation, whereby the data blocks are recorded to the optical disc when a start recording condition is met. Specifically, the start recording condition varies with the random or sequential modes. |
| US08205056B2 |
Memory controller for controlling write signaling
A memory controller has an interface to convey, over a first set of interconnect resources: a first command that specifies activation of a row of memory cells, a second command that specifies a write operation directed to the row of memory cells, a bit that specifies whether precharging will occur in connection with the write operation, a code that specifies whether data mask information will be issued in connection with the write operation, and if the code specifies that data mask information will be issued, data mask information that specifies whether to selectively write portions of write data associated with the write operation. The memory controller interface further conveys, over a second set of interconnect resources, separate from the first set of interconnect resource, the write data. |
| US08205055B2 |
System and method for decoding commands based on command signals and operating state
A system and method for decoding command signals that includes a command decoder configured to generate internal control signals to perform an operation based on the command signals and an operating state. The same combination of command signals can request different commands depending on the operating state. A command is selected from a first set of operations according to the command signals when the memory system is in a first operating state and a command is selected from a second set of operations according to the command signals when the memory system is in a second operating state. |
| US08205054B2 |
Hierarchical storage system
Pools of a plurality of types of storage devices are configured and are included in different layers. Based on at least one storage device of the same type, the pools of types corresponding to the type are configured. The controller in the storage system carries out storage location change processing in which the storage location of targeted data that has been stored into the targeted first real page allocated to a virtual page in a virtual volume is changed to the second real page that has not been allocated in a pool of the second type different from a pool of the first type including the targeted first real page in the case in which the controller conforms to the prescribed storage location change conditions. A size of a real page is different depending on a type of a pool. |
| US08205051B2 |
Data processing system
A data processing system has a plurality of storage systems. In this system, data replication is performed at high speed and efficiency while maintaining data integrity. In addition, when failure has occurred in a configuration element, the time necessary to resume the data replication is reduced. In accordance with an instruction from first host computer, updating of replication-target data and creation of a journal are performed in a storage system A, and updating of replication data and creation of a journal are performed in a storage system B. A storage system C retrieves a journal from the storage system B in asynchronization with the updating, and performs updating of replication data. When failure has occurred in the storage system B, a journal-retrieving end is altered to the storage system, and the replication data is updated in accordance with the retrieved journal. |
| US08205044B2 |
Method and system for dynamic distributed data caching
A method and system for dynamic distributed data caching is presented. The system includes one or more peer members and a master member. The master member and the one or more peer members form cache community for data storage. The master member is operable to select one of the one or more peer members to become a new master member. The master member is operable to update a peer list for the cache community by removing itself from the peer list. The master member is operable to send a nominate master message and an updated peer list to a peer member selected by the master member to become the new master member. |
| US08205043B2 |
Single nodename cluster system for fibre channel
A system and method provides a single system image for a clustered storage network including techniques for processing data access commands between storage appliances over the cluster interconnect. The system is configured such that the cluster is assigned a single world wide nodename. Requests coming to the cluster from client initiators are directed to one or the storage appliances in the cluster, i.e. the “receiving” storage appliance. Commands received by the receiving storage appliance are examined to determine LUN value(s) in the request. If the LUN value is associated with a local storage device, the request is processed by the receiving storage appliance. If the LUN value is not associated with the receiving storage appliance, the request is conveyed over the cluster interconnect to the partner storage appliance to be processed and the appropriate data written or retrieved. |
| US08205042B2 |
Communication control apparatus and method
A communication control apparatus in a RAID device including redundant communication paths to storage devices includes a blocking unit. The blocking unit blocks configuration change notifications outputted from the storage devices to a control apparatus, which controls access to the storage devices, when a power of a communication relay device arranged on the redundant paths connecting the storage devices and the control apparatus is turned off. |
| US08205041B2 |
Virtual tape apparatus, control method of virtual tape apparatus, and control section of electronic device
A virtual tape apparatus is interposed between a host and a tape device so as to store data transmitted from the host to a logical tape volume. The virtual tape apparatus includes: a data communication unit that receives data transmitted from the host; a RAID device having a logical tape volume for storing the data; a management table that manages attribute information of data stored in the physical tape volume; a position determination section that determines the write starting position of the data stored in the logical tape volume on the physical tape volume based on the management table; and a drive control unit that writes data in the logical tape volume to the physical tape volume based on a result of the determination. |
| US08205040B1 |
Storing content in a ternary content addressable memory
A device may select a longest run of contiguous unwritten pages from multiple runs of contiguous unwritten pages provided in a ternary content addressable memory, and may write a rule on a page that is located at a middle portion of the longest run to create two runs of contiguous unwritten pages. The device may also receive a packet, and may apply the rule to the packet. |
| US08205037B2 |
Data storage device capable of recognizing and controlling multiple types of memory chips operating at different voltages
A data storage device may include a first memory board including multiple memory chips and a controller board that is arranged and configured to operably connect to the first memory board. The controller board may include an interface to a host and a controller that includes a power module and that is arranged and configured to control command processing for multiple memory chips having different voltages, automatically recognize a voltage of the memory chips on the first memory board, configure the power module to operate at the recognized voltage of the memory chips, receive commands from the host using the interface and execute the commands using the memory chips. |
| US08205036B2 |
Non-volatile memory and controlling method thereof
A non-volatile memory of present invention includes a number of memory blocks and a static wear leveling device. The static wear leveling device includes a memory unit for storing the erase counts of the memory blocks and a controlling unit for getting the erase counts from the memory unit, and calculating the standard deviation based on the EC, and deciding the way of the static wear leveling cycle according to the standard deviation. The controlling unit deciding the way of the static wear leveling cycle include the steps of setting at least one predetermined threshold point and judging whether the standard deviation of the erase counts is smaller than the predetermined threshold point. If the standard deviation of the erase counts is smaller than the predetermined threshold point, the static wear leveling cycle starts for a first amount of cycles and moves the static data stored a first number of memory blocks. If the standard deviation of the erase counts is bigger than the predetermined threshold point, starts for a second amount of cycles and moves the static data stored a second number of memory blocks. |
| US08205032B2 |
Virtual machine control structure identification decoder
Embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for decoding a virtual machine control structure identification are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a virtual machine control structure to decode a virtual machine control structure identification data. The virtual machine control structure identification data is decoded into an address of a virtual machine control structure field and an offset. The offset is to help identify a micro-operation associated with a virtual machine architecture instruction to be executed. |
| US08205028B1 |
Adaptive bus profiler
An adaptive bus profiler is described. In embodiment(s), data traffic that is communicated on an adaptive bus can be monitored, and projected data traffic that is scheduled for communication via the adaptive bus can be determined. An adaptive bus profile can be determined based on the data traffic and the projected data traffic. A reconfiguration of a bus width of the adaptive bus can be initiated based on the adaptive bus profile. |
| US08205019B2 |
DMA transfers of sets of data and an exclusive or (XOR) of the sets of data
Methods and apparatus for performing Direct Memory Access (DMA) transfers of sets of data and results of performing logical operations on the sets of data are disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include receiving a data structure that specifies DMA transfers of sets of data and a DMA transfer of a logical operation, such as an exclusive OR, on the sets of data. In response to receiving the data structure, the DMA transfers of the sets of data, and the DMA transfer of the logical operation performed on the sets of data may be performed. |
| US08205018B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a limited functionality embedded universal serial bus (USB) host controller on a fully functional downstream USB port
A method and apparatus for allowing a limited functionality Universal Serial Bus (USB) host controller to manage specific USB peripheral devices on a downstream facing USB port is provided. The port is also capable of dynamically interfacing to any USB compliant peripheral device, even one not supported directly by the limited capabilities of the host controller. |
| US08205013B2 |
Method and system for aggregating the control of middleware control points
A method of aggregating control in a first network and a second network, the first network having first devices and the second network having second devices. A communication channel is established between the first and second networks; from the first network the second devices in the second network are discovered through the communication channel; and from the first network one of the second devices in the second network is controlled through the communication channel. The first and second network can be connected but isolated. Further, the first and second networks can implement different network protocols, or the same network protocol. |
| US08205011B2 |
Communication system, transmitting device, receiving device, and communication method
A communication system includes a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device compresses input data according to quality of service assigned to the data, and transmits the compressed data. The receiving device receives the data transmitted from the transmitting device, decompresses the data according to the quality of service assigned to the data, and outputs the decompressed data. |
| US08205006B2 |
Systems and methods for discontinuous multi-media content transfer and handling
Embodiments of the invention broadly provide systems, methods and devices for discontinuous multi-media content transfer and handling. Various embodiments of the invention also provide for multi-media content management such that various policies (for example, DRM policies of multi-media content providers) are efficiently adhered to. |
| US08205005B2 |
Programmable logic control device with integrated database driver
The invention relates, in particular, to an automation system (10; 110), in which a programmable logic control device (20; 120) can be connected via a network (100; 200) to a database system (60; 160). So that the programmable logic control device (20; 120) can exchange data directly with the database system (60; 160), the programmable logic control device (20; 120) has a first driver module (42; 132) associated with a physical interface (50; 150) for controlling data transmission via the network (10; 110) and also a second driver module (41; 132) for controlling the data exchange with the database device (60; 160). |
| US08205003B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling the admission of media content into a network
Methods and systems for controlling the admission of media content into a network are disclosed. A method includes accessing a request for authorization to transfer media content where the request for authorization includes details of a request for media content made to a server of a plurality of servers. In addition, the method includes determining whether at least one of the plurality of servers will be authorized to accommodate the request for media content. A message is generated that is accessible by the server. An admission of media content by the server is coordinated with admissions of media content by the plurality of servers. |
| US08205002B2 |
Communications system providing extensible protocol translation features and related methods
A communications system may include a plurality of data storage devices each using at least one of a plurality of different operating protocols, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices for accessing the plurality of data storage devices. Each mobile wireless communications device may also use at least one of the plurality of different operating protocols. The system may further include a protocol interface device. In particular, the protocol interface device may include a protocol engine module for communicating with the plurality of data storage devices using respective operating protocols, and a front-end proxy module coupled to the protocol engine. The front-end proxy module may include a respective proxy module for communicating with the plurality of mobile wireless communications devices using each different operating protocol, and at least one common core service module connected to the proxy modules. |
| US08205001B1 |
Digital rights management integrated service solution
The present disclosure provides a system for accessing content secured according to differing digital rights management protocols. The system comprises a device that presents the content and a client component loaded on the device that uses and requests content according to a first digital rights management protocol. The system includes a first content server that receives a request for and provides content according to the first digital rights management protocol and a second content server that receives a request for and provides content according to a second digital rights management protocol. A mediation component maps requests and responses between the client component and the second content server, mediating between the first and second digital rights management protocols. The disclosure contemplates mediating between open digital rights language (ODRL) and extensible right markup language (XRML) digital rights management protocols as well as other digital rights management protocols. |
| US08204997B2 |
Method and system of remote diagnostic, control and information collection using a dynamic linked library of multiple formats and multiple protocols with restriction on protocol
A method, system and computer program product for (1) collecting information from a remote application unit and/or (2) diagnosing or controlling the remote application unit. By utilizing a shareable computer code device (e.g., a dynamic linked library), a new application can utilize tested, proven code without having to reproduce existing functionality. Moreover, by supporting multiple data formats and/or multiple communication protocols, a computer code device increases the likelihood that a supported format and/or protocol will be either receivable or understandable by a receiver. |
| US08204990B1 |
Power cycler with internet connectivity monitor
A power cycler apparatus monitors a computer network for internet connectivity and cycles the power to connected networking devices when a loss of internet connectivity is detected. The power cycler may comprise remote power switches for resetting power to networking devices in remote locations. The power cycler may comprise a manual reset button for manually triggering a power reset cycle, which may be connected via a wired or wireless connection. The power cycler may restore power to the power outputs in a staggered fashion to allow each connected network device time to initialize before the next network device is powered on. The power cycler may feature a battery backup or uninterruptible power supply. |
| US08204988B2 |
Content-based and time-evolving social network analysis
System and method for modeling a content-based network. The method includes finding single mode clusters from among network (sender and recipient) and content dimensions represented as a tensor data structure. The method allows for derivation of useful cross-mode clusters (interpretable patterns) that reveal key relationships among user communities and keyword concepts for presentation to users in a meaningful and intuitive way. Additionally, the derivation of useful cross-mode clusters is facilitated by constructing a reduced low-dimensional representation of the content-based network. Moreover, the invention may be enhanced for modeling and analyzing the time evolution of social communication networks and the content related to such networks. To this end, a set of non-overlapping or possibly overlapping time-based windows is constructed and the analysis performed at each successive time interval. |
| US08204986B2 |
Multi-hierarchy latency measurement in data centers
A method for monitoring performance of a data center that includes: (a) a performance monitor analyzing packets that flow between a client and a web or application server; (b) assigning packets to contexts where a context is a request-reply entity; (c) determining one or more of application, network, and back-end latency measures wherein: (i) the application latency measure is a time it takes for an application to respond to a request, (ii) the network latency measure is a time that it takes for packets to go through a network between the client and the web or application server, and (iii) the back-end latency is a time required for a back-end system to execute a request and respond to the application server. |
| US08204984B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting encrypted bot command and control communication channels
Methods and systems for detecting encrypted bot command and control communication channels are provided. In the exemplary method, the presence of a communication channel between a first network device and a second network device is monitored. Active and inactive periods of the network device are detected and a reverse channel is determined based on the detection. The first network device may then be flagged as potentially infected or suspected based on the reverse channel determination. |
| US08204982B2 |
System and method of middlebox detection and characterization
A computer-implemented system and method to detect and characterize middleboxes is disclosed. Embodiments of the system and method include a middlebox detection engine to provide a plurality of middlebox detection modules, and to use at least one middlebox detection module of the plurality of middlebox detection modules to determine if a middlebox exists on a path between a first communicating entity of a network and a second communicating entity of the network. |
| US08204977B1 |
Content access analytics
Systems and methods for media access analytics are disclosed herein. When media content such as a video is accessed, typically by a referring link, the referrer can be identified. The referrer can be classified as an internal referrer, an external referrer, a viral referrer, or into another of a set of predefined classes. Statistics associated with access to the media content can be generated according to an associated class of referrer and presented to a user associated with the media content (e.g., a user who uploaded the video) or another authorized party. |
| US08204976B2 |
Method and system for handling computer network attacks
A method and apparatus for serving content requests using global and local load balancing techniques is provided. Web site content is cached using two or more point of presences (POPs), wherein each POP has at least one DNS server. Each DNS server is associated with the same anycast IP address. A domain name resolution request is transmitted to the POP in closest network proximity for resolution based on the anycast IP address. Once the domain name resolution request is received at a particular POP, local load balancing techniques are performed to dynamically select the appropriate Web server at the POP for use in resolving the domain name resolution request. Approaches are described for handling bursts of traffic at a particular POP, security, and recovering from the failure of various components of the system. |
| US08204973B2 |
Architecture for configuration and management of cross-domain network services
Apparatus and method are provided for enabling establishment of cross-domain services, including exchange of reachability information between domains, routing of services across domains, and differential labeling. The network element control and management planes are supplemented by additional components that enable the control and management planes of each domain to inter-communicate in a peer-to-peer manner. Adjacencies are established between domains, and service reachability information is exchanged between domains. Network Service Applications within the management planes can then establish services across the domains by inter-communicating. |
| US08204964B2 |
Efficient size optimization of visual information or auditory information
A file, including visual information or auditory information may be uploaded to a processing device. Respective portions of content of the file may be identified for compressing and saving at respective bit rates. A number of component files may be created, compressed and saved, at the respective bit rates, based on the identified respective portions of content of the file. A network page, including a reference to the uploaded file, may be created. The reference to the uploaded file, in the network page, may be replaced with references to the compressed, saved component files and the network page may be saved. A processing device of a user may request the network page and the compressed, saved component files. A reasonable facsimile of the file may be reproduced based on an aggregate of the compressed, saved component files. |
| US08204957B2 |
Method for facilitating user of a communication device to control multiple concurrent communication sessions
A method of operating a communication device to facilitate a user to control multiple concurrent communication sessions. In operation, the communication device receives a plurality of incoming communications from a plurality of recipients, in which each recipient corresponds to at least one of the multiple concurrent communication sessions. The communication device further detects a user response from a user interface of the communication device in response to receiving the incoming communications. Next, the communication device correlates the user response with at least one of the received incoming communications or previously received communications corresponding to the recipients. Further, the communication device selects at least one of the plurality of recipients based on the correlation and sends the user response to the selected at least one of the plurality of recipients. |
| US08204950B2 |
Webpage search
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed to provide a search of contents of a webpage, where the search feature is provided as part of the webpage. In one embodiment, a method of providing such an in-page search of contents of a webpage can comprise reading a user's search criteria through an element of the webpage. The contents of the webpage can be searched to identify text matching the search criteria. Formatting instructions can be inserted into the webpage to change the appearance of the identified text relative to other text on the webpage. The webpage can be redisplayed with the inserted formatting instructions. |
| US08204947B2 |
Method, system and server for popping E-mail
A method for popping an E-mail is disclosed, the method includes: obtaining a mail popping parameter of a first mailbox; determining whether the mail popping parameter meets a mail popping rule of the first mailbox; triggering to pop an E-mail of the first mailbox according to information of the first mailbox when the mail popping parameter meets the mail popping rule of the first mailbox; popping the E-mail of the first mailbox into a mail server corresponding to a second mailbox according to the information of the first mailbox. A system and server for popping an E-mail is also disclosed. By embodiments of the present invention, the E-mail of the first mailbox can be popped into the second mailbox automatically without the participation of a user, so that the user can receive the E-mail of the first mailbox through the second mailbox without waiting after logging on the second mailbox. |
| US08204946B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing instant messaging information
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing IM information. The method includes: obtaining hyperlink information contained in IM information; obtaining original content information of a webpage corresponding to the hyperlink information; generating content abstract information of the webpage according to the original content information of the webpage; and displaying the content abstract information of the webpage. An embodiment of the present invention further provides an apparatus for processing IM information. According to embodiments of the present invention, when a user receives the IM information containing the hyperlink information, the user can obtain webpage contents corresponding to the hyperlink information contained in the IM information. |
| US08204943B2 |
Large distribution message handling
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for large distribution message handling. Data characterizing an intended distribution load of a message being greater than a threshold indicator may be received, a determination may be made to set a flag in response to the data; and an action may be performed in response to the flag being set. Determining a distribution load may involve determining a number of intended recipients of a distribution list, a size of a message across a number of intended recipients, and the like. Actions to be performed may include suppressing auto-replies, notifying a client, and denying distribution of a message. |
| US08204940B2 |
Mobile communication terminal and mobile communication system
When sending electronic mail, a user of a mobile phone can add predetermined conditions (or data) to the electronic mail. When the mobile phone receives electronic mail with the conditions added thereto, the received electronic mail can be displayed and deleted according to the aforementioned conditions. The receiver of the electronic mail cannot freely dispose of the received electronic mail. The added conditions are, for example, display date and time, display period, number of displays, retention period. |
| US08204939B2 |
Method and apparatus initiating instant messaging with a party during a telephone call where instant messaging address and telephone number are associated in a database
A mobile telephone terminal provides a user with a selectable option to transfer a telephone call to an instant messaging session and to transfer an instant messaging session to a telephone call. A presence attribute indicator for a first party is displayed, in a mobile telephone application, with an entry associated with the telephone number of the first party. A user, while displaying an entry for a party in a mobile telephone application, has a selectable option for initiating instant messaging with the party. The mobile telephone provides a customised menu of selectable options for initiating communication. The menu is dependent upon received presence attribute information. A calendar application can store the content of an instant messaging dialogue in an appointment record. When an application accesses a stored telephone number of a party the stored instant messaging address of that party is automatically accessed or accessible and when the application accesses a stored instant messaging address of a party, the stored telephone number of that party is automatically accessed or accessible. |
| US08204933B2 |
Systems and methods for content type classification
A method for determining a type of content includes receiving a first packet, determining a state of classification for the first packet or for a session with which the first packet is associated, receiving a second packet, and determining a content type for the second packet based at least in part on the determined state. A method for determining a type of content includes receiving a packet associated with a session, determining whether a content type has been determined for the session or for an other packet associated with the session, and classifying the packet to be the content type based at least in part on a result from the act of determining. A method for determining a type of content includes receiving a first packet from a first port, the first port adapted for receiving at least two types of content, and determining a content type for the first packet or for a session with which the first packet is associated. A method for determining a type of content includes receiving a packet associated with a session, and determining a state of classification for the packet or the session. |
| US08204930B1 |
Method and system for controlling and accessing content servers
A method and system for controlling provisioning and access to cache servers with an application programming interface (API). The API includes components for performing various actions including: (i) prepopulating content on at least one cache server from a content server; (ii) expiring content on at least one cache server; (iii) pinning content in a memory of at least one cache server; (iv) assigning resources on at least one cache server in accordance with a quota; (v) retrieving content from at least one cache server; and (vi) flushing deleted content from at least one selected cache. The API may include a security layer. The security layer determines whether a requestor has permission to cause the requested action to be performed. |
| US08204926B2 |
Reliable and efficient computation of modal interval arithmetic operations
A computer executable method of performing a modal interval operation, and system for performing same is provided. The method includes providing representations of first and second modal interval operands. Each modal interval operand of the operands is delimited by first and second marks of a digital scale, each mark of the marks comprises a bit-pattern. Each bit-pattern of the bit-patterns of the marks of each of the modal interval operands are examined, and conditions of a set of status flags corresponding to each bit-pattern of the bit-patterns of the marks are set. A bit-mask is computed wherein the mask is based upon the set condition of the status flag sets and a presence/absence of an exceptional arithmetic condition, and a presence/absence of an indefinite operand are each represented by a bit of said bits of said bit mask. |
| US08204923B1 |
Systems and methods for scaling parameters
The disclosed technology provides a system and a method for scaling parameters in a real-time computation system. A real-time computation system can receive a plurality of input data. The real-time computation system can determine a scaling factor based on an input data, and the scaling factor can be used in connection with a subsequent input data. When a new input data arrives, the real-time computation system can, in parallel, determine a new scaling factor based on the new input data and compute output values based on the existing scaling factor and the new input data. In one aspect of the invention, the real-time computation system can be a statistical signal processing system, which can compute output values, at least in part, using look-up tables. |
| US08204921B2 |
Efficient storage and search of word lists and other text
A computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying machine-readable digital data arranged to facilitate expedited searching. The data includes a plurality of words residing in a table having rows and columns, each word residing in a different row and each letter of the word occupying a different column in that row. Each continuous run of same letters in a column forms an interval. The words are positioned relative to each other to maximize lengths of the intervals, and/or optimize efficiency of compression of the columns by run length encoding. |
| US08204920B2 |
Method and system for accessing software-based systems
A method for generating a system and, the system itself, which allows the selective access to and retrieval of data from a number of data resources. The system comprises a host system via which a user can make a request for data, and with reference to the request, the host system selects, using a series of activators held therein, those data resources, referred to as target systems, which are required to be accessed. The interface between the host and target systems and the generation and display of the retrieved data is controlled so as to provide the data to the user in the contextual format. |
| US08204914B2 |
Method and system to process multi-dimensional data
An example method to process multi-dimensional data is provided. Example operations include detecting a request to generate a multi-dimensional data structure and determining that the multi-dimensional data structure is to include a multi-dimensional key figure. A first dimension of the key figure may be based primarily on a first characteristic and a second dimension of the key figure may be based primarily on a second characteristic. The method may further include augmenting a set of members associated with the second characteristic with a NULL member and generating a value for each dimension of the key figure. A value of the key figure may be determined by a pair made up from a member of the first characteristic and a member of the second characteristic. The key figure, the first characteristic, and the second characteristic may be then arranged into the requested multi-dimensional data structure. |
| US08204913B2 |
Mapping of data from XML to SQL
A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for converting an XML encoded dataset into a minimal set of SQL tables and provided. In the method, a hierarchical structure in the XML encoded dataset is identified. A node element set for the XML encoded dataset is determined, wherein each node element in the node element set is a discrete level of the hierarchical structure of the dataset. One or more nodes of the XML encoded dataset are determined, each node being an instance of a node element. A unique node identifier is allocated to each node. Then, an SQL node table containing one or more records is generated, each record corresponding to a respective one of the allocated node identifiers. An SQL ancestry table is optionally generated to define the inter-relationships among nodes of the identified hierarchical structure of the XML encoded dataset. |
| US08204912B2 |
Insertion rate aware b-tree
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with insertion rate responsive b-trees are described. One system embodiment includes a capacity logic to detect a divide condition for a leaf node and an insert logic to determine an insertion level for the leaf node. The system embodiment may include an allocation logic to selectively allocate a set of leaf nodes. Characteristics of the set (e.g., number of members) may depend on the divide condition and the insertion level. The system embodiment may include a partition logic to move a partition key from the leaf node to a parent and to associate the partition key with the set of leaf nodes. A fuzzy index logic may provide key-based addressing to the set of leaf nodes. |
| US08204907B1 |
Systems and methods for collecting file access history information
A method for managing file access history information is described. An application opening a file is identified. Access rights used to open the file are determined. A time parameter associated with the opening of the file is recorded. An access frequency parameter for the file over a predetermined period of time is calculated. File access history information associated with the file is stored. |
| US08204902B1 |
Dynamic ranking of experts in a knowledge management system
A method for ranking experts in a knowledge management system. A plurality of data elements are stored in a database, the data elements having substantive technical data and bibliographic information encoded therein. A result set is produced from the database in response to a user query, the result set including data elements having technical data encoded therein that corresponds to the query. An expert list is produced based on the bibliographic information for the data elements contained in the result set. Each expert in the expert list is ranked based on criteria associated with the result set to produce a ranked expert list. |
| US08204897B1 |
Interactive search querying
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a computer-implemented method including receiving from a user a portion of a query. The method further includes providing the portion of the query to multiple data provider modules nearly simultaneously. The method further includes receiving, from ones of the data provider modules, a set of search suggestion items resulting from searching the data sources, each of the search suggestion items including a rank and a relevance value. The method further includes determining a score for each of the search suggestion items by combining the rank and the relevance value for each of the search suggestion items. The method further includes sorting the search suggestion items using the scores. The method further includes presenting the sorted search suggestion items to the user. |
| US08204896B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a scanning unit reads out image information regarding original document; an analyzing unit extracts layout information regarding character regions and character addition information added to characters within the character regions from the image information; an OCR processing unit converts the character regions included in the layout information extracted by the analyzing unit into character information; an extracting unit extracts one or more keywords comprised of a plurality of characters from the character information; a searching unit obtains meta-information by use of the extracted keywords; and an electronic document generating unit generates an electronic document according to description of a predetermined format by adding the meta-information to the character information. According to the present invention, it is possible to properly add secondly available information to electronized information. |
| US08204893B2 |
Apparatus for processing time-base data and method thereof
A data processing apparatus and a method for displaying time-based data are provided. The data processing apparatus includes a storage unit for storing data processed by the data processing apparatus and identification information for sorting the data, a display unit having a first display section for displaying one or more data sort functions and a second display section for displaying data according to a data sort function selected from the first display section, and a control unit for sorting the data stored in the storage unit and controlling the display unit to display the data in a life data mode. |
| US08204889B2 |
System, method, and computer-readable medium for seeking representative images in image set
System, method, and computer-readable medium for seeking representative images in an image set. Text features of each of the plural images are extracted. Diversity data of the image set is obtained based on the text features. A representative score of each of the plural images is calculated based on the diversity data. One or more of the images in the image set is selected as a representative image based on the representative score of the corresponding images. |
| US08204884B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for capturing and analyzing interaction based content
An apparatus and methods for capturing and analyzing customer interactions the apparatus comprising interaction information units, interaction meta-data information units associated with each of the interaction information units, a rule based analysis engine component for receiving the interaction information, an adaptive database, an interaction capture and storage component for capturing interaction information, a multi segment interaction capture device, an initial set up and calibration device and a pre processing and content extraction device. |
| US08204878B2 |
System and method for finding unexpected, but relevant content in an information retrieval system
An improved method for information retrieval in web query and recommendation systems, where items that are likely unfamiliar to the users of the system, but potentially relevant, are recommended. In a recommendation system having ratings by a plurality of users for a plurality of items, items are assigned to one or more data regions based on item attributes or user activity. Source regions are identified for each of the data regions. For a given user, data regions with which both the user and the user's social network are unfamiliar are identified. Within a given data region, the relevance of items to the user within such regions is evaluated using ratings provided by other users who have entered ratings similar to the user in source regions for the data region. Items receiving the highest relevance score are recommended to the user. |
| US08204874B2 |
Abbreviation handling in web search
A method for handling abbreviations in web queries includes building a dictionary of possible word expansions for potential abbreviations related to query terms received and anticipated to be received by a search engine; accepting a query including an abbreviation from a searching user, where a probability of finding a most probably-correct expansion in the dictionary is a first probability, and a probability that the expansion is the abbreviation itself is a second probability; determining a ratio between the first and second probabilities; expanding the abbreviation in accordance with the most probably-correct expansion when the ratio is above a first threshold value; and highlighting the abbreviation with a suggested expansion of the most probably-correct expansion for the user so that the user may accept the suggested expansion when the ratio is between a second, lower threshold value and the first threshold value. |
| US08204870B2 |
Unwired enterprise platform
Systems, methods and computer program products for inherently integrating mobility with an enterprise are described herein. Enterprise data is accessed from one or more data sources, wherein such data sources may comprise structured and unstructured data sources. The data is transferred from the enterprise to a plurality of mobile devices over a plurality of diverse networks. In an embodiment, such transfer takes into consideration characteristics of the diverse networks. The enterprise receives data generated by mobile devices while performing enterprise-related operations at the wireless edge. The enterprise responds to environmental changes using the received data. |
| US08204869B2 |
Method and apparatus to define and justify policy requirements using a legal reference library
A computer-implemented system and method for defining and justifying policy requirements includes: a hierarchical regional mapping (HRM) module provides a common language and a hierarchical model for geography and for jurisdictions; a legal references library (LRL) module contains applicable legal references; a legal references policy mapping (LRPM) module maps legal references to policies; and a requirements cross-checking (RCC) module cross-checks information in the legal references policy mapping module. |
| US08204866B2 |
Leveraging constraints for deduplication
A deduplication algorithm that provides improved accuracy in data deduplication by using aggregate and/or groupwise constraints. Deduplication is accomplished using only as many of these constraints that are satisfied rather than be imposed inflexibly as hard constraints. Additionally, textual similarity between tuples is leveraged to restrict the search space. The algorithm begins with a coarse initial partition of data records and continues by raising the similarity threshold until the threshold splits a given partition. This sequence of splits defines a rich space of alternatives. Over this space, an algorithm finds a partition of the input that maximizes constraint satisfaction. In the context of groupwise aggregation constraints for deduplication all SQL (structured query language) aggregates are allowed, including summation. |
| US08204862B1 |
Systems and methods for restoring deduplicated data
A method for restoring deduplicated data may include receiving a request to restore a set of deduplicated data segments to a client system, where each data segment in the set of deduplicated data segments is referred to by one or more deduplication references. The method may also include procuring reference data that indicates, for each data segment in the set of deduplicated data segments, the number of deduplication references that point to the data segment. The method may further include using the reference data to select one or more data segments from the set of deduplicated data segments for client-side caching, caching the one or more data segments in a cache on the client system, and restoring the one or more data segments from the cache on the client system. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08204861B2 |
Event driven audit logging
This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for implementing event driven audit logging. The method includes establishing, at an audit logging system, audit logging framework configured to provide application independent connectivity and further configured to provide event driven audit logging. The method further includes receiving, at the audit logging system, a selection of an application to provide event driven auditing, enabling event driven auditing for the selected application, and receiving a selection of event types to enable for auditing by the audit logging framework. Furthermore, the method includes based on the selected event types, tracking the application actions associated with the selected events, creating an event log for the application, and providing access to the event log. |
| US08204859B2 |
Systems and methods for managing replicated database data
Systems and methods for replicating database data and generating read-only copies of the replicated data in a clean shutdown state. For example, systems can include a tracking module (e.g., a filter driver) that monitors transactions from a database application to a source storage device to generate log entries having at least one marker indicating a known good state of the application. The systems further include a computer coupled to a target storage device comprising a database and log files. The computer processes the transactions, based on the log entries, to replicate data to the target storage device; performs a first snapshot on data stored in the database and log files; replays into the database data stored in the log files; performs another snapshot on the database; and reverts the database back to a state in which the database existed at the time of the first snapshot. |
| US08204858B2 |
Snapshot reset method and apparatus
A method, device, and system for resetting snapshots are provided. The reset of a snapshot incorporates the traditional snapshot delete and snapshot create operations into a single operation. Additionally, a snapshot created under the reset operation may receive an array partition from a snapshot being deleted under the same snapshot reset operation thereby retaining its identifying characteristics. |
| US08204852B2 |
Database and index organization for enhanced document retrieval
A customized, specialty-oriented database and index, of a subject matter area and methods for constructing and using such a database are provided. Selection and indexing of articles is done by experts in the topic with which the database is concerned. As a result, articles are indexed in a manner that allows facile, rapid retrieval of highly relevant articles with few or no false positives with much reduced database maintenance cost through frugal limitation of number of documents in the database, number of terms in a Master Index, and number of codes assigned to each document. A thesaurus allows indexing and search in accordance with terminology familiar to different anticipated groups of users (e.g. doctors, patients, nurses, technicians, and the like). Key articles collections and rapid access to documents therein are also provided. |
| US08204851B2 |
Method and system for providing a graphical workflow monitor
A browser based workflow monitor uses a graphical user interface (GUI) to display workflow status information and to create log information. The monitor presents the log information to a user in a format that is easily understood. Workflow information is accessed from a user workstation via a data network and displayed within a browser application. |
| US08204850B1 |
Contextual report definition creator
A system for defining a report comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to retrieve a set of fields associated with a received indication of a familiar data instance; retrieve a set of report data sources, wherein the set of report data sources is associated with one or more fields selected from a set of fields associated with the familiar data instance; and define a report using a selected report data source from the set of report data sources. The memory is coupled to the processor and is configured to provide the processor with instructions. |
| US08204848B2 |
Detecting and applying database schema changes to reports
A system and method to detect database schema changes are described. In various embodiments, a method of the embodiments detects database schema changes via triggers. In various embodiments, the changes are detected by comparing database schemas and determining modifications to database tables and database columns thereof. In various embodiments, the detected changes are applied to a report by generating a parse tree relevant for the modifications to database tables and columns; and traversing the tree to produce a statement to change the report to be relevant for the modifications to database tables and columns. |
| US08204843B2 |
Temporal events analysis employing tree induction
An events analysis method comprises: optimizing respective to a set of training data a set of branching transition likelihood parameters associating parent events of type k with child events of type k′ in branching processes; inferring a most probable branching process for a set of input data comprising events based on the optimized set of branching transition likelihood parameters; and identifying rare or unusual events of the set of input data based on the inferred most probable branching process. An events analysis apparatus includes a probabilistic branching process learning engine configured to optimize the set of branching transition likelihood parameters, and a probabilistic branching process inference engine configured to infer the most probable branching process. |
| US08204838B2 |
Scalable clustering
A scalable clustering system is described. In an embodiment the clustering system is operable for extremely large scale applications where millions of items having tens of millions of features are clustered. In an embodiment the clustering system uses a probabilistic cluster model which models uncertainty in the data set where the data set may be for example, advertisements which are subscribed to keywords, text documents containing text keywords, images having associated features or other items. In an embodiment the clustering system is used to generate additional features for associating with a given item. For example, additional keywords are suggested which an advertiser may like to subscribe to. The additional features that are generated have associated probability values which may be used to rank those features in some embodiments. User feedback about the generated features is received and used to revise the feature generation process in some examples. |
| US08204836B2 |
Dynamic discrete decision simulation system
A system that enables dynamic discrete decision simulation is provided. Simulation has many advantages in modeling complex systems to facilitate decision making. The innovation discloses a system that integrates an agent-based discrete event simulator, a geographic information system, a rule base, and interactive databases in addition to interfaces and other supporting components. The modules can seamlessly communicate with each other by exchanging a progression of data, and by making a series of deductive decisions through embedded algorithms. The integrated system can be applied to disaster management planning and training. |
| US08204835B1 |
System and method for printing an application of dynamically valued indicia
A system and method for applying postage indicia to mail pieces using a controller for monitoring the mail pieces as they are processed by the system. The controller has information about each of the mail pieces. A postage evidencing system prints postage indicia on labels to create postage indicia to be applied to the mail pieces, wherein each of the postage indicia is associated with a particular mail piece and corresponds to a postage amount that is calculated using the information for the particular mail piece. An applicator applies the postage indicia to mail pieces. |
| US08204831B2 |
Post-anonymous fuzzy comparisons without the use of pre-anonymization variants
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for processing data. The method, apparatus and article of manufacture preferably comprise the steps of: (a) receiving a record having a plurality of identifiers into a computer system, the record corresponding to an entity; (b) encrypting one or more of the identifiers in the record to form an encrypted record; (c) applying one or more encrypted variants to the encrypted record based on the encrypted identifiers and pre-computed encrypted synonyms; and (d) comparing the encrypted record to previously stored data using the encrypted identifiers and the encrypted variants in order to the match or associate the encrypted record with the previously stored data. |
| US08204830B2 |
Global method and system for providing enhanced transactional functionality through a customer terminal
A global customer activated terminal (CAT) primarily serves traveling customers who require access to their accounts when they are away from their home financial institution and beyond their local regional financial area. The system provides applications that permit users to access their accounts and utilize account profiles and transaction journals within a generic global system approach, and each transaction set provides access to the user's full account profile. The traveling customer is also provided with access to all their accounts linked (as they would locally) to a specific card. The hardware employed in the system supports encryption key downloading, unscrambling and PIN encryption, so that security is instituted at the hardware level. To provide the maximum flexibility at each regional level for product and services offered, regional front end processors and Hosts are the arbitrators of each transaction acceptance and fulfillment, rather than the CAT. |
| US08204828B1 |
System and method for electronic distribution of benefits
Electronic implementation of a benefits program for distribution of mass transit system vouchers utilizes a smart card. The system and method eliminates the need for manual delivery and provides a paperless, automated system of distributing the benefits. The system further reduces the administrative costs associated with periodic manual distribution. The system may be implemented in an Intranet or Internet environment. |
| US08204823B1 |
Implied market trading system
A computer based trading system implies spread markets from multiple real or implied spread markets. In particular, one aspect of the invention permits implication of a spread market from a combination of inter-commodity and inter-calendar spread orders. Furthermore, another aspect of the invention allows use of nontradeable implied or bridge markets to combine with other implied or real markets to create further tradeable implied markets. The method described herein thereby permits the creation of all implied markets that are inherent in the combination of futures, calendar spread and inter-commodity spread real orders. |
| US08204821B2 |
Simulation auction for public offering
The invention provides a method and system to estimate demand, pricing, allocation and aftermarket demand for public offerings via a simulation auction using collaborative forecasting. The simulation auction incorporates features to enhance participant knowledge about a particular company and its proposed auction. The simulation auction may be used to collect information regarding likely or equilibrium pricing of actual offerings, as well as to generate demand curve provides for different types of participants (e.g. retail and institutional investors). |
| US08204819B2 |
Bidder-side auction dynamic pricing agent, system, method and computer program product
A system, method, and computer program product for automating a bidder-centric bidder online auction interaction. The method can include receiving a bidder and an online auction service at a bidding automation service; receiving an auction in a bid portfolio; receiving a bid parameter; setting a bid time before time before time auction close (TAC) and receiving a minimum absolute time logged for prior auctions; and activating a bid proxy to transmit bid information to online auction. Auction monitoring of temporal progression of product auctions, and notification of changes in status that could prevent an initial bid from being placed by a bid proxy, can be provided. Bid proxies can be activated as an auction nears completion to begin placing bids until the auction is won or lost, or if out-bid, can execute a higher bid. |
| US08204816B2 |
Method and system for creating and trading derivative investment instruments based on an index of investment management companies
A method and system for creating a stock index for a group of investment management companies is disclosed. The method may include obtaining first trade information for each security representative of the group of investment management companies during a first time period, aggregating the first trade information for a predetermined time period, storing the aggregated first trade information, calculating from the aggregated first trade information an index for the group of investment management companies, determining a standardized measure of the index based on the aggregated first trade information obtained in the first time period, and periodically recalculating the index based on second trade information for each security representative of the group of investment management companies during a second time period. |
| US08204813B2 |
System, method and framework for generating scenarios
System, method and framework for generating scenarios used in risk management applications. The present invention is based on a generic framework that provides levels of abstraction, segregates risk factors and models, and structures a scenario generation process. In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a framework for scenario generation for use in a risk management application, where the framework defines a plurality of components associated with a scenario set, where each component is represented by at least one of a set of data structures, and where the set of data structures comprises: at least one first data structure defining a group of risk factors with similar statistical properties; at least one second data structure defining the future distribution or evolutionary process of a risk factor in the group of risk factors; a third data structure defining a calibrated model for generating scenarios, where relationships between risk factors of the group of risk factors are defined therein, and where the calibrated model associates each second data structure with a first data structure; and a fourth data structure specifying how the first, second, and third data structures are to apply to a user-specified risk management problem. |
| US08204809B1 |
Finance function high performance capability assessment
A finance function high performance capability assessment model helps a business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, businesses can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of a finance functions improvement program. In addition, the finance function high performance capability assessment model helps the business to identify specific areas in which cost reductions and improvements to key areas that impact finance functions may be made and understand how to make the improvements. |
| US08204808B2 |
Computer graphics processing methods and systems for presentation of graphics objects or text in a wagering environment with market chaining
Computer graphics processing systems and methods are provided for the presentation of graphic objects or text in a wagering environment. In at least one embodiment, the systems and methods present graphic objects on a graphic user interface screen that includes at least one of a plurality of betting lines, including a reference betting line, such as a market betting line having a value that corresponds to a value of a reference variable associated with an object, a high line having a value corresponding to an amount above the reference variable value, a low line having a value corresponding to an amount below the reference variable value, etc. The market, high, and low lines may be arranged spatially on the interface screen based at least on the values of each of the lines. The interface screen includes a least one computer generated graphic object associated with each of the betting lines that is selectable for submitting at least one of an up bet request and a down bet request. The at least one graphic object may be rotating or moving based on the tradeable state associated with the graphic object. |
| US08204804B2 |
System for associating financial transaction data with user's project data
This invention relates to an expense reporting system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data. The system includes a user's financial transaction data hosted in a data storage unit, addressable on a network, and accessible by a remote user on a user interface unit having a user input means and a display; and an expense reporting module having a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to define project category data and associate representations of the user's financial data with the user-defined project category data. |
| US08204802B2 |
Fuel accounting system and methods
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for fuel accounting that enables an organization to verify that fueling being paid for has in fact been dispensed into their aircraft. In particular, various embodiments provide systems and methods to verify whether a particular fueling event occurred. In addition, various embodiments provide systems and methods to facilitate the front-end data capture of a fueling event by the organization operating the aircraft via a data pathway not under control of a fueling agent. Furthermore, various embodiments provide for systems and methods to allow an organization operating aircraft to verify fuel uplifted and fuel inventory over a selected period of time. |
| US08204796B2 |
Managing transactions of broker affiliates
A distributed network transaction system and method includes a central exchange computer connected via the Internet (world wide web) to multiple remote computers associated with, for example, individual brokers. A central database is provided with the exchange computer and each remote computer can have a respective database for information that the individual brokers was to maintain separate from the system. E-commerce transactions are conducted by the system, which performs a number of transaction-related functions, such as pushing tickets up to the system for sale, purchasing tickets online, shipping, web site-related and bookkeeping. The system and methodology accommodate price event functions where non real-time tickets can be sold and the orders filled with tickets acquired on the system. |
| US08204792B2 |
Wireless communication device and method for use therewith
An image of at least one object (14) is captured. An object class selection is received from a menu (70) of a plurality of object classes. At least one task menu specific to the object class selection is provided. A task selection is received from the at least one task menu. A task associated with the at least one object (14) is facilitated based on the image and the task selection. |
| US08204791B2 |
File fragment pricing in a segmented file sharing network
A mechanism is provided for file fragment pricing in a segmented file sharing system. The mechanism allows peers to set a price for distributing a file through the file sharing system. A peer then becomes a file distributor on behalf of an original file provider. The original file provider may compensate the file distributor based on a compensation agreement. The peer's client may be configured to download file fragments from file distributors, or the original file provider, based on preferences, such as price, peer rating, upload speed, or similarity. As a result, a peer may download a file for a price that is less than the original price from the original file provider. Thus, the mechanism provides an incentive for peers to participate in file sharing, which results in larger swarms. |
| US08204789B2 |
Apparatus and method for receiving a transport stream containing a plurality of content data
To compensate a failure in downloading of music piece data. For example, when a viewer instructs purchase of a music pieceC to an IRD at a timing t0 during the sixth transmission of music piece data, the music piece data to be transmitted for the seventh time immediately after the instruction is usually downloaded. When the downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the seventh time fails for some reason, downloading is re-executed on music piece data to be transmitted for the eighth time. The music piece data for the final transmission time in each of musical pieces is used for re-execution. Timing at which downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the time immediately preceding the final time can be instructed is set as purchase limit time by using elapsed time since program start time. |
| US08204788B1 |
Online car buying
Systems and methods are disclosed for purchasing an item that typically requires financing, such as an automobile, online. The methods and systems integrate various online purchasing aspects to provide consumers with a single, one-stop solution for completing an online purchase. In one implementation, the methods and systems provide an online buying application that allows a consumer to apply for a loan online and to have a lender fulfill the loan substantially in real time online. The online buying application then allows the user to research and select a product online, and to find and contact a participating dealer of the product online. The participating dealer may then interact with the lender directly online to complete the purchase of the product. The online buying application may also automatically process any documents connected to the purchase as well as apply any business rules to the purchase. |
| US08204787B2 |
Electronic registration system for product transactions
An electronic registration system which facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information. |
| US08204785B2 |
Information processing system, portable information terminal and its control method, information providing device and its control method, and program
A portable information terminal includes: a position detecting section that detects a position of the portable information terminal; a selecting section that selects a guidance target object for which voice guidance is to be provided, and detects a guidance target direction that is a direction in which the guidance target object exists with respect to a reference direction, on the basis of a direction in which the guidance target object exists with respect to the position of the portable information terminal; a voice synthesis section that generates a synthetic voice so that a guidance voice for the guidance target object selected by the selecting section is heard from the guidance target direction; and a voice output section that outputs the synthetic voice generated by the voice synthesis section. |
| US08204775B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for modeling a monetary measure for a good based upon technology maturity levels
A systems, methods and computer program products are provided for modeling a monetary measure of a good, such as a cost or revenue associated with the good. A method begins by selecting at least one qualitative measure of maturity for at least one technology associated with the good, where each qualitative measure of maturity is associated with a distribution such that each technology is correspondingly associated with a distribution. Next, a monetary point is associated with each technology, and thereafter a monetary distribution is determined for each technology based upon a respective monetary point and a respective distribution. A plurality of monetary values are selected by randomly selecting the plurality of monetary values for each technology based upon a respective monetary distribution. Finally, the monetary measure for the good are modeled based upon the selected monetary values for each technology. |
| US08204772B2 |
Customer service experience comparative landscape tool
A capability assessment system provides a tailored evaluation with clear distinction between progressive companies and companies that offer more basic services. The system scores and rates the company across multiple categories according to a which capabilities are applicable to the company, and which of the applicable capabilities the company actually utilized. The system applies a unique rating and point mapping approach to the capabilities utilized by the company. The point mapping approach is configured to facilitate clear delineation between average and above average companies, as well as an identification of which capabilities, if utilized, can put a company ahead of its competition. This information assists a company in efficiently prioritizing and identifying which improvements to its rendered services will have the greater overall impact, benefiting both the customer and the company itself, and allowing the company to effectively recognize, meet, and exceeding customer expectations. |
| US08204770B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for resource allocation
Systems and methods are described for processing queue data and for providing queue messaging over a network. An illustrative queuing system includes a first queue configured to hold resource requests from a plurality of users, and program code stored in computer readable memory configured to determine or estimate whether a resource requested by a first resource request submitted by a first requester will be available when the first resource request will be serviced, and to transmit a message over a network to the first requester indicating that the requested resource will not be available when the queued request is serviced if it is estimated or determined that the requested resource will not be available when the first request is serviced. |
| US08204767B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing retirement income benefits
A computerized method of administering a benefit plan providing systematic withdrawal payments during a liquidity period and annuity payments when the systematic withdrawal payments cease. The method includes steps of storing data relating to the plan, and performing a sequence of steps during the liquidity period to determine an account value, and initial and current benefit payments. The method further includes the steps of determining the account value to be annuitized at the end of the liquidity period, and determining and paying initial and current annuity payments during the annuity period. The method may be used when the benefit plan is a straight life annuity benefit plan, or a life annuity benefit plan having either a death benefit, a surrender benefit, or both. |
| US08204761B2 |
System and software of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long-term care facilities and related methods
A system, software and related methods of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long term care facilities are provided. An embodiment of a system includes a long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, long-term care facility pharmacy management software associated with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmacological operations in a plurality of long-term care facilities, a plurality of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing carts each positioned in a long-term care facility remote from the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication therewith, a remote pharmacy group server in communication with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, and a plurality of pharmaceutical prescription document processors each positioned in a long-term care facility and in communication with the remote pharmacy group server or the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server. |
| US08204758B2 |
Method and system for providing advisory information to a field service provider
A network advisory system that provides advisory information to a field service provider is disclosed. The network advisory system receives collected data from one or more destination facilities and analyzes the information to generate advisory information. The advisory information is used by the field service provider to provide a service at the destination facility. The field service provider may receive the advisory information while in transit to the destination facility or while located at a destination facility. The field service provider receives the advisory information through a network connection. The network connection may be either a wireless connection or a land-based connection. |
| US08204757B2 |
Dynamic food orders during travel
Creating a dynamic food order for a traveler is provided. A food order is received from the traveler. A determination is made as to whether a real-time itinerary for the traveler has changed. In response to a change in the real-time itinerary, the food order is adjusted based on the real-time itinerary and preferences stored in the traveler's profile to form an adjusted food order. |
| US08204756B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding object-based audio signals
An audio decoding method and apparatus and an audio encoding method and apparatus which can efficiently process object-based audio signals are provided. The audio decoding method includes receiving a downmix signal, which is obtained by downmixing a plurality of object signals, and object side information, extracting metadata from the object-side information and displaying an information regarding the object signals based on the metadata. |
| US08204755B2 |
Advanced encoding of music files
Example embodiments allow for the creation, distribution, and use of flexible media formats. Example embodiments may allow individual content files to be rendered in multiple formats and versions. In addition, example embodiments may provide for granular rights management, which may allow users to access content files on a feature-by-feature basis. |
| US08204754B2 |
System and method for an improved voice detector
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a voice detector receiving an input signal that is divided into sub-signals that represent a frequency sub-band. The voice detector calculates, for each sub-band, a signal-to-noise (SNR) value based on a corresponding sub-signal for each sub-band and a background signal for each sub-band. The voice detector also calculates a power SNR value for each sub-band, where at least one of the power SNR values is calculated based on a non-linear function. The voice detector forms a single value based on the calculated power SNR values and compares the single value and a given threshold value to make a voice activity decision presented on an output port. |
| US08204751B1 |
Relevance recognition for a human machine dialog system contextual question answering based on a normalization of the length of the user input
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer-readable media for controlling a computing device to provide contextual responses to user inputs. The method comprises receiving a user input, generating a set of features characterizing an association between the user input and a conversation context based on at least a semantic and syntactic analysis of user inputs and system responses, determining with a data-driven machine learning approach whether the user input begins a new topic or is associated with a previous conversation context and if the received question is associated with the existing topic, then generating a response to the user input using information associated with the user input and any previous user input associated with the existing topic. |
| US08204747B2 |
Emotion recognition apparatus
An emotion recognition apparatus performs accurate and stable speech-based emotion recognition, irrespective of individual, regional, and language differences of prosodic information. The emotion recognition apparatus includes: a speech recognition unit which recognizes types of phonemes included in the input speech; a characteristic tone detection unit which detects a characteristic tone that relates to a specific emotion, in the input speech; a characteristic tone occurrence indicator computation unit which computes a characteristic tone occurrence indicator for each of the phonemes, based on the types of the phonemes recognized by the speech recognition unit, the characteristic tone occurrence indicator relating to an occurrence frequency of the characteristic tone; and an emotion judgment unit which judges an emotion of the speaker in a phoneme at which the characteristic tone occurs in the input speech, based on the characteristic tone occurrence indicator computed by the characteristic tone occurrence indicator computing unit. |
| US08204746B2 |
System and method for providing an automated call center inline architecture
A system and method for providing an automated call center inline architecture is provided. A plurality of grammar references and prompts are maintained on a script engine. A call is received through a telephony interface. Audio data is collected using the prompts from the script engine, which are transmitted to the telephony interface via a message server. Distributed speech recognition is performed on a speech server. The grammar references are received from the script engine via the message server. Speech results are determined by applying the grammar references to the audio data. A new grammar is formed from the speech results. Speech recognition results are identified by applying the new grammar to the audio data. The speech recognition results are received as a display on an agent console. |
| US08204744B2 |
Optimization of MP3 audio encoding by scale factors and global quantization step size
An iterative rate-distortion optimization algorithm for MPEG I/II Layer-3 (MP3) encoding based on the method of Lagrangian multipliers. Generally, an iterative method is performed such that a global quantization step size is determined while scale factors are fixed, and thereafter the scale factors are determined while the global quantization step size is fixed. This is repeated until a calculated rate-distortion cost is within a predetermined threshold. The methods are demonstrated to be computationally efficient and the resulting bit stream is fully standard compatible. |
| US08204740B2 |
Variable frame offset coding
An encoding/decoding method, an coder/decoder (codec) and a radio communication device utilize a variable offset coding technique. In accordance with the technique, the start of processing of a first frame is time offset in relation to the end of the processing of the frame that precedes the first frame, the time offset bringing about a time gap between the end of the preceding frame and the start of processing the first frame. A substitution signal is inserted in the time gap. |
| US08204736B2 |
Access to multilingual textual resources
A mechanism is provided for determining a second document of a set of documents in a second language having the same textual content as a first document in a first language. A first histogram that is indicative of the textual content of the first document is generated. A second histogram is generated for each document of the set of documents. Each second histogram is indicative of the textual content of a document of the set of documents. Each second histogram is compared with the first histogram to determine at least one histogram from the plurality of second histograms which matches the first histogram. The second document is then identified as the document having the at least one histogram. |
| US08204735B2 |
Machine translating apparatus, method, and computer program product
A machine translating apparatus includes an input unit that inputs a source language sentence, a syntax analyzing unit that performs a syntactic analysis on the source language sentence and generates syntax information, an extracting unit that extracts from the syntax information the first partial information that includes the first partial structure including all the nodes under the most significant nodes that are the nodes of the syntax information and the corresponding morphemes, and also extracts the second partial information including the second subtree representing a difference between two items of the first partial information and the corresponding morphemes, a translating unit that translates the morphemes of all the items of the partial information with multiple translation systems, and a most-plausible structure selecting unit that selects a combination for which the average of the translation scores takes the maximum value. |
| US08204733B2 |
Power testing apparatus for universal serial bus interface
A power testing apparatus for a USB interface includes first and second USB interfaces, and a simulation apparatus. The simulation apparatus includes a first voltage regulator, first and second resistors, and a load resistor. The first USB interface is configured to connect to a circuit board. The second USB interface is configured to connect to a USB device. The first voltage regulator includes input, output, and adjusting terminals. The first resistor is connected between the output terminal and the adjusting terminal. The second resistor is connected between the adjusting terminal and ground. The load resistor is connected to the output terminal and ground. Signal pins of the first USB interface are connected to signal pins of the second USB interface. A voltage pin of the first USB interface is connected to a voltage pin of the second USB interface and the input terminal. |
| US08204732B1 |
Modeling communication interfaces for multiprocessor systems
In an embodiment, a graphical model may include a functional portion and a architectural portion. The architectural portion may describe a multiprocessor system. Inter-process communication blocks may be defined that describe the connectivity of functional blocks in the deployed version of the model. The IPC blocks may describe the connectivity of the blocks independent of the communication channel(s) that connect the processor nodes in the multiprocessor system. |
| US08204730B2 |
Generating variation-aware library data with efficient device mismatch characterization
In a method of generating variation-aware library data for statistical static timing analysis (SSTA), a “synthetic” Gaussian variable can be used to represent all instances of one or more mismatch variations in all devices (e.g. transistors), thereby capturing the effect on at least one timing property (e.g. delay or slew). By modeling device mismatch with synthetic random variables, the variation behavior (in terms of the distribution of delay, slew, constraint, etc.) can be interpreted as the outcomes of process variations instead of modeling the variation sources (e.g. transistor shape variations, variations in dopant atom density, and irregularity of edges). |
| US08204729B2 |
Device for predicting and managing blood glucose by analyzing the effect of, and controlling, pharmacodynamic insulin equivalents
Embodiments of the invention are devices for assisting users in the management of blood glucose concentration levels in patients. Devices of the invention provide users with detailed information related to the pharmacodynamic behavior of insulin in a patient. By displaying and accepting information concerning time-dependent rates and amounts of pharmacodynamic insulin unit equivalents, the devices of the invention empower the user to make effective decisions regarding insulin dosing. |