| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08215634B2 |
Paper sheet processing device
Provided is a paper sheet processing device having a paper currency receiving section which can be attached to and detached from a frame and can receive a paper currency, the pressing plate which is, in the paper currency receiving section, moved between a pressing position for pressing a paper currency and an initial position for permitting conveyance of the paper currency into the paper currency receiving section, a detection member which can move as the pressing plate moves, a sensor which detects movement of the detection member by detecting movement of the pressing plate to the pressing position, and a movement mechanism which, when the paper currency receiving section is detached from the frame, moves the detection member so that the detection member can be detected by the sensor. |
| US08215630B2 |
Device preventing punching and stapling at same location
An image forming apparatus, used with a post-processing apparatus performing a punching process and a stapling process allowing setting of position and number of staples, includes: a detecting device detecting a request in the post-processing unit based on request information input from a user; and a control device connected to receive an output of the detecting device and to control the post-processing apparatus, controlling the post-processing apparatus such that if the detecting device detects requests for the punching process and the stapling process on the same recording paper, manner of staple-binding of the recording paper is set to tentative binding. |
| US08215627B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus that performs bookbinding processing on a folded sheet bundle, includes a holding portion configured to hold a folded sheet bundle, and a pressing member configured to press a folded spinal portion of the sheet bundle held by the holding portion. At least one of the holding portion and the pressing member can move in a direction to approach each other along a surface of the sheet held by the holding portion to press the folded spinal portion of the sheet bundle. |
| US08215623B2 |
Panels-off coating process and carrier utilizing panel rotation
A panels-off painting process and system adapted for use with a plurality of workpieces includes a carrier having a main platform, stationary support structures, and at least one rotatable assembly interconnected to the platform, configured so as to be caused to shift at least a portion of the workpieces between first and second orientations, and including a counterbalance that reduces the force necessary to cause the shift, and preferably further includes a retrofitted robotic arm programmably configured to apply a coat to the workpieces and subsequently engage the assembly so as to cause the shift. |
| US08215621B2 |
Linear filament compression and torsion spring
A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings. |
| US08215618B2 |
Power cable
A winch system with a force cable that transmits electrical current and/or digital data to the load. For example, the force cable, including a power line and/or a signal line and includes at least: (i) a first portion extending from the load to the drum; and (ii) a second portion that is wound around the drum. If there is a power line in the force cable it is electrically connected to an electrical commutator by a rotating current path. If there is a signal line in the force cable it is connected in data communication to a data signal commutator by a rotating communication path. The commutator also has an input for receiving electrical current and/or digital data, as appropriate. The commutator transmits the electrical current and/or digital data from its input to the rotating current path and/or communication path. The drum defines an axial channel extending from at least one end of the drum along its axial direction, and current path(s) and/or communication path(s) are routed through the channel. There is a distribution box at a first axial end of the drum and the commutator is at the second axial end of the drum. The drum includes at least one radial channel that includes: (i) a first portion for receiving a force bearing member of the force cable from outside of the drum; and (ii) a second portion for guiding at least a portion of the current path(s) and/or the communication path(s) from outside of the drum to the axial channel. |
| US08215617B2 |
Prying tool
A prying tool includes a shank having an engaging portion and two prongs moveably mounted on the engaging portion of the shank. The prongs define a space therebetween such that an item to be pried is received in the space. The prongs are operably moveable so that the space is variable in size. Further, two positioning devices are utilized for holding the two prongs stationary with respect to the engaging portion of the shank respectively. |
| US08215616B2 |
Method for operating a merchandise presentation arrangement, as well as a lifting device for a merchandise presentation arrangement in order to carry out said method
A merchandise presentation arrangement (11) contains a lifting bottom (33) carried by lifting cushions (32) that are arranged on top of one another and can be expanded up to a functional height by supplying compressed fluid. Each lifting cushion (32) is assigned a control valve and a pressure sensor that are connected to a control unit. In an automatic program sequence, compressed fluid is supplied to a lifting cushion (32) until a reference pressure value corresponding to the total weight of the merchandise is reached, wherein a switching pressure value is calculated from said reference pressure value for each lifting cushion (32). |
| US08215611B2 |
Solenoid valve having a two piece moving valve element
A system and method for operating a solenoid valve is disclosed. The solenoid valve is operated by moving a first valve element (4) with respect to a second valve element (6, 7) a first distance. And then pulling the second valve element (6, 7) with the first valve element (4) a second distance where the second valve element (6, 7) moves against resistance from a seal (8) and where the movement of the second valve element (6, 7) opens a gap with respect to an orifice (10). The second element (6, 7) then moves a third distance under spring load to open an increased gap with respect to the orifice (10). |
| US08215609B2 |
Flow control valve assembly with low noise
A flow control valve assembly with low noise is provided. The flow control valve assembly uses silicone to define a flow passage to reduce the friction with respect to a fluid flowing therethrough while preventing the occurrence of turbulent flow of the fluid, thereby minimizing the generation of noise. The flow control valve assembly comprises a pipe having a through hole therein and formed with a plunger guide on a lateral surface thereof, a plunger installed within the plunger guide of the pipe to move upwardly and downwardly along the plunger guide, a silicone wall installed on the inner surface of the pipe to define a flow passage in the middle thereof, a clamping joint installed at the inlet of the pipe to clamp the silicone wall to the pipe, and a stopping joint installed at the outlet of the pipe to prevent the silicone wall from being thrust out of the pipe. |
| US08215607B2 |
Damping device of stay cable
A damping device for a stay cable including a rotating lever, a lever support saddle, a longitudinal connecting member, and a rigid connection rod. When the stay cable vibrates inside or outside the plane thereof, the vibration displacement is transferred to the rotating lever through the rigid connection rod. One end of the rotating lever is connected to the lever support saddle via the longitudinal connecting member, and can rotate up and down with the lever support saddle as the axis and rotate around its central axis. The other end of the rotating lever is connected to a mass block and a damper. The damping device effectively inhibits vibrations inside and outside the stay cable plane, is easy to install and maintain, and does not negatively impact the appearance of a cable-stayed bridge. |
| US08215606B2 |
Variable stiffness support
A variable stiffness support has a support housing that is configured to adjust the orientation of an internal elastomer assembly. The support housing includes an adjustment mechanism, and the elastomer assembly includes an outer ring that encircles an elastomeric material, a central bushing embedded in the elastomeric material, and a plurality of shims embedded in the elastomeric material in a parallel planar fashion. |
| US08215598B1 |
Hanging display device for cards and the like
A hanging display device for decoratively displaying an item comprising an elongated cable constructed from a material comprising a metal surrounded by a plastic coating; a plurality of first half magnets disposed along the cable, the first half magnets can each engage a second half magnet disposed on the item; a loop disposed on the first end of the cable for allowing the cable to be mounted on an object; and a weighted component disposed on the second end of the cable for helping to keep the cable elongated. |
| US08215595B2 |
Cable collecting apparatus
A cable collecting apparatus includes a base plate and a cover plate. The cover plate extends at diagonal relative to the base plate in a first state. A receiving room is enclosed by the base plate and the cover plate in a second state. A first end of the cover plate is rotatably and resiliently connected to the base plate at a joint. A second end of the cover plate is capable of engaging with the base plate. |
| US08215593B2 |
Pipe clip with vibration-isolating insert
A pipe clip comprises an annular pipe clip body made from a metal strip for accommodating a pipe in order to attach the latter to a wall, ceiling or other support. Vibration-isolating material is applied to the pipe clip body, at least on that side which, in use, faces the pipe. The viewed in the width direction of the metal strip, outermost regions, are coated with a vibration-isolating material, at least on that side which, in use, faces the pipe. A central region of the metal strip situated between the outermost regions is uncoated on the side facing the pipe and the side facing away from the pipe. |
| US08215592B2 |
EGC compliant wire mesh cable tray system
A component for bends and elevation offsets modifications to a wire mesh cable tray system that maintains the cross-sectional area and conductivity of the original wire mesh cable tray before the bends and elevation offsets modifications is presented. By maintaining the cross-section area, equipment-ground conductor compliance is preserved. The component can be easily and quickly modified as needed while maintaining the cross-sectional area of the wire mesh cable tray system. The component can be modified and installed either by the manufacturer or in the field by a technician. |
| US08215589B2 |
Reversible space plane
A reversible aerospace plane includes an air intake at a first end of the aerospace plane, at least one heat exchanger disposed in the aerospace plane and an engine at a second end of the aerospace plane, wherein the aerospace plane is configured to accelerate in a first direction and configured to glide and land in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially in a reverse direction from the first direction. |
| US08215587B2 |
Parachute with one-way valve device
A multi-celled ram-air parachute possessing one or more internal one-way valved air passages between at least two parachute cells to maintain positive air pressure within the parachute for the purpose of maintaining shape and rigidity when less than optimal airspeed is present thereby increasing a user's control and safety. |
| US08215583B2 |
Articulating yoke mount
An articulating yoke mount includes a support plate, a first bracket assembly mounted to the support plate, and a second bracket assembly spaced from the first bracket assembly. A positioning of the support plate is selectively adjustable relative to the first bracket assembly and the second bracket assembly to position the support plate at a desired viewing angle. |
| US08215582B2 |
Aircraft fuselage interior
An aircraft fuselage interior comprises a side wall that extends in a direction along the length of the fuselage and includes an upper section that slopes inwardly. In one embodiment, the side wall comprises a multiplicity of visible elongate features, such as sloping lines, arranged along the length of the side wall. Each elongate feature extends from a lower portion to an upper portion and slopes relative to a notional line defined by the intersection of the interior surface of the side wall and a plane whose normal axis is parallel to the length of the fuselage. When viewed by a seated passenger, the sloping elongate features may cause the side wall to appear to have a degree of inward sloping less than the actual degree of inward sloping. The fuselage interior may therefore appear larger than it is. |
| US08215571B2 |
Perfume bottle spray head assembly
A perfume bottle spray head assembly is disclosed to include a nozzle head, a lock cap, a receptacle, a plug, a dip tube, an outer cap and a rotary shut-off control plate. The nozzle head has passage means defined therein to facilitate mixing of liquid perfume with compressed air for enabling well-mixed liquid perfume and compressed air mixture to be sprayed out in a mist. The rotary shut-off control plate is operable to rotate the plug in the receptacle between a close position to shut off the liquid perfume passage and an open position to open the liquid perfume passage. |
| US08215569B2 |
Laminar flow water jet with illumination enhancer
A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing there through. An at least one water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. An at least one filter member is provided along the water channel. An at least one jetting element in communication with the housing and jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. An at least one lighting element emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An at least one additive supply element communicates with the at least one laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the at least one jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the at least one lighting element and receives an additive stream from the at least one additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment. |
| US08215563B2 |
Method and system for facilitating memory and application management on a secured token
A system for facilitating memory and application management on a smartcard the system includes a client having a number of applications and a smartcard having specification logic allowing file structures and security and access conditions to be defined using a set of common commands. Each application has a corresponding group of data on the smartcard. An applet instance is created for each application and corresponding group of application data. At the time of instantiation, the specification logic allows an application to specify the file structure and/or to specify security and access conditions for its group of data. An application can utilize passcode and credential management so that a single passcode is used to access the smartcard regardless of whether the application utilizes the common commands to specify a file structure. |
| US08215557B1 |
Low profile color-based counting system
A low profile, color-based counting system. A housing has a light source, such as a matrix of LEDs, preferably disposed in the housing for generating electromagnetic radiation upwardly. A removable, translucent tray is disposed above the light source. A second light source can be added above the tray, directing light downwardly thereto. A color camera is mounted on the housing and above the removable translucent tray. |
| US08215550B2 |
Orienting a scanning device with respect to a target location
Disclosed is a method for a scanning device to tell its user how to best orient the scanning device to scan a target location. The user approaches the target location and initiates a scan. The results of the scan are analyzed and compared to information about the target location. Based on the analysis, the user is told how to re-orient the scanning device, if that is necessary to achieve an acceptable re-scan of the target location. In a preferred embodiment, a screen on the scanning device presents a two-dimensional map based on the scan results and on the known relative locations of the target location and of nearby non-target locations. Locations on the map are highlighted to tell the user the results of the scan and to direct him to re-orient the scanning device if necessary. |
| US08215549B2 |
Automatic remote acquisition system for determining the configuration of an installation
There is described an automatic remote acquisition system for determining the configuration of an installation having a number of devices, which are divided into standard devices grouped by cabinets, and into non-standard devices, and are each defined by a respective number of elementary units. The remote acquisition system has a number of passive transponders, each associated with a respective elementary unit to memorize respective identification data of the elementary unit; a number of active transponders, each associated with a respective non-standard device to memorize at least the identification data of the respective number of elementary units; and, for the passive transponders, a number of control units, each mounted in a respective cabinet to acquire the identification data, memorized in the respective passive transponders, of the elementary units of the standard devices in the cabinet. |
| US08215548B2 |
Method and system for providing contract-free “pay-as-you-go” options for utilization of multi-function devices
A method and system including a plurality of multifunctional devices being operatively associated with at least one controller and each having a preset amount of preloaded consumables at a time of initial use; and a software application for enabling at least one user to access the plurality of multifunctional devices, the software application being configured to receive information from a prepaid card, the information including a financial value relating to usage of some of the preset amount of preloaded consumables in the plurality of multifunctional devices; wherein the financial value of the prepaid card is applied by the at least one user across the plurality of multifunctional devices in any desired uniform or non-uniform financial proportions in accordance with usage determinations; and wherein the at least one user is enabled to pay for access to the plurality of multifunctional devices in time staggered installments without pre-established contractual obligations. |
| US08215540B2 |
Automated label verify systems and methods for dispensing pharmaceuticals
Apparatus and methods for filling a customer order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method automatically verify a product barcode on each of the product, print a patient label with a patient barcode for each product, apply the patient labels to at least some of the products, and independently verify that the product barcode matches the proper patient barcode. |
| US08215538B2 |
Double postcard pressure seal form construction
An intermediate for a postcard mailer is disclosed. An example intermediate includes a quadrate sheet of paper having parallel top and bottom edges, parallel first and second side edges perpendicular to the top edge and first and second faces. The intermediate also includes at least first, second and third fold lines parallel to said top and bottom edges dividing said sheet into at least first, second, third, and fourth panels, said first and fourth panels being substantially the same size and said second and third panels being substantially the same size. In addition, there are first adhesive areas provided on the second face of at least one of said first and fourth panels, and on the second face of at least one of and second and third panels for substantially permanently adhering mutually facing portions of said first and fourth panels and mutually facing portions of said second and third panels together as respective first and second postcard plies when said sheet is double V-folded about said fold lines, wherein said first through fourth panels are each substantially free from lines of weakness within their respective perimeters. |
| US08215536B2 |
Rotational-flow spray nozzle and process of using same
A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid. |
| US08215535B2 |
Jetting device and method at a jetting device
A method and a system for jetting droplets of viscous medium, such as solder paste, onto a substrate, such as an electronic circuit board. The volume of the droplets are adjusted by regulating the amount of viscous medium that is fed into a jetting nozzle for subsequent jetting of the viscous medium droplets therefrom. The exit velocity of the jetted droplets is adjusted or maintained substantially constant by regulating the velocity with which the viscous medium is impacted. Furthermore, the rate at which viscous medium is fed, for instance by a feed screw, into the nozzle is adjusted in order to regulate the feeding time required for feeding the viscous medium into the jetting nozzle, for instance in order to maintain a constant feeding time. |
| US08215532B2 |
Tissue stop for surgical instrument
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove. |
| US08215530B2 |
Surgical instrument with indicator
A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion and an indicator. A firing trigger is movable between first and second positions. The head portion includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The indicator is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and is movable between a first position and a second position in response to movement of the anvil assembly towards its approximated position. The indicator is movable between the second position and a third position in response to firing of the instrument. |
| US08215525B2 |
Lockable holster with multi-directionally adjustable hip mount
A lockable holster includes a shroud having an elongated opening to receive a handgun with the grip of the handgun outside the shroud. A biasing member at the first end of the shroud applies a biasing force on the firing end of the handgun to bias opposite end of the handgun into engagement with the locking arrangement at the opposite second end of the shroud to secure the handgun in the shroud. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the holster is mounted on a plate having fasteners passing through elongated slits into the top of the shroud to angle the shroud relative to the plate, and the plate is mounted for vertical adjustment on a U-shaped securing clamp. The holster further includes mechanical arrangements which prevent unauthorized removal of the handgun from the shroud, prevents firing the handgun when in the shroud, and signals a loaded handgun in the shroud. |
| US08215519B2 |
Fluid dispensing valve
A fluid dispensing valve is described which includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; and a valve control element having a continuous and deformable sidewall is coaxially and rotatably received within the internal cavity of the valve housing, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as facilitate the controllable delivery of a source of fluid into the valve housing. |
| US08215518B2 |
Temperature-stabilized storage containers with directed access
Systems include one or more storage containers. A container may include one or more segments of a first ultra efficient insulation material shaped to define at least one substantially temperature-stabilized storage region, and an access region, including at least one region of the one or more segments of ultra efficient insulation material configured for at least one perforation by a perforation device, wherein one or more of the at least one perforation is configured to provide for a controlled egress of a discrete quantity of material from the at least one storage region. |
| US08215515B2 |
Inflatable floating beverage cooler
A floating beverage cooler apparatus comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, a flotation bladder configured for removably receiving a beverage container. A protective cover is adapted to enclose and cover the flotation bladder and provides a bottom panel spanning an underside thereof. A storage flap is configured to be at least partially removably engaged substantially centrally with the bottom panel such that, when the apparatus is in use, a cavity is formed between the storage flap and bottom panel for providing added stability and resistance against lateral forces. When the apparatus is not being used, and the flotation bladder is deflated, the storage flap may be rotated about the protective cover and re-engaged with the bottom panel so that the storage flap lies over a top surface of the protective cover, thereby enclosing substantially all of the flotation bladder and protective cover, and optionally the beverage container, in a storage envelope. |
| US08215512B2 |
Cap for a consumable liquid container
A cap for a consumable liquid container, the cap comprising a seal made of a flexible material and having a top section with a depressibJe portion and a flange portion at least partially surrounding the depressible portion for overlspping the spout of the cap and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the top section; wherein the seal is in closed position where the depressible portion is above the flange portion and the flange portion has a portion covering the spout for hampering the outward flow of the consumable liquid through the spout, and wherein, upon pressure of a user on the depressible portion, the depressible portion is moved downwardly such that the flange portion is above the depressible portion and frees the spout for allowing unimpeded passage of the consumable liquid outwards from the interior of the container. |
| US08215510B2 |
Photomask storage apparatus
A photomask storage apparatus including a bottom plate and top lid is provided. The photomask storage apparatus includes poly-ether ketone (PEEK). A fastening element is configured to couple the lid to the bottom plate. A retaining element is secured to the lid to prevent vibrations of a photomask. A vent structure is also provided. The vent structure is configured such that airflow through the vent is purged in approximately 360 degrees into a chamber including the photomask. The vent structure may include a particulate filter. A seal liner is disposed on the bottom component. |
| US08215507B2 |
Sealing system and method for sealing containers
A capping system in combination with a container having a mouth and a wall segment disposed proximate to the mouth is provided. The capping system includes a cap having a bottom for selectively covering the mouth, a jacket extending from the bottom, and a guarantee ring disposed at a distal edge of the jacket. At least one cam extends from an outer surface of the wall segment, is at least partially overlapped by the guarantee ring, and applies a force on the guarantee ring when the cap is rotated a predetermined distance relative to the container to at least partially sever the guarantee ring. The guarantee ring includes an overlapping region extending over the cam that provides clearance for the cam when the cap is initially installed on the container to prevent deformation of the guarantee ring during the installation. |
| US08215502B1 |
Electrically conductive attachment system and rack
An electrically conductive attachment system is disclosed. The attachment system may have a tubular portion of electrically conductive material adapted to be attached to a support beam, and a mounting clip adapted to be attached to a cross-bar and to releaseably engage the tubular portion. The mounting clip may have an attachment portion adapted to be attached to a cross-bar and to releaseably engage the tubular portion having an attachment portion adapted to electrically connect the mounting clip to the cross-bar, and an engagement portion adapted to be inserted through a top opening of the tubular portion engaging an inner surface of the tubular portion and providing an electrical connection between the tubular portion and the mounting clip. The attachment system may be capable of releaseably connecting the cross-bar substantially transverse the support beam and providing an electrical connection therebetween. |
| US08215501B2 |
Adjustable curtain rod
An adjustable curtain rod assembly includes a rod member and an adjustment mechanism coupled to an end of the rod member. The adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust a length of the rod assembly and has a clutch mechanism that prevents over-extension of the rod assembly during mounting. |
| US08215498B2 |
Modular rack system
The subject invention features, in one example, a modular rack system including a plurality of legs each including an integral cable raceway and arranged to define electronic equipment bays between spaced legs, equipment mounting rails for the bays; and a cable management tray extending across the top of each bay. |
| US08215494B2 |
Filter module and method for its manufacture
A filter module is formed of wound filter material having openings wherein the boundary surfaces of the openings constitute flow-through surfaces. The openings of the wound layers of the filter material form channels angled relative to the winding axis, wherein one group thereof opens at the outer peripheral surface of the roll and the other group opens at the inner peripheral surface of the roll and wherein the channels on the other end, respectively, are closed and wherein the channels, angled relative to the winding axis, are separated from one another by filter material, and wherein the inner area of the roll has a central channel arranged around a winding axis. |
| US08215493B2 |
Membrane treatment apparatus
A membrane treatment apparatus includes a filtration membrane 10 filtering raw water existing in an external environment 100 by applying pressure thereto and a treated water outlet 11 from which treated water collected after filtration by the filtration membrane 10 is taken, and is provided with a filter cloth 12 placed and fixed outside the filtration membrane 10 with a predetermined space left between the filter cloth and the filtration membrane. Preferably, the filter cloth 12 is provided in such a way as to cover an outer circumferential side and a bottom of the filtration membrane 10, and the filter cloth 12 is provided in such a way as to cover the outer circumferential side of the filtration membrane 10 with the bottom thereof uncovered. |
| US08215490B2 |
Device for classifying particles and method for classifying particles
A classification device includes: a classification channel for classifying particles; a particle dispersion delivery channel as defined herein; a conveying fluid feed channel as defined herein; and at least one collection channel as defined herein, and the particle dispersion delivery channel satisfying relationship (1): A |
| US08215486B2 |
Package of stacked paper products bearing coordinated images
A package of two or more stacks of paper sheet products, such as paper napkins or paper towels is disclosed. Each of the paper sheet products is printed with at least a first motif image and a second motif image. An uppermost paper sheet product of one of the stacks displays the first motif image and an uppermost paper sheet product of another of the stacks displays the second motif image. The napkins may be folded in each stack such that the exposed image of each napkin in a given stack alternates between the first motif image and the second motif image. The first and second images may be motif images that are thematically related to one another, in that both the motif images are primarily associated with the same event, holiday, season or special occasion. |
| US08215479B2 |
Coin storage and display device
A display for display articles such as coins or medallions including a generally planar plastic sheet having one or more retaining structures for capturing one or more display articles. The plastic sheet has opposite first and second generally planar sides. A first paper board sheet is bonded to the first side of the plastic sheet, and a second paper board sheet is bonded to the second side of the plastic sheet. The plastic sheet can have the same dimensions of at least one of the paper board sheets. |
| US08215470B2 |
Starting device
A starting device includes a housing; an output side member; a clutch mechanism; a working oil passage that supplies working oil to a hydraulic chamber of the clutch mechanism from an oil pressure source side; and a lubricating oil passage including a supply oil passage that supplies lubricating oil to the housing from the oil pressure source side and a return oil passage for returning the lubricating oil to the oil pressure source side from the housing, wherein the working oil passage and the lubricating oil passage are formed to overlap at least partially in an axial direction. |
| US08215467B2 |
Multi-gap magnetorheological fluid clutch
A vehicle has a multi-gap magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch connecting rotatable input and output members, and includes a drum connected to the output member and a rotor connected to the input member. The drum contains a magnetically-permeable stator and a magnetic core, while the rotor has a magnetically-permeable member extending axially into the drum to define an outer working gap in conjunction with the stator and an inner working gap in conjunction with the magnetic core. MR fluid fills the working gaps, and a magnetic field generator or electromagnet induces a magnetic field when electrical current is passed through a field coil therein to change an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid. The inner and outer working gaps have a predetermined inner to outer gap thickness ratio balancing the slip power dissipation per unit volume in each of the working gaps. |
| US08215465B2 |
Thermally insulated sports bag
The invention relates to a bag for protecting sports equipment, particularly golf clubs, from damage due to temperature variations. The bag can be comprised of several individual panels, each comprising an insulated material, which create an inner volume into which a golf bag can be inserted. When the top panel is sealed, the insulated material can protect the contents of the bag from damage due to temperature variations. |
| US08215462B2 |
Actuation system for a parking brake
The present invention relates to an actuation system for a parking brake of a motor vehicle, comprising a foot or a hand-actuated manual actuation means (10) for tightening of the parking brake, wherein the parking brake is purely mechanically tightened via the actuation means, a locking mechanism (20) for tightening and releasing of the parking brake, wherein the actuation means (10) and the locking mechanism (20) are arranged at different positions of the motor vehicle, respectively. |
| US08215454B2 |
Lubrication system with tolerance for reduced gravity
A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation. |
| US08215452B2 |
Extendable ladder for trailer, motor home, or other vehicle
The invention relates to an extendable ladder configured to extend a second ladder segment relative to a first ladder segment. The ladder includes a first ladder segment, a second ladder segment, and at least two slider cups. When the ladder is mounted to a surface, the ladder can be moved from a generally vertical orientation to an angled orientation of between greater than 60 degrees and approximately 90 degrees away from the horizontal reference. The ladder may be mounted to one or more of a vehicle, a building, and a piece of equipment. The vehicle may be one or more of a trailer, recreational vehicle, truck, and bus. |
| US08215450B2 |
Exhaust muffler device
An exhaust muffler device for an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing which defines a sealed chamber and which is connected to opposite inlet and outlet pipes, and an initial expansion subchamber and a pre-outlet subchamber disposed in the sealed chamber. The exhaust gas enters the initial expansion subchamber and mainly flows to a tubular passage in the pre-outlet subchamber to be exhausted through the outlet pipe. Portion of the exhaust gas flows into the sealed chamber and re-enters into a rejoining region of the tubular passage to be entrained in the main stream, thereby attenuating noise of the engine with minimal reduction of engine performance. |
| US08215449B2 |
Muffler system for noise abatement and ice control
A method of controlling a discharge of an exhaust gas from a pneumatic device includes directing the exhaust gas from an exhaust port of the pneumatic device into proximity with a heated portion of the pneumatic device, expanding the exhaust gas in proximity with the heated portion of the pneumatic device to heat the exhaust gas, and discharging the exhaust gas to atmosphere. |
| US08215446B2 |
Sound field controller
A region of air is manipulated to reflect, absorb, or redirect sound energy to prevent the sound energy from reaching a listener separated from the sound source by the region of air. The region of air may be manipulated by directing ultrasonic sound waves with a sound pressure level of at least 140 decibels at the region of air. |
| US08215445B2 |
Electroacoustic transducer
Provided is an electroacoustic transducer having a diaphragm (10). The diaphragm (10) has a first and a second region (20, 30), wherein the hardness, stiffness or compliance of the first region (20) differs from the second region (30). |
| US08215441B2 |
Steering system for crane
A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111). |
| US08215439B2 |
Dry clutch, and motorcycle equipped with the same
In some preferred embodiments, the dry clutch is capable of suppressing transmission of engine rotational fluctuations from the engine to a rider via a vehicle body. In the dry clutch including a driving member (clutch shoe) 66 and a driven member (clutch drum) 62 configured to be engaged with each other and disengaged from each other in a non-lubricating atmosphere to transmit/intercept the motive power of the engine to a drive wheel, a solid lubricant 70 is interposed between the driving member 66 and the driven member 62. |
| US08215432B2 |
Battery thermal system for vehicle
A battery thermal system for use in a vehicle having a power plant, an air conditioning system and a battery pack, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The battery thermal system may include a refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger that selectively receives a refrigerant from the vehicle air conditioning system; a battery radiator located adjacent to a cooling fan; a valve that receives a liquid coolant from the battery pack and selectively redirects the liquid coolant to the refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger and the battery radiator; and an electric pump for pumping the liquid coolant through the battery pack, the valve, the refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger and the battery radiator. The battery thermal system may also include a battery coolant heater for selectively heating the coolant that flows into the battery pack. |
| US08215430B2 |
Wheel end with integrated motor assembly
A wheel end assembly comprises a wheel hub support housing and a wheel hub drive assembly rotatably connected to the wheel hub support housing. The wheel end assembly also includes a hydraulic motor operatively coupled to the wheel hub drive assembly, the hydraulic motor being disposed to deliver a torque to the wheel hub drive assembly. The wheel end assembly further includes a pump, fluidly coupled to the wheel hub drive assembly and the hydraulic motor, the pump being disposed to provide a flow of hydraulic fluid to the wheel hub drive assembly. |
| US08215428B2 |
Power configuration system for fuel cell hybrid vehicle and method for controlling the same
The present invention provides a power configuration system for a fuel cell hybrid vehicle and a method for controlling the same, in which a second blocking diode is installed in a main bus terminal at an output terminal of a fuel cell (in front of a first blocking diode) separately from the existing first blocking diode installed in the main bus terminal, the positions of high voltage components for driving the fuel cell are changed from the rear of the first blocking diode to the front of the first blocking diode, and the operations of the high voltage components are appropriately controlled during regenerative braking such that the voltage of the fuel cell may be maintained below that of the supercapacitor. |
| US08215427B2 |
Method for controlling a vehicle drive train comprising two cooling circuits
A method for controlling a vehicle drive train, which communicates or maintains in communication via at least one valve two cooling circuits operating normally and respectively associated with a heat engine and with at least one electrical member. |
| US08215421B2 |
Wheelchair safety, power and shade device and method of use
The Safety, Power and Shade Device is a system usable with wheelchairs providing an upright and horizontal frame attachable by brackets to a wheelchair seat back. The frame allows for the installation of safety and illumination lights, a solar panel for supplemental recharging of an electric wheelchair battery and a mean of shelter or shade. The frame assembly is constructed to allow the horizontal frame to fold over and behind the wheelchair for a vertical relationship with the frame upright. |
| US08215419B2 |
Variable frequency control for down hole drill and method
A variable frequency down hole drill, includes a drill bit, a reciprocating piston operable to deliver an impact load to the drill bit, and means for changing the frequency with which the piston delivers impact loading to the drill bit, also resulting in a change in overall power of the drill. The means for changing frequency and overall power may operate during continuous operation of the drill. The means for changing the frequency and overall power may include a valve for selectively changing the effective volume of a drive or return chamber, an actuator for changing the timing of placing the drive or return chamber in communication with exhaust, or a system for changing the frequency in response to sensing an predetermined operating parameter of the drill, such as pressure or piston position. |
| US08215416B2 |
Device for assisting in actuating a tool
The application relates to a device for assisting in actuating a tool comprising two arms that are movable in rotation around an axis between an open position in which the arms are separated from each other, and a closed position in which the arms are close to each other, the device further comprising a cable at one end part of which is associated with one of the arms, the other end part of the cable being disposed in a cable tensioner, the tensioner being associated with the other arm, the device further comprising actuating the tensioner between an open position in which the cable is unwound, the arms being in an open position, and a closed position in which the cable is wound so as to move the arms into their closed position. |
| US08215414B2 |
Rock drilling method and rock drilling machine
A pulse drilling machine (1;1′) for the generating of shock wave pulses in a tool direction (R) has an impulse piston (4;4′) with a housing (2), and a device (8) for abruptly changing fluid pressure influencing the impulse piston to achieve a force resultant on the impulse piston in the tool direction to generate a shock wave pulse in a drill string (13; 13′) which is connected to the machine, a first fluid chamber (14;3′) inside the housing which in operation is arranged to exert a pressure in the tool direction on the impulse piston. The machine has a fluid flow channel (11; 18; 19), which includes a device for damping fluid flow flowing from the first fluid chamber through the fluid flow channel obtained when influencing the impulse piston (4; 4′) in a direction opposite to the tool direction (R) by rock reflexes in the drill string during drilling. |
| US08215411B2 |
Cluster opening sleeves for wellbore treatment and method of use
A downhole sleeve has a sliding sleeve movable in a bore of the sleeve's housing. The sliding sleeve is movable from a closed condition to an opened condition when a ball is dropped in the sleeve's bore and engages an indexing seat in the sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve in the closed condition prevents communication between the bore and the port, and the sleeve in the opened condition permits communication between the bore and the port. In the closed condition, keys of the seat extend into the bore to engage the ball and to move the sliding sleeve open. In the opened condition, the keys of the seat retract from the bore so the ball can pass through the sleeve to another cluster sleeve or to another isolation sleeve of an assembly. |
| US08215410B2 |
Apparatus and method for electrical packer feedthrough
An apparatus for providing electrical power through a downhole packer comprises a riser nipple engagingly insertable in a passage in the packer; a sleeve surrounding a portion of the riser nipple and slidingly moveable between a cable assembly position and an operational position enabling connection of a cable extending through the packer and the sleeve to an electrical connector; and a retaining nut engageable with the riser nipple capturing the sleeve in the operational position when the retaining nut is engaged with the riser nipple. |
| US08215406B2 |
Wellbore method and apparatus for completion, production and injection
A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. One apparatus includes a swellable packer element around a primary and a secondary flow path, wherein the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. One method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore. With the packer set, gravel packing of the sand control devices in different intervals may be performed. Then, hydrocarbons are produced from the wellbore by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with the different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed. In addition, the method may also include disposing the sand control devices and packer into the wellbore in conditioned drilling fluid. The conditioned drilling fluid may be displaced adjacent to the sand control devices by a carrier fluid. Again, once the packer is set, the gravel packing the intervals with the carrier fluid having gravel may be performed. |
| US08215402B2 |
Tubing pressure insensitive control system
A system isolates a control system for a downhole tool from the internal pressures in the tubing in which the tool is mounted. Opposed seals are used on a moving component in the tool so as to offset pressure induced forces regardless of the internal operating pressure of the tool. In a particular application to a subsurface safety valve the control system can be isolated from tubing pressure by offset seals between the passage and the flow tube or around exposed portions of the operating piston for the flow tube. |
| US08215395B2 |
Fracturing and gravel packing tool with shifting ability between squeeze and circulate while supporting an inner string assembly in a single position
A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet. |
| US08215394B2 |
Control line patch
A control or other line with a hole downhole can be repaired by pumping a device that is driven by pressure delivered behind a leading seal. The device advances until the leading seal passes the opening in the line where its forward movement is stopped. Upstream of the opening a fluid activated seal is energized so that seals now straddle the opening in the wall. A passage that extends between the seals is opened by blowing a rupture disc with internal pressure to once again give access to the downhole tool through the passage that has external seals to straddle the hole in the tubing wall. Normal operation of the downhole tool can then resume. |
| US08215392B2 |
Gas-assisted gravity drainage (GAGD) process for improved oil recovery
A rapid and inexpensive process for increasing the amount of hydrocarbons (e.g., oil) produced and the rate of production from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs by displacing oil downwards within the oil reservoir and into an oil recovery apparatus is disclosed. The process is referred to as “gas-assisted gravity drainage” and comprises the steps of placing one or more horizontal producer wells near the bottom of a payzone (i.e., rock in which oil and gas are found in exploitable quantities) of a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir and injecting a fluid displacer (e.g., CO2) through one or more vertical wells or horizontal wells. Pre-existing vertical wells may be used to inject the fluid displacer into the reservoir. As the fluid displacer is injected into the top portion of the reservoir, it forms a gas zone, which displaces oil and water downward towards the horizontal producer well(s). |
| US08215385B2 |
Application of degradable polymers in sand control
Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well. |
| US08215382B2 |
Motion transfer from a sealed housing
A source of motion for actuation of a downhole tool is in a sealed housing to protect it from well fluids. The sealed housing is filled with an incompressible fluid and thermal effects can be compensated preferably with a compensation bellows in communication with the fluid. The source of motion is preferable electrically powered and the longitudinal motion that results presses against a bellows within the sealed housing. This master bellows is in sealed contact with a slave bellows through a rigid housing that is seal welded to the housing wall. Movement of the master bellows in the housing results in an equal movement of the slave bellows outside the housing. Feedback loops or calibration for thermal effects are also contemplated. |
| US08215381B2 |
Method for controlling heat exchanger fluid flow
In an exemplary embodiment, a method to control excessive temperature changes in a coolant circuit includes providing a coolant circuit including a bypass flow pathway bypassing a heat exchanger, said coolant circuit at an elevated operating temperature; providing an adjustable coolant flow through said bypass flow pathway and said heat exchanger; providing a coolant pump in said coolant circuit; determining a temperature change in said coolant circuit in response to initiating a coolant flow from said heat exchanger into said coolant circuit, said temperature change greater than a predetermined limit; and in response to said determined temperature change, adjusting at least one or more of said coolant pump speed and said coolant flow to maintain said coolant circuit within a predetermined temperature range. |
| US08215376B2 |
Continuous cast molten metal mold and casting system
A continuous cast molten metal mold and casting system is disclosed, which may include a heat distribution or temperature management system for billet type molds, a mold assembly expansion system for continuous cast molds and/or an adjustable mold bore length mechanism. |
| US08215367B1 |
Self-advancing wheel servicing tool assembly
A wheel servicing machine provides a rotatable shaft having a retractable rod slidably disposed in a center bore of the rotatable shaft, wherein the retractable rod is longitudinally moveable relative to the shaft. A rotatable locking member is disposed on the distal end of the retractable rod. The locking member includes one or more mounting studs protruding radially therefrom for engaging a centering cone or a wheel clamp. A support arm including a travel stage protrudes from the base. A tool adapted for engaging a sidewall of a tire is attached to the support arm. A second stage including a second tool configured for engaging the opposite sidewall of the tire may also extend from the base. A platform assembly having one or more spring-loaded rollers is attached to the base in some embodiments. A longitudinally moveable travel arm includes a jointed auxiliary arm extending therefrom. A wheel clamp includes a plurality of arms, wherein at least one arm is moveable relative to at least one other arm. A method of securing a wheel to a wheel servicing machine is also provided. |
| US08215366B2 |
Mounting device, and method for mounting and dismounting a vehicle tire on and from a rim
The invention refers to a mounting device for mounting or dismounting a vehicle tire on a wheel rim, the wheel rim or the wheel being supported on a mounting table and a pressing-down device being provided for sliding the vehicle tire on the wheel rim.The invention is characterized by a movement of the pressing-down device which is essentially parallel to the wheel axis for sliding the vehicle tire on the wheel rim or pulling off the vehicle tire from the wheel rim. |
| US08215364B2 |
Ergonomic squeegee with blade for adhesions and detachment
An improved squeegee and method of modifying a conventional squeegee. A novel hand tool for adherence assistance and cutting of tapes with threads incorporated into it. The squeegee is approximately 4 inches by 3 inches and held in one hand. While rubbing over the surface of the tape being adhered with the 4 inch elongated side causing friction heat for the glue of the tape to adhere. Turning the squeegee around to the other elongated 4 inch side where there is a cutting blade to separate the tape from the roll. The squeegee will provide a simplified and more commercially feasible method for a hand held tool for adherence and separation of tapes. |
| US08215361B2 |
Tire sidewall stitcher
A hand tool for closing splices and correcting flaws arising during tire fabrication includes an elongated body member having a butt end, a front end, a top, and at least one side at a substantially right angle to the top; and a handle member is disposed at the butt end of the body member. An arm is fixedly attached to the handle or an interior side of the elongated body member and a metal wheel is rotatably attached to a protruding portion of this arm. A gripping knob is disposed atop the front end of the elongated body member for enabling downward pressure on the wheel. |
| US08215358B2 |
Steam corrugator system
A system is configured to process steam. The system includes a steam supply line, a corrugator system, a heat sink, and one or more return lines. The corrugator system includes two corrugating rolls. The corrugating rolls each have a plurality of bores formed therethrough. The bores extend substantially longitudinally through the corrugating rolls. The heat sink is configured to draw steam through the corrugator system. The one or more return lines are in fluid communication with one or both of the corrugator system or the heat sink. The one or more return lines are configured to receive condensate communicated from one or both of the corrugator system or the heat sink. A steam trap assembly may also be positioned between the heat sink and a return line. The steam trap assembly may include a steam trap and a bypass line that is operable to selectively bypass the steam trap. |
| US08215356B2 |
Tire with composite ply structure and envelope turnup
A tire and method of building a tire is described wherein the tire has a carcass having a pair of sidewall plies and a bridge ply, each ply being reinforced with cords, the sidewall plies each having a first end which is received between the bridge ply and a belt reinforcing structure; wherein each sidewall ply extends axially outward along the sidewall and extending radially inwardly to the bead core and folded from a position axially outside the bead core to a position axially inside and around the bead core to an axially inner turnup end; said bridge ply having ends which overlap with a respective inner turnup end of said sidewall ply. |
| US08215354B2 |
Studs for a tire
A tire includes a carcass, a tread band having a radially outer tread surface and a plurality of radially extending recesses, and an anti-slip structure disposed in one of the radially extending recesses. The anti-slip structure includes a first circular inner portion, a second outer portion, and a third core portion. The third core portion comprises an assembly of three pin structures for providing traction over ice. Each pin structure has a wedge-shaped base portion secured within the first circular inner portion and a pin extending through the second outer portion to the tread surface. The three wedge-shaped base portions combine to form a circular base portion for the assembly. |
| US08215352B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a wide cross belt having a width not smaller than 92% and not lager than 100% of a width of a tread; and a narrow cross belt having a width smaller than that of the wide cross belt and a tire width direction outer end positioned on a tire width direction outer side with respect to a tire width direction inner edge of an outermost land portion. The tread has open sipes penetrating through the outermost land portion in the tire width direction and formed along the tire circumferential direction, and lug grooves extending along the open sipes on a contact surface of the outermost land portion and having a tire width direction outer end positioned between a tire width direction outer end of the wide cross belt and the tire width direction outer end of the narrow cross belt. |
| US08215350B2 |
Truck racing tire
The invention is directed to a pneumatic radial ply truck tire having a tread with a tread depth D, at least two circumferential grooves dividing the tread into at least a first shoulder circumferential rib, an intermediary circumferential rib, and a second shoulder circumferential rib, the tire being characterized by the tread having a base region disposed at depth D and a cap region over the base region, the base region and the cap region adjoining along a boundary, the cap region comprising a cap rubber composition having properties measured at 23° C. of: elongation of 400 to 500%, true tensile of 77 to 83 MPa, 300% modulus of 9 to 11 MPa, tensile strength of 14 to 15 MPa, shore A hardness of 63 to 68, rebound of 20 to 25%; and the base region comprising a base rubber composition having properties measured at 23° C. of: elongation of 470 to 520%, true tensile of 135 to 150 MPa, 300% modulus of 13 to 15.5 MPa, tensile strength of 22 to 25 MPa, shore A hardness of 63 to 67, rebound 50 to 55%. |
| US08215340B2 |
Orifice plate carrier
An orifice plate carrier for positioning an orifice plate within an orifice fitting to measure fluid flow rate through a conduit is disclosed. In some embodiments, the plate carrier has an opening therethrough and an inner surface surrounding the opening. A lip extends radially from the inner surface to support an orifice plate assembly with an orifice plate disposed therein. At least one flow port extends through the body. Each flow port is configured to allow fluid therethrough and to reduce a pressure differential between fluid up and downstream of the orifice plate during installation and extraction. At least two notches, each notch extending radially from the inner surface, engage the orifice plate and maintain the concentric position of the orifice plate within the fitting. |
| US08215336B2 |
Fluid balancing relief valve with grooved process surface
A valve includes: a body including: a wall defining a process surface, a process void in the process surface adapted to communicate with fluid at process pressure, and at least two vent voids in the wall separate from the process void; an inlet port in fluid communication with the process void; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the vent void; a reference housing adapted to communicate with fluid at reference pressure; and a membrane constrained between the body and the reference housing with its process side substantially coplanar with the process surface. The process surface incorporates at least one groove therein which defines a flow path between the near vicinity of the process void and the near vicinity of the vent voids. |
| US08215331B2 |
Leak mitigation for pressurized bi-directional systems
A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination. |
| US08215321B2 |
Methods and apparatus for wet cleaning electrode assemblies for plasma processing apparatuses
Methods of cleaning backing plates of electrode assemblies, or electrode assemblies including a backing plate and an electrode plate are provided. The methods can be used to clean backing plates and electrode plates made of various materials, such as silicon electrode plates and graphite and aluminum backing plates. The backing plates and electrode assemblies can be new, used or refurbished. A flushing fixture that can be used in the cleaning methods is also provided, the flushing fixture comprising a base plate comprising a recessed inner portion including and an upper surface configured to support the backing plate or the electrode assembly, and a cover plate configured to cover the base plate, the cover plate including at least one liquid passage through which a flushing liquid is introduced into an interior of the flushing fixture defined by the base plate and cover plate. |
| US08215320B2 |
Cosmetic compact incorporating an applicator holder
A cosmetic compact includes a base and a cap. The base includes a cosmetic well in which a cosmetic may be disposed. The cap is affixed to the base to form an enclosure, with the cosmetic well disposed therein. The cap includes a cosmetic applicator holder, also disposed within the enclosure, which is adapted to engage and secure a cosmetic applicator opposite the cosmetic well. |
| US08215317B2 |
Self-lighting cigarette
The present invention relates to a self striking cigarette comprising: cigarette paper, where said cigarette paper includes a phosphorous dipped edge; a tobacco product, where the tobacco product is rolled within the cigarette paper; and a filter, where said filter is attached to the rolled cigarette paper at the non-phosphorous end. In one exemplary embodiment, the cigarette paper is ribbed along the phosphorous edge to provide a reinforcement means. The self striking cigarettes according the present invention may be packaged as a plurality of phosphorous tipped cigarettes stored within a cigarette box, where said cigarette box includes at least one striking surface in the lower corner of the cigarette box. The present invention also contemplates a method of creating a self striking cigarette. |
| US08215315B2 |
Concentric core tobacco rod maker with air transporter
The present invention is directed at various apparatus, systems and methods for forming a sealed concentric or sealed concentric hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed column of metered tobacco and paper between a tongue and garniture to form a concentric shaped tobacco rod or tobacco rod with an inner hollow core; maintaining the concentric shape; and outputting a sealed concentric tobacco rod or a concentric hollow tobacco rod. |
| US08215313B1 |
Medical garment systems
A medical garment system for comfortably restraining at least one limb of a gown wearer while permitting the wearer to receive medical treatment. The medical garment system is particularly useful for special needs patients, such as autistic children, who may become frightened when medical personnel are attempting to administer medication. Such patients may react by violently moving their arms, causing themselves or the medical personnel harm. When the arms of such a patient are comfortably subdued during such procedures, the patient is better protected from injury. |
| US08215306B2 |
Respiratory access port assembly with push button lock and method of use
A respiratory access assembly inctudes a distal pJate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. When the actuator is positioned in a movement-enabling position, it permits movement of the plates while simultaneously blocking the first port of the proximal plate. When the actuator is positioned in a first or second locked (open) position, it locks the plates together and aligns the port of the distal plate with the respective first or second port of the proximal plate and un-blocks the first port of the proximal plale so that an object, such as a suction catheter, may be positioned through the aligned ports. When the actuator is positioned in the third locked (closed) position, it locks the plates together such that the port of the distal plate is positioned between the first port and the second port or the proximal plate and all ports are out of alignment with each other, such that all ports are blocked by a portion of one plate so that no object is moveable through any of the ports. A method of using a respiratory access assembly is provided. |
| US08215303B2 |
Breathing apparatus
A face mask (10) mechanically coupled to a lung demand valve (LDV) (12). The face mask (10) comprises a main mask and an inner mask (15) which fits over the wearer's mouth and nose. The interior of the inner mask (15) is in fluidic communication with the interior of the main mask (10) by means of non-return valves (16). The interior of the main mask is in fluidic communication with an inlet port (18) which is mechanically and fluidically coupled to a supply port (20) of an LDV. The LDV (12) includes a diaphragm and a cover (44) which comprises three parts (44a, 44b) and (44c). Exhaled air is used to flush the space around the diaphragm. Thus, any toxic or undesirable gas in the vicinity of the diaphragm is pushed out to atmosphere by the exhaled air flowing past and around the diaphragm. |
| US08215302B2 |
Discontinuous positive airway pressure device and method of reducing sleep disordered breathing events
A Discontinuous Positive Airway Pressure (DPAP) device and method of using the same for reducing sleep disordered breathing events, such as sleep apnea and snoring. The DPAP device provides selective excitation to the pharyngeal conduit or another muscle or cartilage along the respiratory path, a predetermined period of time before the end of the expiration stage, in order to prematurely reverse the respiratory cycle before the total collapse of the pharyngeal conduit, thus enabling the inhalation stage to reopen and refill the pharyngeal conduit. |
| US08215301B2 |
Nose cannula heated/humidified gas delivery system
A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient. |
| US08215300B2 |
Unit dose cartridge and dry powder inhaler
A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an air flow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section. |
| US08215299B2 |
Counter for metered dose inhaler
A dose counter is provided for coupling with a metered dose inhaler. The dose counter includes a top cover that has a top forming an observation window. The top cover forms an interior space receiving therein a circuit board and an electrical cell supplying electrical power. The circuit board includes a counting circuit and a display screen that is arranged under the window. As such, in the use of the inhaler, depression of the top cover actuates the inhaler and causes the display screen to display the number of times of actuation so as to allow a user to realize the remaining number of times for use of the inhaler thereby improving safety of medication use. |
| US08215297B2 |
Folding side table
A folding table for a grill includes a table portion configured to extend into an operative position and configured to be placed in a protective stowed position to protect the grill. The folding table further includes an upper cross support pivotally connected to the table portion and an attachment portion configured to be connected to the grill. The attachment portion is pivotally connected to the support. |
| US08215293B2 |
System and method for controlling a supercharged engine with inlet and port throttle
A method and system for controlling an engine with a supercharger includes a bypass valve control module controlling a bypass valve for the supercharger having a bypass flow area in response to a desired manifold absolute pressure, an inlet valve control module controlling an inlet throttle for a supercharger in response to a bypass flow area and a port throttle control module controlling a port throttle in response to the desired mass airflow. |
| US08215291B2 |
Method and system for fuel vapor control
A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system. |
| US08215289B2 |
Fuel-injection device
A fuel-injection device includes at least one fuel injector, one receiving bore-hole for the fuel injector, and one pipe-shaped pipe connection of a fuel rail. The fuel injector is pushed into the interior of the pipe connection by an upstream inlet connection. A bayonet closure ensures that the fuel injector is fastened in the pipe connection of the fuel rail in a secure and detachable manner. |
| US08215287B2 |
Fuel supply apparatus for engine and injector for the same
A fuel supply apparatus for an engine may include a plurality of common rails that stores fuel under relatively different pressures, and at least an injector that is connected to the common rails to be independently supplied with the fuel and selectively inject the fuel in any one of the connected common rails. |
| US08215286B2 |
Electronic control system for carburetor
An electronic control system for a carburetor, includes: a transmission device linked to a valve; an electric actuator for driving the valve; and an electronic control unit for controlling operation of the electric actuator, the electric actuator being disposed between the transmission device and the electronic control unit, The transmission device, the electric actuator and the electronic control unit are housed and held in a casing mounted on the carburetor. A ventilation apparatus which places an interior of the casing in communication with an outside atmosphere relative to the carburetor is connected to the casing. |
| US08215280B2 |
Power linkage assembly for a high efficiency internal explosion engine
A four-stroke, piston-powered internal explosion (“IE”) engine for providing power output through a rotating crankshaft. The IE engine includes an engine block having power cylinders formed therein for receiving working pistons, bearing means for supporting the crankshaft, and a crankshaft supported within the bearing means having an output end extending outside of the engine block and a plurality of offset power cranks. The IE engine further includes connecting rods operably coupled to the power cranks and configured to transfer power from the working pistons to rotate the crankshaft, and working pistons that are received into the power cylinders and operably coupled to the power cranks. Each working piston has a head end positioned adjacent to a cylinder head to form a compression chamber and is configured to receive power from an explosion of a compressed volume of air/fuel mixture located within the compression chamber, and to transfer the received power to the connecting rods. The IE engine is further configured so that the compressed volume of air/fuel mixture is substantially constant, and a peak compression ratio is maintained, from an angular position of the rotating crankshaft of at least 20 degrees prior to a TDC position of a compression stroke, to an angular position of at least 20 degrees after the TDC position of a power stroke, and prior to detonation. |
| US08215277B2 |
Spark plug
A spark plug is provided capable of speedily burn off carbon adhered on an insulator. With this spark plug, in order to improve the temperature rise performance of a front end side of an insulator 10, an amount of protrusion H (mm) of the insulator 10, a front-end side volume Vi (mm3) of the insulator 10, and a front-end side volume Vc (mm3) of a center electrode 20 are respectively defined. In consequence, it is possible to improve the recovery property of carbon fouling while retaining the voltage resistance of the insulator 10 and the durability of the center electrode 20. In addition, since the recovery property of carbon fouling improves, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of side sparks generated from the center electrode 20 to a metal shell 50 along the insulator 10, thereby making it possible to stably ensure proper ignition of an air-fuel mixture. |
| US08215274B2 |
Hydraulic control system for engine cam phasing
A hydraulic control system to provide an oil or pressurized fluid supply to a variable cam phasing system in an engine is provided. The hydraulic control system includes a valve housing attachable to a front cover assembly of the engine; a first valve installed in the housing; and an inlet passage defined by the front cover assembly hydraulically communicating with the first valve in the housing to carry pressurized fluid from a fluid source to the first valve. A first and a second outlet passage defined by the housing hydraulically communicates with the first valve to allow the pressurized fluid to flow to the cam phasing system, thereby variably moving a camshaft assembly operatively connected to the cam phasing system. |
| US08215273B2 |
Camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine with integrated valve slide
A camshaft adjuster (1) for an internal combustion engine, which is attached on the end to a camshaft (2) and which acts as a transmission element to a drive wheel (3) for the rotating drive of the camshaft (2), with an internal wheel (4) locked in rotation with the camshaft (2) and a coaxial external wheel (5) that can rotate relative to the internal wheel. A control valve with a valve slide (6) is provided for controlling a fluid for pressurizing pressure spaces (20) arranged between the internal wheel (4) and the external wheel (5), and is provided coaxial to the internal wheel (4), in order to create angular adjustment between the internal wheel (4) and the external wheel (5). The internal wheel (4) has a central valve slide space (24) extending in the axial direction toward the camshaft (2) in which the valve slide (6) is held so that it can move in the axial direction and the valve slide space (24) of the internal wheel (4) includes at least one control edge (7), with which the valve slide (6) interacts in a sealing manner. |
| US08215270B2 |
Reciprocating combustion engine
Methods and apparatus are described for a reciprocating combustion engine. A method includes operating a dual-piston engine including introducing a gas into a pair of combustion chambers; introducing a fuel into the pair of combustion chambers; compressing the gas; combusting the gas and the fuel; and exhausting combusted gases. Each of the pistons drives a reciprocating crankshaft that protrudes through a cylinder wall and cooperatively rotate a pair of rotors by engaging substantially sinusoidal cam tracks on the rotors. An apparatus includes a cam driven, concentric drive rotary-valve dual-piston engine. |
| US08215267B2 |
Animal chew formed of interwoven strips of edible resin
A woven chew toy for animals is provided including one or more of edible resins, such as rawhide, meat jerky, starch and combinations thereof in strip form interwoven together to provide a planar article. |
| US08215266B2 |
Bathing tub for pets
A bathing tub for pets includes a basin with lateral wings projecting from opposite sides. The wings are useful as handles and work surfaces, and engage the rim of a sink into which the tub is placed to prevent the tub from tipping. One or more interchangeable elements can be snapped into the center of the basin to construct a mound assembly in the center of the basin of the proper height for a particular animal; the mound height can be changed, by adding or removing elements, for other animals. While being bathed, the pet stands in the basin with its feet straddling the mound; this prevents the pet from sitting or lying down in the tub. Restraining straps may be applied through slots in the tub to keep the animal in a correct position. |
| US08215260B2 |
Rotary electric machine-manufacturing apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A rotary electric machine-manufacturing apparatus utilized to implement a process of infiltrating varnish into wire-wound coils of a rotary electric machine, and of curing the varnish, an apparatus includes a rotator 2 supporting a work S attached with the wire-wound coils Sc and rotating the work; and a high-frequency power supply device supplying electric power to the wire-wound coils. It is thus possible to support and heat up the work without having devices that surround the work S, thereby positioning a varnish dropping-infiltrating device 6 appropriately. Further, there is no need to change a stage as conventional heat-up processes with an oven or a hot blast-circulating furnace did, and an entire process from pre-drying to curing can be implemented at a single stage. |
| US08215256B2 |
Mooring system with active control
A vessel mooring system which includes at least two mooring robots that can be secured to a terminal and/or a vessel, each robot includes an attractive force attachment element and a base structure. The attachment element can be engaged with a vertically extending side surface and to exert an attractive force normal to the surface. Each robot can measure the attractive force between the attachment element and the surface to provide an “attractive force capacity reading”. The force between the attachment element and the fixed structure of the mooring robot can be measured to provide a “normal force reading”. From monitoring of the relationship between the attractive force capacity reading and the normal force a control of the mooring robot can be provided such that if there is a tending to separate the attachment elements from said vessel the attractive force may be increased and/or alarm is sounded. |
| US08215254B2 |
Covers and liners for sea chests
In a sea chest defining a hull opening and an interior, a sea chest cover for covering the hull opening and allowing water to flow in and out of the sea chest interior is combined with a sea chest liner for lining the sea chest interior, wherein the sea chest cover and the sea chest liner are made of a non-metallic material. In one aspect of the invention, the sea chest cover has one or more apertures formed therein for allowing water to flow in and out of the sea chest interior, and the one or more apertures are configured to prevent or reduce cavitations. In another aspect of the invention, the sea chest liner is a coating of a non-metallic material applied to the sea chest interior. In yet another aspect of the invention, the sea chest liner being designed to have adjustable lateral dimensions. |
| US08215251B2 |
Undergarments having finished edges and methods therefor
An undergarment includes at least one piece of fabric that forms the undergarment. The undergarment has leg openings. The fabric includes edges that surround the leg openings, whereby at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings has a plurality of fibers and at least some of the fibers have free ends terminating at the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. A bead of a cured polymer is disposed over the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. The cured polymer bead forms a finished edge that is stretchable for adjusting to movement of the fabric. |
| US08215248B2 |
Double acting cylinder for tufting machine gate apparatus
A gated looper apparatus has an array of individually mounted pressurizable air cylinders with piston rods acting in communication with looper gates. The air cylinders are designed to be responsive to pneumatic pressure to extend and retract the associated piston rods. |
| US08215247B2 |
Seed boot for double-shoot disc opener
A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification. |
| US08215246B2 |
Portable staging and leg bracket therefor
A portable staging system adjustable for quick assembly and disassembly and inherent sturdiness. The portable staging system includes a bracket assembly for detachably coupling a support member to the platform of the portable stage. The bracket assembly includes a bracket sleeve adapted to receive the support member, a brace member shiftable within the bracket sleeve between a support member engaging position and a support member clearing position, and an actuator assembly for simultaneously shift first and second drivers of the brace member. |
| US08215244B2 |
Plastic pallet
A pallet has a top deck member and a bottom deck member. The top deck member has an upper surface, and a lower surface defined by a plurality of first cross-rib members. The bottom deck member has an upper portion and runners extending downwardly therefrom in a unitary construction. The upper portion has an upper surface defined by a plurality of second cross-rib members which correspond to the first cross-rib members and securely attached to mount the top and bottom decks to each other. The runners have a lower surface and extend transversely across the pallet in a parallel orientation, and also have a plurality of upright members and support members extending between the upright members and integrally formed therewith in a unitary construction. The plurality of second cross-rib members extend generally vertically from the top deck to the lower surface of the runners. |
| US08215241B2 |
Vertical linear actuator mechanism
A vertical linear actuator mechanism for positioning a load at a desired elevation above a support surface is described. The vertical linear actuator mechanism in one aspect thereof comprises an electric motor having a drivable shaft. The drivable shaft is coupled to a linear extendable mechanism having a load connector at a top end thereof. A potentiometer detects the position of the load connector relative to the support surface and provides position signals to a motor controller circuit which monitors the position of the load connector and controls the operation of the electric motor. In another aspect thereof the vertical linear actuator is comprised by a pair of gas spring cylinders interconnected together. The vertical linear actuator mechanism is secured inside a telescopic pedestal and extends and retracts the pedestal. |
| US08215237B2 |
Methods and apparatus for projectile data link system
Methods and apparatus for a data link system according to various aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into a cartridge system. The cartridge system may comprise a case and a projectile. The data link system may be connected to the case and the projectile to provide signals. The data link system a first connection point and a second connection point disposed on the case and an electrical connector connected to the first connection point and the second connection point. |
| US08215236B2 |
Signal transmission surveillance system
A system and method of detecting, processing, and selectively responding to radio frequency transmissions detected by at least one projectile deployed above a geographic area. |
| US08215235B2 |
Breaching apparatus for use with explosive charges
The present invention is a flexible, fillable and/or inflatable breach bag with a planar body and at least one fillable bladder for use in breaching locked or barricaded doors or penetrating surfaces with explosive charges. The breach bag may conform to a variety of shapes, depending on the application. The bag generally includes a panel of flexible material having at least two material layers, including a plurality of seams joining at least two of the material layers to form at least one bladder between the material layers for the selective of fill material, generally in the field. The bladders include fluid inlets providing fluid access to said bladder for filling said bladder with fill material. Additionally, the bags include means to suspend the breach bag against structures to be breached. |
| US08215229B2 |
Machine for the preparation of coffee and the like
A machine for preparing coffee or the like. The machine includes a pump supplying water; a unit for preparing and dispensing of coffee, with a dispensing seating, and an upstream electric heater for heating the water passing through the heater; a hydraulic circuit which connects the pump to the inlet of the heater and which includes solenoid valves assuming a rest configuration in which the heater is substantially emptied of water, and a working configuration in which the heater is enabled to receive and be traversed by a flow of water sent by the pumping devices for the preparation of the coffee; and a control unit (ECU) arranged for activating the heater and causing the solenoid valves to change to the working configuration only when a command is issued for the preparation and dispensing of coffee. |
| US08215228B2 |
Liquid flow control and beverage preparation for a refrigerator
Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension. |
| US08215224B1 |
Variable recoil brake for munition
A recoil brake includes a control rod disposed in a central opening in a piston and cylinder assembly. A fluid passage leads from the piston to the control rod. A long stroke body is fixed to the piston and defines a long stroke orifice around the control rod. A short stroke body is removably disposed in the long stroke orifice. The short stroke body defines a short stroke orifice around the control rod, the short stroke orifice being smaller than the long stroke orifice. The recoil brake may be used with a 120 mm gun. |
| US08215223B2 |
Ceramic components, ceramic component systems, and ceramic armour systems
Several ceramic armor systems are provided herein. One such system is a ceramic armor system for personnel. Such system includes an integral ceramic plate, or a plurality of interconnected ceramic components providing an integral plate. The ceramic has a deflecting front surface or a flat front surface, and a rear surface. A front spall layer is bonded to the front surface of the ceramic plate. A shock-absorbing layer is bonded to the rear surface of the ceramic plate. A backing is bonded to the exposed face of the shock-absorbing layer. A second such system is a ceramic armor system for vehicles. Such system also includes an integral ceramic plate, or a plurality of interconnected ceramic components providing an integral plate. The ceramic plate has a deflecting front surface or a flat front surface, and a rear surface. A front spall layer is bonded to the front surface of the ceramic plate. A shock-absorbing layer is bonded to the rear surface of the ceramic plate. The assembly of the front spall layer, the ceramic plate, and the shock-absorbing layer is bolted to the hull of a vehicle, preferably with an air-gap, or alternatively without an air-gap. |
| US08215220B2 |
Programming process for the fuse of a projectile and programming device enabling the implementation of such process
The invention relates to a programming process and device for a fuse of a projectile using a programming coil transmitting by induction a programming signal to reception means integral with the fuse. This process is characterized in that the programming signal is transmitted from at least one second programming coil that is separate from the first one, each coil being linked individually to electronic control means and the two coils being arranged so as to be able to lie in proximity to the fuse of the projectile when the latter passes in the feed means of the weapon, the coils being arranged such that the projectile fuse passes successively in front of each coil, particularly adapted to the programming of medium caliber projectiles. |
| US08215219B2 |
Food product slicer with gauge plate based shutdown operation
A food product slicer includes a carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of a knife. An adjustable gauge plate provides variable slice thickness for food product carried by the carriage assembly. During automatic slicing, when the gauge plate is moved from the open position to the closed position, a slicer controller automatically shuts down the carriage drive in a controlled manner that causes the carriage to stop at its most forward position. |
| US08215218B2 |
Sandwich holder and knife guide
A sandwich holder and knife guide for cutting a sandwich in half while maintaining the ingredients in place includes a base, a pair of upwardly extending parallel walls with an aligned slit in each of the walls for guiding a knife through a sandwich, a transparent dome with a slit aligned with the slits in the walls, a knife, a support frame, a pair of stainless steel tapes disposed on opposite sides of the slits and each of the tapes extending across the support frame in a parallel relationship with the slits and one end of each of the tapes is coiled upon a retractable coil for maintaining the tapes under tension so that the tapes when extended and placed on top of the sandwich retain the sandwich and its fillings in place when the sandwich is cut in half. |
| US08215216B2 |
Integrated blade lubrication controller
A blade lubrication system for a sawmill having a blade, chain or band saw, and a control mechanism for activating said blade, chain or band. The blade lubrication system automatically activates cooling and cleaning of the blade, or band when the control mechanism is activated, and automatically deactivates the cooling and cleaning of the blade, chain or band when the control mechanism is deactivated. |
| US08215215B2 |
Protective cover structure of a desk sawing machine
A protective cover structure of a desk sawing machine includes a chopper board, a cover, two first side boards and two second side boards. The cover is disposed at an upper end of the chopper board. The two first side boards respectively disposed at two sides of the cover. One end of each of the first side boards is pivotally connected to the cover. The two second side boards respectively connected to another end of each of the first side boards. The first side boards and the second side boards can be operated independently to enhance shelter. The desk sawing machine can keep off the sawdust when cutting, providing a protective effect to the equipment and the user. |
| US08215206B2 |
Damaged bolt and screw removing devices
A bit for removing a broken fastener comprises a tip from which extend two or more notches separated by traction or biting surfaces formed from two-sided frusto-conically-shaped regions. The surfaces are bounded on one side by a nonlinear cutting edge and on the other side by a non-cutting edge and are configured to cut into the fastener when the bit is rotated in a direction opposite to the fastener's direction of engagement. Specific embodiments include configurations where the cutting edges extend at different angles with respect to the bit axis, where the biting surfaces comprise a plurality of serrations, and where the cutting edges are separated by flutes which spiral along a longitudinally extending periphery of the bit. |
| US08215205B2 |
Wave gear device
In a cup-type or “silk hat”-type wave gear device (1), the rim thickness t of the flexible externally toothed gear (3) thereof satisfies the relations (0.5237Ln(R)−1.32)d≦t≦(0.8728Ln(R)−2.2)d if the reduction ratio R of the wave gear device is less than 80, and (1.5499Ln(R)−5.8099)d≦t≦(2.5832Ln(R)−9.6832)d if the reduction ratio R is equal to or greater than 80, where d is the radial deflection, measured at the position of the major axis of the neutral circle of the rim, in a state in which the flexible externally toothed gear is bent into an elliptical shape. The effective face width L of the external teeth (35) is a value within the range of 21 to 30% of the pitch circle diameter. Such settings make it possible to increase the bottom fatigue strength of the flexible externally toothed gear and improve the load capacity of the wave gear device (1). |
| US08215204B2 |
Customizable modular handle structure for sports equipment
A handle structure for sports equipment bars (B) particularly handlebars of cycles, motor cycles or the like. The structure (1) has a main tubular body (2) which defines a longitudinal axis (X), and has an outer surface (6) susceptible of being grasped by a user and an inner surface (7) designed to be operably mounted to the bar (B). A first device (3) axially locks the main body (2) to the bar (B). The tubular body (2) has a plurality of modular annular elements (10, 10′, 10″) designed for mutual coaxial connection along the longitudinal axis (X) for adjusting the overall length (L) of the body (2) to each user's needs. A sports implement incorporating such structure is also provided. |
| US08215203B1 |
Handlebar clamp to accommodate a multiplicity of handlebars for a bicycle having a handlebar post and a transverse clamping plate
A handlebar clamp which can be removably affixed to the transverse clamping plate of any type of bicycle thereby allowing the bicycle to accommodate a multiplicity of handlebars. The handlebar clamp can be fitted to accommodate a multiplicity of different transverse clamping plates. The clamp is held in position by a quick-release attachment to the transverse clamping plate of a bicycle. The clamp has two jaws, the lower of which has at least two different sized partial openings, one each on its upper and lower sides, so that the lower jaw, upon rotation, accommodates different sized handlebars. |
| US08215202B2 |
Cable length adjustment mechanism
An automatic cable length adjustment mechanism includes first and second members that slidably engage one another. A spring biases the members apart, and a releasable one-way ratchet-type mechanism interconnects the parts after the parts shift relative to one another to take up slack in a Bowden cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one-way ratchet arrangement includes a plurality of cantilevered levers having teeth or the like that engage rows of teeth. |
| US08215197B2 |
Device for actuating a gearwheel, which is designed as a loose wheel, of a transmission device
A device for actuating a gearwheel of a transmission device. The gearwheel rotates on a shaft and can be shifted by way an engagement mechanism that includes at least one actuator that is arranged at least partially inside the shaft. The actuator can be actuated by a pressure medium to fix the gearwheel to the shaft. The actuation force required for engaging or disengaging the gearwheel can come from within the shaft. The actuator is a piston-cylinder unit which is either rotationally fixed to the shaft or rotationally fixed relative the shaft. When the actuator is rotationally fixed relative to the shaft, the active connection between the actuator and the gearwheel, which is to be shifted, includes a drive decoupling unit between the actuator and the shaft. |
| US08215196B2 |
Tong gear shift system
A power tong having a ring gear, a gear train, a motor and a gear shift mechanism. The gear shift mechanism further includes a linear actuator and a shift arm connect to the linear actuator. A drive gear is positioned on a drive shaft extending from the motor and this drive gear includes an upper and lower set of drive teeth having beveled top portions. The shift arm engages the drive gear between the upper and lower set of drive teeth and movement of the linear actuator causes the drive gear to engage one of at least two gears in the gear train. |
| US08215192B2 |
Sweat collectors and methods of collecting sweat
A sweat collector for application to a body part of a subject in order to collect sweat therefrom for purposes of analysis, includes a receptacle having an open side for application to the skin of the subject's body part from which the sweat is to be collected; and a port for the introduction of a fluid into the receptacle and into contact with the skin of the subject's body part for enhancing the removal and/or production of sweat thereat. The sweat collector further includes a syringe having an open end insertable into the port for introducing the fluid into the receptacle, and for removing the introduced fluid and the sweat collected therein for analysis. Several embodiments are described, illustrating various ways of attaching the sweat collector to various body parts. Also described is a method of collecting and analyzing sweat from a body part in order to provide information useful in determining the medical condition of a subject. |
| US08215182B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring pressure between jaw members
Testing system for measuring closure pressure between jaw members of electrosurgical forceps. The testing system includes a testing platform, a pair of selectively adjustable instrument supports, a testing stand. The platform has an elongated bed that supports an instrument rest, which supports the electrosurgical forceps. The pair of instrument supports are associated with the elongated bed and secure the forceps atop the elongated bed. The testing stand is disposed at a distal end of the elongated bed and supports a piece of testing material. The testing stand includes a layer of visco-elastic material and a pressure sensitive film. The layer of visco-elastic material forms a pocket. The pressure sensitive film is disposed within the pocket of the visco-elastic layer. The pressure sensitive film is adapted to electromechanically communicate with a diagnostic system to measure the closure pressure between jaw members when they are in a clamped configuration. |
| US08215177B2 |
Apparatus and methods for applying stress-induced offset compensation in sensor devices
Apparatus and methods for applying stress-induced offset compensation and/or scale factor correction in sensor devices are provided. One sensor device (100, 300, 500, 700) includes an integrated circuit device (110, 310, 510, 710), a transducer (120, 320, 520, 720) coupled to the ASIC device, and a stress sensor (130, 330, 530, 730) coupled to the transducer or the integrated circuit device and configured to measure stress on the sensor device independent of the transducer. Another sensor device (900) includes a transducer, a sensor package (940) enclosing the transducer, and a stress sensor (930) coupled to the sensor device package and configured to measure stress on the sensor device independent of the transducer. A method includes detecting, via a stress sensor, an amount of stress being applied to the sensor device and adjusting, via the stress sensor and independent of the transducer, an output of the sensor device by the detected amount of stress. |
| US08215176B2 |
Pressure sensor for harsh media sensing and flexible packaging
MEMS pressure sensing elements, the fabrication methods of the sensing elements, and the packaging methods using the new sensing elements are introduced to provide a way for a harsh media absolute pressure sensing and eliminating the negative effects caused by the gel used in the prior art. The invention uses vertical conductive vias to electrically connect the enclosed circuit to the outside, and uses a fusion bond method to attach a cap with the embedded conductive vias over a device die having a circuit for example a piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge to sense pressure. New packaging methods comprise a) a two-pocket housing structure and using a surface mounting method to attach a new sensing element into one pocket by a ball grid array (BGA), and b) a single pocket structure and using conventional die attach and wire bonding. Both methods can be used for harsh media pressure sensing but without the negative effects caused by the gel in prior art. |
| US08215172B2 |
Device and method for determining the dynamic elastic modulus of a material
The invention relates to the determination of the dynamic elastic modulus of a material, such as a material comprising a mineral binder like cement, or gypsum, or the like, or a polymer, or ceramic, preferably mortar or concrete, in particular shotcrete, using sound, preferably ultrasound waves which penetrate the material and are continuously measured and analyzed. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus, to a measuring device, and to a method for determining the dynamic elastic modulus of a material using the apparatus. |
| US08215169B2 |
Using pole pieces to guide magnetic flux through a MEMS device and method of making
Two opposing substrate layers each having one or more recesses filled with magnetic material guide the flow of flux through a coil in a MEMS device layer to provide for closed-loop operation. Flux flows from one pole piece through the coil to a second pole piece. A method of making using lithographic etching techniques is also provided. |
| US08215164B1 |
Systems and methods for monitoring groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids
One embodiment of the present invention is a system comprising one or more subsystems, which can be practiced alone or in combination, which together allow for monitoring of groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids. A flow measurement subsystem measures flow of hydrocarbons in the horizontal casing string. A well mechanical integrity monitoring subsystem monitors the mechanical integrity of the natural gas production well, including the junctures of a completed well. An aquifer monitoring subsystem directly monitors water aquifer(s) underneath and surrounding a natural gas production well or pad, including monitoring wells or existing water wells. A communication subsystem is used to communicate measurements taken downhole to the surface. The present invention may be used to enhance the production from a gas bearing shale formation, mitigate liability associated with hydrocarbon migration, and monitor for a loss of mechanical integrity of a well. |
| US08215159B2 |
Inspection of holes
A method of inspecting a hole defined by a component situated within an engine, the engine including a chamber configured to receive fluid from a fluid supply, wherein the component is in flow communication with the fluid supply via the chamber, the method includes the steps of: (i) delivering a test fluid via the chamber to the component to induce flow of the test fluid through the hole; (ii) deploying a sensor panel adjacent to the component in a path of test fluid issuing from the hole, the sensor panel being sensitive to impingement of the test fluid; and (iii) assessing a condition of the hole depending on a response of the sensor panel at a location corresponding to the hole. |
| US08215156B2 |
Method for measuring viscosity and/or elasticity of liquid
Viscosity and elasticity of a liquid are measured by immersing and vibrating a liquid tester in the liquid to be tested and measuring three frequency values that are a resonance frequency value on an amplitude characteristic curve obtained through vibration of the liquid tester in the liquid being tested, a low frequency value lower than the resonance frequency value on the amplitude characteristic curve at a phase angle smaller than a phase angle of 90 degrees at a resonance point on a phase angle characteristic curve obtained through the vibration in the liquid being tested, and a high frequency value higher than the resonance frequency value on the amplitude characteristic curve at a phase angle larger than the phase angle at the resonance point on the phase angle characteristic curve. |
| US08215155B2 |
Rheological measurement of filtercake
A rheometer is provided for measuring rheological properties of a filtercake. The rheometer comprises a cell for containing a pressurised fluid supporting a particulate suspension. The cell has two outlets for removing the fluid from the cell. The cell further has a respective foraminous body at each outlet, such that the particulate suspension forms a filtercake on a surface of each foraminous body as pressurised fluid filters through the body when the fluid passes from the cell to the respective outlet. The foraminous bodies are translatable relative to each other, such that the filtercakes formed on said surfaces can be approached to form a unified filtercake. The foraminous bodies are also rotatable relative to each other. The rheometer further comprises a torque sensor for measuring a torque required to rotate the foraminous bodies relative to each other. The measured torque is indicative of one or more rheological properties of the unified filtercake. |
| US08215152B2 |
Testing an acoustic property of an ultrasound probe
Embodiments for testing an acoustic property of an ultrasound probe including a plurality of transducer elements are disclosed. A Schlieren image of an ultrasound probe and a visualized acoustic field of an ultrasound signal generated when one of the transducer elements is excited are acquired. A preprocessing including noise removal and position calibration upon the Schlieren image is then carried out. An acoustic property of the ultrasound probe is tested based on the preprocessed Schlieren image. |
| US08215149B1 |
Stent crimping system and method
A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The crimping assembly includes a plurality of movable wedges disposed about a rotational axis to form a wedge assembly. Each wedge includes a respective first side and a second side converging to form a tip portion. The tip portions are arranged to collectively form an iris about the rotational axis thereof. The iris defining a crimp aperture about which the movable wedges are disposed. Each wedge is associated with a stationary structure and an rotational actuation unit such that during rotation of the actuation unit about the rotational axis, the iris is caused to rotate about the rotational axis, relative the stationary structure, for inward movement of the wedges to decrease the size of the aperture and outward movement of the wedges to increase the size of the aperture. |
| US08215145B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing cut to length bars in a steel mill
A method and apparatus for producing steel bars that are cut to length in response to a customer order. The method includes producing a continuous length of steel bar from a rolling mill, cutting the continuous length of steel bar into successive segments, each representing a multiple of the length of the bar of the customer order, cutting the segments in in-line cold shears first into two times the length of the bar of the customer order and then in half into lengths equal to the length of the bar of the customer order while maintaining the production of the continuous length of steel bar produced by the rolling mill, and bundling the bars of the length of the customer order for discharge from the mill. |
| US08215139B2 |
Apparatus for removal of dried furs from a pelting board
An apparatus (2) for removal of dried furs from pelting boards (8) upon which the fur during the drying process has been fixed. The apparatus removes furs from the pelting boards (8) in an upright position that are successively supplied in upright position, and which at a wide end of the pelting boards are fixed in fixing holes in a top plate of a drying cart (6) in such a way that the upright pelting boards (8) with furs are in transverse and longitudinal rows. The apparatus (2) includes a conveying tunnel (4); a guide for guiding a longitudinal side of the drying cart; a transverse upper guide (14); a secondary guide (16, 18); a primary laterally displaceable lift (30) for clamping a pointed end of the furs; and a secondary lift (50). |
| US08215136B2 |
Laundry machine having multiple laundry treatment devices
A multiple laundry machine is provided. The multiple laundry machine may include multiple washing spaces capable of separately washing relatively small amounts of laundry in each. The multiple laundry machine may include a casing, and a plurality of individual laundry machines arranged in the casing. Each of the individual laundry machines provided in the casing may conduct washing operations in a different manner so as to provide washing capability of different sizes and types of loads. |
| US08215128B2 |
Shearing blade for molten glass gobs
Shearing blade for molten glass gobs comprising a knife (1) made of hard metal having a substantially V-shaped front shearing portion (5) with a shearing edge (7) whose width is in the range between 8 and 11% of the distance between the ends (6) of the V-shaped shearing portion (5). Between the shearing edge (7) and the rear support portion (2) of the knife, the upper surface of the knife (1) has a lowered surface (8). |
| US08215126B2 |
Setting for gemstones, particularly diamonds
A novel setting for a gemstone including a girdle, a crown on one side of the girdle, and a pavilion on the opposite side of the girdle, characterized in that the setting mounts the gemstone in an inverted orientation by prongs received in grooves formed in the crown of the gemstone such that the pavilion faces outwardly of the setting and the crown faces inwardly of the setting. Such a mounting is particularly useful when mounting a plurality of gemstones contiguously, in which case the prongs mounting each gemstone are concealed by the girdles of the gemstones. One embodiment is described wherein a plurality of gemstones are all mounted in the inverted orientation with the pavilions facing outwardly, and another embodiment is described wherein alternate gemstones are mounted in the inverted orientation with the pavilions facing outwardly, and with the remaining gemstone being mounted in the normal orientation with the crowns facing outwardly. |
| US08215125B2 |
Refreezable ice barrel
Provided is a refreezable barrel for chilling a plurality of items. The refreezable barrel includes a cooler body defining an open end and a closed end portion. The cooler body defines a cavity extending from the open end towards the closed end portion. The cavity is configured to receive the plurality of items. A cooling element is disposed within the cooler body and is refreezable to mitigate temperature rise within the cooler body. The refreezable barrel also includes a cooler stand defining a recess configured to engage with the closed end portion of the cooler body. |
| US08215124B2 |
Point of sale method and apparatus for making and dispensing aerated frozen food products
An apparatus for making and dispensing frozen aerated products includes a rotating horizontal freeze plate with an upper surface for receiving a chilled aerated mix. The chilled aerated mix includes, in one embodiment, a base that has been sufficiently aerated, and at least one flavor. The horizontal freeze plate rotates about its central axis. The apparatus also includes a spreader body for distributing the chilled aerated mix on the rotating freeze plate. The spreader body extends radially across at least a portion of the upper surface of the freeze plate. The apparatus further includes a scraper for scraping frozen aerated mix off of the rotating freeze plate. |
| US08215118B2 |
Optimizing the angular positioning of a turbine nozzle at the outlet from a turbomachine combustion chamber
A turbomachine including an annular combustion chamber fitted with fuel injectors and nozzle vanes arranged at the outlet from the chamber, the number of nozzle vanes being an integer multiple of the number of fuel injectors, and the head of each injector being situated angularly half-way between the leading edges of two consecutive nozzle vanes, these leading edges being in alignment with primary air holes and/or with dilution air holes. |
| US08215111B1 |
Electrical generation from explosives
An electrical generator converts the high blast pressures of explosives into useful electricity by capturing the explosive gases and using the high gas pressures to alternately push water hydraulically between two tanks and through water turbines connected to DC electric generators. Water expelled through a water turbine from one tank is used to fill the other tank. Batteries can be used to store the electrical energy generated, and inverters followed by transformers convert the DC electric from the turbine-generators to 110-VAC, 220-VAC, and 440-VAC. A microcomputer controller connected to various sensors and solenoid valves coordinates the timing and routing of the detonation of explosives, tank pressures, venting, valving, and load control. |
| US08215108B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for a piston/cylinder arrangement
A Control apparatus for a piston/cylinder arrangement, having a valve arrangement connected to a first part space, which assumes a closed position preventing a fluid held in the first part space from flowing out if the pressure in the fluid is smaller than a pressure control value set on the valve arrangement and which assumes an opening position if the pressure in the fluid is greater than the set pressure control value, and having a priming device which is coupled to the valve arrangement and the first part space serving to prepare for the damping of a pressure increase in the fluid which is brought about by a movement of the piston caused by a load acting on the piston in the direction of the first part space such that a pressure increase can be generated in the fluid to a predefined pressure priming value independently of the load. |
| US08215103B2 |
Snap-action valve for exhaust system
A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit. |
| US08215102B2 |
Particulate filter regeneration apparatus and method of operating the same
The particulate filter regeneration apparatus includes a driving function for driving an exhaust pipe injector to inject fuel into an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine by energizing an actuator of the exhaust pipe injector in order to regenerate a particulate filter provided in the exhaust pipe for collecting particulate matter contained in exhaust gas of the engine, a shutoff function for shutting off fuel supply to the exhaust pipe injector, and a diagnosis function of performing a diagnostic process in which the fuel shutoff function is caused to shut off fuel supply to the exhaust pipe injector, and the driving function is caused to energize the actuator in a state of fuel supply to the exhaust pipe injector being shut off by the shutoff function in order to make a determination whether the actuator is energized normally by the driving function. |
| US08215100B2 |
Regeneration device having external check valve
An exhaust treatment device for a combustion system is disclosed. The exhaust treatment device may have a housing, and an injector disposed within the housing to deliver an injection fluid into a flow of exhaust. The exhaust treatment device may also have at least one fluid supply passage that is disposed within the housing and being in fluid communication with the injector to supply the injector with injection fluid. The exhaust treatment device may further have at least one purge passage disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the injector to supply the injector with a purge fluid. The exhaust treatment device may additionally have a first valve element that is mounted to the housing and disposed at an entrance of the at least one purge passage The first valve element may be configured to provide a unidirectional flow of purge fluid to the at least one purge passage. |
| US08215098B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing exhaust gas aftertreatment component degradation
A system is provided for diagnosing operation of an exhaust gas aftertreatment component for an internal combustion engine. The system includes a NOx sensor producing a NOx signal indicative of NOx content of exhaust gas exiting the aftertreatment component, and a control circuit configured to estimate as a function of a number of engine operating conditions a NOx inlet content corresponding to a NOx content of exhaust gas produced by the engine and entering the aftertreatment component. The control circuit is configured to determine a NOx conversion efficiency of the aftertreatment component as a function of the NOx signal and of the NOx inlet content, and to determine that the aftertreatment component is degraded if the NOx conversion efficiency is below a threshold value for at least a first predefined time period. |
| US08215095B2 |
Model-based coordinated air-fuel control for a gas turbine
A fuel controller, and associated method, provides a fuel control output signal to a fuel control actuator to control operations. The fuel controller determines the fuel control output signal based on rotational speed error. A combustion air controller provides a combustion air control output signal to a combustion air control actuator to control operations. A cross channel controller is in communication with the fuel controller and the combustion air controller. The cross channel controller provides a combustion air control modification signal to the combustion air controller. The combustion air control modification signal is determined from the fuel control output signal using an air versus fuel model. The combustion air controller determines a preliminary combustion air control signal based on an exhaust temperature error, and further determines the combustion air control output signal based on both of the preliminary combustion air control signal and the combustion air control modification signal. |
| US08215092B2 |
Methods and apparatus for making elastic composite yarns
Methods and apparatus are provided to make composite yarns having a filamentary core with at least one elastic performance filament and at least one inelastic control filament. A fibrous sheath, preferably formed from spun staple fibers, surrounds the filamentary core, preferably substantially along the entire length thereof. The at least one elastic performance filament most preferably includes a spandex and/or a lastol filament. The at least one inelastic control filament is most preferably formed of a textured polymer or copolymer of a polyamide, a polyester, a polyolefin and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fibrous sheath is formed of synthetic and/or natural staple fibers, most preferably staple cotton fibers. The elastic composite fibers find particular utility as a component part of a woven textile fabric, especially as a stretch denim fabric, which exhibits advantageous elastic recovery of at least about 95.0% (ASTM D3107). |
| US08215090B2 |
Walk behind work machine having an engine mounting structure
A walk-behind work machine in which vibration produced by the driving of an engine is not readily transmitted to an operating handle. The work machine includes a work-machine body having a plurality of mounting parts to which an engine is joined. The mounting parts include a high-rigidity mounting part positioned at a maximally rigid part on the work-machine body, and other mounting parts exclusive of the high-rigidity mounting part. The engine is joined securely to the other mounting parts and is joined more loosely to the high-rigidity mounting part than to the other mounting parts. |
| US08215089B2 |
Waste disposal devices
Waste disposal device including a container defining a waste chamber for receiving waste, a support member arranged in the container for supporting tubing having a closed or closable front end to thereby enable formation of a bag in the container and a twisting assembly arranged in the container and defining an aperture through which the tubing passes while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing. A rotation mechanism is arranged in the container and when actuated, rotates the twisting assembly relative to the stationary support member while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing to thereby form a twist in the tubing. |
| US08215085B2 |
Methods of preparing web material for production of receptacles for food or other products
The disclosure relates to a method of preparing a web of flexible material for production of receptacles for packaging. The method comprises the steps of feeding a web of flexible material past a succession of stations in which operations are carried out on the web including defining blanks for receptacles having walls and tabs by creating fold lines in the web, and then laminating a film of heat-sealable plastics materials to a face of the web of the flexible material. The film of heat-sealable plastics provides a heat-sealable surface on the web for bonding tabs of each blank together to form seams between adjacent walls whereby the blanks, when severed from the web, can be erected to form receptacles having openings to receive items to be packaged. |
| US08215083B2 |
Insulation board with air/rain barrier covering and water-repellent covering
A previously formed unitary building exterior envelope product is provided, comprising: a mineral fiber insulation board including a binder having a hydrophobic agent and is resistant to liquid water-penetration and has first and second major surfaces, an exterior facing material, which resists air infiltration and liquid water penetration, laminated to the first major surface, the exterior facing material being permeable to water vapor, and a continuous interior facing laminated to the second major surface, so that the second major surface is resistant to liquid water-penetration and is permeable to water vapor. The section of product is mounted to an exterior side of a plurality of framing members of an exterior wall of a building, so that the interior facing faces the framing members. An exterior layer is mounted to the framing members using a connection device that passes through the section of product, with the facing material facing the exterior layer. |
| US08215082B2 |
Flat roof that sheds rain
A substantially flat roof has elongated log-shaped members arranged horizontally in adjacent, side-by-side relation. Each log-shaped member has a contoured upper surface, and the contoured upper surfaces of adjacent members define a space between them that tapers from a maximum width at the highest elevation of the contoured surfaces to a minimum width where the contoured surfaces of adjacent log-shaped members are closest together. Elongated inserts are arranged between the contoured upper surfaces. Each insert has a wide portion that abuts an adjacent pair of the contoured upper surfaces at a relatively high elevation, and tapers to a narrow portion that abuts the contoured surfaces at a relatively low elevation substantially at the ends of the adjacent pair of log-shaped members. Rain falling on the roof drains by gravity from the contoured upper surfaces to the inserts and along the inserts towards their narrow portions and falls from the roof. |
| US08215081B2 |
Panel tile and top cap retention system
A system and method to attach and retain panel tiles and a top cap to a support frame of a modular wall panel system. The top cap attached to the support frame includes an elongated body having a one or more attachment clips removably attached to the elongated body at desired locations along the length of the elongated body. The attachment clips and elongated body are formed separately and assembled prior to attachment to the modular panel. The elongated body includes a pair of receiving cavities that receive spring arms formed on each of the attachment clips. The attachment clips are rotated into position such that the spring arms engage the elongated body and hold the attachment clips in position. Each panel includes a stiffener bracket having engagement tabs. The engagement tabs are received within notches formed in the vertical posts to secure the tiles to the support frame. |
| US08215080B2 |
Gutter assemblies
A gutter assembly for collecting and channelling rainwater run-off from a roof structure, including: one or more elongate gutter members; at lease one mounting bracket for pivotably mounting each gutter member at the roof structure such that each gutter member is movable between an in-use collecting and channelling position and a substantially inverted cleaning position; and, at least one actuator which acts on one or more gutter members to move the gutter member by generating a pushing force to pivot the gutter member about the mounting bracket to the cleaning position and pulling force to cause the gutter member to return to the in-use position. |
| US08215078B2 |
Building panel with compressed edges and method of making same
Floorboards comprising a core and a surface layer with curved edge portions, which are formed by a compression of the core. |
| US08215076B2 |
Locking system, floorboard comprising such a locking system, as well as method for making floorboards
A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards constructed from a body, a rear balancing layer and an upper surface layer. A strip, which is integrally formed with the body of the floorboard and which projects from a joint plane and under an adjoining board has a locking element which engages a locking groove in the rear side of the adjoining board. The joint edge provided with the strip is modified with respect to the balancing layer, for example by means of machining of the balancing layer under the strip, in order to prevent deflection of the strip caused by changes in relative humidity. Also, a floorboard provided with such a locking system, as well as a method for making floorboards with such a locking system. |
| US08215075B2 |
Up-tight surface covering and attachment system
An up-tight surface covering system for attaching a facing of a panel member to a support structure comprises an adjustable hanger bracket for attaching a grid member to the support structure and a clip for attaching the panel member to the grid member. The adjustable hanger bracket comprises an arm rotatably attached to a support. The arm includes a first section extending substantially parallel to the support and a second section extending substantially perpendicular to the support. The second section has at least one slot for receiving a mechanical fixing member. The clip comprises a main body portion having an attachment member extending from a substantial center thereof. The main body portion has engagement members extending from opposing sides of the main body portion and substantially perpendicular thereto. The engaging members have abutment members extending from side surfaces thereof substantially perpendicular to the main body portion and the engaging members. |
| US08215073B2 |
Weather protection system
Weather protection systems, for use in protecting structures and structural elements during severe weather events, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assembling and installing weather protection systems. Weather protection systems of this invention provide fabric to cover a structural element; the fabric is connected to the structure via a clip. A clip of is invention may include features such as fastening points, anchor points, and engaging members; a clip may also introduce a desirable point of flexibility into a system of the invention. Other features of weather protection systems of this invention may include resin and straps. |
| US08215072B2 |
Weather protection system
Weather protection systems, for use in protecting structures and structural elements during severe weather events, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assembling and installing weather protection systems. Weather protection systems of this invention provide fabric to cover a structural element; the fabric is connected to the structure via a clip. A clip of is invention may include features such as fastening points, anchor points, and engaging members; a clip may also introduce a desirable point of flexibility into a system of this invention. Other features of weather protection systems of this invention may include resin and straps. |
| US08215069B2 |
Swimming pool system with reinforced composite structural components
A swimming pool assembly having a plurality of side wall panels certain adjacent ones of which have juxtaposed apertured edge flanges joined together by compression plates each having planar blade and a first plurality of pre-alignment fasteners extending away from the plane of the blade through aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange and engaging a flange plate surface opposite the blade to temporarily align the side wall panels. Each compression plate further includes a second plurality of alignment towers passing through additional aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange terminating in wedge receiving slots. Wedges, upon being forced into respective slots, clamp the flanges tightly together. Adjacent panel flanges may further include FML flat surfaces oriented to compensate for panel flange draft angle whereby adjacent panels when clamped together present generally coplanar pool surfaces. |
| US08215068B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing the energy dissipation of structural elements
According to one embodiment, the energy dissipation of a structural element is increased by inserting one or more resisting elements into the structural element at any time during or after construction of the structural element. The continuous resisting elements are rigidly attached to the structural at one end and connected to the structural element by and through a damping material over at least a portion of its length. When a dynamic force is applied to the structural elements, such as may result from wind or earthquakes, there will be a strain in the structure, in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction of the resisting elements. In this way, the forces and deformations within the structure will result in a relative motion between the structural element and resisting element, a substantial portion of which is ultimately transmitted by and through the damping material layer. In transmitting such a force and movement through the damping material layer, a portion of the energy associated with such force and movement is dissipated. |
| US08215065B2 |
Modular wall unit
A modular patient room includes a plurality of modular wall panels or units having various configurations. In some embodiments, the modular wall units have at least one shelf and a flip-down work surface. The modular wall unit optionally may include an integrated computer monitor and a keyboard attached to the flip-down work surface. |
| US08215062B2 |
Air-floating-type base isolation device which uses a sliding expanding pipe shielding material
An air-floating-type base isolation system having a plurality of air chambers defined and surrounded by a sliding expanding pipe shielding material. A groove in one plate receives a sliding expanding pipe of shielding material made of airtight material. A plurality of air pressure chambers are defined by placement of the grooves and shielding material at selected locations in the plate, so that the top plate can be allowed to float horizontally by adjustment of the pressure in the air pressure chambers, regardless of the position of the center of gravity of the building. |
| US08215059B2 |
Modular gardening system
A modular gardening system includes a first monolithic growing pod forming an interior growing volume and including an opening to the growing volume defined by a frame-accommodating lip, and at least a second monolithic growing pod, the second monolithic growing pod being substantially identical to the first monolithic growing pod. The modular gardening system further includes a frame assembly configured to form a perimeter around the opening of the first monolithic growing pod within the frame-accommodating lip of the first monolithic growing pod and the opening of the second monolithic growing pod within the frame-accommodating lip of the second monolithic growing pod, the frame assembly further configured to support the first monolithic growing pod and the second monolithic growing pod in a side-by-side array, stepped array, or elevated array. |
| US08215052B2 |
Pest control system and method
In a system and method for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests, a container having an interior chamber, is located in an area in which pests are to be at least one of monitored and controlled. At least a portion of the container is constructed of an environmentally degradable plastic. At least one of a pest monitoring material and a pest bait material is disposed within the interior chamber of the container for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests. The container is inspected at least once prior to the end of a predetermined time period to determine whether pests are present within the container. The container is replaced, along with the at least one of the monitoring material and the bait material, no later than about six months beyond the predetermined period of time following placement of the container in the area. |
| US08215047B2 |
Systems and methods for adapting a vertical fore grip to a user
A system and method for adapting a vertical fore grip to a user. In one embodiment, a system for adapting a vertical fore grip to a user can be provided. The system can include a vertical fore grip configured to adjustably attach to a firearm; a grip extension configured to modify the vertical fore grip, wherein the grip extension is further configured to mount at least one accessory; and a bolt assembly for adjustably attaching the grip extension to the vertical fore grip. |
| US08215044B2 |
System and method for the remote measurement of the ammunition level, recording and display of the current level
This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product that monitors usage for man carried weapon systems; specifically a device to monitor ammunition level and weapon discharges through real time data collection, analysis and real time visual feedback to the operator. An ammunition level detecting system mounted on a projectile weapon comprising: A level measurement unit (LMU) and a Reader and Visualization Unit (RVU) and a PC Dongle which configured to facilitate communication between the RVU and a personal computer (PC), enabling management of the RVU configuration and offloading of sensor obtained and system determined data values. |
| US08215037B2 |
Footwear with plurality of interlocking midsole and outsole elements
An article of footwear that includes an outsole, including an outsole groove that extends generally in a thickness direction through the outsole to separate the outsole into first and second outsole elements. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes a midsole, including a midsole groove that extends generally in a thickness direction through the midsole to separate the midsole into first and second midsole elements. The first midsole element is operably secured to the first outsole element to define a first element assembly, and the second midsole element is operably secured to the second outsole element to define a second element assembly. Furthermore, the outsole groove and the midsole groove are substantially aligned with each other, and the first and second element assemblies interlock with each other. |
| US08215030B2 |
Overshoe
An overshoe that covers a footwear structure for protecting a walking surface. The overshoe includes a base and an upstanding portion, which extends around at least a portion of the base. A protrusion extends inwardly from an inner surface of the upstanding portion. The protrusion engages the footwear structure for releasably retaining the overshoe to the footwear structure. |
| US08215029B2 |
Drying apparatus and method of using the same
Exemplary mobile drying containers and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the mobile drying container includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall having a gate, an interior bottom, an upper volume and a lower volume separated by a ventilated floor supported by support members, wheels positioned below the lower volume, and one or more support legs positioned below the lower volume to provide support between the mobile drying container and the ground. The upper volume holds the crop to be dried, and the gate of the second end wall is operable to open and provide a path to dump or remove the crop. The lower volume is operable to receive a flow of air from an opening to assist with the drying of the crop. The present invention also encompasses other embodiments and methods. |
| US08215027B2 |
Tape measure with self-regulating speed control mechanism
Disclosed herein is a tape measure with a self-regulating speed control mechanism. In the present invention, when a bobbin rotates, a rubber roller rotatably provided on a movable mounting plate alternately comes into contact with an inner surface of a support ring and a rubber acceleration prevention member provided on the inner surface of the support ring, so that the speed of the bobbin can be smoothly and reliably reduced. |
| US08215020B1 |
Ramp assembly installation method
Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, an inboard and outboard ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle. |
| US08215019B2 |
Process for producing an orthodontic bracket
A method for producing an orthodontic bracket is comprised of sintering a molded body of highly-pure alumina fine powder at a temperature of 1,200° C. to 1,300° C. to obtain a sintered body composed of crystals having a relative density of 96% to 99.5% and an average crystal grain size of at most 1 μm, and thereafter subjecting the sintered body to an HIP treatment at a temperature of 1,200° C. to 1,350° C., under a pressure of at least 50 MPa. Such an orthodontic bracket has high strength and high translucency, can be processed into a complicated shape, similar to that of a metal bracket, and maintains excellent translucency. |
| US08215013B2 |
Method for making a free standing axially compressed connector stack
Connector assemblies for use with implantable medical devices having easy to assemble contacts are disclosed. The connector assemblies are generally formed by coupling a plurality of ring contacts, sealing rings, and spring contact elements together with at least one holding ring to form a connector having a common bore for receiving a medical lead cable. Contact grooves or spring chambers for positioning the spring contact elements are formed in part by assembling multiple components together. A further aspect is a provision for encasing each connector assembly or stack inside a thermoset layer or a thermoplastic layer before over-molding the same to a sealed housing. |
| US08215009B2 |
Method for manufacturing a plug arm
This is directed to a power adapter plug arm manufactured from a single piece of material. The plug arm can include a plug operative to extend into a wall socket, an elongated plate coupled to an end of the plug such that the plug extends from a first surface of one end of the plate, and a pin coupled to the opposite end of the plate and extending from the opposite surface of the plate. The pin can be operative to engage a circuit board of the power adapter to provide power received from the wall socket to an electronic device coupled to the power adapter. To enhance the strength of the plug arm, the plate can be manufactured by creating a co-axial plug and a stem from a single piece of material, bending the stem, and cold heading the bent portion of the stem to form a plate. Because the cold heading process involves cold working the material, the arm and in particular the bridge member at the interface between the plate and the stem can become stronger as a result of the manufacturing process. |
| US08215004B2 |
Fabrication line
A fabrication line that utilizes a jig pallet that is commonly used in processing equipment to efficiently finish and assemble semifinished products of plural shapes. The jig pallet includes a holding member D for holding a semifinished product W and an opening/closing device G1 for opening and closing the holding member D, and allows the semifinished product W to be mounted and dismounted by opening and closing the holding member D with the opening/closing device G1. The jig pallet is transported to processing equipment M1, M2, and M3 to allow the semifinished product to be processed in the fabrication line. An opening/closing driving device G2 that engages the opening/closing device G1 to open and close the holding member is provided along the fabrication line. |
| US08215002B2 |
Method of making a lamp coil
Traditional methods of making headlamp coils have left a portion of the coils with slightly irregular forms. These irregularities can result in defects in the ultimate beam pattern. Accommodating these defects in robust lamp and headlamp optical systems can reduce the performance that might otherwise be available. The preferred coil is therefore continuously coiled as a straight body, and carefully cut into segments. Subsequently, legs are welded to the coil segment ends. The coil is then left substantially undistorted by the manufacturing process that would otherwise normally leave a portion of the coils distorted. The method particularly enables a functional center leg coil. |
| US08215000B2 |
Methods for twisting rotor and stator ends
Methods and apparatus for twisting rectangular rotor and stator conductor ends whereby most if not all conductor ends are bent at once, radially adjacent ends being bent in opposite directions. A lost motion member may be used to bend selected conductors through lesser angles for such purposes as phase interconnection and power leads. The rectangular conductors are retained against twisting so that flat conductors will bend about an axis perpendicular to the larger dimension of the conductor cross section. Various features of the methods and apparatus are disclosed. |
| US08214999B2 |
Method of forming a miniature, surface microsurfaced differential microphone
A differential microphone having a perimeter slit formed around the microphone diaphragm that replaces the backside hole previously required in conventional silicon, micromachined microphones. The differential microphone is formed using silicon fabrication techniques applied only to a single, front face of a silicon wafer. The backside holes of prior art microphones typically require that a secondary machining operation be performed on the rear surface of the silicon wafer during fabrication. This secondary operation adds complexity and cost to the micromachined microphones so fabricated. Comb fingers forming a portion of a capacitive arrangement may be fabricated as part of the differential microphone diaphragm. |
| US08214997B2 |
Anchor structure with bidirectionally deflectable bore gripping fingers
A bore gripping anchor structure for attaching articles to the outer surfaces of masonry materials and other solids which is actuated by a blind rivet type installation tool. A basic embodiment has an anchor component with bidirectionally deflectable fingers (20) and a concentrically situated and slidably housed actuator device which has a stem (30) and a force applying portion, anvil (40). After insertion into a bore in a first direction, the actuator device is pulled in the opposite direction, so that said anvil (40) interacts with said fingers (20) in a manner which causes said fingers (20) to first be deflected outward and into substantial contact with the wall of the bore, and with continued pulling of said anvil (40) in the opposite direction causes the end portions of said fingers (20) to deflect inward and behind said anvil (40), to couple the anchor structure with the bore. |
| US08214995B2 |
Method and tool for manufacturing of build up products
A tool for producing composite objects, including a first and a second material path, along which a first and second sheet material are stepwise feedable. Along the first and second material paths there are disposed a number of processing stations for processing the first and second sheet materials by shearing, punching, pressing, bending etc. The first and second material paths intersect one another and in the zone of intersection an assembly station is disposed for joining together or assembling component parts from the first and second material paths. A method of producing from sheet material a composite object includes the steps of stepwise feeding a first sheet material in a first feeding direction, the sheet material being processed between certain feeding steps, feeding a second sheet material stepwise in a second feeding direction, the second sheet material being processed between certain feeding steps. The first and second component parts are assembled together and caused to leave the tool in the assembled state. |
| US08214989B1 |
Pitot tube cover installation tool
A tool for installing a pitot tube cover on an elevated pitot tube of an aircraft includes an adjustable light weight support pole carrying a brace for carrying and guiding the cover during installation over the pitot tube, wherein the brace includes upwardly projecting pliable pins for engaging tabs on the cover and a cross shaft for guiding movement of the cover into alignment and registration with said pitot tube. |
| US08214988B2 |
Bearing handling tool
A bearing handling tool is revealed. The bearing handling tool includes a tool body having a fixing member arranged at a middle part thereof. The fixing member is for fixing the tool body to a machine such as engines or transmissions of car models, ship models, airplane models, etc. The tool body further has a connection end on one end and a plurality of locking parts on the other end thereof. The connection end is to handle the bearing near a surface of the machine while the locking part is for handling the bearing in the machine. The handling tool is used depending on the condition and providing convenient assembling and disassembling. Moreover, the attaching and detaching of the bearing have no influence on the machine and with high industrial application value. |
| US08214987B1 |
Remote vacuum or pressure sealing device and method for critical isolated systems
A remote vacuum or pressure sealing apparatus and method for making a radiation tolerant, remotely prepared seal that maintains a vacuum or pressure tight seal throughout a wide temperature range. The remote sealing apparatus includes a fixed threaded sealing surface on an isolated system, a gasket, and an insert consisting of a plug with a protruding sample holder. An insert coupling device, provided for inserting samples within the isolated system, includes a threaded fastener for cooperating with the fixed threaded sealing surface on the isolated system. The insert coupling device includes a locating pin for azimuthal orientation, coupling pins, a tooted coaxial socket wrench, and an insert coupling actuator for actuating the coupling pins. The remote aspect of the sealing apparatus maintains the isolation of the system from the user's environment, safely preserving the user and the system from detrimental effect from each respectively. |
| US08214983B2 |
Process for producing piezoelectric ceramic devices
An improved process for producing a piezoelectric ceramic device is disclosed, wherein the process includes the following steps: securing a metal plate in a mold cavity body by maintaining a binding area on a top surface of the metal plate, and that the top surface other than the binding area is enveloped, confined and secured; coating a metal paste on the binding area; placing a piezoelectric ceramic powder on the metal paste; pressing a pressing pillar on the piezoelectric ceramic powder; securing the pressing pillar in position; heating the mold cavity body so as to sinter the piezoelectric ceramic powder as a sintered body, and heating the mold cavity body so as to treat the sintered body to become a not-yet polarized piezoelectric ceramic sheet. Therefore, the same mold is employed for the piezoelectric ceramic powder sintering, the heat treatment, and the positioning and binding to the metal plate. |
| US08214982B2 |
Method of fabricating piezoelectric vibrating pieces
To carry out frequency adjustment easily, accurately and efficiently without being influenced by a size of a piezoelectric vibrating piece and achieve low cost formation and promotion of maintenance performance, there is provided a method of fabricating a piezoelectric vibrating piece which is a method of fabricating a piezoelectric vibrating piece having a piezoelectric vibrating plate 11, a pair of exciting electrodes 12, 13, and a pair of mount electrodes 15, 16 by utilizing a wafer S, the method including an outer shape forming step of forming a frame portion S1 at a wafer and forming a plurality of piezoelectric plates at the frame portion to be connected thereto by way of a connecting portion 11a, an electrode forming step of forming pairs of exciting electrodes and pairs of mount electrodes respectively at the plurality of piezoelectric plates and forming a common electrode S2 respectively electrically connected to a plurality of the pairs of mount electrodes 15 on one side by way of the connecting portion, a frequency adjusting step of adjusting a frequency of the piezoelectric plate by applying a drive voltage between the common electrode and the mount electrode 16 on other side, and a cutting step of fragmenting the plurality of piezoelectric plates. |
| US08214980B2 |
Methods of manufacture of secured aerogel composites
Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber-containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer. |
| US08214977B2 |
Centralized scanner database with optimal definition distribution using network queries
A system and method detects malware on client devices based on partially distributed malware definitions from a central server. A server stores malware definitions for known malware. The server generates one or more filters based on the malware definitions and distributes the filter(s) to client devices. The server also distributes full definitions to the clients for a subset of the most commonly detected malware. The client device scans files for malware by first applying the filter to a file. If the filter outputs a positive detection, the client scans the file using the full definition to determine if the file comprises malware. If the full definition is not stored locally by the client, the client queries the server for the definition and then continues the scanning process. |
| US08214975B2 |
Adjustable length litter strap assembly
A litter strap that is easily adjustable to any length while simultaneously secure under tension includes an elongate strap extending between first and second parts of a two-piece buckle. The strap may be threaded through one of the buckle parts and manually slidable therethrough for adjusting a length of the litter strap assembly. A flexible pinch guard may be affixed to the strap so that the pinch guard substantially overlaps the first buckle part when the buckle parts are decoupled and may be wider than the strap and sized to substantially overlap the first and second buckle parts when the buckle parts are coupled. A keeper loop may encircle a middle portion of the strap and be slidable therealong and a pull tab may extend from the keeper loop to facilitate adjusting a position of the keeper loop along the middle portion. |
| US08214974B2 |
Clip fasteners for attaching gaskets or gasket-like devices to a mounting surface and its installation method as well as the equipments
The present invention provides a kind of clip fastener for attaching gaskets or gasket-like devices to a mounting surface, including a mounting surface engagement head, a neck and a protrusive base perpendicular to the plane of the head and attached to the neck. The present invention also presents a kind of method and equipment for mounting a clip fastener with protrusive base to gasket. Clip fastener base in present invention can be embedded into gasket, or rotated into woven gasket, or embedded into gasket being weaving. The head extend outwards across gasket and clip fasteners in the holes on mounting surface to fasten gasket to mounting surface firmly and effectively. |
| US08214973B2 |
Furniture hinge
A furniture hinge has a first and a second equalizers connecting to a box-shaped body and a hinge arm, the first equalizer being pivoted to the box-shaped body through a first pin and to the hinge arm through a second pin, the second equalizer being pivoted to the box-shaped body through a third pin and to the hinge arm through a fourth pin, a flexure spring being wound around a pin fixed to the hinge arm and having a first spring arm abutting against the hinge arm and a second spring arm abutting against a control cam formed on the first equalizer, a contact surface between the control cam and the second spring arm, during the rotation or the hinge the contact surface moving along both the profile of the control cam and the profile of the second spring arm. |
| US08214970B2 |
Wheel system with lifter apparatus
A wheel system includes a frame, a wheel rotatably mounted to the frame, and a lifter. The lifter defines a first end and a second end. The first end of the lifter is pivotably mounted to the frame, and the second end of the lifter defines a contact surface. The contact surface of the lifter is adapted to establish initial contact with a vertically disposed obstacle, and thereafter the lifter is configured to pivot about the first end such that the wheel is lifted and translated over the vertical obstacle. |
| US08214969B2 |
Layered eraser
A layered eraser, comprising: a plurality of eraser layers, comprising at least an innermost eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer; the outermost eraser layer containing the innermost eraser layer; each eraser layer adjacent at least one other eraser layer; each of the eraser layers having an outermost surface. The layered eraser may be adapted to fit about a writing instrument. Each eraser layer adjacent another eraser layer may have different shaped outermost surfaces. Embodiments include different eraser layers in the shapes of simulated space ships, simulated dinosaur heads, and simulated planets. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of eraser layers comprise an innermost eraser layer, at least one intermediate eraser layer completely surrounding the innermost eraser layer, and an outermost eraser layer completely surrounding the at least one intermediate layer, one or more eraser layers being exposed after at least a portion of the layered eraser is worn away. |
| US08214966B2 |
Vacuum cleaner nozzle height indicator
A nozzle height indicator for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle height indicator has a height display adapted to be viewed by a user, a light source adapted to emit light, and a blocking member. The blocking member is adapted to be positioned in a first position in which it allows the light to illuminate the height display and a second position in which it substantially prevents the light from illuminating at least a portion of the height display. The blocking member may indicate the height of an associated vacuum cleaner inlet nozzle relative to a surface being cleaned. A vacuum cleaner inlet nozzle is also provided. |
| US08214961B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning male electrical pins
An apparatus for cleaning male electrical pins comprises a base portion, a first cleaning extension, and a second cleaning extension. The first cleaning extension extends from the base portion and defines a first substantially half-cylindrical shell. Likewise, the second cleaning extension extends from the base portion in a direction substantially parallel to the first cleaning extension, and defines a second substantially half-cylindrical shell. The first cleaning extension and the second cleaning extension define a gap therebetween. In addition, each of the first and second substantially half-cylindrical shells comprises a respective knurled surface region facing the gap. |
| US08214959B2 |
Actuator and electric toothbrush using the same
An actuator allows miniaturization by realizing back-and-forth rotating motion of, for example, an electric brush without a drive transmitting mechanism which is a separate entity from a drive source. In a movable body (110) of this actuator (100), an outer yoke (150) is provided with sidewalls (152 and 153) located opposing each other spaced a predetermined interval apart. A magnet (160) is provided in the outer yoke (150) through a non-magnetic body (170) and has different magnetic poles located opposing to the opposing inner wall planes of the outer yoke (150) through the air gaps. The movable body (110) is provided with a shaft (180). The fixed body (120) has a coil (128) which is located in the air gaps and which circles the magnet (160). The fixed body (120) movably supports the movable body (110) through elastic bodies (130). An alternating current supplying section (140) supplies to the coil (128) the alternating current of a frequency virtually equal to the resonance frequency of the movable body (110). |
| US08214958B2 |
Sensor responsive electric toothbrushes and methods of use
A sensor-responsive toothbrush that can adjust its output or operation depending upon information received by one or more sensors incorporated in the toothbrush or as selected by a user. The information typically relates to certain conditions or the presence of particular substances or agents within or outside of the oral cavity. The sensor-responsive toothbrush also includes one or more responsive output components that provide a responsive output in response to the sensed information. A method of providing an oral care benefit, comprising steps of: activating a toothbrush comprising a sensor; detecting a sensor input with the sensor; and initiating a responsive output from the toothbrush in response to the sensor input. |
| US08214953B2 |
Self-enclosable inflatable mattress
A self-enclosable inflatable mattress has a mattress body, a valve and a bag. The mattress body has a sidewall and a chamber being defined in the mattress body. The valve is mounted through the mattress body. The bag is attached to the mattress body and has a surrounding sheet, at least one holding sheet and at least one fastener. The at least one holding sheet is mounted on a corresponding margin of the surrounding sheet and detachably connected to a corresponding surrounding sheet. The fastener is mounted between the surrounding sheet and the holding sheet. The self-enclosable inflatable mattress is easily stored compactly and prevents dust from contacting the mattress body during storage. |
| US08214951B1 |
Soft Surgical arm support
A soft arm support and protection device for use during a medical procedure when a patient is lying supine or prone. The device may be made from a soft neoprene material which is positioned under the patient's body. Enveloping leaves of material wrap from above and below the arm to afford complete and even support. The mating surfaces of the leaves are fitted with wide fastening material to allow secure fixation of the arm without pressure points. The dimensions allow for protected and stable vascular access sites with the option of adding additional foam padding about such sites and to vulnerable nerves and bones. The device also allows for radiologic imaging and can be quickly undone in an emergency for rapid access. The device is made of material which is hypoallergenic and durable. It can be manufactured in either a disposable or reusable version. |
| US08214948B2 |
Adjustable bed skirt
An adjustable bed skirt includes a deck with a peripheral edge around its perimeter, and a ruffle attached around the perimeter of the deck at the peripheral edge. The deck includes a releasable longitudinal fold and a releasable lateral fold, reversibly secured by closure members. The ruffle includes a plurality of releasably extendible pleats. Each of the longitudinal and lateral folds extends into an associated one of the pleats. When the longitudinal fold is released, the deck and the ruffle are changed from a first, folded width to a second, unfolded width. When the lateral fold is released, the deck and the ruffle are changed from a first, folded length to a second, unfolded length. |
| US08214947B1 |
Bedclothes apparatus
A bedclothes apparatus includes a blanket sized to cover two occupants of a bed, first and second coverlets, a first fastener assembly operable to secure the first coverlet to a central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be laid across a first segment of the blanket and to release the first coverlet from the central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be moved away from the first segment and the central section of the blanket, and a second fastener assembly operable to secure the second coverlet to the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be laid across a second segment of the blanket and to release the second coverlet from the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be moved away from the second segment and the central section of the blanket. |
| US08214939B2 |
Splash guard for washing basin
A splash guard for installation on a washing basin having a faucet assembly mounted proximate an edge of said basin, said splash guard comprising a one piece, generally concave shell having a floor portion with one or more openings for water supply plumbing to said faucet assembly and an upwardly curved rear wall portion integral therewith for directing splashed material impinging thereon into said washing basin. |
| US08214938B2 |
Shower bar assembly
A shower bar assembly that includes a pair of mounting brackets configured and arranged to be mounted to a wall of a shower stall is disclosed. Each of the mounting brackets has a base portion with a first shelf and a second shelf projecting from the base portion. The first and second shelves each have a retaining peg projecting from each shelf, respectively. A tubular shower bar is included and has two opposing ends. Each of the ends of the tubular shower bar has a pair of surfaces in which each defines an aperture through the tubular shower bar. Each end of the tubular shower bar is configured and arranged to slide onto the first and second shelves of the mounting brackets, with the apertures interlocking with each of the retaining pegs, respectively, to suspend the shower bar between the mounting brackets and to prevent the shower bar from rotating between the brackets. |
| US08214936B2 |
Spa having heat pump system
A spa or hot tub system includes a tub forming a cavity that holds a fluid such as water therein, and a water circulation system provides for circulation of water within the tub. The hot tub includes inner and outer surfaces, and defines an internal space. A heat pump system is operably connected to the water circulation system, and heats the water in the hot tub. The water side heat exchangers of the heat pump may include a polymer housing, and coiled inner elements for refrigerant. The coils may be made of a corrosion-resistant metal tubing or the like. The system may include a conventional electric heating element in addition to the heat pump to provide additional heating capacity. |
| US08214934B2 |
Seamless sink drain assembly with disposer/strainer mounting system
The sink drain assembly (3-5) comprises a downwardly extending drain sleeve (3) integrally formed on the sink (1); a resilient, generally cylindrical mounting member (5) formed with an upper annular section (7) adapted to releasably engage the drain sleeve (3) and with a lower annular section (13) adapted to releasably receive an upper portion (12) of a garbage disposer (8,9); a clamp (14) removably attachable to the mounting member (5) in overlying relation to the upper (7) and lower (13) annular sections, and a strainer (64) having a radially outwardly extending gasket (63) adapted to establish a generally water tight seal between the strainer (64) and a splashguard (66) mounted on the upper portion (12) of the garbage disposer (8,9). |
| US08214933B1 |
Toilet actuating system
A toilet actuating system includes a flush pedal, at least one seat/lid pedal, a control unit interfacing with the flush pedal and the at least one seat/lid pedal, a toilet flush mechanism engaged by the control unit and at least one of a toilet seat and a toilet lid engaged by the control unit. |
| US08214932B2 |
Automatic self-closing toilet seat assembly
A self-closing toilet seat assembly includes a longitudinal hinge tube mounted in a cavity on the underside of a toilet lid in coaxial alignment with the hinge flanges thereof. The hinge tube is secured in hinged engagement with both the toilet lid and seat by means of a pair of slow-close hinge dampeners. A self-closing mechanism, in association with a mounting base attached to the bowl of a conventional toilet and to the underside of the hinge tube, is responsive to manual lifting of either the toilet lid itself or of both the toilet lid and the toilet seat to the open or vertical position for initiating closing rotation of the toilet lid and the toilet seat, if also upright, to the vertical tipping point, past which they continue to gravitationally rotate to the closed position, at a rate limited by the slow-close hinge dampeners. The self-closing mechanism is responsive to the weight of a user seated on the toilet seat for inhibiting closing rotation of the toilet lid until the user rises from the toilet seat. |
| US08214929B2 |
Shoulder pads
The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse, that is formed from a consolidated polymer fiber composite material, such as polypropylene tape yarn that reduces the overall weight of the shoulder pad. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a pair of interior pad assemblies wherein each interior pad assembly is removably connected to an arch member. The interior pad assembly is an integrated unit formed from a front pad, an intermediate pad, and a rear pad joined together to form distinct air management chambers. |
| US08214927B1 |
Protective garment for lower abdomen and upper legs
Garments designed to be worn in conjunction with conventional chaps to protect the lower abdomen of the wearer and upper legs of a wearer are described herein. Also described are garments that replace conventional chaps. |
| US08214926B2 |
Posture improving garment
A garment adapted to be worn by a wearer. The garment includes a main body portion that is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's lumbo-pelvic region, hips and at least a portion of the legs, wherein the main body portion includes first and second leg portions that each define an axis. The garment also includes a strap system that includes a plurality of leg straps releasably affixed to the main body portion. Each of the leg straps includes at least one connector for affixing the leg strap to the main body portion. Each of the leg straps overlies a grip layer that is adapted to contact the wearer's skin when the garment is worn. |
| US08214922B2 |
Water shorts incorporating a stretch textile
An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, includes a first textile and a second textile. The first textile forms a majority of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the apparel, and the first textile exhibits at least thirty percent stretch prior to tensile failure. The second textile is located around a waistband portion of the apparel, and the second textile exhibits less than ten percent stretch prior to tensile failure. |
| US08220068B2 |
Monolithic high aspect ratio nano-size scanning probe microscope (SPM) tip formed by nanowire growth
A scanning probe where the micromachined pyramid tip is extended by the growth of an epitaxial nanowire from the top portion of the tip is disclosed. A metallic particle, such as gold, may terminate the nanowire to realize an apertureless near-field optical microscope probe. |
| US08220067B2 |
Cantilevered probe detector with piezoelectric element
A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system. |
| US08220066B2 |
Vibration compensation in probe microscopy
A The local probe microscopy apparatus (1) comprises a probe (3) with translation stages (5a, 5b) for controlling the position of the probe (3) relative to a sample surface. The probe (3) has a feedback mechanism (6, 5 7) for maintaining the deflection of the probe and a height measuring system (9) which includes means for compensating for environmental noise. The local probe microscopy apparatus is particularly suitable for use as a wafer inspection tool in a wafer fabrication plant where the inspection tool is liable to be exposed to significant mechanical vibration. |
| US08220065B2 |
Content data reproducing apparatus with temporary data memory
In a content data reproducing apparatus having a temporary memory for stream reproduction, a content data acquisition section acquires content data from an external content provision server. A storage control section temporarily stores the content data acquired by the content data acquisition section in the temporary memory such that the stored content data should be erased from the temporary memory when a power supply is turned off. A reproduction condition acquisition section acquires reproduction condition data which defines a reproduction condition for reproducing the content data. A reproduction section reproduces the content data read from the temporary memory. A reproduction control section operates in case that the reproduction condition is satisfied for supplying the reproduction section with the content data read from the temporary memory for the reproduction, and operates in case that the reproduction condition is no more satisfied for erasing the content data from the temporary memory even before the power supply is turned off. |
| US08220064B2 |
Content management system and content management unit
A content management system which can prevent a content from being copied exceeding the limited number of copies for the content. The content management system includes a first content management device and a second content management device. The first content management device stores period information that indicates an available period during which a first external device is permitted to use a copied content which has been copied from the content, and outputs the period information to the second content management device when the content is moved. Upon receiving the period information from the first content management device, the second content management device judges whether the available period of the copied content has expired, using the received period information, and if it is judges that the available period has not expired, it inhibits the content from being copied to the second external device. |
| US08220061B2 |
Method for making contents public or private, information providing system, and information providing program
Contents can be made public or private, when to be switched so, by designating a common file identifier before and after the switching. An information providing system reads a second file identifier related to a first file identifier, from a storage device (S25). The information providing system moves, in case it receives a request for making the contents public, the contents corresponding to the second file identifier read, to a public area, and moves, in case it receives a request for making the contents private, the same to a private area (S30). According to the stored place of the contents moved, the information providing system changes the second file identifier, and stores the same in the storage device in a correlation between the first file identifier received and the second file identifier changed (S35). |
| US08220056B2 |
Threat management system and method
In a threat management system and method for managed systems, leveraging of identifications and/or assessments of common threats, and/or valuation of assets which may be susceptible to common threats, can be applied to facilitate monitoring of customer compliance with policies needed to guard against threats to customer assets. Threat identification and response in managed systems may be tailored for different customers, in some instances without having to parse individual customer details, such as assets at risk and types of threats to those assets. |
| US08220054B1 |
Process exception list updating in a malware behavior monitoring program
Generating an exception list by a service provider for use in behavior monitoring programs for malware detection is described. A feedback server controlled by a malware prevention service provider receives client process reports from client devices owned by the service provider's customers and others using the provider's behavior monitoring software. The process reports contain data on processes that were evaluated (on the client device) as being processes that require a significant amount of CPU resources (i.e., above a certain threshold) to monitor and that have previously executed on the client device and were considered safe or non-harmful to the device. The feedback server receives the process reports and creates a statistics summary report, which is used by the service provider in evaluating whether to include the processes in the provider's official exception list which is distributed to its customers for use in their behavior monitoring programs. While creating the process reports on the client devices, the devices are able to temporarily address issues caused by processes taking up too much of the behavior monitor's CPU usage by including the process on exception list only for that client. The final decision as to whether the process will be on the final or official exception list is made by the service provider. |
| US08220053B1 |
Shadow copy-based malware scanning
Scanning of the shadow copy instead of the hard disk of a computer (using an accessing interface instead of the file system interface or an API of the operating system) enables the scanning software to access any files that might have been locked by the malware on the hard disk and avoids root kits. Files cannot be locked because a disk parser is used instead of the operating system or normal file system interface. It is possible for malware to change or reinfect files during the scanning and cleaning process. Files on the hard disk in existence at the time a manual scan is begun are scanned and backed up to the cache if changed during scanning. Dropped malware is removed by reverting the hard disk to the shadow copy once scanning and cleaning has been performed. Even if a watchdog drops a file during the scanning and cleaning process (because it detects that other malware components are being affected) these dropped files will be removed. |
| US08220051B2 |
Generation and delivery of multimedia content-adaptation notifications
A method for conditioning multimedia containers to be compatible with decoding facilities of receivers of diverse types is disclosed. Content of a multimedia container may include components of different encoding formats. Container conditioning also detects and, where feasible, removes undesirable insertions within each content component of a multimedia container. A content component of a container may be filtered, re-encoded, or deleted. Notifications indicating conditions of a container and any modifications performed are appended to the container. A notification may be presented in at least one form compatible with characteristics of a respective receiver. An editing engine implementing the method is associated with a network entity to which multimedia containers are directed. The editing engine accesses a receiver database storing information on several types of receivers and a repository of notification templates encoded in several forms. |
| US08220045B2 |
System and method of identifying and preventing security violations within a computing system
A system and method of identifying and preventing security violations within a computing system. Some exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising monitoring activity on a core bus coupled to a processor core (the processor core operating in a computing system), identifying activity on the core bus as a security violation, and preventing execution of an instruction within the processor core in response to the security violation. |
| US08220044B2 |
Apparatus and method for triggering session re-negotiation between access network and access terminal in a high rate packet data system
The invention relates to a method for triggering re-negotiation of a session when an Access Terminal moves from one access network (source AN) to another access network (target AN) having different capabilities in high rate packet data system. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the source AN is allowed to store all the protocol subtypes, protocols and applications that AT is capable of and also allowing the AT to send this information in priority order during session negotiation and hence facilitating the transfer of this information from source AN to target AN during session transfer when AT moves from one AN to another AN. An alternate embodiment is to let the AT send the protocol subtypes, protocols and applications and other AT capable information to target AN after it moves to a new AN or by letting the Rev-A capable AN query the AT's capability information and then the AT providing this information. In another exemplary embodiment, the invention includes re-negotiation by introducing a revision (like Protocol revision) information in overhead information messages that an AN broadcasts to all ATs. |
| US08220043B2 |
Information processing device and computer implemented method for information processing device
An information processing device that causes a router to open a new communication port and permits an active access from a terminal when the terminal connected to an outer network is provided. A multi function device (information processing device) accesses a POP server and acquires a mail. In a case where the mail from an outer terminal describes an access request, the multi function device transmits to a port-open-command that requests a router to open a new communication port. The multi function device transmits to the outer terminal a port identifier of the new communication port that was opened by the router. The outer terminal transmits data to the multi function device with the received port identifier designated therein. The multi function device, triggered by the mail from the outer terminal, can cause the router to open a new communication port that permits an active access from the outer terminal. |
| US08220035B1 |
System and method for trusted embedded user interface for authentication
A security component may be associated with a network-enabled application. The security component may initiate the display of an embedded region of a window drawn according to display information received from a relying party. The security component may define at least a portion of the appearance of the embedded region; the relying party may not define this portion. The embedded region may include customization information configured by a user, and “Card” information received from an assertion provider, indicating how to authenticate user credentials in order to gain access to relying party restricted content. The security component may request authentication of user credentials from the assertion provider, which may be trusted by the relying party. The security component may receive an assertion token from the assertion provider indicating the credentials are authentic. The security component may forward the assertion token to the relying party to gain access to the restricted content. |
| US08220034B2 |
User authentication based on authentication credentials and location information
A computer program product, apparatus, and system, are disclosed for user authentication based on authentication credentials and location information. A computer program product performs operations for such authentication. These operations of the computer program product include referencing past user location information in response to an authentication validation request and referencing current user location information. These operations also include determining a maximum allowable distance between an authentication attempt location associated with the authentication attempt location identifier and a past location associated with the past user interaction location identifier, and managing the authentication attempt, in response to determining that the physical authentication attempt location is outside the maximum allowable distance. The computer program product, apparatus, and system thereby reduce the possibility of identity theft by adding an element of location awareness to the authentication process. |
| US08220033B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing bootstrap credentials for credentials-storage systems
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates accessing a credential. During operation, the system receives a request at a credentials-storage framework (CSF) to retrieve the credential. If a target credential store containing the credential is not already connected to the CSF, the system looks up a bootstrap credential for the target credential store in a bootstrap credential store, which contains bootstrap credentials for other credential stores. Next, the system uses this bootstrap credential to connect the CSF to the target credential store. Finally, the system retrieves the credential from the target credential store, and returns the credential to the requestor. |
| US08220032B2 |
Methods, devices, and computer program products for discovering authentication servers and establishing trust relationships therewith
Using an authentication server to discover one or more additional authentication servers and to dynamically establish a trust relationship with the one or more additional authentication servers. The authentication server searches for the one or more additional authentication servers to discover one or more sources of authentication tokens, and inspects an incoming authentication request from the one or more additional authentication servers to determine if the request is carrying one or more authentication tokens from a newly discovered realm. Once the authentication server determines a newly discovered realm to be trustworthy, the authentication server receives a directory schema from the newly discovered realm and compares the received directory schema with a known directory schema retrieved by the authentication server to identify an intersection of the received directory schema and the known directory schema. The authentication server uses the intersection to identify a primary key, and to identify any unique information that is specific to either the authentication server or the newly discovered realm. |
| US08220031B2 |
Secure time/date virtualization
A system is provided that includes a processor and a system memory coupled to the processor, the system memory stores at least one application for execution by the processor. The system also includes logic coupled to the processor, the logic providing a secure time reference. The processor selectively accesses the secure time reference to generate a virtual time reference for the at least one application. |
| US08220029B2 |
Method and system for enforcing trusted computing policies in a hypervisor security module architecture
A method and system for enforcing trusted computing (TC) policies in a security module architecture for a hypervisor. Upon receiving a request from a subject for access to an object, TC-related attribute values are obtained for the subject and the object based on a virtualized trusted platform module (vTPM). Access control decisions are the made based at least on the TC-related attribute values and TC-related policies. |
| US08220027B1 |
Method and system to convert conventional storage to an audio/video server
A method and system to utilize an audio/video server in storing real time, previously recorded or otherwise obtained media data to one or more conventional storage device and making this stored media data available to media playback devices on a network. A first embodiment is a method to operate a video server including recording audio/video data to a storage module coupled to the a video server through at least one standardized port module, determining a need to provide a video file to the one or more playback devices; reading a video file from a storage module coupled to the video server through at least one standardized port module; and providing a version of the video file to one or more playback devices. The version of the video file can optionally be a trans-coded version of the video file, with a new video format, compression, bitrate, or combination of the preceding. A second embodiment is a system including a video server including a storage module having at least one standardized port module; a video server, coupled to the storage module through the at least one standardized port module; and one or more playback devices. These embodiments can be applied in several wired and wireless communication applications, or in combinations of such applications. |
| US08220022B1 |
Traversing video recommendations
A system, method and various user interfaces facilitate traversing multiple groups of video recommendations. A group of video recommendations includes a central video, an indicator of video of interest corresponding to the central video, and a set of related videos displayed at its corresponding display distance from the central video and from each other. The corresponding display distance of a video is calculated as a function of the video's recommendation score and correlation with other videos of the group. Responsive to selection of new central video, a new group of video recommendations is generated and displayed in coordination of the existing groups of video recommendations, where the plurality of central videos are visually connected. Visually presenting recommended videos responsive to user selections of videos of interest provides a quick and intuitive way for user to traverse videos of interest and visualize the browsing of the recommended videos. |
| US08220018B2 |
System and method for preferred placement programming of iTV content
Preferred placement of programming content is provided by a system and method to organize or sequence the display of a set of programmable content elements of an iTV application to a viewer, using business rules that describe the preferred placement conditions or criteria. Such criteria include brand, content owner, application location, current channel, current channel family, current channel category, time of day, content category, current program, current program genre, current iTV application, current content type, and/or subscriber and set-top box profile and behavior data. In one implementation, the present invention allows for managing the ‘shelf space ’ within and for iTV applications. |
| US08220010B2 |
Disc drive with clearance adjustment member
There is provided a disc drive by which the fluid loss of a disc is reduced and the electric power consumption of a spindle motor can be decreased. In the disc drive according to the present invention, a rotation load reducing member is provided between a top cover and the disc. The rotation load reducing member is movably supported by a clearance adjustment member. While the disc is rotating, the rotation load reducing member is moved in the direction approaching the disc. Thereby, the thickness of an air layer on the upper surface of the disc is decreased. |
| US08220001B2 |
Adaptive cluster timer manager
Described herein are techniques for adaptively managing timers that are used in various layers of a node. In many cases, the number of timers that occur in the system is reduced by proactively and reactively adjusting values of the timers based on conditions affecting the system, thereby making such a system to perform significantly better and more resiliently than otherwise. |
| US08219993B2 |
Frequency scaling of processing unit based on aggregate thread CPI metric
A device, system, and method are directed towards managing power consumption in a computer system with one or more processing units, each processing unit executing one or more threads. Threads are characterized based on a cycles per instruction (CPI) characteristic of the thread. A clock frequency of each processing unit may be configured based on the CPI of each thread assigned to the processing unit. In a system wherein higher clock frequencies consume greater amounts of power, the CPI may be used to determine a desirable clock frequency. The CPI of each thread may also be used to assign threads to each processing unit, so that threads having similar characteristics are grouped together. Techniques for assigning threads and configuring processor frequency may be combined to affect performance and power consumption. Various specifications or factors may also be considered when scheduling threads or determining processor frequencies. |
| US08219977B1 |
Using a software repository to increase the speed of software testing
A method of testing software can include maintaining a cache within at least one of a plurality of farm machines of a testing farm. Each cache can include at least one version of test ingredients. The method can also include receiving, within at least one selected farm machine, a request to perform a test involving a test version of the test ingredients and comparing the test version of the test ingredients with versions of the test ingredients stored within the cache of the selected farm machine. The method can also include selectively updating a version of the test ingredients stored within the cache of the selected farm machine according to the comparison. |
| US08219976B2 |
Managing sets of entities
Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, that implement a description language and a parser for a description language. A method includes receiving input including a specification of base items, a specification of contexts, and a specification of a selected context from the contexts. The method further includes generating an output set of items by evaluating the selected context. In that method, each item in the output set of items includes core attributes of a corresponding base item and can include attributes from a context. Generating an output set of items can include generating a specific bill of materials. |
| US08219975B2 |
Real-time analysis of performance data of a video game
A method for analyzing the performance of a video game uses a diagnostic tool that is associated with application code of the video game. The diagnostic tool is activated when the video game is in operation, and real-time performance data is captured and displayed. A warning is generated when a performance metric violates a pre-set condition. The warning may be displayed on a display screen that is used to provide information for rectifying the violation. |
| US08219971B2 |
System and method for source code sectional locking for improved management
A system and method of managing source code and, more particularly, a system and method for locking sections of source code to eliminate conflicts during concurrent use by multiple users. The method includes locking a first section of a file and at least a second section of the file to permit editing thereof by different users to the exclusion of other users. The method further includes merging edits of the locked first section with remaining sections of the file including any edits made to the at least second section without overwriting any edits. |
| US08219969B2 |
Data structure used for directory structure navigation in a skeleton code creation tool
Programming the creation of a software system is facilitated by automating the generation of some of the program code that is necessary for the software system. The generation of program code may be automated based on a software design specification that can be created by developers. The software design specification may be scanned and code may be generated for implementing the software system based on information obtained from scanning the software design specification. |
| US08219968B2 |
Designing computer programs
Designing a computer program includes accessing invariant domain rules and displaying variable business rules. One or more business rules are selected in response to a user selection and are customized. The business rules are associated with a procedure, and the domain rules are associated with the procedure. A model representing the procedure is displayed, and a code corresponding to the procedure is generated to design a computer program. |
| US08219962B1 |
Library enrichment
Methods are used to enrich a cell library in such a way to provide a nearly continuous choice of cells to implement a circuit design. The emphasis of the design method is on automatic determination of the needed cell sizes and variants. The method exploits different variants on drive strengths, P/N ratios, topology variants, internal buffering, and so forth. The method allows enriching libraries to become more suitable for efficient timing closure. The method also offers means to adapt the preexisting cells to fit the final distribution, minimizing the number of new cells to be created. |
| US08219961B2 |
Method for compensation of process-induced performance variation in a MOSFET integrated circuit
An automated method for compensating for process-induced variations in threshold voltage and drive current in a MOSFET integrated circuit. The method's first step is selecting a transistor for analysis from the array. The method loops among the transistors of the array as desired. Next the design of the selected transistor is analyzed, including the steps of determining threshold voltage variations induced by layout neighborhood; determining drive current variations induced by layout neighborhood. The method then proceeds by attempting to compensate for any determined variations by varying the length of the transistor gate. The method can further include the step of identifying any shortcoming in compensation by varying contact spacing. |
| US08219958B1 |
Creating evaluation hardware using a high level modeling system
Within a system comprising a processor and a memory, a method of creating evaluation hardware within an integrated circuit can include automatically inserting, by the processor, a disable circuit block into a circuit design. The method can also include automatically selecting a location within the circuit design to insert the disable circuit block, and/or inserting an unlock circuit block into the circuit design, wherein responsive to receiving an unlock code, the unlock circuit block overrides the disable circuit block. The method also can include storing, within the memory, the circuit design comprising the disable circuit block. |
| US08219957B1 |
Global placement legalization for complex packing rules
A method performed by a system comprising a processor and a memory can include performing a global placement of a circuit design for a target programmable integrated circuit (IC) and clustering the circuit design using a selected size of cluster regions according to control sets identified within the circuit design. The method further can include determining a legalized placement of the clustered circuit design by solving a minimum cost network flow problem for the selected size of the cluster regions and the target programmable IC and assigning components to sites of the target programmable IC according to the legalized placement. The circuit design specifying the legalized placement can be stored within the memory. |
| US08219955B2 |
Automatically wiring circuit by setting and changing reference to design quality relating to electric characteristic
In order to make it possible to automatically execute a wiring process which satisfies not only a design condition but also design quality relating to an electric characteristic, according to the embodiment, an automatic wiring apparatus includes a design condition changing section for changing a design condition in accordance with priority information regarding the design condition where a wiring process which satisfies the design condition cannot be carried out by a first wiring processing section, a quality allowability decision section for deciding whether or not quality of a wiring region can be allowed where a wiring process which satisfies the design condition after the changing can be executed by a second wiring processing section and an outputting section for outputting a result of the wiring process of the wiring region by the second wiring processing section if it is decided that the quality of the wiring region can be allowed. |
| US08219952B2 |
Variation aware victim and aggressor timing overlap detection by pessimism reduction based on relative positions of timing windows
A computer is programmed to identify a number of groups of timing windows, each group including a victim timing window and one (or more) aggressor timing window(s), respectively for a victim net and one (or more) aggressor nets in an IC design. The computer automatically slides (i.e. shifts in time) the victim and aggressor timing windows as a group for each die, i.e. by a specific amount that is identical for all timing windows of an instance of a coupled stage in a die, but differs for other instances of the same coupled stage in other dies. Crosstalk analysis is then performed, using time-shifted timing windows which result from sliding, to identify overlapping victim and aggressor nets, followed by variation aware delay calculations to identify timing violations and timing critical nets, followed by revision of the IC design, which is eventually fabricated in a wafer of semiconductor material. |
| US08219945B2 |
Computer-aided design system to automate scan synthesis at register-transfer level
A method and system to automate scan synthesis at register-transfer level (RTL). The method and system will produce scan HDL code modeled at RTL for an integrated circuit modeled at RTL. The method and system comprise computer-implemented steps of performing RTL testability analysis, clock-domain minimization, scan selection, test point selection, scan repair and test point insertion, scan replacement and scan stitching, scan extraction, interactive scan debug, interactive scan repair, and flush/random test bench generation. In addition, the present invention further comprises a method and system for hierarchical scan synthesis by performing scan synthesis module-by-module and then stitching these scanned modules together at top-level. The present invention further comprises integrating and verifying the scan HDL code with other design-for-test (DFT) HDL code, including boundary-scan and logic BIST (built-in self-test). |
| US08219944B2 |
Method and system performing block-level RC extraction
A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for performing RC extraction from the perspective of the block level. A translation mechanism is employed to convert from a full-chip design domain to a block-level design domain. This allows model-based prediction results to be used in the early design implementation flow when parasitic RC and timing extractions are performed, where the model-based prediction results relate to predictions of manufacturing variations such as thickness and topography. |
| US08219943B2 |
Physical design system and method
A design system for designing complex integrated circuits (ICs), a method of IC design and program product therefor. A layout unit receives a circuit description representing portions in a grid and glyph format. A checking unit checks grid and glyph portions of the design. An elaboration unit generates a target layout from the checked design. A data prep unit prepares the target layout for mask making. A pattern caching unit selectively replaces portions of the design with previously cached results for improved design efficiency. |
| US08219942B2 |
Pattern verification-test method, optical image intensity distribution acquisition method, and computer program
A pattern verification-test method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: deriving an illumination condition at a verification-test subject position in a photomask surface of a mask pattern as a verification or a test subject based on the verification-test subject position and illumination condition information about a distribution of an illumination condition in a photomask surface of exposure light incident on the mask pattern, performing lithography simulation on the mask pattern based on the derived illumination condition and the mask pattern, and verifying or testing the mask pattern based on a result of the lithography simulation. |
| US08219941B2 |
Range pattern definition of susceptibility of layout regions to fabrication issues
A memory is encoded with a data structure that represents a pattern having a range for one or more dimensions and/or positions of line segments therein. The data structure identifies two or more line segments that are located at a boundary of the pattern. The data structure also includes at least one set of values that identify a maximum limit and a minimum limit (i.e. the range) between which relative location and/or dimension of an additional line segment of the pattern in a portion of a layout of an integrated circuit (IC) chip, represents a defect in the IC chip when fabricated. In most embodiments, multiple ranges are specified in such a range defining pattern for example a width range is specified for the width of a trace of material in the layout and a spacing range is specified for the separation distance between two adjacent traces in the layout. |
| US08219937B2 |
Manipulation of graphical elements on graphical user interface via multi-touch gestures
Embodiments related to the manipulation of objects on a multi-touch graphical user interface are disclosed. For example, in one disclosed embodiment, a method of operating a graphical user interface of a computing device comprises presenting a group of objects on the graphical user interface in a group representation, where the group of objects includes two or more objects. The method further comprises receiving a multi-touch gesture at the graphical user interface in which two or more temporally overlapping touches are moved relative to each other on the graphical user interface. The method further comprises changing an organization of the group of objects presented on the graphical user interface in response to a changing of a distance between the two or more temporally overlapping touches as they are moved relative to each other on the graphical user interface. |
| US08219936B2 |
User interface for a mobile device using a user's gesture in the proximity of an electronic device
An electronic device having a user interface on a display and method for controlling the device, the method including: detecting a proximity of an object to the display; detecting a two-dimensional motion pattern of the object; and controlling the user interface according to the detected two-dimensional motion pattern. Also, a method including: detecting an object in a space over a border between first and second zones of a plurality of touch-sensitive zones and outputting a detection signal; and simultaneously displaying first and second information elements corresponding to the first and second zones in response to the detection signal. |
| US08219930B2 |
Radial menu display systems and methods
In certain embodiments, a graphical representation of a two-dimensional radial menu is displayed in a graphical user interface. The graphical representation of the two-dimensional radial menu is transformed into a graphical representation of a three-dimensional radial menu in the graphical user interface. In certain embodiments, the displaying comprises utilizing data representative of a three-dimensional radial menu model to render the graphical representation of the two-dimensional radial menu, based on a first viewpoint, in the graphical user interface, and the transforming comprises utilizing the data representative of the three-dimensional radial menu model to render the graphical representation of the three-dimensional radial menu, based on a second viewpoint, in the graphical user interface. In certain embodiments, the transforming comprises repositioning a viewpoint associated with the graphical representation of the two-dimensional radial menu to produce the graphical representation of the three-dimensional radial menu. |
| US08219929B2 |
Method of entering of data into a data processing system
The present invention relates to a method of entering of data in a data processing system. A first linear sequence of top-level icons is displayed. A second linear sequence of second-level icons for a selected one of the top-level icons is also displayed such that the position of the leading icon of the second linear sequence is aligned with the selected one of the top-level icons of the first linear sequence. At least one data entry field for a selected one of the second-level icons is also displayed. |
| US08219923B2 |
Automatic generation of documentation for specified systems
System and method for generating information regarding the functionality of a system. Input specifying at least a portion of functionality of a system may be received, e.g., from a user via a graphical user interface (GUI), and may specify one or more components of the system at a component level. The input may specify one or more components of the system, e.g., software component(s), hardware device(s), function(s) of the system, etc. Information, e.g., help information and/or documentation, describing one or more aspects of the functionality of the system may be automatically generated based on the input. The descriptions of the aspects may include information regarding the synergistic/combinatorial interactions of the components at a system level, e.g., via calculation or derivation from data retrieved from various sources regarding the components of the system. The information may be automatically stored and/or automatically displayed in the GUI substantially in real-time. |
| US08219920B2 |
Methods and systems for managing to do items or notes or electronic messages
Methods and systems for managing To do items and/or notes and/or emails (or other electronic messages) are described. On exemplary method includes receiving an input to create a To do item based on a portion of an email record, such as a received email, and creating, in response to the input, the To do item. Another exemplary method includes storing a note having a To do item in the note, the note being stored as an entry in a note database which is separate from a To do database and storing the To do item in the To do database and receiving an input within either a note view or a To do view to edit the To do item and causing the note to be edited and causing the To do item to be edited in response to the input. |
| US08219918B2 |
Displaying multiple storage windows
Various embodiments are disclosed for displaying multiple storage windows. One embodiment is a method that displays a first window having a depiction of storage capacity. The first window is expanded to nest two storage windows in the first window. |
| US08219916B2 |
Techniques for visual representation of user activity associated with an information resource
A system and methodology for visually representing user activity associated with an information resource is described. Online and offline activities of users are associated with symbolic representations of those users. In an embodiment, the symbolic representation of a user has the appearance of a dust particle. The dust particle can provide a universal and unobtrusive visual representation of the online or offline activity of the represented user. Further, the dust particle can exist for the represented user to communicate with other users with privacy and anonymity. To visually convey selected aspects of an online or offline activity, the activity is mapped to visual attributes that alter the dust particle behavior and/or appearance. The result is a dynamic and universal representation of online and offline user activities associated with an information resource such as a web page, database, or document that can help other online users efficiently discern the relevancy and popularity of the information resource. |
| US08219910B2 |
Host device to install driver and method thereof
A host device to install a driver and a driver installing method thereof. The host device includes a user interface to provide a step-by-step setup screen to install a driver of an external device and a setup method screen to inform a setup method of the step-by-step setup screen, and receives a selection signal with respect to the step-by-step setup screen, and a driver installer to install the driver according to the selection signal input through the user interface. |
| US08219906B2 |
Instantaneous symbol lookup
A computer program assists in the completion of text input provided by a user. For example, the computer program may maintain a list of n-tuples (where n>1), each of which includes n text strings. For example, each n-tuple may include a stock ticker symbol and the name of a company having that stock ticker symbol. As the user types each character, the program determines whether the text typed by the user so far matches any of the text strings in the n-tuples. The program provides the user with an indication of whether any matches have been found, such as by displaying a list of the n-tuples having text matching the text typed by the user so far. The program then allows the user to select one of the matching n-tuples. The program uses text (such as a stock ticker symbol) from the user's selection to complete the text input. |
| US08219901B2 |
Method and device for filtering elements of a structured document on the basis of an expression
Method, device and computer-readable medium are provided for filtering elements of a structured document on the basis of an expression including an item of information for identification of an evaluation mode of a part of the expression. A step of evaluating the expression on the basis of the data of the structured document is performed by evaluating the part of the expression on the basis of the item of information for identification of the evaluation mode, the evaluation mode corresponding to (i) an extraction of elements not satisfying the part of the expression, (ii) an extraction of elements satisfying the part of the expression, or (iii) an extraction of elements satisfying the part of the expression and an extraction of elements not satisfying the part of the expression. |
| US08219897B2 |
Low complexity decoding of low density parity check codes
An improved decoder and decoding method for low density parity check (LDPC) codes is provided. Decoding proceeds by repetitive message passing from a set of variable nodes to a set of check nodes, and from the check nodes back to the variable nodes. The variable node output messages include a “best guess” as to the relevant bit value, along with a weight giving the confidence in the, guess. The check node output messages have magnitudes selected from a predetermined set including neutral, weak, medium and strong magnitudes. The check node output messages tend to reinforce the status quo of the input variable nodes if the check node parity check is satisfied, and tend to flip bits in the input variable nodes if the check node parity check is not satisfied. The variable node message weights are used to determine the check node message magnitudes. |
| US08219896B2 |
Reduced-complexity decoding algorithms for tail-biting convolutional codes
A decoder is provided which is configured to operate upon an input encoded sequence using a wrap around Viterbi procedure, and a decoding method which employs the decoder. The decoder/method is configured to output a selected path as a decode sequence, and to avoid storing, for a current iteration of the wrap-around Viterbi procedure other than a first iteration, a best path up to the current iteration. |
| US08219895B2 |
DTV transmitter and method of coding main and enhanced data in DTV transmitter
A DTV transmitter includes a pre-processor pre-processing enhanced data, a data formatter generating enhanced data packets including the pre-processed data and inserting known data place holders to the data packets, and a multiplexer multiplexing the enhanced data packets with main data packets. It further includes an RS encoder which RS-codes the multiplexed data packets, and a data interleaves which interleaves the RS-coded data packets. The RS encoder adds systematic RS parity data to each main data packet and adds non-systematic RS parity place holders to each enhanced data packet. The RS encoder adds the RS parity place holders such that the RS parity place holders are placed after the enhanced data within each interleaved enhanced data packet. |
| US08219894B2 |
Architecture and control of reed-solomon error-correction decoding
Systems and methods are provided for implementing various aspects of a Reed-Solomon (RS) error-correction system. A detector can provide a decision-codeword from a channel and can also provide soft-information for the decision-codeword. If the decision-codeword corresponds to an inner code and an RS code is the outer code, a soft-information map can process the soft-information for the decision-codeword to produce soft-information for a RS decision-codeword. A RS decoder can employ the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm (BMA), list decoding, and a Chien search, and can include a pipelined architecture. A threshold-based control circuit can be used to predict whether list decoding will be needed and can suspend the list decoding operation if it predicts that list decoding is not needed. |
| US08219891B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating beamforming profiles in a wireless communication network
A wireless communications network uses a beamforming process to increase signal quality as well as transmission capabilities and reduction of interference. An improved Golay sequence is also used in the wireless communications network. In one aspect, the processes can be used to communicate regardless of whether the system is on an OFDM mode or a single carrier mode. |
| US08219886B1 |
High density multi-level memory
Embodiments of the present invention provide high density, multi-level memory. Thus, various embodiments of the present invention provide a memory apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention includes a memory block comprising a plurality of cells, each cell adapted to operate with multi-level signal. Such a memory apparatus also includes a channel block adapted to code data values in accordance with a coding scheme that favorably effects a distribution of the multi-levels of the multi-level signals, and to output the corresponding multi-level signals of the coded data values to the memory block. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08219880B2 |
Combined single error correction/device kill detection code
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a check/correct circuit coupled to a control circuit. The check/correct circuit is coupled to receive a block of data and corresponding check bits. The block of data is received as N transmissions, each transmission including M data bits and L check bits. The check/correct circuit is configured to detect one or more errors in each of a plurality of non-overlapping windows of K bits in the M data bits, responsive to the M data bits and the L check bits. The control circuit is configured to record which of the plurality of windows have had errors detected and, if a given window of the plurality of windows has had errors detected in each of the N transmissions of the block, the control circuit is configured to signal a device failure. Each of K, L, M, and N are integers greater than one. |
| US08219877B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink data in a wireless access system
A method of transmitting data in a wireless access system is disclosed. The method includes various processes of obtaining the number of code blocks in consideration of an error detection code which is to be attached to each code block, calculating the size of the code blocks, segmenting input data, and channel-coding the code blocks, thereby efficiently transmitting data. |
| US08219874B2 |
Multi-dimensional LDPC coded modulation for high-speed optical transmission systems
Arbitrarily high data transmission rates may be achieved by the use of N-dimensional, LDPC-coded modulation. N orthonormal basis functions are employed using coherent reception, resulting in a proportional increase in transmission rate with only a modest increase in bit-error ratio. |
| US08219872B2 |
Extended deinterleaver for an iterative decoder
An extended deinterleaver the extended deinterleaver being responsive to at least one input signal, comprised of codewords, and operative to generate a deinterleaved output signal. The extended deinterleaver comprising a storage space organized into B number of appended storage branches, at least one appended storage branch having a storage branch and at least one element N, the received codewords being deinterleaved and buffered by the extended deinterleaver prior to being provided to the variable iteration decoder. Each appended storage branch further having a length that is extended by the length of N, N being at least one element, wherein as a codeword is provided to the variable iteration decoder, other codewords are provided to subsequent appended storage branches, and further wherein each appended storage branch, indexed by ‘b’, has a length of Lb+N, wherein Lb is the length of the storage branch prior to appending N. |
| US08219871B2 |
Efficient decoupling schemes for quantum systems using soft pulses
A system and method for dynamical decoupling of a quantum system includes forming a graph including elements to account for decoupling sequence effects represented as nodes in the graph and soft pulses applied being represented as edges in the graph. Sequences which visit edges and nodes in the graph are provided. Binary strings corresponding to the nodes in a coordinate system are mapped using a fixed linear error correcting code. A decoupling method is provided based upon a matrix formed using the error correcting code to determine features of the soft pulses to decouple environmental effects from the quantum system. |
| US08219870B2 |
Equipment and a method for bit collection in hybrid automatic repetition request
To achieve a greater system throughput and be compatible with the legacy HSDPA by support of 64QAM and the higher modulation in the HARQ bit collection, an equipment and a method are disclosed. After applying this method and equipment, the new HSDPA system can perform better in system throughput and can be upgraded smoothly. |
| US08219869B2 |
Method of retransmitting data in a mobile communication system
A communication method according to an automatic repeat request scheme in a mobile communication system includes transmitting a retransmission packet per certain time period (periodically) in response to NACK of a first user equipment related to a first packet transmitted within a frame group consisting of a plurality of successive frames, and transmitting a retransmission packet non-periodically in response to NACK of a second user equipment related to a second packet transmitted within the frame group. |
| US08219867B2 |
Forward feedback for UL macrodiversity
A method of controlling a data unit transmission from a sender to a receiver is described, comprising the steps: the sender sending a data unit to the receiver, the receiver sending to the sender a feedback message comprising receipt status information for the data unit indicating one of at least correct receipt and incorrect receipt, the sender, subsequent to receiving the feedback message, sending to the receiver feedback response information indicating a receipt status indicated in the received feedback message. |
| US08219859B2 |
Medical support control system
A medical support control system comprising: a first controller connected to at least one device; a second controller connected to at least one device; and a manipulation display device shared by the first controller and the second controller, and alternately displaying a first graphical user interface (first GUI) created by the first controller and a second graphical user interface (second GUI) created by the second controller, wherein: first error information that is error information obtained from the first controller side and second error information that is error information obtained from the second controller side are shared by the first and second controllers, and are reflected on the first and second GUIs on the basis of the first and second error information. |
| US08219858B2 |
Method for testing hard disks under an extensible firmware interface
A method for testing hard disks under an extensible firmware interface (EFI) provides a device tree of hard disks. Nodes of the device tree represent block devices or file systems of the hard disks. Devices paths and handles corresponding to each of the device paths are obtained from the device tree. Parent controller handles of each of the device paths are obtained. If there are parent controller handles the same as the obtained handles, the parent controller handles the same as the obtained handles are deleted. The computer determines that a number of the hard disks is equal to a number of the device paths corresponding to the remained parent controller handles. Nodes information of each of the device paths corresponding to the remained parent controller handles are determined as hard disk information of each of the hard disks. |
| US08219857B2 |
Temperature-profiled device fingerprint generation and authentication from power-up states of static cells
A method, system and computer program product for generating device fingerprints and authenticating devices uses initial states of internal storage cells after each of a number multiple power cycles for each of a number of device temperatures to generate a device fingerprint. The device fingerprint may include pairs of expected values for each of the internal storage cells and a corresponding probability that the storage cell will assume the expected value. Storage cells that have expected values varying over the multiple temperatures may be excluded from the fingerprint. A device is authenticated by a similarity algorithm that uses a match of the expected values from a known fingerprint with power-up values from an unknown device, weighting the comparisons by the probability for each cell to compute a similarity measure. |
| US08219854B2 |
Validating configuration of distributed applications
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for validation configuration of distributed applications. Embodiments of the invention provide a system framework for identifying root causes of configuration errors and best-practice incompliance of distributed applications. The system framework provides both platform provider and customer a powerful and consistent method to create, extend, and utilize a tool that simplifies the configuration troubleshooting experience. Using the system framework, a user is able to access more information about applications and to troubleshoot multiple applications at the same time without having to load or activate any of the applications. In addition, users are able to add custom rules to identify commonly occurring configuration problems. |
| US08219850B1 |
Data processing recovery system and method spanning multiple operating system
A system and method for recovering from a computer system crashing as a result of the storage disk suffering physical damage and/or the corruption of an application, operating system, and/or data. The computer system may be standalone or a part of a communication network. The computer includes a hard disk storage divided into a primary partition containing a unique operating system for executing application programs and a recovery partition containing a unique operating system for executing application programs and for backup data storage. A boot track storing a boot manager, a backup status information file for establishing communication between the operating systems of the primary and recovery partitions, and a status validation file verifying the integrity of the backup status information file. |
| US08219843B2 |
Power management mechanism
An integrated circuit includes a global power supply node. A first power domain has a first power management circuit, which includes a local power supply node. A first power control circuit is capable of receiving an input signal. A second power control circuit has a higher current capacity than the first power control circuit. The first power control circuit and the second power control circuit are coupled to the local power supply node and the global power supply node. The input signal is configured to initiate a power sequence, e.g., a power up process or a power down process, in the first power control circuit. A first control signal generated by the first power control circuit is configured to initiate a power sequence in the second power control circuit. |
| US08219842B2 |
Computer system and method for energy-saving operation of a computer system
A computer system has at least one supply device, at least one system component with a data-processing device and at least one communications device. The supply device has at least one programmable control module that is supplied with an operating energy by a voltage source coupled to the at least one supply device and operated independently thereof. |
| US08219835B1 |
Power conservation in a data communication network
Techniques for reducing power consumption in a data communications network are described where a power consuming component in a receiving node has a default disabled state and must be changed to an enabled state to enable the power consuming component. The receiving node includes a resonator that sends an enable signal to enable the power consuming component when the resonator receives an enabling data pattern. The power consuming component remains disabled until the enabling data pattern is received by the resonator. |
| US08219833B2 |
Two-level guarded predictive power gating
A mechanism is provided for two-level guarded predictive power gating of a set of units within the data processing system. A success determines whether a unit within the set of units is power gated during a monitoring interval. If the unit is power gated, the success monitor determines whether a count of idle cycles for the unit is below a breakeven point. If the count is above the breakeven point, the success monitor increments a success efficiency counter. If the count is below the breakeven point, the success monitor determines whether the unit needs to be woke up. If the unit needs to be woke up, the success monitor increments a harmful efficiency counter. If the value of the harmful efficiency counter is less than the value from the success efficiency counter, the success monitor enables power gating for the unit via a first-level power-gating mechanism. |
| US08219831B2 |
Reducing temperature and power by instruction throttling at decode stage of processor pipeline in time constant duration steps
A processor includes a device providing a throttling power output signal. The throttling power output signal is used to determine when to logically throttle the power consumed by the processor. At least one core in the processor includes a pipeline having a decode pipe; and a logical power throttling unit coupled to the device to receive the output signal, and coupled to the decode pipe. Following the logical power throttling unit receiving the power throttling output signal satisfying a predetermined criterion, the logical power throttling unit causes the decode pipe to reduce an average number of instructions decoded per processor cycle without physically changing the processor cycle or any processor supply voltages. |
| US08219829B2 |
Scheme for securing locally generated data with authenticated write operations
A scheme for securing a locally generated data on a system using authenticated write operations is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a private/public key pair is randomized and repeatedly generated to protect operations to data blocks. |
| US08219828B2 |
Methods and a device for secure software installation
A method for secure installation of software applications. The user receives the software, partly encrypted, and an installation token for a number of licenses from the software provider, plugs the software and the installation token into a computer, and launches the installation application. A Secure Authenticated Channel is established between the installation application and the installation token and a unique identifier of the computer is sent thereon to the installation token. The installation token verifies that there are remaining licenses, decreases the remaining licenses, authorizes the installation and sends the decryption key and a certificate/key pair to the installation application that decrypts and installs the software, preferably linking the installation to the computer's identifier. A variant allows (virtually) unlimited installations of time limited programs that are transformed into time unlimited programs once the installation token has reported the number to the software provider and paid for the necessary licenses. Also provided is the installation token. |
| US08219825B2 |
Debugging port security interface
The present invention provides a secure JTAG interface to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the preferred embodiment the invention operates through the combined efforts of a Security Module (SM) comprising a state machine that controls the security modes for the ASIC, and a Test Control Module (TCM) which contains the JTAG interface. The TCM operates in either a restricted mode or an unrestricted mode, depending on the state of the SM state machine. In a restricted mode, only limited access to memory content is permitted. In an unrestricted mode, full access to memory content is permitted. |
| US08219822B2 |
System and method for blocking unauthorized network log in using stolen password
The geographic location of a computer attempting to gain authentication to a server is obtained using the IP address of the computer, with authentication being denied if the geographic location is not approved. |
| US08219820B2 |
Power analysis countermeasure for the ECMQV key agreement algorithm
Execution of the ECMQV key agreement algorithm requires determination of an implicit signature, which determination involves arithmetic operations. Some of the arithmetic operations employ a long-term cryptographic key. It is the execution of these arithmetic operations that can make the execution of the ECMQV key agreement algorithm vulnerable to a power analysis attack. In particular, an attacker using a power analysis attack may determine the long-term cryptographic key. By modifying the sequence of operations involved in the determination of the implicit signature and the inputs to those operations, power analysis attacks may no longer be applied to determine the long-term cryptographic key. |
| US08219816B2 |
IVR call routing using encrypted data
A token representing encrypted data is used to initiate a call routing strategy based on receipt of the token. The call routing strategy is configured to initiate a query. Decrypted data associated with the encrypted data may be accessed to determine a data relationship based on the query. |
| US08219811B2 |
Secure software execution such as for use with a cell phone or mobile device
A method and system for securely executing software or securely loading data generates a secret value at a destination device based on a value transmitted to the destination device, which is algorithmically combined with a secure value stored at the destination device. The destination device, such as a cell phone, remotely accesses an entity or otherwise receives the software or data, where the software or data is encrypted or digitally signed based on the secret value. The cell phone then selectively employs the software or data. |
| US08219806B2 |
Management system, management apparatus and management method
The present invention relates to a management system, and this management system comprises a storage unit for storing information specifying a terminal apparatus and a restoration user information file cipher key related to a security function module in a state associated with each other and a transmission unit for transmitting the restoration user information file cipher key to the terminal apparatus in response to a calling request from the terminal apparatus for the restoration user information file cipher key. This enables the reduction of the man-hour to be taken by a terminal manager and the management of a situation of use of the restoration user information file cipher key. |
| US08219803B2 |
System and method for unlocking content associated with media
There is presented a system and method for unlocking a content associated with media. In one aspect, the method comprises identifying the media, generating an authentication key using at least one key data from a set of key data contained in the media, determining an address in the media of at least one content unit corresponding respectively to each of the at least one key data used to generate the authentication key; requesting the at least one content unit by providing the address; receiving user data in response to the requesting; comparing the user data with the at least one key data used to generate the authentication key; and unlocking the content associated with the media if the user data matches the authentication key. |
| US08219802B2 |
System, method and program product for consolidated authentication
A first computer sends a request to the second computer to access the application. In response, the second computer determines that the user has not yet been authenticated to the application. In response, the second computer redirects the request to a third computer. In response, the third computer determines that the user has been authenticated to the third computer. In response, the third computer authenticates the user to the application. In response, the second computer returns a session key to the third computer for a session between the application and the user. The session has a scope of the second computer or the application but not a scope of a domain. In response to the authentication of the user to the second application and receipt by the third computer of the session key from the second computer for a session between the user and the second computer or the application, the third computer generates another session key with a scope of the domain and sends the domain-scope session key to the first computer. The first computer sends another request to the application with the domain-scope session key. |
| US08219798B1 |
Method and system for securing E-mail transmissions
A method for frustrating unauthorized access to an electronic mail message having address, body and attachment information and being transmitted from a first computer to a second computer, including: at the first computer: detecting a request to send the message; encrypting the extracted body information; replacing the extracted body information with the encrypted body information; extracting the attachment information; encrypting the extracted attachment information; replacing the extracted attachment information with the encrypted attachment information; returning the message having the encrypted body and attachment information to the mail user application; and transmitting the message having the encrypted body and attachment information to a third computer; and, at the third computer: decrypting and re-encrypting the transmitted body information; decrypting and re-encrypting the transmitted attachment information; and, transmitting the re-encrypted body and attachment information to the second computer. |
| US08219797B2 |
Method and system to facilitate configuration of a hardware device in a platform
A method and system to allow the secure configuration of the configurable feature(s) of a hardware device in a platform. The configuration of the configurable feature(s) of the hardware device is performed with protection against software attacks. A management module determines that the platform is authorized to configure at least one configurable feature of the hardware device and configures each of the configurable feature(s) based on a received configuration message. |
| US08219796B2 |
Method and device for controlling a computer system
A method and a device for controlling a computer system having at least two execution units, switchover operations being carried out between at least two operating modes, and a first operating mode corresponding to a comparison mode and a second operating mode corresponding to a performance mode. At least one set of runtime objects is defined; at least one identifier is assigned to each runtime object of the defined set; and the identifier assigns at least the two operating modes to the runtime object. |
| US08219795B2 |
Information processing apparatus, storage medium, and data rescue method
According to one embodiment of an information processing apparatus includes: a storage medium including, a first partition that stores a first operating system and data, and a second partition that stores a second operating system and a data rescue program; a switch that allows a user to enter a command for booting the second operating system; and a boot control section that boots the second operating system when the command is entered. The data rescue program is executed when the second operating system is booted, and performs at least one of recovering and backing up the data stored in the first partition. |
| US08219793B2 |
Storage medium to manage a master boot record and a method of booting a computer system using a storage medium
A storage medium to manage a master boot record and a method of booting a computer system using the storage medium. The storage medium includes a master boot record sector area having a master boot record related to a booting operation being currently performed stored therein, a data storage area having a master boot record that is previously changed stored therein, and a firmware to communicate with a host device and to manage the master boot record sector area and the data storage area, wherein, when an error occurs in the master boot record stored in the master boot record sector area, the firmware selects a specific master boot record from the data storage area and stores the selected master boot record in the master boot record sector area. |
| US08219790B2 |
Determining device-internal parameter addresses from fieldbus-specific parameter addresses of a field device
A field device of process automation technology containing a plurality of parameters, with which are associated device-internal parameter addresses. The field device is connectable to a fieldbus having a fieldbus-specific parameter addressing system. In such case, the device-internal parameter addresses of the plurality of parameters are determinable by application of a generic mathematical function to belonging fieldbus-specific parameter addresses formed according to the fieldbus-specific parameter addressing system. |
| US08219789B2 |
Interface processor
The invention provides a processor comprising a first port operable to generate a first indication dependent on a first activity at the first port, and a second port operable to generate a second indication dependent on a second activity at the second port. The processor also comprises an execution unit arranged to execute multiple threads; and a thread scheduler connected to receive the indications and arranged to schedule the multiple threads for execution by the execution unit based on those indications. The scheduling includes suspending the execution of a thread until receipt of the respective ready signal. The first activity and the second activity are each associated with respective corresponding threads. |
| US08219788B1 |
Virtual core management
A virtual core management system including a first physical core having a first utilization constraint, a second physical core having a second utilization constraint, and a virtual core including a collection of logical states associated with execution of a program. The virtual core management system further includes a utilization indicator configured to measure a utilization of the first physical core with respect to the first utilization constraint and measure a utilization of the second physical core with respect to the second utilization constraint, and a virtual core management component configured to map the virtual core to one of the first physical core and the second physical core based on at least one of the utilization of the first physical core and the utilization of the second physical core. |
| US08219787B2 |
Early release of resources by proceeding to retire store operations from exception reporting stage but keeping in load/store queue
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a retire unit and a load/store unit coupled thereto. The retire unit is configured to retire a first store memory operation responsive to the first store memory operation having been processed at least to a pipeline stage at which exceptions are reported for the first store memory operation. The load/store unit comprises a queue having a first entry assigned to the first store memory operation. The load/store unit is configured to retain the first store memory operation in the first entry subsequent to retirement of the first store memory operation if the first store memory operation is not complete. The queue may have multiple entries, and more than one store may be retained in the queue after being retired by the retire unit. |
| US08219786B1 |
Request coalescing for instruction streams
Sequential fetch requests from a set of fetch requests are combined into longer coalesced requests that match the width of a system memory interface in order to improve memory access efficiency for reading the data specified by the fetch requests. The fetch requests may be of different classes and each data class is coalesced separately, even when intervening fetch requests are of a different class. Data read from memory is ordered according to the order of the set of fetch requests to produce an instruction stream that includes the fetch requests for the different classes. |
| US08219784B2 |
Assigning and pre-decoding group ID and tag ID prior to dispatching instructions in out-of-order processor
A computer-implemented method and apparatus for managing an out of order dispatched instruction queue in a microprocessor. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus include assigning a group identification number and a target identification number to an instruction in an instruction stream. The group identification number and the target identification number are labeled inside an instruction fetcher unit. The group identification number and the target identification number are pre-decoded. The instruction is sent to an instruction queue. The instruction is re-ordered in the instruction stream after executing the instruction utilizing information from the pre-decoding of the group identification number and the target identification number. |
| US08219780B2 |
Mitigating context switch cache miss penalty
Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with mitigating the effects of context switch cache and TLB misses are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes a processor configured to run a multiprocessing, virtual memory operating system. The processor may be operably connected to a memory and may include a cache and a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) configured to store TLB entries. The exemplary system may include a context control logic configured to selectively copy data from the TLB to the data store for a first process being swapped out of the processor and to selectively copy data from the data store to the TLB for a second process being swapped into to the processor. |
| US08219779B2 |
Hardware assistance for shadow page table coherence with guest page mappings
Some embodiments of the present invention include a memory management unit (MMU) configured to, in response to a write access targeting a guest page mapping of a guest virtual page number (GVPN) to a guest physical page number (GPPN) within a guest page table, identify a shadow page mapping that associates the GVPN with a physical page number (PPN). The MMU is also configured to determine whether a traced write indication is associated with the shadow page mapping and, if so, record update information identifying the targeted guest page mapping. The update information is used to reestablish coherence between the guest page mapping and the shadow page mapping. The MMU is further configured to perform the write access. |
| US08219778B2 |
Virtual memory interface
The embodiments that are described herein provide random access to individual data storage locations of a group of buffers, which may be scattered in the memory. These embodiments provide a virtual memory interface that applies virtual addresses in a flat memory linear addressing space as indices into the physical memory addresses that are ordered into a sequence in accordance with the group of buffers. In this way, these embodiments enable a device (e.g., a processor) to directly and sequentially access all of the scattered physical memory locations of a fragmented data item, such as a packet, without having to perform any memory segmentation or paging processes. In some embodiments, these accesses include both read and write accesses to the scattered data storage locations. |
| US08219768B2 |
System and method for establishing a copy pair relationship between source and destination volumes
A replication system capable of automatically forming an authentic copy pair with a primary volume at a copy destination system without depending on an operator and realizing the pair formation without labeling a tape is provided.A system for performing initial copying of data of a copy source volume from a portable storage medium storing the data of the copy source volume to a copy destination volume is characterized in that the portable storage medium stores management information about the copy source volume, wherein a system to which the copy destination volume belongs copies data of the portable storage medium to copy destination volume information, reads the management information from the copy destination volume, and sends it to a system to which the copy source volume belong; and this system judges whether these pieces of information are authentic or not; and if an affirmative judgment is returned, it is determined that the copy source volume and the copy destination volume constitute an authentic copy pair. |
| US08219767B2 |
Information processing apparatus and data recovering method
A information processing apparatus includes, upon instructing for writing back stored contents of a main memory unit to the stored contents of the main memory unit at the time of previous modification in a sequence number that is used for identifying whether write back to the main memory unit is needed, from a backup data stored in a backup memory unit, the sequence number stored in a sequence number memory unit. The information processing apparatus selects the backup data including an integrity verification data indicating that writing is carried out completely. The information processing apparatus extracts an original data and a write destination address included in the selected backup data and writes the original data, for each original data and the write address extracted from the backup data, to a storage area, of the main memory unit, indicated by the write destination address. |
| US08219765B2 |
Data network and a method of regeneration of the recording state of digital data in a data network
A method of regeneration of a recording state of digital data stored in a node of a data network, the method including the steps of classifying files stored in the node, periodically writing a digital file from the node to a temporary memory, the temporary memory being a component of said node, and writing the digital file from the temporary memory to the same node. |
| US08219764B2 |
System and apparatus for enhancing data storage efficiency of a flash memory by reducing time for reorganizing data
The system and apparatus for managing flash memory data includes a host transmitting data, wherein when the data transmitted from the host have a first time transmission trait and the address for the data indicates a temporary address, temporary data are retrieved from the temporary address to an external buffer. A writing command is then executed and the temporary data having a destination address are written to a flash memory buffer. When the flash memory buffer is not full, the buffer data are written into a temporary block of the flash memory. The writing of buffer data into the temporary block includes using an address changing command, or executing a writing command to rewrite the external buffer data to the flash memory buffer so that the data are written into the temporary block. |
| US08219761B2 |
Multi-port high-level cache unit and a method for retrieving information from a multi-port high-level cache unit
A device that includes multiple processors that are connected to multiple level-one cache units. The device also includes a multi-port high-level cache unit that includes a first modular interconnect, a second modular interconnect, multiple high-level cache paths; whereas the multiple high-level cache paths comprise multiple concurrently accessible interleaved high-level cache units. Conveniently, the device also includes at least one non-cacheable path. A method for retrieving information from a cache that includes: concurrently receiving, by a first modular interconnect of a multiple-port high-level cache unit, requests to retrieve information. The method is characterized by providing information from at least two paths out of multiple high-level cache paths if at least two high-level cache hit occurs, and providing information via a second modular interconnect if a high-level cache miss occurs. |
| US08219759B2 |
Adaptive display caching
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to send a window copy message including changed window identification information to a remote node when metadata associated with a changed foreground window at a local node has been cached, and otherwise, to locally cache the window metadata and send the window metadata and window pixel data to the remote node. When a preselected minimum bandwidth connection is not available between the local node and the remote node, additional operations may include sending a rectangle paint message including changed rectangle identification information to the remote node when rectangle metadata associated with a changed rectangle of a designated minimum size at the local node has been cached, and otherwise, to locally cache the rectangle metadata and send the rectangle metadata and rectangle pixel data to the remote node. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08219758B2 |
Block-based non-transparent cache
In an embodiment, a non-transparent memory unit is provided which includes a non-transparent memory and a control circuit. The control circuit may manage the non-transparent memory as a set of non-transparent memory blocks. Software executing on one or more processors may request a non-transparent memory block in which to process data. The control circuit may allocate a first block, and may return an address (or other indication) of the allocated block so that the software can access the block. The control circuit may also provide automatic data movement between the non-transparent memory and a main memory system to which the non-transparent memory unit is coupled. For example, the automatic data movement may include filling data from the main memory system to the allocated block, or flushing the data in the allocated block to the main memory system after the processing of the allocated block is complete. |
| US08219757B2 |
Apparatus and method for low touch cache management
In some embodiments, a processor-based system includes a processor, a system memory coupled to the processor, a mass storage device, a cache memory located between the system memory and the mass storage device, and code stored on the processor-based system to cause the processor-based system to utilize the cache memory. The code may be configured to cause the processor-based system to preferentially use only a selected size of the cache memory to store cache entries having less than or equal to a selected number of cache hits. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08219756B2 |
Systems and methods for lookahead instruction fetching for processors utilizing tagless hit instruction caches
Systems and methods may be provided for lookahead instruction fetching for processors. The systems and methods may include an L1 instruction cache, where the L1 instruction cache may include a plurality of lines of data, where each line of data may include one or more instructions. The systems and methods may also include a tagless hit instruction cache, where the tagless hit instruction cache may store a subset of the lines of data in the L1 instruction cache, where instructions in the lines of data stored in the tagless hit instruction cache may be stored with metadata indicative of whether a next instruction is guaranteed to reside in the tagless hit instruction cache, where an instruction fetcher may be arranged to have direct access to the L1 instruction cache and the tagless hit instruction cache, and where the tagless hit instruction cache may be arranged to have direct access to the L1 instruction cache. |
| US08219755B2 |
Fast hit override
In one embodiment, a cache comprises a tag memory and a comparator. The tag memory is configured to store tags of cache blocks stored in the cache, and is configured to output at least one tag responsive to an index corresponding to an input address. The comparator is coupled to receive the tag and a tag portion of the input address, and is configured to compare the tag to the tag portion to generate a hit/miss indication. The comparator comprises dynamic circuitry, and is coupled to receive a control signal which, when asserted, is defined to force a first result on the hit/miss indication independent of whether or not the tag portion matches the tag. The comparator also comprises circuitry coupled to receive the control signal and configured to inhibit a state change on an output of the dynamic circuitry during an evaluate phase of the dynamic circuitry to produce the first result responsive to an assertion of the control signal. |
| US08219749B2 |
System and method for efficient updates of sequential block storage
A system and method enhances performance of updates to sequential block storage of a storage system. According to an aspect of the invention, a disk array of the storage system is utilized to extend write buffers of the system, thereby rendering a portion of the disk array a disk-based log. To that end, one portion of the disk array is organized into a home location array having a set of sequential home locations for disk blocks. Another portion of the disk array is organized into the disk-based log having a set of log buffers configured to store versions of disk blocks that have yet to be returned to their home locations in the home location array. In addition, non-volatile memory of the storage system is organized as an index configured to provide efficient mappings of disk blocks not yet returned to their home locations. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a novel disk-based multi-level sort procedure is provided to establish locality among updates (write data) held in the disk-based log, thereby enabling the write data to be efficiently written to home locations on the disk array. |
| US08219748B2 |
Storage system comprising both power saving and diagnostic functions
The respective physical storage devices of a storage system are set to a power-saving state in which these respective physical storage devices are able to respond to a prescribed type of command. Then, a first prescribed type of command is sent to the respective physical storage devices that are in the power-saving state, and the results of this first prescribed type of command are checked. |
| US08219744B2 |
Semiconductor memory device which includes memory cell having charge accumulation layer and control gate
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a power source circuit, a sense amplifier, a control circuit, and a processor. The memory cell array includes a nonvolatile memory cell. The power source circuit includes a first register and generates a voltage. The sense amplifier includes a second register, reads from the memory cell and amplifies the read data. The control circuit includes a third register and controls operations of the power source circuit and the sense amplifier. The processor controls the operations of the power source circuit, the sense amplifier and the control circuit by giving an instruction to the first to third registers. The control circuit decodes the instruction received at the third register so as to control the power source circuit and the sense amplifier directly based on a result of decoding. |
| US08219737B2 |
Processing system with RF data bus for intra-device communication
A processing system includes a plurality of first circuit modules. A plurality of second circuit modules are coupled to an RF data bus via intra-device RF communications. The RF data bus receives first data from at least one of the plurality of first circuit modules, and transmits the first data via intra-device RF communications to at least one of the plurality of second circuit modules. |
| US08219730B2 |
Method of transmitting data between devices connected via a multi-master bus defining a time slot during transmission for responsive output information from non-bus master devices
In the novel device and the novel method the data to be transmitted is transmitted in units together with information that is required or useful for the transmission and/or the use of the data. At least some of the units comprise at least one region which defines a time slot within which freely selectable devices can output onto the bus data representing freely selectable information at freely selectable points in time. |
| US08219729B1 |
Enumeration circuits, structures and methods for host connected devices
An apparatus may include a first connector having at least a first host communication path for connection to a host device, a second connector that physically alters at least a first signal path in response to a physical connection at the second connector, and a controller section that communicates a first set of configuration information over the first host communication path when the first signal path is in an unaltered state, and a second set of configuration information when the first signal path is in an altered state. |
| US08219727B2 |
Bridge device for a disk drive
A bridge device for a disk drive has the I/O terminals to which an external automatic controlling apparatus is connected, so the external automatic controlling apparatus directly controls a disk tray of the disk drive to move in or move out without a computer. In addition, the bridge device also further has a computer connecting port, to which the external computer is connected. The computer controls operations of the disk drive. |
| US08219723B2 |
Systems and methods for using a shared buffer construct in performance of concurrent data-driven tasks
Disclosed herein are techniques to execute tasks with a computing device. A first task is initiated to perform an operation of the first task. A buffer construct that represents a region of memory accessible to the operation of the first task is created. A second task is initiated to perform of an operation of the second task that is configured to be timed to initiate in response to the buffer construct being communicated to the second task from the first task. |
| US08219719B1 |
SAS controller with persistent port configuration
An apparatus and method are disclosed for maintaining consistent port and PHY configuration information in an SAS controller when connected SAS devices are rebooted, reset or otherwise temporarily disconnected. Configuration information is stored in non-volatile memory, and restored by a methodology to prevent port conflicts. |
| US08219716B2 |
Methods for accounting seek time of disk accesses
An input and output (IO) scheduler dispatches a first IO request from a first IO queue during a first dispatch cycle and dispatches a second IO request from a second IO queue during a second dispatch cycle to one or more disks, where the first IO request is the last remaining IO request in the first queue and the second IO request is the first overall IO request in the second queue. The first and second IO requests are selected from multiple IO requests received from one or more clients for accessing the one or more disks. A seek time monitor measures disk seek time (IO queue switch time) incurred between the first IO request and the second IO request, and determines whether the first IO request and the second IO request belong to the same group. The disk seek time is attributed to a group associated with the first IO request and the second IO request, if the first IO request and the second IO request belong to the same group. If not, then this seek time incurred during queue switch is attributed to a common ancestor of two IO queues in the IO hierarchy. |
| US08219714B2 |
Storage area network and method for provisioning therein
A storage array includes at least one target and a logical unit having a logical unit number. The storage array is configured to receive input defining a host group comprising at least one initiator and receive input defining a target group comprising the at least one target. The host group, target group and logical unit number define a view entry. The storage array is further configured to apply the view entry to the logical unit to provide a logical unit inventory that is provisioned for the at least one initiator. |
| US08219713B2 |
Method and system for a network controller based pass-through communication mechanism between local host and management controller
A network controller in a communication device may be operable to route local host-management traffic between a local host and a management controller within the communication device, wherein the local host may be operable to utilize its network processing resources and function during communication of the local host-management traffic. A dedicated management port may be configured in the network controller to enable receiving and/or transmitting local host-management traffic communicated from and/or to the local host separate from the local host's network traffic communicated via the network controller. The host-management traffic is communicated between the network controller and the management controller via NC-SI interface. The management controller may be assigned Internet protocol (IP) based addressing information for use during routing of local host-management traffic. The IP addressing information may be preset statically, assigned automatically from a list of available addresses, or configured dynamically via a DHCP server function. |
| US08219710B2 |
Method of establishing a data connection with a telematics-equipped vehicle
A method for establishing a wireless, mobile-terminated data connection with a telematics-equipped vehicle so that data can be sent to and received from the vehicle. Generally, the method involves receiving network address update information from a wireless carrier system, using the network address update information to determine if a network address currently exists for a particular telematics-equipped vehicle, and using the current network address (if one exists) to establish a wireless, mobile-terminated data connection with the telematics-equipped vehicle. This method addresses some of the challenges involved in creating a mobile-terminated data connection with a device that has a temporary or dynamic network address. |
| US08219709B2 |
Method for internet name sharing
The present invention allows similar named entities having trademarks or tradenames or other monikers in common, to market their complete electronic media identity, including web site and generic electronic mail boxes, using the same domain name which is shared without requiring sub-delegation. It satisfies both the uniqueness requirements of the current addressing system and sovereign trademark laws which have long been at odds. |
| US08219703B2 |
Method for sharing information between handheld communication devices and handheld communication device therefore
The present invention relates to a method and an electronic equipment for a communication system enabling information sharing, wherein desired information contents are transmitted by few user operations. Electronic equipment comprises a information processing means (16) for processing information according to the operation of the user, a detecting means (15) for detecting the information sharing command, an information content determining means (S2) for determining information content to be transmitted by detecting the current user action, a determine S2 recipient determining means (S3) for determining the recipient of said information content; and content to be transmitting means (S5) for transmitting said information content to the determined recipient via transmitted a communication link. |
| US08219693B1 |
Providing enhanced access to stored data
Techniques are described for providing enhanced access to stored data and related functionality, such as data stored by a system across multiple alternative storage partitions. At least some of the stored data may be specific to particular users who interact with the system, such as for users to perform tasks supplied by other users. The enhanced data access techniques may include storing at least a subset of each user's associated data on a single storage partition, and then efficiently identifying the storage partition corresponding to a user so that requests from that user may be handled by a computing node associated with that corresponding storage partition. Furthermore, additional data access enhancement techniques may relate to initially identifying an appropriate storage partition for a user and/or for migrating existing user data to a new partition identified as being appropriate for a user. |
| US08219687B2 |
Implementing browser based hypertext transfer protocol session storage
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for managing session data. The process determines whether preexisting session data associated with a request for content is present in response to receiving the request. Responsive to an absence of the preexisting session data being associated with the request, the process generates session data associated with the request. The process then generates a response page having a set of forms including a set of hidden fields. The set of hidden fields include the session data. Thereafter, the process sends the response page to a client browser. |
| US08219684B1 |
Redundant data requests with cancellation
A server system having one or more processors and memory receives a request including server identifiers for one or more other server systems. After receiving the request, the server system determines whether enough other server systems have a predefined task-processing status for the request. When enough other server systems have the predefined task-processing status for the request, the server system performs a corresponding task-scheduling action that overrides a default task-scheduling policy as applied to the request. When the server system decides to perform a respective task-processing operation for the request, the server system sends a processing-status message to one or more of the other server systems indicating that the respective server system has undertaken performance of the respective task-processing operation for the request and performs the respective task-processing operation. |
| US08219682B2 |
Automatic detection of agents
A telecommunication network has agents, managers for configuring agents, and at least one central directory service element with a memory to store information about these agents and these managers, which information is at least partly used in case of a further agent or manager being inserted into the telecommunication network. The central directory service element can use an object model and it can support a handshake mechanism for enabling communication between an agent and a manager in case of a new agent or manager in the telecommunication network. |
| US08219675B2 |
System and method for correlating IP flows across network address translation firewalls
Systems and methods are disclosed for correlating IP flows across a NAT firewall. Data packets are captured from a first interface using a monitor probe coupled to the first interface and are correlated into a first group of session records. For each of the first group of session records, a correlation key is created using data in one of the packets in the session record. Data packets are captured from a second interface using a monitor probe coupled to the second interface and are correlated into a second group of session records. For each of the second group of session records, a correlation key is created using data in one of the packets in the session record. The correlation key for one of the first group is compared to the correlation keys for each of the second group of session records to identify session records with matching correlation keys. |
| US08219669B2 |
Operational process control data server
A system for implementing operational process control servers includes an application server for receiving operational process control data from operational process control servers associated with components of the monitored process, a data visualization server for receiving the data from the application server and producing reports based on the data, and a server configuration user interface for facilitating specification of configuration parameters of the operational process control servers according to operational process control unified architecture standards. |
| US08219668B2 |
Resource property aggregation in a multi-provider system
The present invention provides for resource property aggregation. A set of new instances is received from one or more providers. For each new instance in the set of new instances, a determination is made as to whether the new instance represents a same resource as at least one other instance. Responsive to determining that the new instance represents the same resource as another instance, a set of properties associated with the new instance and with the at least one other instance are identified. Each property from the new instance is compared to an associated property in the at least one other instance using a set of precedence rules. At least one property value is identified from either the new instance or the at least one other instance. An aggregate instance is then generated that represents the resource using the identified property values. |
| US08219663B2 |
Method of and apparatus for notification of state changes in a monitored system
A method and apparatus is described for enabling an advanced notification rule. According to one embodiment, the advanced notification rule may be generated to suspend, redirect or automatically acknowlegde standard notifications, or transmit supplement notifications. |
| US08219661B2 |
MILARRS systems and methods
An add-on module provides extrinsic management functionality to legacy and other devices. Contemplated modules include: (a) a state agent that provides at least one of the MILARRS function, and (b) a product agent that communicates with the device using at least one serial interface. Implementations are contemplated for both legacy devices that natively provide less than complete MILARRS functionality, and newly developed devices for which the developer desires a ready-made implementation of MILARRS functionality. |
| US08219658B2 |
Network system
A network system suitable for remote monitoring or remote control of equipments is provided. When an execution of a server-side object is requested from a client terminal device to a server, the server requests an execution of an equipment-side object to the equipment(s). The execution request of the server-side object from the client terminal device is performed by use of a first identifier assigned to the server-side object, and the execution request of the equipment-side object is performed by use of a second identifier assigned to the equipment-side object. Since the server has an identifier setting function of setting a correspondence relation between the first identifier and the second identifier, it is possible to reduce burden on the client terminal device, and flexibly cope with cases of exchanging and increasing the equipment(s) in the network system without considering specific identification information of the equipments such as IP address. |
| US08219657B2 |
Automatic request categorization for internet applications
Application service requests received by an application hosting framework are automatically differentiated and categorized, and resource usage patterns associated with the requests are predicted. Resource usage data points are successively extracted from the hosting framework. Elements of an initial resource usage pattern matrix are computed from the data points. An estimate for the number of categories of requests is computed from the initial resource usage pattern matrix, where the requests in each category have similar resource usage patterns. Elements of a resource usage signature matrix and request categorization matrix are computed from the estimate for the number of categories of requests and the initial resource usage pattern matrix. |
| US08219656B2 |
System and method for wireless data terminal management using telecommunication signaling network
A method, system, and computer program product that provides the capability to manage, control, and reconfigure wireless devices remotely over a wireless network with acceptable reliability and security. A method for remotely managing a wireless device over a telecommunications network comprising a server and the wireless device, the method comprises the steps of establishing a communicative connection between the server and the wireless device over the telecommunications network, transmitting a command from the server to the wireless device over the signaling network, and executing the command at the wireless device. |
| US08219653B1 |
System and method for adapting a system configuration of a first computer system for hosting on a second computer system
Some embodiments provide a method for a server hosting environment having several nodes. Each node is for using one or more hypervisors in order to host several configurations of several computer systems. The method receives a first configuration of a computer system. The first configuration includes an operating system that directly accesses hardware of the computer system. The method generates a second configuration that is based on the first configuration. The second configuration includes the first configuration modified to be operable on a particular hypervisor of a particular node in the several nodes. The method installs the second configuration on the particular node in order to allow the particular node to operate on the second configuration in conjunction with the particular hypervisor. The second configuration accesses a set of virtual hardware provided by the particular hypervisor. |
| US08219650B2 |
Communicating with a status management component in a computer system
Communication with a status management component of a computer system is enabled. A status adapter is provided to a processing runtime environment for use in accessing a status management runtime environment. The processing runtime environment includes data object node instances resident in computer memory and enables access to persistent storage for data object node instances. The status management runtime environment is configured to provide status-related information. The status adapter is configured to 1) accept input from the processing runtime environment, 2) provide, to the status management runtime environment, the input in a form that the status management runtime environment is able to use, 3) receive, from the status management runtime environment, an output including status-related information, and 4) provide, to the processing runtime environment, the output in a form that the processing runtime environment is able to use. |
| US08219646B2 |
Dynamic intelligent mirror host selection
Systems and methods for dynamic intelligent mirror selection are presented. Dynamic intelligent mirror selection may include evaluating available mirrors at a client to determine an optimum mirror from which to download a portion of data. For each portion of data downloaded, reevaluation of the available mirrors may be provided such that dynamic selection of the mirrors may reflect changes in network conditions. The mirror selection may be based at least partially on observed characteristics of mirrors observed while downloading from a mirror, such that no synthetic work load is needed to benchmark mirror performance. The observed characteristics may include transfer speed, error counts, latency, and mirror load. Furthermore, a random bonus and usage bonus may be provided to help in facilitating the evaluation of available mirrors. |
| US08219643B2 |
Server/client system for managing the transmission and use of copyrighted content, information processing unit, information processing method, and computer program
A method of information processing in a server/client system including a server for storing content and a client for receiving from the server and storing copy content of the content stored in the server. The method includes the steps of: the server generating at least either a content-ID list storing content-IDs corresponding to content for which use-expiration-date updating is permitted out of the copy content stored in the client or a content-ID list storing content-IDs corresponding to content for which use-expiration-date updating is not permitted, transmitting the content-ID list to the client; and the client selectively performing update processing of use-expiration date out of the copy content stored in that client or invalidation processing of the copy content stored in that client based on the content-ID list received from the server. |
| US08219642B2 |
System and method for adding targeted content in a web page
A network (20) includes a first processor (22) for maintaining a Web page (34) having an embedded first code module (36) and accessible through a Web address (38). A second processor (24) supports a Web browser (52) for receiving transmission of the Web page (34) and executing the first code module (36). When executed, the first code module (36) issues a first command (93) to retrieve a second code module (90) from a server system (26). The server system (26) includes a database (68) having a service response (162, 176, 186) associated with the Web address (38). A processor (62) assembles the second code module (90) having the service response (162, 176, 186). When the second code module is retrieved, the first code module (36) issues a second command (106) to initiate execution of the second code module (90) to provide added function to the Web page (34). |
| US08219639B2 |
Storage area network file system
A shared storage distributed file system is presented that provides clients with access to a storage area network (SAN) attached storage device. The access is provided either via block-level requests over the SAN or via file-level requests made to a server over a local area network (LAN). File requests are categorized between SAN requests and LAN requests. This categorization can be based on dividing the requests between write and read requests, or between requests that alter data stored on the storage device and requests that do not alter data on the storage device. In other embodiments, the categorization can be made on the size of the file or the data involved in the file request. In one embodiment, the client is able to access and interpret metadata stored on the storage device. |
| US08219633B2 |
Acceleration of web pages access using next page optimization, caching and pre-fetching
A method and system for acceleration of access to a web page using next page optimization, caching and pre-fetching techniques. The method comprises receiving a web page responsive to a request by a user; analyzing the received web page for possible acceleration improvements of the web page access; generating a modified web page of the received web page using at least one of a plurality of pre-fetching techniques; providing the modified web page to the user, wherein the user experiences an accelerated access to the modified web page resulting from execution of the at least one of a plurality of pre-fetching techniques; and storing the modified web page for use responsive to future user requests. |
| US08219632B2 |
Efficient use of peer cache space in large scale file distributions
A mechanism for providing efficient use of peer cache space in large scale file distributions. A peer computer receives a download plan for a requested file. The download plan specifies a number of peer servers where the file is stored, a minimum number of peer servers required to store the file, and a saturation level for the file in the zone. When the peer computer downloads the file from one or more peer servers listed in the download plan, the peer computer determines whether the file is required to be cached at the peer computer by comparing the minimum number of peer servers in the plan required to store the file against the number of peer servers listed in the plan. If the minimum number required to store the file is greater the number of peer servers listed in the plan, the peer computer caches the file. |
| US08219631B2 |
Social news ranking using gossip distance
Devices, systems, and methods are directed towards ranking of messages based on a hop distance a forwarded message travels through a social network. As a message is forwarded by a member of the social network the hop distance increases. As the message is forwarded, recipients and/or senders may view the hop distance in real-time. The hop distance may reflect a number of times the message is forwarded to reach a recipient, or the maximum number of times the message is forwarded. The message may be displayed to a member in a rank ordering based on the hop distance, and messages with hop distances below a defined value may be deleted from a displayed list after a period of time. In one embodiment, a message may be forwarded anonymously to, for example, encourage members to forward the message. |
| US08219630B2 |
System and method for detecting and filtering unsolicited and undesired electronic messages
A sending device locates and stores identifying information for each electronic message sent by the device. A receiving device, upon receipt of an electronic message, locates identifying information for the electronic message and the purported sending device of the message. The receiving device communicates a confirmation request to the purported sending device which contains identifying information for the message. The sending device receives confirmation messages and replies to such messages confirming that the message was sent if identifying information in the confirmation request corresponds to identifying information stored by the sending device and denying that the message was sent if the identifying information in the confirmation request does not correspond to stored data. |
| US08219621B2 |
Method and device for handling push type e-mails for a mobile terminal device according to a user profile
A method for controlling the handling of push type e-mails on a mobile terminal device comprises at least one user profile regarding handling of push type e-mails. The method comprises: determining the status of the user profile and controlling the handling of push type e-mails according to the determined user profile status. A corresponding mobile terminal comprises: a processing unit, a network interface capable of receiving push type e-mails via a network, wherein the network interface is connected to and controlled by the processing unit, wherein the terminal device has a storage connected to the processing unit for storing at least one user profile regarding the handling of push type e-mails, a component to determine the status of the user profile regarding the handling of push type e-mails, and where the processing unit is configured to control the handling of push type e-mails according to the determined status. |
| US08219616B2 |
Use of information channels to provide communications in a virtual environment
The invention generally relates to virtual environments, and more particularly to systems and methods for communicating in virtual environments. A method of providing communication in a virtual universe (VU) includes instantiating and assigning an information channel to a first client of the VU, associating at least one additional client of the VU to the information channel, and conveying data placed on the information channel to the first client and the at least one additional client. |
| US08219610B2 |
Content providing system, monitoring server, and SIP proxy server
A content providing system that provides content to a user terminal via a network includes a content providing server that is connected to the network and provides content, an SIP proxy server that is connected to the network and relays transmission and reception between the user terminal and the content providing server, and a monitoring server that is connected to the network and stores monitoring information regarding transmission and reception between the user terminal and the content providing server, the monitoring information being transmitted from the SIP proxy server. |
| US08219609B1 |
Establishing a stateful environment for a stateless environment
Provided is a method and an apparatus for maintaining state information between a stateless environment and a stateful environment. Specifically, a front-end process operates a stateless environment, such as providing web services via the HyperText Transfer Protocol. Because HTTP is inherently stateless, a back-end process operates a stateful environment by managing multiple modules. Some of the modules can be login modules that request login information for an authentication process. The authentication process can be the Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS). The back-end process accumulates state information and transmits the state information to the front-end process when modules request further information. By managing the authentication process from the back-end process, the stateful environment is established for the stateless environment. |
| US08219608B2 |
Scalable architecture for web services
System and method for providing a customized service in a network. The system comprises at least one originating device that provides an identifier of one of a user and a product associated with the user (Tag ID) and an identifier of the customized service (Object ID). It further includes a processor that supports an action table. The processor receives the Tag ID and Object ID from the at least one originating device, and uses at least the received Tag ID and Object ID to look up a corresponding action in the action table. A servicing node in the system receives the action and performs at least partial execution of the action, thereby generating results comprising the customized service. |
| US08219607B2 |
Collaborative planning actions and recipes
The complexities of actions and recipes used in collaborative planning are defined using set theory and an accompanying formalization. The formalizations presented can be used as a basis for making decisions in relation choosing recipes, and other activities concerning collaborative task execution in a multi-agent environment. Introducing the notion of the complexity of a recipe and an action provides a measure of the difficulty of a task, based upon which decisions regarding the use of particular recipes and contractors can be made. |
| US08219606B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for sharing information for detecting an idle TCP connection
Methods and systems are described for sharing information for detecting an idle TCP connection. In one aspect, a second node receives a packet in a TCP connection. A header in the packet is detected identifying metadata for a period, detectable by a first node, during which no packet including data is received in the connection by the first node. The second node modifies a timeout associated with the connection based on the metadata. In another aspect, a first node receives information for detecting a period during which no packet including data sent in the TCP connection by a second node is received by the first node. A packet is generated including a header identifying metadata for the period based on the information, and sent to the second node. The period is detected based on the information. The connection is deactivated in response to detecting the period. |
| US08219604B2 |
System and method for providing a double adder for decimal floating point operations
A method for implementing an adder including receiving a first and second operand. A sum of one or more corresponding digits from the first operand and the second operand is calculated. The calculating is performed by a plurality of adder blocks. Output from the calculating includes the sum of the corresponding digits and a carry out indicator for the corresponding digits. The sums of the corresponding digits and the carry out indicators in a carry chain are stored in an intermediate result register. Each of the sums in the intermediate result register is incremented by one. A selection between each of the sums and the sums incremented by one is performed. Input to the selecting includes the carry chain, and the output from the selecting includes a final sum of the first operand and the second operand. The final sum is stored in an output register. |
| US08219601B1 |
Method for operating a computer for generating a comprehensive and exclusive list of prime numbers
A method for operating a computer for generating a comprehensive and exclusive list of prime numbers which are less than or equal to a selected large integer M, the method including steps of operating the computer to establish a row head series R, to establish an integer value A, to establish an integer value L, to establish a series of integer rows based on R and A, to cyclicly generate and regenerate the series of integer rows based upon cyclicly redefined values of R and A, and to perform prime and non-prime labeling of members of a very large finally generated series of integer rows in the manner of the method of the Sieve of Eratosthenes. |
| US08219599B2 |
Knowledge storage and retrieval system and method
A system and method for representing, storing and retrieving real-world knowledge on a computer or network of computers is disclosed. Knowledge is broken down into permanent atomic “facts” which can be stored in a standard relational database and processed very efficiently. It also provides for the efficient querying of a knowledge base, efficient inference of new knowledge and translation into and out of natural language. Queries can also be processed with full natural language explanations of where the answers came from. The method can also be used in a distributed fashion enabling the system to be a large network of computers and the technology can be integrated into a web browser adding to the browser's functionality. |
| US08219598B1 |
Cross-domain communicating using data files
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving at a data server computer hosted at a first internet domain a request from a client computer for data to be used by an application SWF file received from a web server hosted at a second internet domain and executed by the client computer, the request includes the second internet domain and information specifying the requested data. The method further includes generating at least a portion of a data SWF file including the requested data and a domain identifier corresponding to the second internet domain, the domain identifier configured to specify that SWF formatted files associated with the second internet domain are permitted to access the requested data within the data SWF file. The method also includes transmitting the data SWF file from the data server computer to the client computer. |
| US08219597B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method
An information processing apparatus configured to allow a new version of software to be executed therein is provided. The information processing apparatus acquires management information in a format corresponding to an old version of the software and converts the acquired management information into a format corresponding to the new version of the software. When converting data, the information processing apparatus adds a new value to a management item that is common to the formats of the management information of the old version and the new version of the software so that the value is suitable for the new version of the software. |
| US08219596B2 |
System and method of optimizing performance of schema matching
In one embodiment the present invention includes a computer-implemented method of improving performance of schema matching. The method includes storing a matching topology that maps a first data structure to a second data structure. The method further includes identifying a first portion of the matching topology that is a candidate for improvement as determined according to an incidence graph. The method further includes rewriting the first portion of the matching topology with a second portion according to the incidence graph. |
| US08219595B2 |
System and method for efficient remote data access for server management
A system and method for efficient data access are described. A method for efficient remote data access for use by server management applications, includes transferring server schema from a service processor on a server to an application machine, receiving a request for server data on application machine, processing the request for server data on application machine, and forming, in a self-describing format, a single, consolidated query to obtain information not obtained from the server schema on the application machine. Processing the request obtains server data from the server schema on the application machine and the consolidated query is formatted in self-describing format. The method further includes transferring the consolidated query to the service processor, the service processor: processing the consolidated query, obtaining the requested data, and forming a response with the requested data in the self-describing format. The method transmits the formatted, retrieved data to application machine. |
| US08219592B2 |
Method and system for using overlay manifests to encode differences between virtual machine images
A method for creating a virtual machine image, includes: storing a first image manifest for a first virtual machine image, the first image manifest including a mapping from file names of the first virtual machine image to content descriptors; storing a second image manifest for a second virtual machine image, the second image manifest including a mapping from file names of the second virtual machine image to content descriptors; creating a first overlay mapping by: placing a file name and its content descriptor both from the second image manifest in the first overlay mapping; and placing a file name and its content descriptor both from the first image manifest in the first overlay mapping if the file name and its content descriptor are not mapped in the second image manifest; and constructing a third virtual machine image having an image manifest whose mapping is the first overlay mapping. |
| US08219588B2 |
Methods for searching forensic data
In one aspect of the present invention, a software component for conducting digital forensic searches is described. The software component has a header; one or more search markup language programs, and a data features section. The software component, also referred to as a search pack, enables a first entity, such as a federal investigation agency, to share its suspect and sensitive data with a second entity, such as another investigative agency in a manner that allows the second agency to utilize the suspect data while not revealing the actual content of the sensitive data to the second agency. The second agency can perform comparisons and other operations on the sensitive data without having to know the actual content of the data. The search pack allows an investigative agency to define an investigative strategy for a particular case via the search markup language programs and by the data features that it includes in the search pack. Thus, by sharing search packs among agencies, an agency can share or inform others of that agency's theory of the case and investigative goal. Search packs can also be updated automatically as new information is learned about a particular case. A search pack is updated is determined by the agency that created it and manages it. |
| US08219586B2 |
Support apparatus and method
A design support apparatus includes a database storage storing a first database including respective logical connection information for a first-layer circuit and a second-layer circuit laid lower than the first-layer circuit, both provided in a circuit under design, a file generator that traces logical connection type identification information identifying types of logical connections from the first-layer circuit to the second-layer circuit based on the logical connection information included in the first database, and generates a layer terminal information file including layer terminal code information associating layer terminals in the second-layer circuit with layer terminal codes having trace information regarding the logical connection type identification information, and a database generator that generates a second database based on the generated layer terminal information file for the second-layer circuit including placement information for a plurality of cells included in the circuit and wiring information for wiring among the plurality of cells. |
| US08219584B2 |
User access to item information
Included is a user device for communicating product information. The user device might include a data storage device and a product identifier input device configured to receive a product identifier. Also included in the user device is logic configured to retrieve at least one user preference, logic configured to retrieve information regarding a product related to the product identifier from a data network, and logic configured to compare the at least one user preference with at least a portion of the information related to the product. |
| US08219580B2 |
Dynamic management of multiple persistent data stores
Dynamic management of multiple persistent data stores is disclosed. One or more data objects are associated with a client context, e.g., an instance of a client application program. The one or more data objects are retrieved from one or more of a plurality of persistent data stores and provided to the client context in a manner such that the one or more data objects appear to the client context to come from a single source, even if in fact the objects have been retrieved from two or more different persistent stores. |
| US08219573B2 |
Test case generation apparatus, generation method therefor, and program storage medium
A method of the present invention includes: inputting a state transition diagram that represents first transitions between a plurality of states; inputting a mapping function that maps a given state to a value within a certain range; mapping each of the states with the mapping function to obtain mapping values, and perform grouping of the states into a plurality of groups based on the mapping values; for each of pairs of two groups obtained by combining two of the groups, setting a second transition from one group of the two groups to the other group when there is at least one first transition between therein; generating a representative transition path which is a sequence of the second transitions by tracing sequentially the second transitions; converting the representative transition path to a transition path in the state transition diagram; outputting the transition path as the test case. |
| US08219571B2 |
Object verification apparatus and method
Provided are an object verification apparatus and method. The object verification apparatus includes a matching unit performing a plurality of different matching algorithms on a query image and generating a plurality of scores; a score normalization unit normalizing each of the generated scores to be adaptive to the query image; a weight estimation unit estimating weights of the normalized scores based on the respective matching algorithms applied; and a score fusion unit fusing the normalized scores by respectively applying the weights estimated by the weight estimation unit to the normalized scores. |
| US08219569B2 |
In-place evolution of XML schemes
A method and system for the in-place evolution of XML schemas is disclosed. To automatically evolve an existing XML schema, a schema evolver receives both an existing XML schema and an XML document as input. The XML document indicates changes to be made to the existing XML schema. Based on the existing XML schema and the XML document, the schema evolver evolves the existing XML schema into a new XML schema that incorporates the changes indicated in the XML document. According to one aspect, the schema evolver generates one or more SQL statements based on the new XML schema. The SQL statements, when executed by a database server, cause the database server to evolve database structures that were based on the formerly existing XML schema so that the database structures conform to the new XML schema. This is accomplished “in place,” without copying the data in the database structures. |
| US08219566B2 |
System and method for determining valid citation patterns in electronic documents
A system and method are provided for comparing portions of document text with potential citation components, determining if individual portions correspond to a citation component, and determining if a set of portions correspond to a valid citation pattern. A set of valid citation patterns is provided. Each citation pattern may include a specified combination of citation components. The invention further relates to identifying potential citation components from text in a document, analyzing a pattern of the identified citation components by comparing the pattern to a set of stored citation patterns to determine if the potential citation is a type of citation, and if so, is it a valid (and/or invalid) citation pattern. Once citation patterns have been determined in the document, annotations may be inserted into the document, and subsequent action may be taken, for example, generating a list of citations, providing research services, error-handling, and/or providing other options related to the citations. |
| US08219565B2 |
Filter range bound paged search
A filter range based search control to request a range of data from one or more directory servers. A directory server receives a search request from a client application comprising a search filter control defining a set of requested data, a sort control defining a sorting order of the set of requested data, and a range filter control defining a range of entries in the requested data. Data entries matching a search value defined in the search filter control and sorted according to sort attributes defined in the sort control are obtained from a set of directories associated with the directory server to form a sorted list of matching entries. A subset of data entries in the sorted list that match a range value defined in the range filter control are collected, and a response comprising the collected subset of data entries is then sent to the client application. |
| US08219564B1 |
Two-dimensional indexes for quick multiple attribute search in a catalog system
Embodiments of the present invention provide mechanisms that overcome limitations of existing indexes by creating two-dimensional (2D) spatial indexes to quickly locate data containers that match two or more predicates. This is accomplished by representing metadata attributes describing a data container as dimensions in a 2D space so that a data container can be expressed as a point or a cell in a 2D space with coordinates being a pair of values of the selected attributes. A space filling curve is used to traverse the 2D space and convert each pair of the 2D coordinates to a single space filling curve value. A 2D spatial index is then created based on the computed space filling curve values so that one value can be associated with one or more points (data containers) in the index. Advantageously, the created spatial index provides for searching and processing fewer metadata entries, thereby decreasing the time typically used to search for data. |
| US08219559B2 |
Information recording/reproducing apparatus, information recording/reproducing method, program storage medium, and program
An information recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed which includes: a recording section for recording files to a storage medium; an arranging section for arranging the files into groups by attribute so as to establish allocation of the files on the storage medium; and a controlling section for controlling the recording section so as to record the files to the storage medium based on the allocation established by the arranging section and to record concurrently allocation information reflecting the allocation to a predetermined location on the storage medium. |
| US08219558B1 |
Methods and systems for inventory management
The present invention relates to inventory management solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for inventorying items and property over wireless and data networks, using digital imaging, positioning, RFID, and data terminals. The user experience in performing inventory management is simplified and enhanced over existing methods. |
| US08219557B2 |
System for automatically generating queries
A method, system and article of manufacture therefor, are disclosed for automatically generating a query from document content. |
| US08219550B2 |
Methods and systems for implementing approximate string matching within a database
A computer-based method for character string matching of a candidate character string with a plurality of character string records stored in a database is described. The method includes a) identifying a set of reference character strings in the database, the reference character strings identified utilizing an optimization search for a set of dissimilar character strings, b) generating an n-gram representation for one of the reference character strings in the set of reference character strings, c) generating an n-gram representation for the candidate character string, d) determining a similarity between the n-gram representations, e) repeating steps b) and d) for the remaining reference character strings in the set of identified reference character strings, and f) indexing the candidate character string within the database based on the determined similarities between the n-gram representation of the candidate character string and the reference character strings in the identified set. |
| US08219549B2 |
Forum mining for suspicious link spam sites detection
An anti-spam technique for protecting search engine ranking is based on mining search engine optimization (SEO) forums. The anti-spam technique collects webpages such as SEO forum posts from a list of suspect spam websites, and extracts suspicious link exchange URLs and corresponding link formation from the collected webpages. A search engine ranking penalty is then applied to the suspicious link exchange URLs. The penalty is at least partially determined by the link information associated with the respective suspicious link exchange URL. To detect more suspicious link exchange URLs, the technique may propagate one or more levels from a seed set of suspicious link exchange URLs generated by mining SEO forums. |
| US08219548B2 |
Data processing method and data analysis apparatus
The execution of a process is analyzed by a data processing method using a data analysis device for processing a job by combining the processes of transforming input data and generating output data. The execution history of the process is recorded, and each time the process is executed, it is determined whether the process execution has a high anomaly probability based on a predetermined determination indicator. Upon determining that the process execution has a high anomaly probability, the process log information of the process including the determination indicator is recorded, and based on the process log information and the process execution history, the process with the high anomaly probability is further analyzed. By determining whether the process is anomalous or not, the process history analysis information including the analysis result and the execution history of the process to be analyzed is generated. |
| US08219542B2 |
Systems and methods to provide access control via mobile phones
Systems and methods are provided to allow parental control via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store data associating a phone number with information indicative of an age of a user of the phone number; and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of controllers. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats and to communicate with the common format processor in a common format. The common format processor is to use one converter of the converters to communicate with a telephonic apparatus at the phone number to obtain parental consent, in response to a request from a third party website, such as a social networking website. |
| US08219540B2 |
Information viewing stem
According to one embodiment, an information viewing system includes an ontology viewing engine coupled to a client and a knowledge store that stores records organized according to a domain ontology. The ontology viewing engine receives requests for records from the client, filters the domain ontology according to a display ontology, generates a graphical user interface (GUI) according to the display ontology including the requested records, and transmits the GUI to the client through an application programming interface of the GUI. |
| US08219538B2 |
Search device and search method
A search device used to search for a search keyword from an object to be searched based on an automaton generated in accordance with the search keyword, includes: a first memory region; a second memory region; an information generation part that generates third information from first information and second information; a determination part; and a selection part, wherein: a first state corresponding to the first information is read from the first memory region; fourth information and a second state corresponding to the third information are read from the second memory region; the determination part determines whether or not fifth information including the first information and the second information matches with the fourth information; and the selection part selects the first state when not match in the determination and when matches in the determination, selects the second state. |
| US08219533B2 |
Search engine feedback for developing reliable whois database reference for restricted search operation
A system and method monitors and weeds out illegitimate/illegal websites during search engine indexing and domain name registration. The whois database generated during domain name registration is used as a reference database for correlation with a database generated by the search crawler on a search engine server. A whois analyzer from the search engine server extracts a set of URLs into a database called the uncorrelated URL database. The uncorrelated URL database contains those URLs from both the aggregate whois database and reverse index database after removing common URLs. The uncorrelated URLs are contacted and advised by the whois administrator to take necessary action to be listed in the whois database and properly be indexed during search engine crawling. This process ensures that every URL is properly registered and identified on the Internet thus eliminating the success of illegal/unwanted websites. |
| US08219532B2 |
Smart mediation system in a service oriented architecture
In one embodiment, a service mediator provides a service that is a composite of atomic services and executes a recovery pattern in the event that a service is not available. More particularly, in an initial phase of operation, the service mediator determines one or more recovery patterns for each atomic service offered in the composite service and stores in a database an identity of each such recovery pattern for each atomic service. In subsequent operation, the service mediator monitors the availability of each atomic service. When a user inquires of a composite service, the service mediator determines if any of its atomic services is unavailable. If an atomic service is unavailable, the service mediator selects a recovery pattern and executes it. |
| US08219531B2 |
Knowledge archival and recollection systems and methods
A method of timing and recording user activity in a knowledge archival and recollection system, the method comprising: configuring an activity tracking module; logging into the knowledge archival and recollection system; prompting the user with a task identifier input interface upon opening an application user interface; initiating a timer upon input into the input interface; stopping the timer upon inactive application interface; and storing timer data into a database server. |
| US08219527B2 |
File processing apparatus, file processing method, and computer program product
According to one embodiment, a file processing apparatus includes an acquisition module, a change module, an association storage module, a receiver, a creator, a call module, a determination module, a file determination module, and an output module. The acquisition module acquires a first file having a first file name. The change module changes the first file name to a second file name. The association storage module stores the file names. The receiver receives a selection of the first file name. The creator creates a second file assigned the first file name. The call module calls an application capable of editing the second file. The determination module determines whether the name of the second file can be changed. When the file name can be changed, the file determination module determines whether a difference exists between the first and second files. When a difference exists, the output module outputs the second file. |
| US08219526B2 |
Synchronizing file partitions utilizing a server storage model
Embodiments are provided for synchronizing file partitions utilizing a server storage model in a client-server computer network. Edits to content of an electronic document may be received at a client computer. The content may be included in a first partition of a file stored on a server computer. The first partition may include a first stream which includes the electronic document content. The file may include multiple partitions with each partition including one or more streams. The client computer may generate metadata in a second partition of the file. The metadata may be associated with the edits to the electronic document content in the first partition. The second partition may then be individually synchronized with the server computer to store the metadata. The first partition may then be individually synchronized with the server computer to store the edits made to the electronic document content. |
| US08219521B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improving data warehouse performance
Methods and apparatus for improving data warehouse performance are disclosed. An example method to transform a first database into a second database includes analyzing a structure of the first database, generating a hierarchical file path structure reflecting the structure of the first database, and associating a mapping file with a fact table, the mapping file stored in a first hierarchical directory file path of the hierarchical file path structure. The example method also includes copying data from the first database to form the second database, the copied data being accessible from the second database via the mapping file and the fact table, receiving a request to access data in the first database, using the mapping file and the fact table to retrieve the data responsive to the analysis instruction from the second database, and outputting the retrieved data. |
| US08219520B2 |
Method and system for validating data
A method and system for validating data. Warehouse data is generated by transforming source data via an ETL transformation model. A data cube is generated by transforming the warehouse data via an OLAP transformation model. A report dataset (MDS1) is generated from the data cube. A reference dataset (S) is generated from the source data. Whether MDS1 matches S is determined. If MDS1 doesn't match S, then an OLAP inverse transformation is performed on MDS1 to generate an OLAP dataset (MDS2) and whether MDS2 matches S is determined. If MDS1 doesn't match S and MDS2 does not match S, then an ETF inverse transformation is performed on MDS2 to generate an ETL dataset (MDS3) and whether MDS2 matches MDS1 and whether MDS3 matches S is determined. If MDS1 doesn't match S and MDS2 does not match S and MDS3 does not match S, then whether MDS3 matches MDS2 is determined. |
| US08219518B2 |
Method and apparatus for modelling data exchange in a data flow of an extract, transform, and load (ETL) process
Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating code from a data flow associated with an extract, transform, and load (ETL) process. In one implementation, the method includes identifying a data exchange requirement between a first operator and a second operator in the data flow. The first operator is a graphical object that represents a first data transformation step in the data flow and is associated with a first type of runtime engine, and the second operator is a graphical object that represents a second data transformation step in the date flow and is associated with a second type of runtime engine. The method further includes generating code to manage data staging between the first operator and the second operator in the data flow. The code exchanges data from a format associated with the first type of runtime engine to a format associated with the second type of runtime engine. |
| US08219517B2 |
Multi-class Poisson disk sampling
A multi-class sampling component (MCSC) is described for selecting samples associated with two or more sampling classes to produce output information. The overall set of samples in the output information exhibits a desirable Poisson distribution. Further, each subset of samples associated with each respective class exhibits a Poisson distribution. The MCSC selects samples based on intra-class radius information (describing the minimum allowed distances between same-class samples) and inter-class radius information (describing the minimum allowed distances between different-class samples). The MCSC can be applied to different applications, such as an object placement application, a color stippling application, a sensor design application, and so on. |
| US08219516B2 |
Interactive intelligent searching with executable suggestions
A method, system, and computer program product for interactive searching with executable suggestions provides a search engine and data management technology that determine what a user is looking for, analyze the data in a database, and present immediately useful suggestions for finding the right information. Executable suggestions are presented that enable a user to further narrow or broaden a search intelligently and adaptively in real-time. Each executable suggestion describes a search and corresponding search criteria and provides information on the actual search results a user will obtain according to this search criteria. In one embodiment of the present invention, a system has a suggestion engine and one or more suggestion spaces. |
| US08219515B2 |
Visualization of data record physicality
Systems (and corresponding methodologies) that enable inferences to be drawn from the physicality of electronic information much like that of a visual inspection of physical records are provided. In other words, a user is able to draw inferences from parameters of electronic data such as quantity, regularity, age, condition, type, keywords, title, author, origination date, storage location, etc. The innovation provides a data observation system having a summarization generator component and a rendering component that conveys attributes of electronic data such that inferences and conclusions based upon the physicality of the data. |
| US08219514B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program product for implementing expert assessment of a product
Disclosed are method(s), system(s), and computer program product(s) for implementing expert assessment of a product. Some embodiments are directed at improved methods, systems, and computer program product form implementing expert assessment of product fixes/patches or upgrade. In some embodiments, the method or the system identifies or receives information regarding a client system on which the product runs and a reasoning rule for the expert assessment; analyzes the received or identified information based upon the reasoning rule; and determines the expert assessment based on the result of the act of analyzing the information. In some embodiments, the method or the system further comprises optimizing the expert assessment based on other information; determining whether the determination of the expert assessment is deterministic; and determining whether or not there exists a conflict in the expert assessment. |
| US08219513B2 |
System and method for generating a context enhanced work of communication
A system for selecting, managing, sharing and displaying narrative data files in a manner that takes into the account the contextual significance of said narrative data files to a narrative, an author(s) and an audience. A system that is able to place an absolute and relative value upon the significance of a media object is able to assist in stimulating the recollection of the author and audience, thus making every aspect more memorable and enhancing by improving the ease of use and the quality of the final result of the use of the system of this invention. |
| US08219511B2 |
Unbiased active learning
Techniques described herein create an accurate active-learning model that takes into account a sample selection bias of elements, such as images, selected for labeling by a user. These techniques select a first set of elements for labeling. Once a user labels these elements, the techniques calculate a sample selection bias of the selected elements and train a model that takes into account the sample selection bias. The techniques then select a second set of elements based, in part, on a sample selection bias of the elements. Again, once a user labels the second set of elements the techniques train the model while taking into account the calculated sample selection bias. Once the trained model satisfies a predefined stop condition, the techniques use the trained model to predict labels for the remaining unlabeled elements. |
| US08219509B2 |
Processing device having selectible difficulty levels with intuitive learning capability
A processing device and a method of providing learning capability thereto are provided. One of a plurality of processor actions is selected based on an action probability distribution comprising a plurality of probability values corresponding to the plurality of processor actions. The plurality of processor actions are associated with a plurality of different difficulty levels. An action performed by a user is identified, an outcome of selected processor action relative to the identified user action is determined, and the action probability distribution is updated based on the outcome and the difficulty level of the selected processor action. |
| US08219506B2 |
Method and apparatus for evolving overlays to operate an extended analog computer as a classifier or a controller
A method is used to configure an extended analog computer for use as an application controller. The method includes selecting input pins from among a plurality of pins in a continuous sheet processor, selecting an arrangement of intermediate and output pins from among the remaining pins in the plurality of pins in the continuous sheet processor, applying a pattern data set to the input pins, using an evolutionary algorithm, coupling current sources and sinks to the intermediate and output pins, measuring an error between an output and its expected value, and continuing to select intermediate and output pin arrangements, apply pattern data sets, and measure errors until a configuration threshold is met. |
| US08219503B2 |
Estimated time of arrival (ETA) systems and methods
A system on a network provides estimated time of arrival information to a client located on the network. The system is adapted to present to the client pages for eliciting a product inquiry including a product number. The system receives the product inquiry, determines estimated time of arrivals for various destinations for at least one in-transit unit having the product number, and transmits to the client the estimated time of arrivals. |
| US08219502B2 |
Automated interview systems and methods
Automated interview systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises selectively presenting interview questions based on user input to at least one interviewee identified by a user, and receiving answers from the at least one interviewee in response to presenting the interview questions. The method further comprises compiling the interview questions and received answers as a recorded interview to assist the user to build online references for the user's products or services. |
| US08219495B2 |
Method of using personal device with internal biometric in conducting transactions over a network
A method of authorizing a commercial transaction between a customer and a provider of goods or services over a network, wherein the provider of goods or services requests that the customer provide authentication by activating a fingerprint identification device, and the provider of goods or services receives at least an authentication code of the customer over the network from the fingerprint identification device, the method comprising the steps of: providing the customer with the fingerprint identification device which produces the authentication code when a fingerprint of the customer matches a stored fingerprint within the fingerprint identification device; receiving at least the authentication code from the provider of goods or services over the network; and authorizing the transaction if at least the authentication code is valid. |
| US08219494B1 |
End-to-end licensing of digital media assets
Brokering use of media assets based on rights provided by rights holders and licensing terms requested by potential licensees. Rights include use attributes, geographic attributes, and time attributes. Use attributes include one or more parent categories of uses, such as print advertising, web promotion, etc. Each parent category includes one or more specific uses, such as magazine advertisement, newspaper advertisement, etc. Rights are obtained from rights holders and stored in a data structure that is searchable according to various rights attributes. A licensing request includes desired licensing terms, such as a specific use, time period, and geographic location. The licensing request may also reserve use for a later time and/or impose an embargo on use for a period after use. The data structure is searched for media assets whose rights encompass the desired licensing terms, such as media assets with a parent use that includes a desired specific use. |
| US08219493B2 |
Messaging method and apparatus for use in digital distribution systems
A method of subsidizing the presentation of media content by including informative messages as part of the presentation. The presentation of the media content is paused while the informative message is presented. The cost of the media content is credited to the owner and the payment associated with the informative message is debited from the sponsor of the informative message. Some content is segmented into sections and the informative messages are presented before or after each section. Other content is not segmented, but informative messages are presented at intervals determined by an e-PVR. |
| US08219490B2 |
Payment transaction using mobile phone as relay
Systems and methods of conducting a payment transaction using a mobile phone as a relay. The systems and methods receive transaction information associated with a transaction at a mobile communication device from a merchant. They send the transaction information with the mobile communication device to an issuer associated with the mobile communication device. The issuer thereafter sends an authorization response message to the merchant. |
| US08219486B2 |
System and method for changing the view of a trading screen
A trading screen displays market information, such as working orders, buy and sell orders, and other items of interest, in association with values on a value axis. Each item of interest is therefore displayed in relation to the value axis to provide a trader with an intuitive display of the market. In one embodiment, a user can select a location associated with a particular value on the trading screen and upon an selection, for example, by a click of the mouse button, the value axis is repositioned so that the selected value is moved to a predefined location. During which, market information is moved to new locations that are associated with their respective values on the value axis. |
| US08219485B2 |
System and method for money management in electronic trading environment
A system and method for money management in an electronic trading environment are presented. According to one embodiment, a trader may configure a plurality of filters, each including at least one filter criteria and filter condition. When a money management module detects a new order, the money management module intercepts the order and determines if the order matches one or more predefined filters. If the order matches one or more filters then conditions associated with the applicable filter(s) are applied to the order. The application of one or more conditions to an order may result in sending a modified order, preventing the order from reaching the exchange, or sending order to the exchange without any modifications. |
| US08219482B2 |
System and method for providing market data in an electronic trading environment
A system and methods are developed for providing market data in an electronic trading environment. One example method includes determining a probability model comprising a probability corresponding to a change in relation to a market data parameter, then, using the probability to generate a compressed bit stream representing the market data parameter, and providing the compressed bit stream to the client terminal. |
| US08219481B2 |
Systems and methods for allocating size among trading accounts
A system and method for allocating trades of financial instruments among multiple accounts comprising aggregating orders, wherein each order is associated with an account, and wherein each order has an original order size; allocating an executed order based on the aggregated order in a phase I allocation, wherein the phase I allocation is allocated on a pro-rata basis based on the original order size for each account, except for those accounts that would receive an amount less than a minimum allocation; allocating a remainder from the phase I allocation in a phase II allocation, wherein the phase II allocation is allocated among selected accounts in an amount greater than or equal to the minimum allocation or an amount that fills the original order size; repeating the phase II allocation until a remainder from the phase II allocation is less than the minimum allocation; and allocating a reminder from the phase II allocation in a phase III allocation according to predetermined criteria. |
| US08219479B1 |
Website and computer program for transfer of return on investment on a real time basis for OiBiTDA
Methods and systems for calculating performance of equity investments, such as but not limited to public stocks, portfolios of those stocks, portfolios, mutual funds, hedge funds of publicly traded companies. Performance is calculated so an investor can make informed decisions on acquiring and/or divesting of these equity investments. The calculations can be done via a database with a computer by calculating OiBiTDA (operating income before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) of each equity investment which takes into account variables that include sales data per week, number of salary people and number of hours of hourly people. The calculated performance data can be disseminated through media such as but not limited to a subscribed based website and other digital online media, and the like. The return on investment (ROI) for the entire public company as well as for each operating facility of the public company can also be determined by the invention. The website can be subscriber based where-by investors get real time comparative data for individual stocks as well as those stocks that comprise a portfolio and/or a mutual fund after having Public Corporations submit Hours Paid, a scorekeeper for information under OiBiTDA. |
| US08219474B2 |
Method and system for distributing and activating a non-personalized purchase card
The system includes a first and second computer systems and a purchase card associated with a major credit card organization. The card does not include information about any prospective card holder and is provided with a card number so that when activated, has an initial monetary value. The first computer system, located at a purchase outlet, is configured to transmit the card number over a communication network to the second computer system to activate the account, without requiring information from any person acquiring the card. The activated card is usable at retail establishments that accept credit cards. A method includes the steps of authorizing distribution of a plurality of non-activated purchase cards to purchase card outlets and authorizing activation of the purchase card account without requiring information from any person acquiring the card. Another method includes the steps of receiving a plurality of non-activated purchase cards at a purchase card outlet, and selling the purchase cards without acquiring information about the purchaser and initiating activation of the purchase card sold. |
| US08219473B2 |
Financial portfolio management system and method
A financial portfolio management system operable in a network environment can be configured to gather financial information from a plurality of sources over an electronic network and intelligently aggregate the information into a financial portfolio viewable by a client. The client can determine which accounts should be included in the portfolio. The system uses web crawling, parsing, or spidering technology to update the portfolio information. The system provides one platform that conveys financial information from a variety of accounts held at several different financial institutions. |
| US08219471B2 |
Real estate appreciation contract
A method and system for providing a contract between a property purchaser, e.g., the purchaser of a house, co-op or condo, and an investment fund in which a down payment or other financing is provided to the buyer from the fund in return for a portion of the capital appreciation of the real estate asset. The contract may be grouped with other such contracts and traded in an electronic market. Upon maturity or earlier sale of the property, a portion of the appreciated value of the property paid back to the Fund. |
| US08219469B2 |
Method of providing transaction data, terminal, transaction method, method of enhancing bank statements, server, signals and computer program products corresponding thereto
A method is provided for supplying data representative of transactions between a client and at least one merchant, via a banking institution. The banking institution issues a statement to the client which, for each transaction, includes a statement line containing at least one reference for said transaction and/or the merchant, and an amount corresponding thereto. The method includes a transaction phase, including: storing data representative of said transaction, in a statement server; acquiring and storing, in an illustrative data server, at least one information representative of a photograph and/or illustration representative of said merchant, called illustrative information. A supplying phase includes: creating the statement, associating to at least one of the statement lines the data representative of the transaction and at least some of the illustrative information, and/or at least one information pointing via one hyperlink to at least some of said illustrative information, called access information. |
| US08219468B2 |
Device, system, and method of project planning and management
Device, system, and method of project planning and management. For example, a method of project planning and management includes: publishing a representation of a project specification comprising one or more discrete objects; publishing a collaborative comment to one or more of the discrete objects; and receiving a supplier proposal to fulfill one or more of the discrete objects. |
| US08219466B2 |
System and method for providing asset management and tracking capabilities
A comprehensive method and system is provided for managing bulk and non-bulk material and assets using radio frequency and other asset identification devices, distributed mobile computing systems, centralized data storage environments, and client-server based computing. In particular, a process has been designed and to manage shipment items from businesses and third parties to customer designated locations. Components of this system include electronic asset identification devices, a central data repository, a mobile computing environment and associated software applications supporting a client-server system or n-tiered computer system. The mobile computing environment includes software which enables users to physically locate assets, view asset information, and modify such information to reflect current asset status. This information may then be exchanged and synchronized across the n-tiered computer system. Additionally, various personnel associated with the shipping arrangement may have access to the available information over a computer network such as the Internet. In this manner, such personnel can easily determine the status of various shipments and also promptly act on information collected during any status updates, thereby expediting the resolution of any potential exceptions which may arise. The electronic asset identification devices may be further configured to include various types of sensors. The devices may then operate to process and store sensor output information for subsequent relay to users via the mobile computing environment or other means. |
| US08219463B2 |
Methods and apparatus for returning items via a tote delivery service
Methods and apparatus for managing tote deliveries by a tote delivery service. The tote delivery service directs delivery of items ordered by customers via a network site to delivery addresses corresponding to the customers in reusable totes on upcoming tote delivery days. The totes are reusable totes configured to be delivered from a delivery facility to delivery addresses on tote delivery days and picked up from the delivery addresses on subsequent tote delivery days. The network site may allow the customers to place items into totes to be returned to the delivery facility; the totes are picked up and returned to the facility, where the returned items are removed and processed, for example to be placed into to inventory or returned to a vendor or manufacturer. |
| US08219461B2 |
Method of customized cleat arrangement
A method for producing articles of footwear with customized cleat arrangements is disclosed. The method includes a step of designing a customized cleat arrangement using a graphical interface system; a step of drilling holes into an outer plate according to the designed customized cleat arrangement; a step of inserting receiving members into the holes; a step of attaching the outer plate to an upper; and a step of associating a plurality of cleats with the receiving members. |
| US08219459B1 |
Method and system for computer-based auctioning of basic generation services
A system for conducting a computer-based, simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services includes a web server for receiving bid data for one or more users for basic generation service products, an application server host application software, which processes the one or more bids according to at least one auction rule, tracks the auction, monitors the auction, and/or determines when to end the auction, and a database server, which stores auction data. A method of conducting a computer-based, simultaneous, multiple round, descending clock auction for basic generation services includes the repeating steps of receiving bids indicating desired tranche units of basic generation service products, calculating next round prices for each product, and sending round results to bidders. The subsequent round price for each of the products and a notice of the number of tranches bid during the immediately previous round of bidding for each of the products and/or the amount of excess supply offered. When the number of tranches bid for the round of bidding are equal to or less than the certain threshold for each of the products such that no further bidding can take place under the auction rules, the auction ends after the round of bidding and awarding winning bidders an ending price for each of the at least one of the plurality of products won by the winning bidders. |
| US08219456B2 |
Method, device, and system for analyzing and ranking web-accessible data targets
A method of locating a relevant product belonging to a category of related products sharing pre-determined product attributes is provided. At a client computer, a search topic associated with the category arrives from a user along with user-profile data like demographic, geographic, and situational data. A server locates at information locations some related products within the category, each having the pre-determined set of product attributes having associated content. For each product attribute, the content associated therewith in one of the located products is compared against content associated with the product attribute in each other located product and is assigned a relative score based on the comparison. The shared set of product attributes is prioritized based in part upon relevance of a product attribute to user profile data and the located products are ranked based on the prioritizing and the score of content associated with the product attributes. |
| US08219451B2 |
System and method for electronic delivery of content for industrial automation systems
Content is generated on a host system based on real-time data from a controlled process collected over the internet from a customer's client machine tool control system. The client system may request content from a host website. Instructions associated with the requested content, which may be in the form of an application to be run on the client, is delivered to the client via download over the internet. The client gathers real-time data associated with a controlled process and transmits it to the host, where content based on the data can be generated for the client and/or its owner. Data gathered by the host, and content generated on the basis of the data, may be made accessible to machine tool manufacturers. Also, data received by the host is associated with an identifier defined for each client system. A historical database for given client equipment can thereby be created. |
| US08219446B1 |
Method and system for compiling a consumer-based electronic database, searchable according to individual internet user-defined micro-demographics
A system and method for providing an individual with advertisement information. At least one database including electronic trait information, electronic preference information and electronic advertiser information is stored on at least one database. One or more communication devices receive a first electronic request for first information from a first computing device, and determine first electronic responsive information that comprises information that is at least responsive to the first electronic request. Further, a user relevance factor is determined that represents a relevance of the advertiser information to the first user. First advertisement information is determined for at least one of branded products and services. The first advertisement information and the first electronic responsive information are transmitted to the first user computing device. |
| US08219444B2 |
System and method for using sales patterns with markdown profiles
A system, method and program product are provided for planning sales of one or more products or services. The method comprises selecting a markdown profile associated with the one or more products or services, selecting a sales pattern associated with the markdown profile, and distributing sales of the one or more products or services using the markdown profile and sales pattern. |
| US08219443B2 |
Variable road toll predicated on instantaneous point-to-point traffic volume calculation
A method, a system and a computer program product are directed towards determination of a variable toll for a particular target vehicle using a particular point-to-point travel segment of a particular toll road. The variable toll is calculated predicated upon a deviation of an instantaneous point-to-point traffic volume for the particular target vehicle exiting the toll road in comparison with an arbitrarily determined baseline point-to-point traffic volume. The instantaneous point-to-point traffic volume includes vehicles traveling at least a portion of the same point-to-point travel segment as the target vehicle during an effective time interval when the target vehicle traveled the point-to-point travel segment. |
| US08219440B2 |
System for enhancing business performance
A system gathers real-time data about an enterprise over a network. A user device displays a dashboard showing a component business model map, a heat map, key performance indicators for components, key performance indicators for the enterprise, and gradients. The business is enhanced by making investments and changes to those operations having large gradients. |
| US08219437B2 |
Methods and systems for constructing production plans
Systems and methods are presented for constructing production plans to achieve one or more production goals, in which a diagnosis engine determines the production plant condition based on a previously executed plan, observations from the plant, and a plant model, and formulates a heuristic based on a diagnostic objective, and with a planner to performing a partial-plan search using the heuristic to construct the plans that will concurrently achieve at least one production goal and facilitate the diagnostic objective. |
| US08219431B2 |
Workflow management system, method and device for managing a workflow including plural hierarchically-classified tasks
A workflow management system is disclosed that is suitable to manage a workflow including plural hierarchically-classified tasks and especially for cooperative work spread over different organizations. The workflow management system includes a task receiving unit to receive designation of a task to be delegated, a delegatee receiving unit to receive designation of a delegatee, an acceptance receiving unit to receive acceptance of a delegation from the delegatee, a first processor that allows a delegator to hide a delegated task and a subordinate task, and allows the delegator to confirm status of the designated task, and a second processor that allows the delegator and the delegatee to refer to other tasks relevant to the delegated task. |
| US08219427B1 |
Processing an application for insurance coverage
Systems and methods provide customizable insurance according to consumer preferences. Demand simulators may be used to guide the creation of optimized packages of features, which consumers may select from to form an insurance product appropriate for their particular needs. Packages may be formed with a particular appeal to consumers with common characteristics. In addition, methods are provided for selling insurance products formed through an optimization process and providing corresponding insurance services. |
| US08219421B2 |
Method and apparatus for bundling insurance coverages in order to gain a pricing advantage
A method for reducing the lapse rate of a first insurance policy comprises the step of offering to sell a rider to said first insurance policy, said rider comprising benefit features, said benefit features configured such that the combination of said rider and said first insurance policy has a higher switching cost than the switching cost of said first insurance policy alone and said rider is constructively attached to said first insurance policy, whereby said step of offering to sell is at least in part performed by technological means. The first insurance policy may be a homeowner's policy. The rider may be a pet health insurance rider. |
| US08219420B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing access to healthcare funds
A method and apparatus for coordinating payment of healthcare expenses is disclosed. The method comprises determining a co-payment amount based on a customer's insurance coverage, determining the availability of funds from a plurality of the consumer's prioritized accounts, and deducting at least a portion of the co-payment from the highest priority account having available funds. |
| US08219418B2 |
Controlled substance tracking system and method
A method for tracking prescriptive medications is provided whereby a complete prescriptive medication history including active and inactive prescriptive medications is stored for a plurality of patients utilizing a plurality of pharmacies wherein the pharmacies may be affiliated or unaffiliated. The information may be selectively retrieved through a secure computer connection by entities such as hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, insurance companies, government agencies and the like. The information may be utilized to benefit the patient whereby a doctor is able to obtain an accurate view of the complete prescriptive medication history of the patient including prescriptive medications by other doctors. Hospitals will be able to obtain, in accord with the invention, a prescriptive medication history prior to treatment such as emergency treatment where such information is not normally available. The stored data for each prescriptive medication transaction includes searchable data such as the patient's name, address, doctor, pharmacy, aberrant use flag, and the like. |
| US08219416B2 |
Patient bed search and management system
An automated search system uses data indicating clinical and non-clinical needs of a patient to provide a ranked list of candidate beds, status of beds and availability of a specific type of bed having a particular set of clinical attributes, using a score value derived using configurable rules for comparing patient requirements with bed characteristics. A patient bed search system includes at least one repository including bed information for multiple beds in a healthcare facility comprising multiple clinical attributes including current availability for individual beds of the multiple beds. A bed management processor automatically employs the bed information in providing data representing a candidate list of beds for a particular patient in response to clinical and non-clinical requirements associated with the particular patient and a request to allocate a bed for the particular patient. A user interface generates data representing at least one display image presenting the candidate list of beds for a particular patient. |
| US08219414B2 |
Method of appraising a mammal's health
An improved method of appraising a mammal's health includes the steps of: measuring the values of a plurality of factors indicative of different health parameters at a first time; normalizing the measured values of said factors at the first time; and arranging such normalized measured values at said first time in a first sequence; thereby to have said first sequence represent the mammal's health at the first time. The method may include the additional steps of: measuring the values of such plurality of factors at a second time; normalizing the measured values of such factors at the second time; arranging such normalized measured values in a second sequence; and comparing the second sequence with the first sequence or with a similar sequences from a plurality of similar animals recording the same primary afflicting condition. |
| US08219413B2 |
Identification system and method for medication management
An identification system and method for medication management comprises a controller, a drug library accessible by the controller, the drug library containing drug library profiles including a data set of drug information, and an identification module configured to read patient identification information from machine-readable identification devices worn by patients and to read drug information from machine-readable identification devices affixed to drugs or containers of drugs. The controller compares the read information to each other and to the drug library profile and provides alerts or error signals in the event of an inconsistency. In one case, identification devices are read by an optical reader fixedly mounted to the identification module. In another case, identification devices are read by an optical reader that is hand-held and mobile and can be moved to the location of the identification device. The hand-held reader communicates with the identification module by wired or wireless means. In another case, a third reader that is non-optical and wireless is fixedly mounted to the identification module. The controller is also configured to provide alerts or error messages in the event that there is an inconsistency between the drug information on the drug or drug container when compared to the drug library profile associated with the controller. |
| US08219401B1 |
Script compliance and quality assurance using speech recognition
Apparatus and methods are provided for using automatic speech recognition to analyze a voice interaction and verify compliance of an agent reading a script to a client during the voice interaction. In one aspect of the invention, a communications system includes a user interface, a communications network, and a call center having an automatic speech recognition component. In other aspects of the invention, a script compliance method includes the steps of conducting a voice interaction between an agent and a client and evaluating the voice interaction with an automatic speech recognition component adapted to analyze the voice interaction and determine whether the agent has adequately followed the script. In yet still further aspects of the invention, a voice record of the given interaction can be analyzed at least in part to determine whether the agent spoke any extraneous material not dictated by the script, apart from or in addition to ensuring that the voice record contains all material required by the script. The voice record can be analyzed against a pre-defined list of specific words or phrases to identify instances of profanity or abusive language used by the agent. |
| US08219400B2 |
Stereo to mono conversion for voice conferencing
Stereo to mono voice conferencing conversion is performed during a voice conference. Conferencing equipment receives audio for right and left channels and filters each of the channels into a plurality of bands. For each band of each channel, the equipment determines an energy level and compares each energy level for each band of the right channel to each energy level for each corresponding band of the left channel. Based on the comparison, the equipment determines which channel has more audio resulting from speech. Based on the determination, the equipment adjusts delivery of the audio from the right and left channels to a mono channel for transmission to endpoints only capable of mono audio in the voice conference. |
| US08219399B2 |
Automated speech recognition (ASR) tiling
Techniques are described related to tiles of automated speech recognition data. In an implementation, automated speech recognition (ASR) data is obtained. The ASR data is divided into a plurality of tiles based on an approximate amount of data to be included in each tile. Each of the tiles is a partition of the ASR data. |
| US08219398B2 |
Computerized speech synthesizer for synthesizing speech from text
Disclosed are novel embodiments of a speech synthesizer and speech synthesis method for generating human-like speech wherein a speech signal can be generated by concatenation from phonemes stored in a phoneme database. Wavelet transforms and interpolation between frames can be employed to effect smooth morphological fusion of adjacent phonemes in the output signal. The phonemes may have one prosody or set of prosody characteristics and one or more alternative prosodies may be created by applying prosody modification parameters to the phonemes from a differential prosody database. Preferred embodiments can provide fast, resource-efficient speech synthesis with an appealing musical or rhythmic output in a desired prosody style such as reportorial or human interest. The invention includes computer-determining a suitable prosody to apply to a portion of the text by reference to the determined semantic meaning of another portion of the text and applying the detennined prosody to the text by modification of the digitized phonemes. In this manner, prosodization can effectively be automated. |
| US08219394B2 |
Adaptive ambient sound suppression and speech tracking
A device for suppressing ambient sounds from speech received by a microphone array is provided. One embodiment of the device comprises a microphone array, a processor, an analog-to-digital converter, and memory comprising instructions stored therein that are executable by the processor. The instructions stored in the memory are configured to receive a plurality of digital sound signals, each digital sound signal based on an analog sound signal originating at the microphone array, receive a multi-channel speaker signal, generate a monophonic approximation signal of the multi-channel speaker signal, apply a linear acoustic echo canceller to suppress a first ambient sound portion of each digital sound signal, generate a combined directionally-adaptive sound signal from a combination of each digital sound signal by a combination of time-invariant and adaptive beamforming techniques, and apply one or more nonlinear noise suppression techniques to suppress a second ambient sound portion of the combined directionally-adaptive sound signal. |
| US08219393B2 |
Error concealment method and apparatus for audio signal and decoding method and apparatus for audio signal using the same
An error concealment method and apparatus for an audio signal and a decoding method and apparatus for an audio signal using the error concealment method and apparatus. The error concealment method includes selecting one of an error concealment in a frequency domain and an error concealment in a time domain as an error concealment scheme for a current frame based on a predetermined criteria when an error occurs in the current frame, selecting one of a repetition scheme and an interpolation scheme in the frequency domain as the error concealment scheme for the current frame based on a predetermined criteria when the error concealment in the frequency domain is selected, and concealing the error of the current frame using the selected scheme. |
| US08219388B2 |
User voice mixing device, virtual space sharing system, computer control method, and information storage medium
A sensation of presence of voice chat in a virtual space is enhanced. A user speech synthesizer used in a virtual space sharing system where information processing devices share the virtual space. The user speech synthesizer comprises a speech data acquiring section (60) for acquiring speech data representing a speech uttered by the user of one of the information processing devices, an environment sound storage section (66) for storing an environment sound associated with one or more regions defined in the virtual space, a region specifying section (64) for specifying a region corresponding to the user in the virtual space, and an environment sound synthesizing section (68) for acquiring the environment sound associated with the specified region from the environment sound storage section (66), combining the acquired environment sound and the speech data and synthesizing synthesized speech data. |
| US08219387B2 |
Identifying far-end sound
Frames containing audio data may be received, the audio data having been derived from a microphone array, at least some of the frames containing residual acoustic echo after having acoustic echo partially removed therefrom. Probability distribution functions are determined from the frames of audio data. A probability distribution function comprises likelihoods that respective directions are directions of sources of sounds. An active speaker may be identified in frames of video data based on the video data and based on audio information derived from the audio data, where use of the audio information as a basis for identifying the active speaker is controlled by determining whether the probability distribution functions indicate that corresponding audio data includes residual acoustic echo. |
| US08219385B2 |
Computer-implemented method and system for conducting a search of electronically stored information
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product are provided for conducting a search of electronically stored information. The method includes: (a) providing a user with an interactive targeting rule editor to enable the user to formulate a targeting rule to identify desired search results, the targeting rule comprising a natural language text string, the interactive targeting rule editor allowing the user to change one or more designated editable portions of the natural language text string to one of a set of specified alternate portions, delete one or more designated removable portions of the natural language text string, or add one or more of a set of specified insertable portions to form a syntactically valid targeting rule in accordance with a targeting rule grammar; (b) receiving the text string or a representation thereof from the user; (c) translating the text string or a representation thereof into an executable query; and (d) executing the executable query against the electronically stored information to generate search results. |
| US08219381B2 |
Dictionary registration apparatus, dictionary registration method, and computer product
A storing unit stores therein dictionary information in which a first text in a first language is associated with a second text that is a translation of the first text into a second language. An extracting unit extracts, when an input text includes an unregistered text that is not registered as the first text in the dictionary information, the unregistered text from the input text. A translating unit translates an input similar text that expresses the unregistered text with a different text, into the second language. A registering unit registers the unregistered text in association with translated similar text on the dictionary information. |
| US08219377B2 |
Multi-layer finite element method for modeling of package power and ground planes
In a method for simulating electrical characteristics of a plurality of power planes, each power plane includes a plurality of geometric features. The geometric features of each power plane are projected onto a single planar construct. A polygonal mesh, including a plurality of pairs of interconnected nodes, that corresponds to the single planar construct is generated. The polygonal mesh is projected onto at least one power plane an equivalent circuit between each adjacent node of the plurality of interconnected nodes is projected onto the power plane. An equivalent capacitance is assigned between each node and a common ground planer. A finite element equation that includes a plurality of discrete terms is generated. The equation is solved, thereby determining the electrical characteristic value between each pair of adjacent nodes. |
| US08219370B1 |
Simulation of shallow viscoelastic flows
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for simulating shallow viscoelastic flows. In one embodiment, input representing a deposition of a fluid in a shallow bed may be received. The fluid may have a set of fluid properties including a viscoelastic property. In one embodiment, a motion of the fluid in the shallow bed may be simulated. The motion may be simulated based on the set of fluid properties including the viscoelastic property. The simulation of the motion may comprise determining a viscoelastic force acting on the fluid based on the viscoelastic property. |
| US08219367B2 |
Method of estimating information on projection conditions by a projection machine and a device thereof
A method of estimating information on the projection states of projection elements (P) by using an analysis model in which discharged projection elements (P) repeatedly collided with rotation blades (13) in a projection machine having rotating blades (13). The method includes the steps of determining initial conditions including information on the size and rotation of blades (13), discharging information on the projection elements(P), and information on projection elements with respect to the blades (13) the step of storing the initial conditions, a computing step of computing the position of each projection element (P), and its velocity and direction after collision with a blade(13) based on the initial conditions, and the step of estimating information on projection state based on computation results. |
| US08219362B2 |
System and method for arranging equipment in a data center
A system and method for providing a layout of equipment in a data center, the equipment including a plurality of equipment racks, and at least one rack-based cooling provider. In one aspect, the method includes receiving data regarding airflow consumption for each of the plurality of equipment racks and cooling capacity of the at least one cooling provider, storing the received data, determining a layout of the data center, and displaying the layout of the data center. |
| US08219360B2 |
Method for reconstructing sparse signals from sign measurements using greedy search
A signal x is reconstructed from sparse sign measurements y. Estimated measurements {tilde over (y)} are obtained from a previous estimate {circumflex over (x)}l−1 and a measurement matrix Φ according to {tilde over (y)}l=Φ{circumflex over (x)}l−1. A correction signal is applied to inconsistent measurements, so that consistent reconstruction can be performed. |
| US08219355B2 |
Methods and systems for high sigma yield estimation
For an integrated circuit associated with a plurality of parameters whose values are described by a first probability distribution function, a method for estimating a failure probability includes selecting a first plurality of samples, performing a first test to determine an outcome for each of the first plurality of samples and identifying failed samples, and clustering the failed samples using a computer-implemented cluster forming method that, in some cases, returns multiple clusters. The method also includes forming a probability distribution function for each of the clusters, forming a composite probability distribution function that includes a weighted combination of the first probability distribution function and the probability distribution function for each of the clusters. The method further includes selecting a second plurality of samples using the composite probability distribution function and performing a second test to determine an outcome for each of the second plurality of samples. A failure probability can then be computed. |
| US08219354B2 |
Bolus for radiotherapy and method for determining the shape of such a bolus
A bolus that is intended to be irradiated during radiotherapy. Advantageously, the bolus is made from a polyurethane gel. |
| US08219347B2 |
Orientation calculation apparatus and storage medium having orientation calculation program stored therein
A game apparatus calculates a gravitational vector Vg, which represents a gravitational direction viewed from an input device, based on operation data. Then, a motion acceleration vector VA, which represents an acceleration applied by a motion of the input device, is calculated based on an acceleration represented by acceleration data and the gravitational vector Vg. The gravitational vector Vg is corrected such that the motion acceleration vector VA approaches a motion acceleration (vector VA′) satisfying a relationship with an angular rate (vector Vω) represented by angular rate data, the relationship being predefined between the motion acceleration and the angular rate for the input device making a predetermined motion (rotational motion). Furthermore, the game apparatus calculates an orientation of the input device corresponding to the corrected gravitational vector. |
| US08219344B2 |
Method and apparatus for digital VCDL startup
Methods and apparatus are provided for improved startup of a voltage controlled delay loop that has an injection clock and a return clock. A control signal is determined for a plurality of delay elements in a voltage controlled delay loop by obtaining a histogram count of a number of occurrences of at least one predefined logic value for a plurality of delay settings of the voltage controlled delay loop; determining a histogram count that approximately corresponds to an alignment of at least one edge in the injection and return clocks; and determining the control signal based on the determined histogram count that approximately corresponds to the alignment. The voltage controlled delay loop can be started using the determined control signal. The histogram count can be obtained for a plurality of PVT combinations and the control signal can then be determined for each PVT combination. |
| US08219335B2 |
Electric winding displacement detection method and apparatus
A method and system for obtaining the characteristic impedance of an electrical winding by measuring the input and output voltages and the currents within a winding across a low frequency range, and applying transmission line properties to model the winding. The characteristic impedance (Zc) is directly proportional to the capacitance of the winding, and is independent of external circuits. Thus any changes to Zc will reflect movements of the winding that would affect the capacitance. Because Zc has a smooth and robust monotonical relationship with frequency of the applied signal, the resulting curve is exponential in shape. A relative comparison between Zc curves will provide a clear indication of the overall axial or radial winding movements, or winding faults, which can be used to assess the overall health of the winding. |
| US08219334B2 |
Method and apparatus for an electric meter
An improved meter and its operation is described. The meter can be a part of a larger automated meter reading process that allows for remote reading of the meter though power line communication. Using a microcomputer core, the meter processes incoming analog data and can calculate several relevant data values need by utility providers. The meter can also be used to monitor and detect tampering dry connect/voltage free devices, such as gas and water meters, connected to the meter. |
| US08219332B2 |
Electromagnetic field distribution measuring method, apparatus for the method, computer program and information recording medium
Electromagnetic field distribution is measured by considering time variations of a measured electric and/or magnetic field value. In response to scanning performed with a probe at an arbitrary set of measurement coordinates in a predetermined measurement plane in the vicinity of an object to be measured, a signal is detected at each of plural sets of coordinates in a measurement plane. Electric and magnetic fields are computed during a measurement time period at each set of measurement coordinates in the measurement plane based on measurement coordinates where the probe is positioned and the signal is detected with the probe. Amplitude probability distribution during the time period at each set of measurement coordinates in the vicinity of the object is computed based on the computed intensity, then mapped and displayed. |
| US08219321B2 |
System and method for migrating seismic data
A system and method that enable the processing of seismic data. In one embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of processing nodes and a server. The plurality of processing nodes are configured to process seismic data for migration. The server is operatively linked to each of the plurality of processing nodes to enable communication between the server and the processing nodes. The server may manage a set of stored beam tables that can be accessed by the processing nodes in order to process seismic data. |
| US08219319B2 |
Workflow for petrophysical and geophysical formation evaluation of wireline and LWD log data
A computer-implemented method of characterizing elastic properties of a subsurface formation at various fluid saturation conditions is disclosed. The method includes the features of estimating densities and bulk moduli of fluids and surrounding rock matrix material present in an invaded zone around a wellbore and beyond the invaded zone to record a set of log curves of density and bulk modulus of the fluids and the surrounding rock matrix material present in the invaded zones and beyond the invaded zone versus depth; recording a set of shale trend compaction curves in each wellbore; solving a set of response equations for rock and fluid volumes based on the recorded set of log curves and shale trend compaction curves to compute lithology, porosity and hydrocarbon saturation to build computer models to estimate hydrocarbon saturation for the rock matrix material penetrated in the wellbore; and using the estimated densities and the bulk moduli of the fluids and the rock matrix material near the wellbore, the shale trend compaction curves and the computed lithology, porosity and hydrocarbon saturation near the wellbore to characterize elastic properties of a subsurface formation at various fluid saturation conditions. |
| US08219316B2 |
System and method for storing and providing routes
In one aspect, a system and method is provided whereby map-related requests from mobile devices are used to store and aggregate routes. The routes are then used to determine optimum directions in response to subsequent requests. |
| US08219315B2 |
Customizable audio alerts in a personal navigation device
A method of creating and playing customizable audio alerts in a personal navigation device is disclosed. The method includes adding a user-customizable text message to a message field of a point of interest (POI) data structure for a POI to create an updated POI data structure, storing the updated POI data structure in a memory of the personal navigation device, receiving current position information of the personal navigation device, comparing the current position information of the personal navigation device with position coordinates associated with the updated POI data structure, and converting the text message of the updated POI data structure to speech and playing the speech through a speaker of the personal navigation device when the position comparison indicates that the personal navigation device is within a predetermined radius of the POI. |
| US08219311B2 |
Headway distance maintenance assisting system and method
A headway distance maintenance supporting system may include an obstacle detector, a controller configured for determining an operation reaction force to be generated in a driving operation equipment, and an operation reaction force generator for generating the operation reaction force in the driving operation equipment. The controller is configured for controlling the operation reaction force based on the status of a detected obstacle. The operation reaction force comprises a principal operation reaction force and an auxiliary operation reaction force, the auxiliary operation reaction force being no greater than the principal operation reaction force. The controller is configured for generating the auxiliary operation reaction force before a generation of the principal operation reaction force in the driving operation equipment. |
| US08219306B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing traffic jam information, and apparatus for receiving traffic jam information for automobile
The present invention includes a traffic information collection unit for collecting weight information of a vehicle running on a road and vibration and noise information generated on the road; a traffic jam determination unit for determining a traffic jam and traffic jam type based on the collected weight information, the vibration and noise information; a traffic jam information transceiving unit for transmitting the traffic jam information or the received traffic jam information of a front road to a vehicle on a rear road by receiving the traffic jam information of a front road from another apparatus for providing traffic jam information installed on the front road; and a display unit for displaying the determination result of the traffic jam determination unit, or a traffic condition of the front road. |
| US08219304B2 |
Vehicle, controller for the vehicle, and method of controlling the vehicle
An ECU includes: a feedforward torque calculation unit for calculating a feedforward term of torque which reduces vibrations of a vehicle, by inputting a sum of a first requested driving force, which is identified as torque requested by a driver, and brake force into a vehicle model; a feedback torque calculation unit for calculating a feedback term of the torque which reduces vibrations of the vehicle, by inputting second requested driving force calculated from a revolution speed of wheels into the vehicle model; a second driving force calculation unit for calculating driving force to be achieved by an MG, by subtracting driving force to be achieved by an engine and an MG from a sum of the first requested driving force, the brake force, and the feedforward term and the feedback term of the torque which reduces vibrations of the vehicle; and an MG control unit for controlling MG to achieve the calculated driving force. |
| US08219299B2 |
Method for speed regulation of a motor vehicle in a complex traffic situation
A method for regulating the velocity of a motor vehicle in a complex traffic situation is presented. The motor vehicle is equipped with a sensor system for recording the environment. In order to regulate the velocity, an at least partially covered object and/or at least one object on an adjacent lane is viewed. |
| US08219298B2 |
Lane change assist system
A lane change assist system is comprised of a host vehicle state detecting device that detects a host vehicle traveling condition, a surrounding vehicle detecting device that detects other vehicle located around the host vehicle, a lane detecting device that detects a lane around the host vehicle, and a processing unit. The processing unit is arranged to set a target lane, to determine a period of a lane change assist, to set a predicted period for an evaluation of a lane change to the target lane based on a prediction, to obtain an appropriate speed range during the predicted period for each gap, and to select a target vehicle speed from the appropriate speed range. |
| US08219297B2 |
Running control apparatus and running control method for vehicle
A running control apparatus for a vehicle includes a required driving output deciding unit that decides a required driving force of a driving system of the vehicle on the basis of an integrated value of a difference between a target vehicle speed and an actual vehicle speed, a driving control unit that controls the actuation of the driving system on the basis of the required driving force, and a determination unit that determines whether or not the required driving force is unrealizable in the control of the driving system due to the intervention of additional control. The required driving output deciding unit imposes a limit on an increase or a decrease in the required driving force when the determination unit determines that the required driving force is unrealizable in the control of the driving system. |