Document Document Title
US08267545B2 Semiconductor light-emitting apparatus integrated with heat-conducting/dissipating module
The invention relates to a light-emitting apparatus. The light-emitting apparatus includes a heat-conducting/dissipating module and at least one semiconductor light-emitting module. The heat-conducting/dissipating module includes a substantially cylindrical heat-conducting device having at least one flat portion and at least one heat-dissipating fin mounted on the circumference of the heat-conducting device. The at least one semiconductor light-emitting module includes a carrier, a plurality of exterior electrodes, at least one semiconductor light-emitting die, and at least two conducting wires. The carrier is flatly mounted on the flat portion of the heat-conducting device. The plurality of exterior electrodes is disposed on the carrier. The at least one semiconductor light-emitting die is mounted on the carrier and respectively connected to the plurality of exterior electrodes. The at least two conducting wires are connected to a power source or a grounding by being electrically connected to the plurality of exterior electrodes.
US08267543B2 Backlight assembly having LEDs and side reflectors and display apparatus having the same
A backlight assembly includes: a light emitting unit having a plurality of unit LEDs formed in a matrix, each of the unit LEDs having a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED; a plurality of bottom reflectors disposed under the respective unit LEDs; and a plurality of side reflectors disposed around the respective unit LEDs.
US08267542B2 Apparatus and methods for selecting light emitters
Provided are devices and methods for grouping light emitters and devices including the same. Embodiments of such methods may include selecting a portion of the light emitters using a region of a multiple axis color space that is configured to represent each of a plurality of colors as at least two chromaticity coordinates. The region may be proximate a predefined point on the multiple axis color space and includes a major axis having a first length and a minor axis having a second length that is less than the first length.
US08267540B2 Special purpose LED-based linear lighting apparatus
A linear lighting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated element having a substantially U-shaped cross-section and an LED strip placed longitudinally along a bottom of the elongated element. The apparatus further includes a first flange located on both sides of an exterior of the elongated element and a second flange located on both sides of the exterior of the elongated element. The apparatus further includes a gutter located on both sides of an interior of the elongated element and a first optical element comprising an elongated planar element composed of optical material. The apparatus further includes a rim located on a top of both sides of the elongated element and a second optical element comprising an elongated planar element for placement on top of the horizontal surface of the rim.
US08267534B2 Exterior rearview mirror assembly
An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle, a mirror casing secured to the bracket and defining a primary opening, and a single mirror support movably secured within the mirror casing disposed adjacent the primary opening. A primary mirror is fixedly secured to the single mirror support and disposed within the primary opening for providing a view rearward of the vehicle through a primary field of view, and a spotting mirror is fixedly secured to the single mirror support and disposed adjacent the primary mirror. The spotting mirror is defined by a single radius of curvature differing from the primary mirror such that the spotting mirror provides a second field of view rearward of the vehicle, such that the first field of view of the primary mirror overlaps the second field of view of the spotting mirror.
US08267533B2 Retroreflective film containing a polymeric face film and method of manufacture therefore
In one aspect, there is provided a retroreflective film, comprising a retroreflective sub-structure, and a transparent polymeric film, having a surface roughness profile where the Arithmetic Mean Deviation of the Roughness Profile (Ra) ranges from about 0.18 microns to about 1.30 microns and where the Mean Spacing of Local Peaks (R-S) in the printing direction ranges from about 10 microns to about 85 microns, located over and coupled to the retroreflective sub-structure.
US08267532B2 Passive alignment method and its application in micro projection devices
An optical micro-projection system has at least one light source (401), at least one mirror (200) based on MEMS technology for deviating light from said light source, at least one beam splitter (403), and at least one wave plate (400). Each component has parallelepiped profiles with contact faces (500) on at least one side. Mutual alignment of at least two of the components is provided by mutual direct contact between reference contact faces (500) of the components. The architecture enables avoiding the use of dynamic optical assembly methods and to minimize the light loss within the system.
US08267531B2 Correcting row and column shifts in a calibration matrix for a projection system
A method for correcting a projection from a plurality of digital projectors is provided. The method includes receiving as an input a matrix which maps each pixel to be projected to a captured pixel that includes a row value and a column value and detecting a shift with respect row or column values in the matrix. The method further includes determining attributes of the shift, wherein the attributes include a type for the shift and an overlap length for the shift. A gradient length is determined from the overlap length. A gradient of pixel weightings is generated for each gradient length. The pixel weightings are uniformly sloping and are associated with pixels in the gradient length and neighboring pixels. Intersecting gradients re merged and a list that includes common points and diagonal points is created from the merging process. The method operations may be embodied as code on a computer readable storage medium.
US08267530B2 Video projector
A video projector including a housing which accommodates a component for projecting and displaying a picture. A cable insertion member is fastenable to an antitheft cable. The cable insertion member is retractable into the housing.
US08267527B2 Portable and transportable 2-D and 3-D display system
A portable projection system comprises a first and second vertical member including at least one hinged point for folding the first and second vertical member into at least two separate portions. A first and second horizontal member connected with the first and second vertical members includes at least one hinged point for folding the first and second horizontal member into at least two separate portions. At least one base member pivots between a first position parallel to the first or second vertical member and a second position perpendicular to the first or second vertical member. First and second mounting members of a projector mounting assembly include at least one hinged point for folding the first and second mounting members into at least two separate portions. A projector mounting assembly mounting bracket pivotally connects the first and second mounting members with the first horizontal member.
US08267522B2 Optical element, illumination apparatus, and projection display apparatus
An optical element includes a mirror surface configured to transmit certain part of incident light and to reflect the other part of the incident light. The mirror surface has a first region and a second region. The first region includes a first polarization conversion layer configured to convert a polarization direction of incident light incident on the first region from one linear polarization into a different linear polarization. A region of the optical element from which light transmitted through the first region is emitted includes a second polarization conversion layer configured to convert a polarization direction of the light transmitted through the first region from the different linear polarization into the one linear polarization.
US08267521B2 Optical element, illuminating device, and projection type video display
An optical element includes a dichroic surface formed by a multilayer dielectric film or the like and a polarized beam splitter surface formed by a multilayer dielectric film or the like. The dichroic surface transmits light (G and R) from a green wavelength band to a red wavelength band irrespective of the polarization directions of light, and reflects light (B) in a blue wavelength band. The polarized beam splitter surface reflects an S-polarized light (Gs) in a green wavelength band. Furthermore, the polarized beam splitter surface transmits an S-polarized light (Bs) and a P-polarized light (Bp) in the blue wavelength band, and also transmits the S-polarized light (Rs) and P-polarized light (Rp) in the red wavelength band.
US08267515B2 Ocular wavefront-correction profiling
Providing multi-focal visual correction includes determining a plurality of visual conditions to which an eye is to be exposed, determining effects of the visual conditions on a pupil of the eye, and determining a target wavefront profile on the basis of the effects.
US08267514B1 Stop structure for folding glasses temple
A stop structure for a folding glasses temple includes a glasses frame and a glasses temple. Two spaced lugs are formed on an outer lateral of the glasses frame, and a stop portion is provided between the two lugs. The glasses temple includes a head end connected to the glasses frame and a tail end adapted to be worn on an ear of a user. The head end of the glasses temple is pivotably connected to the glasses frame between the two lugs to allow the glasses temple to be folded inwards or unfolded outwards relative to the glasses frame. The stop portion stops the tail end of the glasses temple from contacting the glasses frame while folding inwards, thereby protecting the glasses frame and the glasses temple.
US08267512B2 Ink-jet recording apparatus and recording method therefor
A recording apparatus has a recording head, a platen, and a first hole. The recording head includes a dot formation element array, and the platen holds a recording medium opposite the recording head. The first hole is disposed in an area of the platen opposite a downstream portion of the dot formation element array and guides ink discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin. Alternatively or additionally, a second hole is formed in an area of the platen opposite an upstream portion of the dot formation element array, and the platen guides ink, which is discarded outside an end of the recording medium when the end is printed without a margin, to the second hole.
US08267509B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: one or more inkjet heads each having an ejection surface having a plurality of ejection openings formed thereon; and a conveyor mechanism which has a facing region facing the one or more ejection surfaces, and conveys a recording medium placed on the region. The inkjet recording apparatus further includes one or more moving mechanisms. Each of the one or more moving mechanisms includes a medium pusher which pushes down a recording medium towards the region. The each of the one or more moving mechanisms causes the medium pusher to move between a first position and a second position. The first position is such a position where a distance between the medium pusher and the region is further than the distance between the region and the ejection surfaces. The second position is such a position where the medium pusher contacts the region.
US08267506B2 Ink jet printer device and humidification method of ejection portion
An inkjet printer device includes: an ejection portion that ejects an ink droplet onto a recording medium; a humidification portion that is provided upstream of the ejection portion in a transportation direction of the recording medium and ejects a wetting liquid droplet onto the recording medium; and a control portion that makes the ink droplet be ejected onto the recording medium from the ejection portion and the wetting liquid droplet be ejected onto the recording medium from the humidification portion, wherein the ejection portion is humidified during printing by letting the wetting liquid droplet ejected onto the recording medium evaporate from the recording medium.
US08267504B2 Printhead including integrated stimulator/filter device
A jetting module includes a nozzle plate, a thermal stimulation membrane, and an enclosure. Portions of the nozzle plate define a nozzle. The thermal stimulation membrane includes a plurality of pores. At least one of the plurality of pores overlaps the nozzle when viewed from a direction through the nozzle. The enclosure includes a wall that extends from the nozzle plate to the thermal stimulation membrane to define a liquid chamber positioned between the nozzle plate and the thermal stimulation membrane. The liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the plurality of pores of the thermal stimulation membrane.
US08267502B2 Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer includes an ejector, a wave guide, an electromagnetic wave supplier, and a reflector. The ejector is configured to eject ink toward a medium. Through the wave guide, the medium with the ink ejected by the ejector is inserted. The electromagnetic wave supplier is disposed at a start end of the wave guide to supply electromagnetic waves to the wave guide. The reflector is disposed at a terminal end of the wave guide to reflect the electromagnetic waves supplied by the electromagnetic wave supplier.
US08267495B2 Liquid container with residual liquid quantity detecting unit and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid container includes a container body that accommodates a liquid containing portion containing a liquid. A residual liquid quantity detecting unit can be connected to the container body so as to detect a residual amount of liquid remaining in the liquid containing portion. A fitting mechanism, which allows the container body and the residual liquid quantity detecting unit to relatively rotate so as to be detachably attached to each other, may also be formed in a region where the container body and the residual liquid quantity detecting unit are connected to each other.
US08267494B2 Automatic RFID circuit tuning
A method of printing comprising the steps of: providing a print media having a printing surface; measuring at least one parameter of the print media; calculating an optimal configuration for a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder circuit for obtaining a desired RFID transponder resonant frequency; configuring the RFID transponder circuit and printing the RFID transponder circuit onto the print media.
US08267490B2 Portable folding bar
A folding portable bar is provided, the bar comprises: a framework having front and back side and top and bottom portions, the framework comprises a central frame having front and back sides and at least one side frame which is generally perpendicular to the central frame during an opened usage position, and the framework further comprises at least two supporting frames, at least one supporting frame is pivotally hinged to at least one end of the central frame and at least one supporting frame is pivotally hinged to at least one end of the side frame, one end of the central frame is pivotally hinged to one end of the side frame, and the central frame comprises at least two panels and the side frame comprises at least one panels, each of the panels and the supporting frames being foldable to one another forming an accordion fold during a closed position; at least one countertop designed to sit atop the top portion of the framework; and at least one supporting shelf designed to fit adjacent the bottom portion of the framework.
US08267489B2 Industrial machine assembly
An industrial machine assembly includes an industrial machine and a handle. The industrial machine includes an upper wall and a side wall. The side wall and upper wall cooperate to define a corner. The handle includes a grasping portion, a first flange, and a second flange. The handle is configured for attachment to the industrial machine in one of a first position and a second position. When the handle is in the first position, the first and second flanges straddle the corner such that the first flange is adjacent to the upper wall and the second flange is adjacent to the side wall. When the handle is in the second position, the first and second flanges straddle the corner such that the first flange is adjacent to the side wall and the second flange is adjacent to the upper wall.
US08267488B2 Frame assembly for reflective cabinet door
A frame assembly for a reflective cabinet door includes at least two vertical strips, two transverse strips and one supporting strip. In particular, a frame is co-extruded by rigid and soft plastic. The vertical strip and transverse strip both have an embedding area having cushion bars arranged to two sides of an inlet of a gap. The supporting strip is transversely fixed between two vertical strips by screws to provide support to the frame. A transparent or reflective plate is embedded into the gaps of the vertical and transverse strips, and the cushion bars will provide cushion and protection against vibration and slippage. The frame can be slid along upper and lower guides in a cabinet through sliding components arranged to four corners of the frame. In addition, the frame can be applied to a door plate or a partition plate of a cabinet.
US08267486B2 Apparatus and method of detecting microchip hermeticity
A microchip system has a package forming a hermetically sealed interior, and MEMS structure within the interior. The system also has a gas sensor for detecting the concentration of at least one of oxygen or hydrogen within the interior.
US08267476B2 Vehicle seat reclining device
Each of the pawls that are capable of rotationally locking a reclining device has a hardness greater than a slide cam that is capable of pressing the pawls to engage a ratchet. When a large load capable of forcibly rotationally displacing the ratchet is applied thereto while the pawls mesh with the ratchet, the pawls are pressed by the ratchet in a radially inward direction in which the pawls are disengaged therefrom, so as to press the slide cam with an increased buckling strength and plastically deform the same.
US08267472B2 Seat provided with a pivoting display screen
The general field of the invention is that of seats comprising foldaway trays. More precisely, the seat according to the invention is specifically adapted in order to fold away large-dimension screens. It comprises at least one armrest and a foldaway display screen. The screen comprises an articulated supporting arm mounted on a movable carriage and the armrest comprises a circularly arcuate rail, the top end of the rail being substantially vertical and the bottom portion substantially horizontal, the carriage being secured to said rail and being able to move in translation between a first bottom position for stowage of the screen and a second top position of the screen. The screen may also comprise a cover so that it can be used as a tray.
US08267471B2 Passive energy absorbing seat
A vehicle seat back includes a frame and back support member. The back support member can connect with the frame at a first location and at a second location. The back support member can include a breakaway connection configured to rupture during a crash event to increase an operative length of the back support member.
US08267469B1 Folding chair device
A folding chair device having a seat that is mounted atop a seat support, wherein the bars of the seat support interconnect to form a border around the edges of the seat, with pivot mechanisms disposed in the support bars that engage the seat support, wherein the pivot mechanisms pivotally connect the support bars, having hinges disposed in the support bars allow the bottom portion to be folded upwardly, having sleeves on the support bars adapted to slide along the support bars and temporarily cover the hinges to prevent the hinges from folding, and a second frame with braces joining the sides, with pivot mechanisms in the braces which engage the side bars to pivotally connect the side braces respectively to the seat support, having hinges which allows the bottom portion to be folded upwardly or inwardly and sleeves adapted to slide and temporarily cover the hinges to prevent folding.
US08267459B2 Designing and manufacturing vehicle floor trays
A vehicle floor tray is molded from a multiple extrusion polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray design is digitally fitted to a foot well of a particular vehicle such that large areas of at least two upstanding walls of the tray depart from respective surfaces of the foot well by no more than an eighth of an inch.
US08267457B2 Vehicular seat device
A vehicular seat device assumes, as seat arrangements, a seating state and in which an occupant can sit, an entry/exit state in which the seat cushion (12) is in a standing state, and a retracted state in which a seatback (14) is superimposed on an upper side of the seat cushion (12). The vehicular seat device has a first linking member (21), a second linking member (22) and a drive mechanism (16) that are capable of changing the posture of the seat cushion (12) synchronously with the tilting of the seatback (14). Since the seat arrangement is changed synchronously with the tilting of the seatback (14), it is possible to reduce the burden of operation on an occupant in changing the seat arrangement, while allowing various seat arrangements.
US08267445B1 Inertia-locking reactive bumper for motor vehicle
An energy-absorbing front end structure for a motor vehicle includes a pair of frame rails, struts (crushable members) made movable relative to the frame rails along a longitudinal axis, a bumper beam supported by the struts, and a spring resisting rearward movement of each strut relative to the frame rail. An inertia-activated locking device inhibits rearward movement of the strut when the vehicle undergoes a longitudinal deceleration above a threshold level so that the strut may absorb crash energy in a high-speed collision. If the vehicle is involved in a lower energy collision, such as with a pedestrian, the deceleration experienced by the vehicle is below the threshold level and the strut remains in an unlocked condition in which it is able to move rearward against the spring to lessen the crash energy transmitted to the pedestrian.
US08267444B2 Door lock apparatus for vehicle
A door lock apparatus for a vehicle includes a latch mechanism, an open operation lever, an open lever operatively connected to the open operation lever, a locking lever being switchable between an unlocked position and a locked position, a link operation lever operatively connected to the locking lever, a link member operatively connected to the link operation lever, the link member being able to transmit an operation of the open lever to the latch mechanism when the locking lever is in the unlocked position, the link member being unable to transmit the operation of the open lever to the latch mechanism when the locking lever is in the locked position, and a lever member operatively connected to the open lever and the locking lever, the lever member moving the locking lever from the locked position to the unlocked position by means of the operation of the open lever.
US08267443B1 Latch with cammed return
A computer housing (10) is disclosed, that uses a camming action to move a latch (62). The latch (62) is movable between at least two positions—a latching position and an unlatching position. Moving the latch (62) to its unlatching position causes the latch (62) to engage and move one or more latching members or snaps (42) that detachably engage a bezel (38). Once the latching members or snaps (42) have been sufficiently moved, the bezel (38) may be moved away from the remainder of the computer housing (10). Reattaching the bezel (38) to the computer housing (10) automatically moves the latch (62) back to its latching position.
US08267442B2 Outer operational device for panic exit door lock
An outer operational device includes a cover mounted to a side of a door. An actuating member is mounted in the cover and includes an end engaged with a handle to rotate therewith. A driving member is pivotably received in the cover and includes a wing. A link includes an upper end pivotably coupled with the wing and a lower end pivotably coupled with an end of the actuating member. A driving rod is coupled with the driving member and operably connected to a latch of a lock mounted in the door, so that rotation of the handle causes retraction of the latch.
US08267440B2 Connecting device for concealed-type top or bottom latch for panic exit door lock
A lock for a door includes a latch (128) to which an end of a connecting member (46) is operably coupled. A draw rod (48) is securely mounted to the connecting member (46) to move therewith. A base (32) is fixed to the door, and a slide (42) is slideably mounted to the base (32) in the vertical direction. An adjusting block (44) is fixed to the draw rod (48) to move therewith. An adjusting screw (446) is rotatably extended through the slide (42) and threadedly engaged with the adjusting block (44) so that movement of the slide (42) in the vertical direction causes movement of the adjusting block (44) and the connecting member (46) in the vertical direction and of the latch (128) between locking and unlocking positions. Rotation of the adjusting screw (446) causes movement of the adjusting block (44) and the connecting device (40) in the vertical direction to adjust the locking position of the latch (128) relative to the door (10).
US08267439B2 Apparatus and method for tying a necktie
An apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot. In particular, an apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot for a necktie, with the knot being symmetric, and the tie hanging straight and of proper length for the wearer or the necktie. The apparatus and method are universal for neckties, not requiring a special necktie to be used in conjunction with the apparatus and method.
US08267436B2 Arrow-shaped thread form for tubular connections
A thread form is shown which is used to make a threaded pipe connection capable of being screwed together and subsequently unscrewed. A pin member has external threads with stab flanks and load flanks and flat crests and roots for mating with the mating internal threads of a box member to make up a pipe connection. The stab flanks and load flanks form a distinct geometric profile which is arrow-shaped when viewed in profile. The arrow profile can be cut in either of two opposite directions. Each profile includes only two facets with the facets on the stab flank and the facets on the load flank both leaning in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, when viewed in profile.
US08267433B2 Plug-in coupling for cryogenic lines
A plug-in coupling for cryogenic lines is described, having at least two pipes (3, 4, 9, 10) fitted one inside the other like a male/female connection while forming an annular gap (16), in which plug-in coupling the pipes (3, 4, 9, 10) are releasably connected to one another by a flange connection (5, 11) located at their “warm” end, the annular gap (16) between the two pipes (4, 9) is sealed at the “cold” end by an annular seal (7) and at the “warm” end by an annular seal (5d) located in the region of the flange connection (5, 11), and the annular gap (16) is connected to a safety valve (13) in the region of the flange connection (5, 11).
US08267432B2 Coupling having angularly oriented key surfaces
A mechanical pipe coupling is formed of segments attached end to end to surround a central space. Each segment has arcuate keys which project toward the central space. Each key is formed of a pair of side surfaces and a mid surface between them. The mid surface is angularly oriented relative to a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a plane containing the segments. When used to couple pipe elements having grooves the angular orientation of the mid surfaces provides flexibility to the joint. A method of joining pipe elements end to end is also disclosed.
US08267427B2 Knee airbag device for front passenger seat
At the time of a frontal collision of a vehicle, even in a case in which knee regions of an occupant are in a state of being close to a housing of a knee airbag, the knee regions can be appropriately restrained with the knee airbag. When knee airbag 14 receives a supply of gas and expands and deploys towards the occupant side in the front passenger seat, expansion and deployment of a central region 14A of knee airbag 14 is suppressed by a flap 16 (a deployment control cloth), and end portion regions 14B expand and deploy before central portion 14A. Since these end portion regions 14B respectively expand and deploy from between the knee regions of an occupant and glove box door 24 towards the outer sides of the knee regions, a reaction force of knee airbag 14 with respect to the knee regions can be weakened.
US08267424B2 Airbag
At the inflation thereof, an airbag (10) has a three-dimensional shape composed of a front face (11), a back face (12), left and right side faces (13L, 13R), a ceiling face (14), and a bottom face (15). The front face (11) and the back face (12) have a trapezoidal shape in which the upper bottom is wider than the lower bottom. The upper edge of the front face (11) is formed to be wider than the upper edge of the back face (12). At a side collision, the airbag (10) inflates between seats (20L, 20R) so that the airbag face opposed to an occupant (P) falls to the occupant side. This can allow, when the occupant (P) moves to the collision side, the shoulder of the occupant to strike the airbag while simultaneously or substantially simultaneously allowing the head to strike the airbag. An airbag can be provided that blocks, at a side collision, the move due to the impact of the side collision of the occupant in the lateral direction.
US08267423B2 Airbag
A side airbag extends along a side of an interior roof of a vehicle and is configured to restrain a head of a vehicle occupant when the airbag is deployed. The airbag includes an inboard panel, an outboard panel, and one or more seams configured to join the inboard panel and the outboard panel. The at least one or more seams include first seam portions and second seam portions. The first seam portions are subject to higher stress than the second seam portions when the airbag inflates. The first seam portions are reinforced by sewing or by at least one bead of energy absorbent sealant or adhesive.
US08267417B1 Bicycle bottom bracket assembly
A bicycle bottom bracket assembly is at least provided with a first support member and a first bearing unit. The first support member includes a first hanger mounting part and a first bearing mounting part. The first bearing unit is coupled to the first bearing mounting part. The first hanger mounting part has a first outer circumferential surface that is configured and arranged to be press-fitted into a first open end of a hanger part of a bicycle frame. The first hanger mounting part has a first slit extending in an axial direction relative to a rotational axis of the first bearing unit from an open axial innermost end of the first slit at least up to a region that is located radially outwardly from the first bearing unit in a radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the first bearing unit.
US08267413B1 Camber arm and ball joint assembly
The present invention is a device for adjusting the camber angle of a tire/wheel assembly of a vehicle. The device comprises a camber arm having a cage. The cage comprises a cavity and front and top walls. The top wall comprises first and second slots. The cage further comprising a cut-out extending along the front and top walls. The device further comprises a ball joint assembly adjustably engaged with the cage. The device further comprises a fastener for securing the upper clamping plate to the lower clamping plate of the ball joint assembly. The ball joint assembly is adjustably moved along the first and second slots of the cage from a first position where the outward portion of the ball joint housing is disposed outside of the cavity of the cage and a second position where the outward portion of the ball joint housing is disposed within the cavity.
US08267412B2 Foldable walker apparatus
There is provided a walker apparatus having a frame, a wheel pivotally connected to the frame, and a brake pad assembly. The assembly has a brake housing configured to partially cover the wheel. The assembly has a brake pad mechanism including a brake pad lever pivotally mounted to the housing. The brake pad lever is actuated via a first end and has a second end spaced-apart therefrom. The brake pad mechanism has a brake pad connected to the brake pad lever adjacent to the second end of the brake pad lever. The brake pad lever is spring-biased to position the brake pad spaced-apart from and adjacent to the wheel. The brake pad lever is configured to cause the brake pad to abut the wheel when the lever is actuated. The brake housing extends about the brake pad mechanism for fully protecting the brake pad mechanism.
US08267411B2 Size-adjusting fastening mechanism for ice skates
The present invention relates to a size-adjusting fastening mechanism for stakes comprising fixed locking grooves and a movable locking convex block, whereby when one of the grooves engages with the convex block, tooth position is loosened and toecap is telescopic upon pulling. When the groove and the convex block are rotated to deflect so as not to engage with each other, tooth position is pressed to lock so as to be irremovable. Such a structure requires that the pull handle be pulled horizontally forwards and backwards. Being secured with rivet punching, the claimed device possesses good stability, is simple in structure, low in cost and easy for operation.
US08267410B1 Liftable ramp trailer
A suspension for a trailer vehicle that allows the trailer itself to be used as a ramp. The suspension has an axle having an axis and wheels at each end of the axle. The axle is pivotally connected to the vehicle at a pivotal connection and the axis of the axle is offset from the pivotal connection to the vehicle. An actuation device having a first and second end is pivotally connected to the axle at its first end. The actuation device is movable between a retracted length and extended length. Shifting the actuation device between its retracted and extended lengths causes the axle to pivot about the pivotal connection on the trailer, thereby changing the height of the vehicle relative to the ground surface. The trailer can be used as a ramp, thus, eliminating the need for separate ramps.
US08267408B2 Hand tool that can replace tips easily and quickly
A hand tool includes handle, a connector mounted on the handle and having an inner wall provided with a mounting hole and a peripheral wall provided with a plurality of positioning holes, a drive member mounted on the connector and having a first end provided with a fixing portion which is detachably mounted in the mounting hole of the connector and has a peripheral wall provided with a fixing groove, a plurality of locking balls movably mounted in the positioning holes of the connector and movable into the fixing groove of the drive member to lock the drive member onto the connector, and a control sleeve movably mounted on the connector and movable to press or release the locking balls. Thus, the drive member can be detached from the connector to facilitate a user replace the drive member.
US08267406B2 Retaining ring for a seal ring of a mechanical seal assembly
A retaining ring for a seal ring of a mechanical seal assembly comprises a recess (8) inserted at the side of one of its axial ends for a sealing receipt and force-fit assembly of the seal ring (2). In the recess (8), an engaging ring (10) made of a flexible material and having a corrugated profile at its inner periphery is retained, wherein at least the elevations (15) of the corrugated profile may be brought in a force-fit engagement with the outer periphery of the seal ring, when the seal ring is moved into the engaging ring by an external mounting force. Each elevation has a leading flange in direction (P) of the mounting movement having a inclination angle α2 larger than α1 of a lagging flange (18).
US08267404B2 Playing card shuffler with differential hand count capability
A programmable card handling machine with a display and appropriate inputs for adjusting the machine to any of a number of games comprises inputs including a number of cards-per-hand selector, a card game selector, a number of hands delivered selector and a trouble-shooting input. These features also provide for interchangeability of the machine for many different games, for many types of cards or decks and in different locations thereby reducing the number of back-up machines or units required at a casino. The display may include a game mode or game selected display, and use a cycle rate and/or hand count monitor and display for determining or monitoring usage of the machine. The card handling machine is capable of randomly selecting numbers of cards to be delivered in a hand of cards to players and a dealer during a round of a casino table card game.
US08267403B2 Syllabic roulette game with solmization, and method
A roulette game enables single-spin formation of meaningful character strings, which character strings may be coupled to tones for enhancing the gaming experience. The meaningful character strings may be defined by solfege-enabling letter groups, which letter groups may prompt underlying tones in solmization. The syllabic roulette game comprises a roulette wheel, a wager-enabling layout, and a plurality of balls. The wheel comprises alphabetic characters against a rainbow colored backdrop for enabling various payout schemes. A color-coordinated wager support surface is preferably disposed adjacent the roulette wheel for facilitating wager placement.
US08267401B2 Recording apparatus and transporting control method in recording apparatus
Provided is a recording apparatus for performing recording on a medium, including: a transporting unit which transports the medium; a recording unit which performs the recording on the transported medium; a control unit which controls the transporting unit and the recording unit; and a detection unit which detects presence or absence of the medium at a predetermined position in a transporting path, wherein, during or after the transporting of the medium, after the detection unit detects medium absence if the detection unit detects medium presence during an interval until the transporting for a regulated distance, which is set as a value of a diameter or more of a hole provided to the medium, is finished, the control unit determines erroneous operation and performs a predetermined process so as to remove the erroneous operation state.
US08267397B2 Recording material feeding device, recording apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
A recording material mounting face portion is provided on which recording materials are stacked for being fed. A body slide portion is attached to the recording material mounting face portion to be slidable in a widthwise or a feeding direction of the recording material. A movable edge guide includes a body operating portion having a guide face that contacts a side of the recording material while being fed and a fixing means that fixes a position of the movable edge guide in a slide direction of the movable edge guide. The fixing means includes notch columns on a surface of the recording material mounting face portion along the slide direction of the movable edge guide and engaging protrusions on the movable edge guide and that engage notches of the notch columns to realize the fixed state.
US08267395B2 Paper supply unit
Disclosed is a paper supply unit having an improved paper supply structure. The paper supply unit includes a main body having an opening, a cassette configured to be attached to and detached from the main body through the opening. The cassette can include a first holding portion and a second holding portion, each configured to hold printing medium. The second holding portion configured to transfer printing medium from the second holding portion to the first holding portion. The paper supply unit can include a guide device disposed between the first holding portion and the second holding portion when the cassette is mounted in the main body and configured to guide the printing medium in the first holding portion.
US08267393B1 Continuous media edge reference surface for a removable media input tray assembly of an image forming device
A removable media input tray assembly comprising a housing for receiving a removable media input tray. One or more housing assemblies stackable beneath an image forming device. The assembly having a substantially continuous media reference surface extending the height of a media feed path formed by two vertically aligned plates, one plate mounted on the removable media input tray and the other mounted on the housing and extending into the removable media input tray when installed in the housing, the arrangement of plates minimizing any gaps in the media reference surface within the assembly and adjacent assemblies and the image forming device.
US08267391B2 Sheet folding device and sheet post-processing device using same
Sheet pressing means (59) is provided that assists the formation of a bend in a sheet (S) and that freely swings to guide the bend into the nip portion of a second folding roller pair (a second roller (54) and a third roller (55)). The pivot point (594) of the sheet pressing mean (59) is arranged on the side of the nip portion of a first folding roller pair with respect to a common tangent (L1) of the first folding roller pair (a first roller (53) and the second roller (54)) on the downstream side in a sheet transport direction, and is arranged to be lower than a line (L3) that is parallel to a common tangent (L2) of the second folding roller pair on the upstream side in the sheet transport direction and that passes through the center (O) of the first roller (53). Thus, it is possible to reliably perform processing for folding the sheet in a predetermined position regardless of the material quality, the thickness and the like of the sheet. Even if a strong force is applied to the sheet pressing means at the time of processing for handing a paper jam or the like, the sheet pressing means is unlikely to be deformed, and it is possible to stably perform the folding processing for a long period of time.
US08267387B2 Device for the handling of containers
A device (1) for the handling of containers with a mandrel (4), the cross-section of which is adjusted to the cross-section of one of the containers to be handled, whereby the mandrel (4) is displaceable, relative to the support device (30), along a direction of movement (L) between a resting position and a working position. The device has a spacing element (10) which is displaceable relative to the mandrel (4) in a direction of displacement (R) between at least two positions, whereby the direction of displacement (R) and the direction of movement form an angle with one another that differs by 0°, and whereby this spacing element is constructed in such a manner that the working position of the mandrel (4) in the direction of movement (L) is changed through a shifting of the spacing element.
US08267386B2 Pneumatically actuated area vacuum gripper
A pneumatically actuated area vacuum gripper for gripping and, if necessary, separating workpieces is provided by the present disclosure. In particular, the vacuum gripper is used with thin, flexible workpieces, and has a suction chamber, which has a suction wall with perforations, to be placed on the workpiece. An ejector nozzle has a connection and an outlet, the ejection nozzle being connected to the suction chamber via its connection, and the outlet of the ejector nozzle opening to the outside or into an exhaust air duct, and the suction inlet of the ejector nozzle empties into the suction chamber, whereby the direction of the air stream in the connection coming from the suction chamber corresponds to the direction of the main air conveyance in the ejector nozzle.
US08267384B2 Annular seal
An annular seal device includes a mandrel, at least one cone axially moveable on the mandrel, at least one sealing element having a frustoconical outer surface and a frustoconical inner surface, at least one contact feature at the at least one cone and operably engageable with the at least one sealing element, and at least one of a blocking element and a resilient member at the mandrel, the at least one of a blocking element and a resilient member supporting a blocking surface in opposition to the at least one contact feature. The resilient member itself includes a tubular body having spring rings at axial ends thereof, and a plurality of beams extending spirally from one axial end to the other axial end.
US08267382B2 Method of assembling a hydraulic shock absorber and hydraulic shock absorber
Before inner components of a hydraulic shock absorber, such as a cylinder, a piston and a piston rod, are placed, an outer shell is joined with a joint portion of an assembling apparatus so that a gas pressure chamber and the outer shell are in communication with each other. A low-pressure gas is supplied in the gas pressure chamber and the outer shell. Under a pressure of the low-pressure chamber, an oil tank subassembly is inserted in the outer shell and is fitted therein to form an oil tank. The oil tank is divided into an oil chamber and a gas chamber by a diaphragm. By this assembling method, it is possible to supply the low-pressure gas into the gas chamber without a need for a gas-supplying hole for supplying the gas into the gas chamber.
US08267371B1 Impulse tolerant valve body
An impulse tolerant valve body has at least one internal variable-volume space capable of elastic longitudinal compression and rebound. Each such space is filled with incompressible fluid and has fluid communication with at least one internal surge chamber. A closing energy impulse due to valve closing causes elastic longitudinal compression of at least one variable-volume space, with consequent flow of incompressible fluid to at least one surge chamber via at least one fluid flow restrictor. During subsequent elastic rebound, incompressible fluid flows from at least one surge chamber to at least one variable-volume space, again via at least one fluid flow restrictor. A portion of valve closing impulse energy is thus redistributed as heat generated due to fluid friction losses and valve body hysteresis loss. Valve closing energy impulse amplitude is thereby reduced, impulse duration is increased, vibration spectrum is narrowed and induced resonance vibrations are damped.
US08267362B2 Mounting bracket mechanism for fixing a monitor
A mounting bracket mechanism includes a first stand, at least one beam locked on the first stand, at least one second stand disposed on a side of the first stand and locked on an end of the beam in an adjustable manner relative to the beam, and least one hanger for connecting a monitor and hanging the monitor on the beam so as to fix the monitor.
US08267353B2 Cover panel for an aircraft wing and a method of forming thereof
A wing cover panel for an aircraft wing is formed as a plurality of sections each carrying stringer sections which are then fixed together to form a wing cover panel with an integral hollow stringer.
US08267348B2 Unmanned aircraft as a platform for telecommunication or other scientific purposes
Unmanned aircraft used as a platform for telecommunication or other scientific purposes at a predetermined altitude in the stratosphere. The unmanned aircraft includes a pressurized balloon filled with gas and that supports the platform. The pressurized balloon is arranged within an outer balloon provided with an aerodynamic external shape in the stratosphere and forms a low-pressure or high-pressure insulating chamber around the pressurized balloon. A heating and cooling system circulates medium in the insulating chamber and electrically driven propellers are located outside the outer balloon to maintain the position of the platform relative to the Earth. The negative effects that extreme differences in temperature have on the gas pressure in the pressurized balloon are thus largely cancelled such that the pressurized balloon can be made of a lighter and cheaper material and the service life thereof is effectively extended.
US08267347B2 Winging car
A road driving and flight vehicle is able to automatically convert between two configurations to facilitate operations as an automobile and as an aircraft. In the flight configuration the craft includes two jet engines at a rear body part, two wings with ailerons produced by open/flap upwardly doors where the upper end is hinged to a body and bottom end raised up to place wings horizontally, and a vertical stabilizer with rudder and two horizontal stabilizers with elevators. In the road driving configuration vehicle includes conventional automobile power plant in the front part of the body, four wheels of which two front wheels are steerable, two doors, and a vertical and two horizontal stabilizers are stored at a rear part of the body.
US08267344B2 Method and device for producing logs of web material with a mechanism for interrupting the web material activated by passage of the winding cores
The rewinding machine includes: a winding unit; a feed path of the web material; an insertion path of the winding cores; a separator device to sever the web material upon completion of winding each log. The separator device is disposed and produced to be activated by passage of a winding core.
US08267343B2 Winding machine and method for controlling a winding machine
The invention relates to a method for controlling a winding machine for winding a continuously fed winding material on bobbin tubes to wound packages. The winding machine comprises two driven spindles. A traversing device holds a traversing guide. The traversing guide is driven for a traversing movement, whereas the traversing device is driven for a changing movement in a changing direction transverse to the traversing movement. A control device controls both the traversing movement and the changing movement. The movement of said traversing device and said traversing guide is controlled for guiding the winding material from a package wound at a first spindle via a fixed transfer device to the second spindle. The winding material is caught by a catching device associated with the second spindle. The winding material is cut by a cutting device wherein the cutting movement is caused by a rotation of the second spindle.
US08267341B2 Device for processing feedstock
A device for processing feedstock, includes a housing surrounding a processing chamber in which a rotational rotor having processing tools and mounted on a drive shaft is disposed around an axis. The feedstock is fed to the processing chamber via a material inlet and removed from the device via a material outlet. To facilitate assembly and disassembly of the device and to retool, maintain and repair or clean the device, it is provided according to the invention that the housing includes a first end wall, a material element in the shape of a hollow cylinder or hollow truncated cone, and a second end wall which are detachably connected to each other to form the processing chamber. The connection can be made by axially acting clamps, which clamp the first end wall against the second end wall by clamping the casing element.
US08267337B2 Particle reduction device
A particle reduction device with a housing containing an inlet for receiving paper material into a flow chamber, at least two adjacently spaced particle reduction stages through which paper material flows from one stage to the other for reducing the particle size of the material, and an outlet for outputting processed material with reduced particle size. Each particle reduction stage of the paper particle reduction device includes an impact member that rotates about a central shaft for impacting material into smaller particles. At least one of the stages has a screen, located downstream from the impact member, that includes perforations through which particles of a sufficiently small size can pass.
US08267335B2 Ultrasonic crushing apparatus and method
One aspect is an ultrasonic crusher including a pipe system having at least one elutriator. A pump is configured to pump a slurry through the pipe system and the at least one elutriator. A first ultrasound sonotrode is configured proximate to the at least one elutriator.
US08267334B2 Solenoid valve for brake system
A solenoid valve for a brake system enabling miniaturization of the valve and having an improved configuration to facilitate assembly and production of the valve. The solenoid valve includes an armature provided at one end thereof with an opening/closing member, a valve housing including a hollow first valve block fixed in a modulator block and a second valve block disposed below the first valve block and having an inlet for introduction of fluid, a valve seat installed in the first valve block and having a flow-hole to be opened or closed by the opening/closing member and a hollow extending longitudinally from the flow-hole, and an orifice sleeve located in the second valve block to define a fluid discharge passage and having an orifice formed in one end thereof to communicate with the hollow of the valve seat.
US08267332B1 Hand held paint sprayer with paint cup and reversible tip
A self-contained, hand-held paint spray gun apparatus having a paint reservoir on the gun and a turret assembly having a reversible tip for spraying paint from the reservoir through the tip and a swirl chamber adapter located between the gun and turret assembly. The tip is reversible between a SPRAY position and a CLEAN position to enable a user of the paint spray gun to rapidly and conveniently clear an obstruction in the tip and continue spraying without removing the tip. The swirl chamber adapter has a generally planar face opposing a swirl valve in the gun and forming a swirl chamber upstream of the turret assembly and has a centrally located bore extending from the generally planar face to the outlet of the adapter.
US08267321B2 Enhanced-density barcode
A method of decoding a two-dimensional enhanced-density barcode. A first and a second barcode are encoded in the enhanced-density barcode. The enhanced-density barcode includes a set of blocks. Each block includes a predefined number of sub-pixels. The blocks of the enhanced-density barcode being arranged relatively to each other in a geometrical lattice having a first and a second lattice direction. The method includes the steps of distorting of the enhanced-density barcode in the first lattice direction, resulting in a first distorted barcode, distorting of the enhanced-density barcode in the second lattice direction, resulting in a second distorted barcode, reconstructing the first barcode by low-pass filtering the first distorted barcode, reconstructing the second barcode by low-pass filtering the second distorted barcode.
US08267320B2 Label-controlled system configuration
A system utilizes an optical scanner to scan a printed configuration label on which is printed a printed system configuration code. The printed system configuration code describes a system configuration of the system, and is used to dynamically configure the system.
US08267318B2 Liquid barcode and liquid barcode reader
The inventive concept relates to a product authentication and identification device using a liquid barcode formed by liquid bars stored in liquid chambers. For example, according to the inventive concept liquid barcodes and a liquid barcode reader for reading liquid barcodes used for product authentication and identification of thin-film chemical analyzers such as a lab-on-a-disc and a bio disc in which bio chips such as a lab-on-a-chip, a protein chip, and a DNA chip for diagnosing and detecting a small amount of material in a fluid are integrated, a credit card, or other products can be provided.
US08267314B2 Information processing device, display switching method and program
An information processing device including a light emitting unit to supply light to an operating unit mounted on an IC card, a light emission adjusting unit to cause information of an electronic ticket recorded on the IC card to be displayed on the display unit of the IC card by adjusting the number of times of emitting light or a light emitting pattern by the light emitting unit, a storage unit to store service identification information for identifying a service related to an electronic ticket, and a reading unit to read information of one or more than one electronic ticket stored in the IC card, and a determination unit to determine whether the information of the electronic ticket corresponding to the service identification information stored in the storage unit matches the information of one or more than one electronic ticket read by the reading unit.
US08267307B1 Coded information for inventorying goods
Systems and methods for using information, provided in association with a shipping parcel containing or associated with the goods, by a shipping service provider and a recipient of the goods are shown. According to one embodiment, coded data, such as provided in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or barcode, is used to identify the parcel and the goods, either directly or through correlation with other information, such as shipping information and/or inventory information. The coded data is preferably in a format readable by both the shipping service provider and the recipient of the parcel.
US08267304B2 Processing apparatus fabrication
A processing apparatus that is formed from a plurality of metal layers that are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form one or more portions of the processing apparatus.
US08267295B2 Combustion powered nail gun having safety mechanism
A combustion powered nail gun includes a combustion sleeve moveable between a sealed position and an open position; a trigger switch having a first hook portion; a safety lever pivotally mounted in a housing and provided with a second hook biasable to be engaged with the first hook portion; and a restriction member connected to and moveable along with the combustion sleeve in a way that when the combustion sleeve is in the open position, the restriction member is stopped at the safety lever in which the second hook portion is engaged with the first hook portion so as to lock the trigger switch, and when the combustion sleeve is in the sealed position, the restriction member is spaced away from the safety lever to enable the second hook portion to be biasable away from the first hook portion so as to unlock the trigger switch.
US08267292B2 Load carrier for vehicle roof
A load carrier for a vehicle roof is disclosed. The load carrier includes at least one load profile which, in use, extends along the vehicle roof. The load profile has a first part and a second part which are movable relative to each other in their longitudinal direction. The first part that in use is positioned next to the vehicle roof having at the top an undercut groove which extends in the longitudinal direction of the first part and in which engages, in a longitudinally displaceable manner, at least one slideway belonging to the second part and having a shape matching the undercut groove.
US08267286B2 Spray can actuator cap
An actuator cap for a pressurized aerosol spray can for the dispensing of marking compositions consists of an outer housing, an inner housing, and a rotatably mounted spray tip. The outer housing employs an annular chime for use with devices for remotely actuating pressurized aerosol spray cans. The inner housing connectively couples to various pressurized aerosol spray cans. The spray tip allows for efficient dispensing of marking composition through the pressurized aerosol spray can valve while also preventing accidental sideways discharge.
US08267280B2 Device for separately storing a substance, preferably a medical or pharmaceutical substance, and a liquid and mixing the same prior to the delivery thereof
The device for separately storing a substance, such as a medical or pharmaceutical active substance, and a liquid, and for mixing the same prior to use, comprising a first receptacle containing the liquid, a second receptacle that contains the substance and has a bottom to be opened so that the substance passes into the liquid, and comprising a means that can be advanced in order to apply a force to the bottom of the second receptacle such that the bottom is opened, is characterized in that the second receptacle is a blister pack which is mounted inside or on the first receptacle. The substance is thereby sealed within a housing that has a preferably flat bottom and a substantially cup-shaped or blister-shaped upper chamber wall. The flat bottom is torn open in order to release the substance, with the chamber wall being preferably turned upside down through the bottom.
US08267279B2 Device for dispensing dosages of substances in powder- or paste form
A dosage-dispensing device has a drive unit and a receiver for a dosage-dispensing unit. The drive unit has a drive shaft. The dosage-dispensing unit has a delivery orifice with a closure element that is disposed in the delivery orifice. The closure element is coupled to the drive shaft when the device is in an operating state. The closure element provides the delivery orifice with an aperture cross-section that varies between a closed position and a maximally open position. To couple the drive shaft to the closure element and to open the delivery orifice, the drive unit linearly advances towards the dosage-dispensing unit. A closure spring holds the closure element in a closed position up to the point of complete coupling. To prevent premature opening of the delivery orifice during the coupling process, the drive shaft has limited linear mobility in a direction away from the dosage-dispensing unit.
US08267275B2 Beverage container top having a reservoir for liquid cooling
A beverage cooling container top apparatus includes a bottom reservoir wall portion which includes a cooling reservoir fill channel. A top reservoir wall portion includes a cooling reservoir access channel. The top reservoir wall provides a closed top. A side wall portion extends between the bottom reservoir wall portion and the top reservoir wall portion. A container-reception portion is connected to the side wall portion. The bottom reservoir wall portion, the top reservoir wall portion, and the side wall portion define a cooling reservoir. Preferably, cooling fins are located on the top reservoir wall portion. A main reservoir access channel can be provided to bypass the cooling reservoir when the contents of the beverage cup are no longer hot. The apparatus of the invention holds and cools a portion of the hot contents of a beverage cup to prevent a user from a very unpleasant burning of the lips and tongue from the hot beverage in the beverage cup.
US08267268B2 High-pressure gas tank and method of filling a high-pressure gas tank
In a high-pressure gas tank for motor vehicles and a method for filling a high-pressure gas tank which has an interior space for holding gas and a filling region with an inflow opening which leads to the interior space, the filling region is formed so as to direct a gas jet which enters through the inflow opening at an angle φ upwardly with respect to a central horizontal longitudinal axis of the interior space toward a top wall of the tank where the gas jet is deflected toward the end of the tank opposite the filling region.
US08267266B2 Container having vacuum compensation elements
A lightweight container includes an enclosed base, an upper portion that extends upwardly to a finish; and a body located between the base and the upper portion. The sidewall includes vacuum compensation elements that have an open end and an opposing closed end, and that form a V-shape. Each element has nested fields.
US08267264B2 Calibration device, method and system for a container crane
A device, method and system for automatic calibration of a container crane, the container crane being controlled by a system including a first sensor (LPS) and/or a second sensor (TPS), are provided. A calibration rig is arranged in a fixed position and includes a plurality of markers, each arranged at a known and fixed position and distance relative to one another. The markers may include a first marker with a first visual appearance, or active marker and/or a second marker with a second visual appearance, or passive marker. The active marker is preferably an illumination source, such as an IR source. A method for calibrating a container crane using the calibration device and a container control system including the calibration device and one or more computer programs are also described.
US08267261B2 Rack for transportation and display of plants
A rack assembly for transportation and display of potted plants and similar articles. The rack includes vertical supports, and a plurality of trays that are slidingly supported on the posts. The trays are extensible from a retracted position in which the trays are arranged in compact, vertically spaced relationship for transportation, to a deployed position in which the trays extend on opposite sides in an alternating arrangement with increased vertical spacing, and are tilted to a downwardly angled orientation so that the plants can be readily viewed and accessed by customers and other personnel. The posts and trays are mounted on a mobile frame that includes stabilizer legs which prevent the assembly from tipping when the trays are in the deployed position. The posts and trays are removable from the frame, and can be broken down for storage.
US08267258B2 Tray assembly
A tray assembly may include a tray having at least a first track and a second track. The first track and the second track may each include one or more indents and one or more ratchets. Each ratchet may include a plurality of projections, and each projection may be located a distance from each adjacent projection. A tray assembly may include a guide assembly having a first latch coupled to a second latch. The first latch may include a plurality of first teeth configured to engage the first track, and the second latch may include a plurality of second teeth configured to engage the second track. The tray assembly may include a compression element configured to lock and unlock the guide assembly.
US08267252B2 Battery holder and dispensing package
A battery holding and dispensing device can hold a plurality of batteries, in an assortment of battery sizes. The battery holding and dispensing device includes a frame having a plurality of compartments sized and shaped to each receive a battery of a particular battery size and each having a detent for releasably retaining the battery in the compartment. Each compartment has at least one opening in the bottom and lower side to expose a corner of the battery to allow finger ejection of the battery from the compartment past the detent, and to allow the user to touch the batteries to ascertain battery size by feel. The assortment of batteries held in the frame is preferably pre-selected to correspond to the batteries needed by a particular profession. An arrangement for illuminating the frame is provided.
US08267250B2 Package
The present invention refers to a multi-layered package, and particularly to a container including a container opening and a container bottom. Preferably, at least one outer wall includes a predetermined removable wall section, revealing an information. The feature of the package according to the present invention is that the package is formed with at least one inner wall and one outer wall. The outer wall includes a removable card that is part of the outer wall.
US08267246B2 Mounting plate to hold medical instruments and implants using posts with flexible holders
A system for organizing, protecting, sterilizing, storing and delivery of surgical instruments, implants and related devices. Post and button fasteners are removably mounted to a tray and hold rigid and flexible bracketry for securing devices within the assembly. Silicone holders are mounted to upstanding pegs secured to the tray wall by nuts limiting movement of the holders relative to the tray wall.
US08267242B2 Seamless belt
Disclosed is a large seamless belt which is prevented from being curled in a width direction of the belt.
US08267239B2 Conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade with sensor and control system therefor
A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations.
US08267238B2 Banknote depositing machine and banknote depositing method
A banknote depositing machine has a receiving unit which takes in inserted banknotes, a stacking unit which stacks said banknotes, a transporting unit which transports the banknotes between said receiving unit and said stacking unit, a recognition unit which is provided in said transporting unit, and identifies and counts the banknotes, a storing unit which receives the banknotes from said stacking unit and stores the banknotes, and a controlling unit which, if said recognition unit has judged a banknote as abnormal, stops said transporting unit.
US08267236B2 Electromagnetic clutch
An electromagnetic clutch comprises a rotor rotatable with respect to the center of rotation, an armature facing the rotor with a clearance, a device for generating a magnetic attracting force between the rotor and the armature, a rotating member transmitting a driving force from the armature, and a plate spring for mounting the armature on the rotating member. The plate spring extends in a direction opposite to the center of rotation and has a first end separated from the center of rotation. The first end or a portion in the vicinity of the first end contacts an armature surface facing the rotor, and the plate spring is fixed to the rotating member at a portion other than the portion contacting the armature surface. The armature is supported such that the armature is urged to be separated in a direction opposite to the rotor by an elasticity of the plate spring.
US08267233B2 Hydraulic system for controlling a double-clutch transmission
A hydraulic system for controlling a double-clutch transmission operating with wet clutches. A pump provides a system pressure in a supply line, and a control valve for applying to individual clutch actuators an actuation pressure that is derived from the system pressure and that is modulated in accordance with the operating conditions. A charging valve directs hydraulic fluid delivered by the pump into a return line when the system pressure is reached, wherein the hydraulic fluid flowing through the return line can be fed to the clutches to cool them.
US08267229B2 Railway brake shoe
A brake shoe without a metal backing has a metal insert comprising two spaced apart bodies, a connecting portion having a back face adjacent to the back surface of the brake shoe, and two generally parallel radially extending flanges integral with the connecting portion. The parallel extensions define a keyway, wherein when the brake shoe is emplaced on the brake head, the keyway extends through an opening provided in the brake head.
US08267228B2 Brake disc having corrugated outer periphery
The present invention provides a brake disc having a corrugated outer periphery capable of effectively preventing brake judder. A brake disc having a corrugated outer periphery (1) comprising a hub disc (4) fixed to a wheel, a braking disc (3) coaxially disposed outside the hub disc (4), and a connection pin (5) connecting the hub disc (4) and the braking disc (3) with each other in a floating state, in which a plurality of outer peripheral recesses (7) are formed in an outer periphery of the braking disc (3) at a distance from one another in a circumferential direction to form the outer periphery into a corrugated shape, wherein depths (d) of the outer peripheral recesses (7) from an outer peripheral circle (C) of the braking disc (3) are set shallow. The depth (d) of the outer peripheral recesses (7) is set to 7 mm or less.
US08267227B2 Lever assembly featuring blind cable assembly
The present invention is predicated upon improved vehicle brake assemblies, parking brake assemblies, parking brake actuating mechanisms, or combinations thereof, having simplified attachment features and for assembling a brake cable within the parking assembly with substantially limited or no visual access therein.
US08267218B2 Power operated steering assisting device for vehicles
A power-operated steering assisting device is provided for a vehicle and includes a rotation detector, a motor assembly, and a reduction and driving mechanism coupled to a steering shaft of a steering wheel of the vehicle. Upon detecting the rotation of the steering shaft, the rotation detector activates the motor assembly to drive the operation of the reduction and driving mechanism, so that through the engagement between an internal-toothed output ring of the reduction and driving mechanism and a toothed section formed on an outer circumference of the steering shaft, the steering shaft is rotated and an assistance to the steering operation carried out by a driver of the vehicle is realized to provide an effort-saved operation of turning the steering wheel by the driver. No hydraulic system is included in the steering assisting device and thus maintenance of the hydraulic system can be eliminated.
US08267216B2 Hood lift mechanisms utilizing active materials and methods of use
A cam lift and reset assembly includes a cam mounted on a rotatable shaft having a cam profile effective to provide a lifting force to a contacted part thereon upon rotation of the shaft and movement of the cam profile of the cam relative to the contacted part from a rest position to a lift position. The assembly also includes an active material in operative communication with the shaft, the active material being operative to change at least one property of the active material in response to an activation signal so as to effect rotation of the shaft. The assembly further includes a reset device in operative communication with the shaft to provide a reset force to the contacted part and counter-rotation of the shaft and movement of the cam profile of the cam relative to the contacted part from the lift position to the rest position.
US08267199B2 Perforating and jet drilling method and apparatus
Apparatus and method for drilling perforations in well casing and drainholes into a subterranean formation around a well are provided. A tool body on tubing directs a mechanical cutter or jet bit to the casing. A hole is cut in casing and a rotary detent mechanism may be used to drill additional holes through casing to enable alignment of a jet bit with the holes for drilling drainholes without removing apparatus from the well. Disposable nozzles in a guide channel or nozzles on the tool body may be used for drilling through casing.
US08267195B1 Grave site thawing, softening and boring apparatus for vertical burial containers in frozen ground
An apparatus to thaw, soften and bore a pilot hole into frozen ground for the interment of screw-in, self digging and other vertical burial containers by pumping water heated by scavenging heat from different elements of a fuel burning engine, plus the heat generated by a hydraulic power transfer system and the heat generated by a fuel burning combustion chamber and having load increasing devices on the fuel engine and hydraulic power transfer system to further increase heat.
US08267194B2 Rotation device for a boom of a mining or constructions work rig, rig and boom
A rotation device (12) for rotation of equipment (13) fastened at the region of a distal end of a boom (9,11), which has a general longitudinal axis, and which is part of a boom device (3) which is fastenable to a carrier (2) for a mining or constructions work rig, wherein the rotation device includes a first rotation unit (R1) arranged to rotate the equipment around an axis (A1) which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom and a second rotation unit (R2) which is arranged to rotate the equipment around an axis (A2), which forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the boom. The rotation units (R1, R2) are fastened to an angle unit (12′), which is included in the rotation device (12) and has rotational axes (A1, 21; A2,22) extending at an angle with respect to each other, and are connectable to the boom (9,11) as well as to said equipment (13). The invention also concerns a mining or constructions work rig and a boom.
US08267190B2 Direction switching and speed controlling device for a pneumatic tool
A direction switching and speed controlling device for an air tool includes two holes provided respectively on two lateral sides of an air cylinder (2). Holes on one side are two air outlets (8), and two holes on another side are a forward rotation air inlet (13) and a reverse rotation air inlet (12). An air valve (7) has an indentation portion (9) provided on a lateral side thereof, the indentation portion (9) is engaged with teeth portion (10) provided on a lower end of a switch (6). At another end, the switch (6) includes an elongated portion (11) provided horizontally with a blind hole (14) provided in the center. A spring (3) is disposed into the hole (14) with a metal ball (4) attached to an end thereof. A valve cap (5) is provided on a bottom portion of a casing (1) with a plurality of spherical grooves (15) provided therein. The metal ball (4) and groove (15) are engaged through the restoration force of the spring (3).
US08267186B2 Folding tool bar method and apparatus for use with agricultural implements
A folding tool bar apparatus for an implement such as a rake, the toolbar having a frame with ground engaging wheels. The folding tool bar apparatus is adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover for towing from place to place. First and second tool bars are pivotally attached to linkage members. A tongue member that sides along its longitudinal axis with respect to the frame pulls front ends of the tool bars toward the tongue member during movement to the transport position thereof and away from the tongue member during movement towards the working position thereof. The rear end of the tongue member is behind the frame in the working position thereof, making the folding tool bar apparatus shorter than conventional folding tool bars in the working position thereof.
US08267183B1 Gripper for coiled tubing injectors
The current invention relates to an improved gripper for use within a coiled tubing injector unit. The improved gripper comprises a carrier for securing the gripper to the chain drive mechanism of the coiled tubing injector unit and a gripping shoe carried by the carrier. The improved gripper provides a carrier and a gripping shoe designed to permit quick and easy removal and replacement of the gripping shoe in the field during operation of the coiled tubing injector unit.
US08267177B1 Means for creating field configurable bridge, fracture or soluble insert plugs
A plug for a pipe in an oil or gas well includes a packer, a slip ring and a cone disposable on a mandrel and pressed between an upper push sleeve and a lower anvil on the mandrel. The plug can be field configurable with a frac plug kit, a bridge plug kit and a soluble insert plug kit. A pair of concentric locking rings is disposed between the push sleeve and the mandrel with an outer annular cone with an outer conical shape tapered upwardly and inwardly.
US08267176B2 Formation conditioning fluids comprising peroxides and methods relating thereto
Of the methods provided herein, is a method comprising: providing a clean-up fluid comprising a peroxide-generating compound and an aqueous base fluid; placing the clean-up fluid in a subterranean formation; removing contaminants from at least a portion of the subterranean formation to form a cleaned portion of the formation; providing a consolidation agent; placing the consolidation agent on at least a portion of the cleaned portion of the formation; and allowing the consolidation agent to adhere to at least a plurality of unconsolidated particulates in the cleaned portion of the formation.
US08267172B2 System and method for determining position within a wellbore
A method of locating a wellbore feature, comprising delivering a mechanical position determination tool into the wellbore, selectively causing an undulating curvature of the mechanical position determination tool in response to a change in a fluid pressure, moving the mechanical position determination tool along a longitudinal length of the wellbore, and sensing a change in resistance to continued movement of the mechanical position determination tool. A mechanical position location tool for a wellbore, comprising pressure actuated elements configured to cooperate to selectively provide an unactuated state in which the mechanical position location tool lies substantially along a longitudinal axis and the pressure actuated elements further configured to cooperate to selectively lie increasingly deviated from the longitudinal axis in response to a change in pressure applied to the mechanical position location tool.
US08267167B2 Subsurface safety valve and method of actuation
A downhole valve apparatus including a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction. The valve actuator is independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter. A first magnetic assembly is disposed at the force transmitter. A second magnetic assembly is disposed at the valve actuator. The first and second magnetic assemblies are configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.
US08267166B2 Arrangement and method for heat transport
An arrangement for heat transport used for thermally insulating, or cooling, one or several elements. A casing is arranged to enclose a medium having heat-storing or cooling capacity. The casing has an internal space for receiving the element or elements and the medium with the medium surrounding the element or elements. The arrangement includes guides arranged in the internal space of the casing so as to guide the medium in the internal space such that a circulation and mixing of the fluid will be generated essentially throughout the internal space under the action of occurring temperature differences in the medium, whereby the natural tendency for temperature stratification of the medium is counteracted or eliminated. A corresponding method, the use of an arrangement for protecting a subsea installation or a part thereof from cooling, and use of an arrangement for efficient cooling an electrical appliance.
US08267164B2 Energy recovery and humidity control
A system and method for energy recovery and humidity control comprises an enclosure (12) with a plurality of ports (86,90,92,94,86) connected to a plurality of ducts (14,16,18,20,22) The system has an enthalpy exchange core (136) exchanging heat and humidity between first air stream (35) and a second air stream (37), and a heat exchange sub-core (134) exchanging heat between the first air stream (35) and a third air stream (39), and fans (34,38,36) for circulating the first air stream (35), the second air stream (37) and the third air stream (39) respectively, and a controller (40) for controlling the fans (34,36,38) and regulating the flows of the first air stream (35), the second air stream (37) and the third air stream (39).
US08267161B2 Fin for a heat exchanger and manufacturing method
The invention relates to a fin for a heat exchanger, comprising a fin element which extends in the flow direction of a first fluid and has a wall face around which the first fluid flows on both sides, wherein at least one flap is provided in the wall face, which flap forms a cutout, through which the first fluid can flow, in the wall face, wherein a first edge of the flap for forming the cutout is arranged spaced apart from the wall face, wherein the flap has a tab face which is inclined with respect to the wall face and terminates at the first edge, wherein the tab face is connected to the wall face via at least one side wall, extending with a curved profile, of the flap, which side wall, starting at the first edge, has a height which decreases in a way which corresponds to the inclination of the tab face.
US08267160B2 Louvered plate fin
A fin has a substantially flat base plane with a first side facing a first direction and a second side facing a second direction. The fin also has a first louver with a leading edge closer to the base plane and a trailing edge offset from the base plane in the first direction, a second louver located at least partially downstream of the first louver, with a leading edge offset from the base plane in the second direction and a trailing edge offset from the base plane in the first direction, and a third louver located at least partially downstream of the second louver, the third louver having a leading edge offset from the base plane in the second direction and a trailing edge closer to the base plane than the third louver leading edge.
US08267158B2 Thermal module
A centrifugal fan includes a housing and an impeller rotatably received in the housing. The housing defines an air inlet in a top plate thereof and an air outlet in a sidewall thereof. The air inlet is perpendicular to the air outlet. The impeller includes a hub and a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a sidewall of the hub. Each of the blades includes an inner blade section connected with the sidewall of the hub and an outer blade section extending outwardly from the inner blade section. An upper portion of the inner blade section is curved upwardly and forwardly from a curved lower portion of the inner blade section towards an adjacent front blade. The curved lower portion has a curvature smaller than that of the upper portion.
US08267152B2 Twin-roll continuous caster
In a twin-roll continuous caster configured to cast molten steel supplied to a molten metal pool between cooling rolls into a cast piece by, for example, cooling and solidifying the molten steel on the surfaces of the cooling rolls, the pair of cooling rolls each have ridges on the surface thereof, and cast-piece edges and a cast-piece central portion are generated. Specifically, the cast-piece edges are generated by pressing and bonding lateral edges of one of solidified shells to lateral edges of the other solidified shells, the lateral edges of the solidified shells being produced by cooling and solidifying the molten metal on surfaces of collars provided at lateral end portions of the cooling rolls. The cast-piece central portion contains the unsolidified molten steel between the solidified shells and is generated by cooling and solidifying the molten steel on the surfaces of the laterally central portions of the cooling rolls.
US08267151B2 Mold for gravity casting and gravity casting method using the mold
A mold and method for gravity casting may integrally cast a turbine housing having a twin scroll unit and a bypass unit and an exhaust manifold having a plurality of exhaust runner units. A turbine housing-side riser may be formed based on the end portion of the twin scroll unit within a first mold and a second mold in the state where the cavity of the turbine housing is formed so that the end portion of the twin scroll unit which is the outlet of the turbine housing is upward disposed.
US08267148B1 Hybrid ceramic/sand core for casting metal parts having small passages
A hybrid ceramic/sand casting method of manufacturing a metal part. The method is especially suitable for parts having one or more very small internal gaps, such as might occur with a linear passage or round opening. These parts are formed using a hybrid core having at least one ceramic section and at least one sand section, with the ceramic section being used to create the internal gap. A mold cavity is created for the part, and the hybrid core is positioned in the mold. Molten metal is introduced into the mold, and after the metal cools, the core is removed, thereby forming the part with the internal gap.
US08267146B2 Adjustable counterbalance system for roller doors
A counterbalance system for a rollup door system having a drum in which the counterbalance provides a counter force acting at a distance from the center of rotation of the drum. The counter force is variable in both direction and magnitude at various angular positions of the drum.
US08267143B2 Apparatus for mechanically debonding temporary bonded semiconductor wafers
An apparatus for debonding two temporary bonded wafers includes a chuck assembly, a flex plate assembly and a contact roller. The chuck assembly includes a chuck and a first wafer holder to hold wafers in contact with the top surface of the chuck. The flex plate assembly includes a flex plate and a second wafer holder configured to hold wafers in contact with a first surface of the flex plate. The flex plate comprises a first edge arranged adjacent to a first edge of the chuck and connected to a hinge. The flex plate is configured to swing around the hinge and to be placed above the top surface of the chuck. The contact roller is arranged adjacent to a second edge of the chuck, which is diametrically opposite to its first edge. A debond drive motor moves the contact roller vertical to the plane of the chuck top surface.
US08267141B2 Heat insulator manufacturing system and method
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a heat insulator, including: a frame having a feeder provided at front side of the frame for feeding a cross-linked foam polyethylene sheet and a winder provided at rear side of the frame for winding a completed heat insulator; a cutting part provided at a leading side of the frame, a widening part provided at a rear side of the cutting part, which is for transforming the cutoff slots into cells by widening a width of the cross-linked foam polyethylene sheet formed with the cutoff slots; a cooling part provided at a rear side of the widening part, which has cooling rollers to continuously maintain a widened width of the cross-linked foam polyethylene sheet and a shape of the cells transformed from the cutoff slots; and a sheet-attaching part provided at a rear side of the cooling part.
US08267138B2 Laminator
The present application generally relates to methods, materials, and equipment for manufacturing a signs. Some embodiments of the present application relate to methods of manufacturing a digitally printed, multi-panel sign. Some embodiments of the present application relate to a laminator for use in laminating optically active sheeting to a substrate.
US08267137B2 Hot plate welding system
A welding system for heat welding a component to the contact surface workpiece is provided with a carriage and a component holding positioning unit and workpiece melting unit. The component holding unit and workpiece melting unit each include a respective hooked-shaped holding arm assembly and an associated support assembly used to secure and movably mount the holding arm assembly and an associated support assembly used to secure and movably mounted the holding arm assembly to the carriage. A heating or welding unit is mounted towards a distal end of the holding arm assembly, and which is operable to melt the contact surface when moved thereagainst. The component holding unit is provided with a component holder operable to fixedly grasp or release the selected component in its mounting to the workpiece. The carriage is provided for rotatable movement relative to a rotation axis to selectively move the component holding unit and workpiece melting units between melt operations position, wherein the heating or welding unit is brought into contact with the workpiece and activated to soften or partially melt the contact surface in advance of the component being moved thereagainst; and a fixture placement position, where the component holder moves the component into juxtaposition with the softened contact surface to cool and fuse with the workpiece.
US08267134B2 Method for improved retread endurance
The present invention relates to a method of retreading a tire and a retread tire (10) made by this method. The method comprises the steps of providing a tread layer (40) having a tread side (44) and a sole side (46) wherein the surface of the sole side (46) includes a plurality of tread elements (48) such as sipes and/or grooves or other void. Each tread element (48) has a first edge (64) and a second edge (66) at the surface of the sole side (46) of the tread layer (40). At least one of the first edge (64) and second edge (66) is formed to have a break edge (84) such as a rounded edge or a chamfered edge of 0.4 mm or more. The break edge (84) removes the sharp corner and provides increased endurance for the retreaded tire (10).
US08267131B2 Studless tire
A studless tire capable of exhibiting excellent performances on both icy road and snow-covered road, including tread portion 2 having a pair of middle circumferential grooves 3b each extending in a region between 15% and 25% of tread width TW from tire equator C to provide crown region CR between the middle grooves 3b and a pair of shoulder regions Sh between the middle groove 3b and ground contact edge E, wherein the crown region CR includes rows R1, R2 of blocks B having sipes S and defined by zigzag inner circumferential grooves 3a and crown lateral grooves 4a, 4b, each shoulder region Sh includes rows R3, R4 of blocks B having sipes S and defined by linear outer circumferential grooves 3c and shoulder lateral grooves 4c, 4d, and groove area rate Gs (%) of shoulder regions Sh is larger than groove area rate Gc (%) of crown region CR so that the difference (Gs−Gc) is from 3 to 7%.
US08267119B2 Valve for controlling volumetric flows
The invention relates to a valve for controlling volumetric flows in a heating and/or cooling system of a motor vehicle, comprising a valve housing (10), from which at least one inlet channel (18) and at least one outlet channel (20, 22) branch, in addition to at least one disc-type valve body (28) for controlling the flow, said body being located in the valve housing so that it can rotate about the axis (31) of a driven shaft (30). According to the invention, the valve body (28) is operatively connected to an electromotive drive (24) by means of a gear system (64). The invention also relates to a heating and/or cooling system (110) of a motor vehicle, comprising a valve (131) of this type.
US08267117B2 Fuel shutoff valve
A fuel shutoff valve system including a body, a first fluid flow path extending through the body, a second fluid flow path extending through the body, the second fluid flow path separate from the first fluid flow path, and a single shaft that extends through at least a portion said the fluid flow path and through at least a portion of the second fluid flow path, the shaft adapted for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first and second fluid flow paths are open, and wherein in the second position the first and second fluid flow paths are closed.
US08267115B2 Self compensated, adjustable fluid emitter, particularly in irrigation systems
A self-compensated, adjustable fluid emitter includes a casing externally delimiting a volume, which is divided into a first chamber and into a second chamber by a fixed membrane that can be elastically deformed. An inlet communicates with the first chamber and an outlet communicating with the second chamber, causing the first and the second chambers to be in communication one with the other through a communicating duct. In operation, the membrane becomes deformed such that at least a portion thereof changes its position with respect to the outlet, modifying the flow rate of the fluid through the outlet depending on the pressure difference. Therefore, the flow rate of the fluid through the outlet is controlled and kept constant by the membrane in spite of changes in fluid pressure at least at the inlet or the outlet.
US08267113B2 Safety valve for the venting circuit of a liquid tank
Safety valve for the venting circuit of a liquid tank Safety valve for the venting circuit of a liquid tank, comprising: a) a chamber (1) provided with a cover (2), which extends at least partly into the tank and is connected via an aperture (4) to the venting circuit; b) a float (7), which can slide vertically inside the chamber (1) and close off the venting aperture (4) in a high position; and c) a moveable wall (3), which divides the chamber (1) into a lower portion (1′) in which the float (7) slides and an upper portion (1″) which connects with the venting circuit, this wall (3) being a moveable wall and having the venting aperture (4), said valve further including an aperture stop (13) integral either with the moveable wall (3) or with the cover (2).
US08267110B2 Gas pressure regulator and method for assembling and disassembling the regulator
A gas pressure regulator comprises a main body having a first, gas inlet pipe and a second, gas outlet pipe, a calibrated gas passage through which gas flows from the first pipe to the second pipe, a shutter housed at least partially in the main body and mobile lengthwise along a first defined line to adjust the opening of the calibrated passage, a device for actuating the shutter and a regulator spring unit opposing the movement of the shutter.
US08267104B2 Controller unit with electronic appliance holder for outdoor shading device
A controller unit for electrically controlling an outdoor shading device having an awning frame and a supporting frame, includes a operation housing mounted on the supporting frame of the outdoor shading device, wherein the operation housing has a surrounding wall; a control panel being supported on the surrounding wall of the operation housing at a predetermined location for controlling one or more electronic appliances of the outdoor shading device; and an electronic appliance holder assembly for holding at least an electronic appliance thereat and electrically linking with the control panel, wherein the holder assembly is located on the surrounding wall of the operation housing and being arranged that the electronic appliance holder assembly is located at an opposed side of the surrounding wall with respective to the control panel.
US08267103B2 Method and apparatus for cleaning substrates
Provided is an apparatus for cleaning and drying a substrate by applying a plurality of chemicals and gases to the substrate. The apparatus may include: a substrate support member including a chuck receiving a substrate; a first nozzle member injecting a drying fluid onto a top surface of the substrate for drying the substrate; a low cover including an opened top and enclosing the chuck; and an upper cover selectively closing the opened top of the low cover so as to dry the substrate in a closed space. Therefore, the apparatus dries a substrate more efficiently and protects the substrate from being contaminated by foreign pollutants. Furthermore, generation of an undesired oxidation layer on the substrate can be prevented.
US08267101B2 Fruit bin cleaning method and apparatus
An automated process for cleaning fruit bins, and particularly grape bins, deploys a conveyer system in which bins are simultaneously rinsed on the inside and outside in an inverted position. Two rinse cycles are rapidly completed with the conveyance of the inverted bins through a wash station. The wash station deploys a pivoting V-shaped spray rod inside the bin, below the conveyor track, while the outside is rinsed by a second surrounding inverted V-shaped spray bar that moves transverse to conveyor direction will the bin is stationary inside the wash station. A pivoting L-shaped arm with an integrated conveyor track move the bins on or off the central conveyor, while flipping them 90 degrees. Two such conveyors return the bins to an upright position for use and stacking. The water from a first rinse is optionally screened and treated before its use to rinse subsequent bins.
US08267099B2 Heated eyelash groomer
An eyelash groomer having multiple functions on a function head portion of the groomer. The number of functions depend upon the number of function head pieces. Each function head pieces is recommended to have a plurality of small bridges protruding perpendicularly from its respective bases to cage a heating element accessible to each function head piece of the function head of the eyelash groomer. The bridges also prevent the skin from directly contacting the heating element but allow the eyelashes direct contact for optimum curling. The bridges also serve as a guide for the eyelashes because the eyelashes enter at the intervals or spaces between the bridges. The heating element run horizontally beneath each function head piece. A heating mechanism heats the heating element and a protection case houses the components of the heating mechanism and serves as a handle for the eyelash groomer.
US08267097B2 Packaging and applicator devices and kits, and methods of application
A packaging and applicator kit may comprise a receptacle containing a substance for application to nails that has a viscosity of at least approximately 0.3 Pa·s. The kit may also comprise at least one applicator configured to be loaded with the substance contained in the receptacle and to apply the substance to nails. The at least one applicator may comprise at least one flexible blade defining an application face.
US08267088B2 Collapse resistant respirator
A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.
US08267087B2 Device for adsorbing and desorbing anesthetic
A device is provided for adsorbing and desorbing anesthetic has good control of anesthetic dispensing such as in an anesthetic system. An adsorption filter is provided with adsorption beds (13, 14), which can be pivoted between an inspiration line (4) and an expiration line (6). The anesthetic is dispensed in the expiration line (6) on the incoming flow side of the adsorption bed (14) arranged there.
US08267085B2 Leak-compensated proportional assist ventilation
This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when during delivery of gas from a medical ventilator in a proportional assist mode to a patient. The technology described herein includes systems and methods to compensate the delivery of PA ventilation for leakage in the patient circuit by using leak-compensated lung flows as well as leak-compensated respiratory mechanics parameters (lung compliance and lung resistance) estimated in a manner that compensates for elastic and inelastic leaks from the ventilation system.
US08267083B1 Continuous positive airway supply system to nasal cannula having sensitive pressure relief valve
The invention concerns a combination control for use in nasal cannula therapy, and includes a high flow, nasal cannula respiratory assistance ducted system, and a pressure relief valve having indicator structure, which typically includes a tubular body, a carrier slidable in the body, a plunger-indicator carried by the carrier, and a spring resisting carrier movement toward a cap on the body that defines an indicator window.
US08267079B2 Inhaler
A cartridge having an ejection head for ejecting medicine and a reservoir as integral parts thereof is provided with an electric connection section on a lower surface of a junction forming section thereof to be brought into contact with an inhaler body. As the cartridge is put into the inhaler body and secured to the latter by means of a cartridge fixing member, the electric connection section of the cartridge is brought into contact with an electric connection section arranged on a top surface of a cartridge mounting section of the inhaler body to establish electric connection between the cartridge and the inhaler body.
US08267077B2 Paintball marker
A pneumatic paintball marker has, for example, a sleeve that controls the passage of air through the longitudinal barrel or opening within the marker. By sequentially filling separate chambers defined within the opening and the sleeve, the sleeve is able to translate axially through the opening in a sequential manner. When the sleeve is in a forward position, air is caused to be released through the barrel, propelling the paintball. A sear member engages the sleeve and prevents it from inadvertently moving to a forward position. Air filling the chambers returns the sleeve to the loading position.
US08267075B2 Ignition device for internal combustion engine
An ignition device includes: an axially extending chamber with an opening portion to be open to a cylinder and a bottom surface facing the opening portion; an outer electrode provided around the opening portion; and a center electrode that forms the bottom surface. When a voltage is applied between the center electrode and the outer electrode, a plasma is produced in the chamber and a plasma jet is injected through the opening portion. The ignition device includes: a metal housing formed integrally with or separately from the outer electrode; an insulating member that supports the center electrode while insulating the center electrode from the housing and the outer electrode; and a screw thread formed on a periphery of the housing by which the ignition device is screwed into a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. A gasket is disposed in a side closer to the inside of the cylinder. A peripheral wall of the chamber is formed by the insulating member.
US08267072B2 Efficient vacuum for a vehicle
An engine with an efficient selectively operable vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, an electric vacuum pump with oil wetted seals provides vacuum to a vehicle. The approach may provide for improved efficiency when generating vacuum.
US08267069B2 EMG temp signal model based on EGRC out temp for EGR system anti-fouling protection
An EGR control method to prevent condensation within the EGR system uses a temperature sensor signal from an EGR cooler exhaust gas outlet to model or estimate exhaust manifold gas temperature upstream of the cooler. If the estimated exhaust manifold gas temperature falls below a predetermined level, the engine control system closes or partially closes the EGR control valve to stop EGR flow through the cooler and the EGR valve.
US08267065B2 Method for controlling low temperature combustion
A method for adjusting fuel injection of an engine is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection timing is adjusted to account for fuels having different cetane numbers. Operation of the engine may be improved especially during conditions where combustion phase may vary.
US08267056B2 Split-cycle internal combustion engine
A split-cycle internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine includes a cylinder block, and a plurality of cooperating power pistons and cylinders mounted in the cylinder block. The power pistons are configured to be energized by forces of combustion. The engine also includes a compressor piston and cylinder configured to compress a volume of air and transfer the compressed air to the power pistons, and an expander piston and cylinder configured to receive exhaust gases from the power pistons. The engine additionally includes a first crankshaft operatively connected to and rotatably driven by the power pistons, a second crankshaft operatively connected to the compressor piston and configured to rotatably drive the compressor piston, and a third crankshaft operatively connected to the expander piston and configured to be rotatably driven by the expander piston. The first, second, and third crankshafts are operatively connected to each other for coordinated rotation.
US08267045B2 System and method for aquaculture of marine life forms
Disclosed is a system for aquaculturing marine life forms such as coral utilizing a rotating tray that exposes the marine life forms to variable water flow conditions during each revolution of the tray.
US08267041B2 Plasma treating apparatus
A plasma treating apparatus adapted to provide a predetermined plasma treatment to an object W to be treated comprises a processing chamber 12 configured to be capable of being vacuumed, an object holding means 20 adapted to hold the object to be treated, a high frequency power source 58 adapted to generate high frequency voltage, a plasma gas supplying means 38 adapted to supply a plasma generating gas to be treated to generate plasma to the processing chamber, a pair of plasma electrodes 56, 56B connected to the output side of the high frequency power source via wirings 60 to generate plasma in the processing chamber, the pair of plasma electrodes being brought into an excited electrode state. In addition, a high frequency matching means 72 is provided in the middle of the wirings. In this case, each of the plasma electrodes 56A, 56B is not grounded. Thus, the plasma density can be increased, and the efficiency of generating plasma can be enhanced.
US08267038B2 Method for discharging droplets and droplet discharge apparatus
A droplet discharge apparatus is configured to move a droplet discharge head and a weight measurement unit relative to each other so that the droplet discharge head is placed in a position that faces the weight measurement unit by controlling a weight measurement unit movement part and a weight measurement unit secondary movement. The droplet discharge apparatus is also configured to control the droplet discharge head to perform a weight measurement discharge for measuring a weight of the liquid material discharged from the droplet discharge head during the feed/removal period, which includes a period for feeding and removing the substrate from the stage, and a period in which the stage is moved in relative fashion by the stage movement unit for performing feeding and removal operations.
US08267037B2 Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus including a holder for rotatably holding a substrate; a coating solution supply nozzle for supplying a coating solution onto a front surface of the substrate to be processed held by the holder; a treatment chamber housing the holder and the coating solution supply nozzle; a cooling device which cools the substrate before the coating solution is supplied to the substrate, to a predetermined temperature; a heating devices which heats the substrate coated with the coating solution to a predetermined temperature; and a transferer that transfers the substrate between the treatment chamber, the cooling device and the heating device, wherein the treatment chamber, the cooling device and the heating device are partitioned from ambient air, and wherein at least the treatment chamber is connected to a gas supply mechanism having a supply source of a gas having a kinematic viscosity coefficient higher than that of air.
US08267036B2 Apparatus for printing actives onto articles
An apparatus for printing active materials, such as adhesives, onto articles, such as absorbent articles or release paper, using a coater with a multitude of applicators. The applicators coat a surface (roll) with a multitude of beads of the active material. The apparatus also includes a specific coating blade, which contacts the surface with the active material at a certain angle and thereby coats the surface even better.
US08267035B2 Road safety device
An elasticated, high-visibility band is stretched over the rear boot of a car, providing a highly-visible X to alert other road users. The band is in the form of two connected loops or of one loop with two ties for attachment to the car.
US08267030B1 Method and apparatus for launching watercraft
A method and apparatus which will allow a single person to launch and secure a boat or watercraft to a pier without the user getting into the water and which allows the user to maintain control of the vessel or watercraft. Disclosed is a bracket mounted near the tongue of a boat trailer which has a tube for holding a telescoping pole which pole is removably, insertable into the tube so that when the boat on the trailer is backed into the water in preparation for launching the boat an attachment ring on the end of the boat lanyard is attached to the bow cleat of the boat so as to assist in maneuvering the boat off of the trailer. Thereafter, the pole is removed from the tube and the loop on the end of the pole is connected to a stern cleat on the rear of the boat so as to then allow the user to pull the boat toward the pier.
US08267025B2 Jack plate for an outboard motor
A jack plate for vertically raising and lowering an outboard motor mounted on a boat. The jack plate comprises a motor lift and a jack plate mounting assembly. The jack plate mounting assembly has a transom plate and a pair of spacing brackets with jack plate rails. The motor lift has a pair of bearings that are interlocked to a lift plate. The motor lift is slidably situated within the jack plate rails. Complementary geometries of the outer side edges of the lift plate and inner edges of channels in the bearings, as well as the spacing between the jack plate rails, provide a pressure fit that secures the lift plate between the bearings once the bearings are inserted into the jack plate rails.
US08267024B2 Sewing machine and computer-readable medium storing control program executable on sewing machine
A sewing machine includes a bed portion, a pillar portion that is erected upward from the bed portion, an arm portion that extends horizontally from the pillar portion above the bed portion, a head that is provided at an end of the arm portion, a needle bar that is attached to the head and can reciprocate up and down, an image pickup device that can pick up an image of an upper surface of the bed portion, an image conversion device that generates a virtual image from a real image by viewpoint conversion, the virtual image being an image as viewed from an arbitrary viewpoint position, and the real image being an image picked up by the image pickup device, an image display device that displays an image, and an image display control device that displays the virtual image generated by the image conversion device on the image display device.
US08267021B2 Quick closing trench opener/closer for an agricultural seeding machine
A trench opener/closer is provided for an agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction. The trench opener/closer includes a disc opener assembly, a gauge wheel assembly, a closing assembly, a boot member, and a seed delivery member. The disc opener assembly has a first axis of rotation. The gauge wheel assembly has a second axis of rotation disposed rearward of the first axis of rotation in the planting direction. The closing assembly has a third axis of rotation disposed rearward of the second axis of rotation in the planting direction. The boot member extends between the disc opener assembly and the closing assembly. The seed delivery member is disposed rearward of the disc opener assembly in the planting direction. The seed delivery member is disposed adjacent to both a trailing edge of the boot member and the closing assembly.
US08267018B2 Load support
Load supports (10), in the form of pallets, have a front plate (12), a rear plate (14), frame members (20) and an upper surface member (22). Two pallets (10) can come together as shown, one inverted relative to the other and can inter fit which results in space saving when the pallets (10) are not in use. For example, the dimensions of the front and rear plates (12, 14) allow the rear plates (14) to be received in-board of the front plates (12) and resting against the frame members (20) of the other pallet (10). Once inter fitted, the volume of the pallets (10) is less than the sum of the volume of two independent pallets.
US08267014B2 Multiple-bay ejection device
An ejectable device is provided having multiple ejection bays. The ejectable device includes an impulse cartridge having multiple charges that are independently activatable. The ejectable device further includes an orientation adapter that allows reliable connectivity between the impulse cartridge and a signal source.
US08267013B2 Breaching apparatus for use with explosive charges
The present invention is a flexible, fillable and/or inflatable breach bag (aqua ram) with a planar body and at least one fillable water chamber 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 generally planar panel of flexible material and at least one water chamber disposed on the material layer with a fluid inlet for the selective introduction of fill material, generally in the field. Additionally, the bags include means to suspend the breach bag against structures to be breached.
US08267012B2 Reliable propagation of ignition in perforation systems
The invention relates to a method and a device for propagating the detonation effect from one detonation cord (5) to another, whereby the detonation cords (5) comprise respective boosters (4) at their ends. The booster of one detonation cord and the booster of the other detonation cord to which the detonation effect should be propagated are arranged with their front faces joining each other. The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device which allows propagation also under unfavorable conditions while requiring only few individual parts. For this purpose, at least one booster of two adjacent detonation cords is subjected to a force acting in the direction of the other booster, thereby ensuring constant contact of the front faces (15) of the adjacent boosters.
US08267006B2 Axial piston machine
An axial piston intended for an axial piston machine and comprised of at least two components forming a driving part and a compressing part. To enable manufacture of the axial piston in an easy and inexpensive way while simultaneously reducing the weight, the components are manufactured by a solid forming process and joined together by a capacitor discharge welding process.
US08267003B1 Blast resistant armor mounting hardware
Methods and apparatus are provided for attaching a rigid armor plate to the exterior of a vehicle hull. The exemplary system includes an armor attachment point on the vehicle hull, a hole through the armor plate in alignment with the armor attachment point, and a fastener extending through the hole connecting the armor plate to the vehicle hull. The hole through the armor plate may be larger than the fastener, defining a circumferential gap between the fastener and armor plate. The fastener may comprise a material with an energy absorption capability in excess of 2,000 ksi, and more preferably in excess of 5,000 ksi.
US08267002B1 Ceramic armor against kinetic threats
A ceramic armor tile for attaching internally behind a wall of a structure and for cooperation in conjunction therewith, such that the wall acts as an external protective layer of the armor.
US08266992B2 Steady rest
A steady rest for clamping of rod-shaped workpieces, the steady rest including three holding elements, including two outer holding elements adapted to be swivelled about a pin mounted in a housing and a middle holding element adapted to be adjusted axially, and in which coolant or lubricant can be carried to a workpiece by means of ducts in the housing and the middle holding element. The ducts provided in the housing and in the middle holding element, being connected to a cavity and the ducts being connected together by a deformable flexible high-pressure hose. The ducts being connected together by means of the elastically deformable element.
US08266990B1 Push button multi-position locking pliers
A push button locking pliers has a plurality of macro jaw width stations for grasping a wide variety of objects. A positioning mechanism is connected to a movable jaw member having a pivot that cooperates with a jaw adjustment slot in the main handle. The positioning mechanism is released by pushing on a push button on the pivot against a spring allowing the movable jaw member to move along the slot. The user places the positioning mechanism at the jaw positioning station that creates a macro spacing between the fixed and movable jaws that best fits the object to be grasped. The push button is then released allowing the pivot to engage the rounded hole of the new positioning station. The pivot is made self centering on the rounded hole of the new positioning station by having a frustoconical section that engages the side of the hole even if the pivot is not centered on the hole. The bias of the spring forces the frustoconical section along the side of the hole which pushes the pivot to a central position in the rounded hole making the pliers ready for use.
US08266989B2 Extension for wrench
A wrench includes a handle having first and second ends spaced along a longitudinal axis. The second end of the handle includes a first receptacle extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The handle further includes a second receptacle intermediate the first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The second end of the handle is slideably received in an extension. A positioning hole extends from an inner periphery through an outer periphery of the extension. A first positioning member is mounted in the first receptacle and biased by a first spring to extend through the positioning hole, with a portion of the first positioning member pressing against the inner periphery of the extension. A second positioning member is mounted in the second receptacle and biased by a second spring to press against the inner periphery of the extension.
US08266985B2 Device for reducing the drop in tractive force
A device for reducing the drop in tractive force during the gear shifting phase of an automatic transmission comprising an automatically actuated drive clutch. The device comprises a rotary storage device that can be coupled, if necessary via two transmission ratio steps (4, 5) that are each assigned a friction clutch (6, 7), to the output shaft of the transmission or, if the transmission has a downstream range group, to the output shaft of the main friction transmission. Only one of the two friction clutches (6, 7) can be activated at any time, and a step up ratio can be achieved and the rotary storage device can be loaded with one of the transmission ratio steps (5). A step down ratio can be achieved and energy can be released from the rotary storage device to the output shaft using the other transmission ratio step (4).
US08266984B2 Electronic communication wire connector
An electronic communication wire connecting an input speed sensor and a computer controller in a transmission system is provided. The electronic communication wire connects at one end to the input speed sensor through a first aperture in the transmission case and at the other end to the computer controller through a second aperture in the transmission case. Thus, the electronic communication wire is attached at both ends to internal devices but it partially exists external to the transmission case along the length of the electronic communication wire. The connection between the electronic communication wire and the input speed sensor is sealed with at least a single O-ring while the connection between the electronic communication wire and the computer controller is sealed with at least a pair of O-rings. A method of electronically connecting the input speed sensor and the computer controller externally of the transmission case is also provided.
US08266968B2 Method, a system, and a control circuit for taking measurements in a crimping machine
A crimping system, a control circuit for a crimping machine, and a method to be applied in them, in which: a work piece (15) is subjected to a first force effect by an actuator (5) that is controlled by the pressure of pressurized medium, wherein said force effect is proportional to said pressure and causes a desired deformation in the work piece (15); a follow-up measurement is taken, whose measurement result is proportional either to the dimension of the work piece (15) or said pressure; the work piece (15) is subjected to a second force effect but by applying a reduced pressure which is lower than the pressure that contributes to said deformation; and a verifying measurement is taken, whose measurement result is proportional to the dimension of the work piece (15), when said reduced pressure controls said actuator (5) and the work piece (15) is still in the crimping machine (1).
US08266967B2 State detecting device provided in a tube to detect a state of a liquid flowing in the tube
A state detecting device can efficiently remove air bubbles from a liquid no matter whether the liquid flows forwards or backwards. The state detecting device (1) is provided in a tube to detect a state of a liquid flowing in the tube. The state detecting device (1) includes: a liquid hold part (2) in which the liquid is stored; an inflow part (4) from which the liquid enters the liquid hold part (2); an outflow part (5) from which the liquid exits from the liquid hold part (2); an inlet (8) that is a rear end portion of the inflow part (4); and an outlet (9) that is a front end portion of the outflow part (5). Here, the inlet (8) and the outlet (9) are arranged higher than a center of the liquid hold part (2) in a vertical direction when the state detecting device is provided in the tube.
US08266966B2 Ultrasonic exploration method and ultrasonic exploration apparatus
An exploration operation, in which the transmission/reception position, at which ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received, is changed by a specified pitch distance, is performed for each of a plurality of incident angles. A nonlinear image in which echo signals acquired from harmonic waves of reflected waves are presented is generated for each incident angle. Each nonlinear image is converted into a frame conversion image in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of an exploration-target area. A signal intensity threshold for removing echo signals resulting from an orientation defect is determined in advance. Frame conversion images formed by only echo signals 41a whose signal intensity is the signal intensity threshold or more are overlapped to generate a nonlinear exploration image 35. Exploration of a welded portion 23 stably provides a nonlinear exploration image 35 in which the shape of an interface 25 of the welded portion 23 is shown accurately and clearly.
US08266965B2 Method and device for the detection of recording media
A method and a device for the contactless detection of laminated, flat objects, particularly sheet-like recording media. There is a galvanic separation and mechanical decoupling between the transmitter and receiver to improve detection. These measures can be further improved with correction characteristic methods.
US08266958B2 Liquid level sensor device for liquefied gas
An object is to provide a liquid level sensor device for liquefied gas enabling measurement on a liquid level of liquefied gas having a boiling point in the vicinity of 21 K, e.g. liquid hydrogen, accurately and with good reproducibility and enabling simple production with good reproducibility. The present invention is a liquid level sensor device for liquefied gas including compound containing magnesium and boron arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction over the entire or a part of surface of a linear conductor made of metal and a portion of the compound thereof dipped in liquid is in a superconductive state at liquid level measurement.
US08266957B2 Thermal flow measuring apparatus including RTD sensor
An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring mass flow of a fluid medium through a pipeline, or through a measuring tube. The apparatus includes two temperature sensors and a control/evaluation unit. The two temperature sensors are arranged in a region of a housing facing the medium and in thermal contact with the medium flowing through the pipeline, or through the measuring tube. A first of the temperature sensors is heatably embodied. A second of the temperature sensors provides information concerning the present temperature of the medium. The control/evaluation unit, on the basis of primary measured variables, such as temperature difference between the two temperature sensors and/or heating power fed to the first temperature sensor, ascertains the mass flow of the medium through the pipeline. The control/evaluation unit, in ascertaining the mass flow, provides a correction value for the mass flow and/or for the primary measured variable and/or for a measured value derived from the primary measured variable. And, the control/evaluation unit, in ascertaining the correction value, takes into consideration heat exchange by forced convection and heat exchange by free convection between the temperature sensors and the medium.
US08266948B2 Knocking sensor
A knocking sensor which includes: a piezoelectric element; a support member having a support body portion, the support body portion including a support surface directly or indirectly supporting the piezoelectric element; and a resin coating covering the piezoelectric element and at least a part of the support member, the resin coating having an outside portion covering an outer circumference of the piezoelectric element and an outer circumference of the support body portion. The support body portion of the support member has a first engagement portion on the base end side thereof. The resin coating has a curved portion which extends from the outside portion toward the interfacial direction inner side, and curves toward the base end side of the support body portion. Further, the curved portion includes a second engagement portion which engages the first engagement portion.
US08266945B2 Device for removing air dispersed contaminants
A device for removing liquid or solid contaminants such as oil or dust dispersed in air in which an air flow is directed through a space formed by a spiral wall in a cyclonic chamber condenses the particles or droplet which drops down into a collection chamber below the cyclonic chamber while the cleaned air passes out through an outlet extending back up through the cyclonic chamber. A baffle plate array is located at the bottom of the collection chamber composed of spaced apart shallowly inclined partially overlapping plates which captures any cyclonic air flow at the bottom of the collection chamber. This removes contaminants which would otherwise accumulate at the center of the bottom of the collection chamber and be entrained in the air exiting the device.
US08266944B2 Method for evaluating scratch resistance of plastic resins
Disclosed herein is a method for evaluating scratch resistance of a plastic resin comprising scratching a surface of a test sample of plastic resin using a scratch apparatus to form a scratch of the surface having a scratch profile; scanning the scratched test sample with a surface profile analysis apparatus to measure the scratch profile; and creating a scratch resistance evaluation index based on the measured scratch profile to evaluate the scratch resistance of the test sample. The method has good reliability and reproducibility, reduces measurement time and errors caused by measurers and measuring conditions, provides easy measurement and can be widely applied to all plastic resins.
US08266940B2 Apparatus and method for customized shaping of orthodontic archwires and other medical devices
An apparatus and method for bending or shaping orthodontic archwires or other medical devices into a complex, patient individual shape is described. The apparatus comprises of two moveable, compact, manipulators with, in total, at least three revolute joints defining three rotation axes and at least three prismatic joints defining at least three translation axes. Gripping tools are provided on the manipulators. The two manipulators are arranged to allow a relative movement in six degrees of freedom. A reduced complexity embodiment is also described having only one or two revolute joints.
US08266933B2 Adjustable archery bow lock
An adjustable archery bow lock for an archery bow with bow strings, or a limb with a cam or a pulley, includes a locking first frame with first and second rod receiving apertures there through. A lock mechanism is on the first frame with a moveable and securable locking index pin. A parallel second frame has first and second rods that are adapted to capture and immobilize the bow strings, or the cam or pulley with the limb. The rods pass through the receiving apertures. The second rod has a series of aligned indentations. The rods are secured to the first frame with the locking index pin secured into one of the indentations to prevent drawing or firing of the bow.
US08266932B2 Theft deterrent locking hasp
A theft deterrent hasp assembly for shrouding the shackle of a pad lock device. The disclosed hasp comprises a hingeable arm having a protective shroud at its distal end and a pad lock hoop engagement hole. The engagement hole is positioned at an angle with regard to the length of the hingeable hasp and along a diagonal within the shroud enclosure to allow improved access for pad lock shackle insertion therein. This access allows the shackle to be more easily inserted into a pad lock hoop protruding through the engagement hole of the hasp after placement thereover, while the protective shroud provides plurality of upstanding members that form a three sided structure for protection against tampering. The shroud members are adapted to cover a majority of the padlock shackle while in use, preventing cutting tools or saw blades from achieving access thereto while in a locked position.
US08266930B2 Laundry device
A laundry treating machine including a laundry treating device (100) and a pedestal laundry treating device (200) is disclosed. The laundry treating machine is configured to achieve simultaneous or selective supply of water and simultaneous or selective draining of wash water for the laundry treating device (100) and pedestal laundry treating device (200). The pedestal laundry treating device (200) supports the laundry treating device (100) beneath and outside the laundry treating device. The pedestal laundry treating device (200) has a volume and a height smaller than those of the laundry treating device (100), and has a laundry treating function. The laundry treating machine (100) further includes a water supplier (350) for simultaneously or selectively supplying water to the laundry treating device (100) and pedestal laundry treating device (200), and a water drainer (460) for joining wash water discharged from the laundry treating device (100) and wash water discharged from the pedestal laundry treating device (200) into a draining pipe (430), and draining the joined wash water.
US08266929B2 Pedestal isolator
The pedestal isolator according to the present invention isolates a vibration source such as a front-loading washing machine from its surroundings. The vibration source is supported on elongated members that in turn are each supported on a pair of knife-edge supports. Ends of the elongated members are restrained from longitudinal movement. The distance between the pair of knife edge supports may be fixed or adjustable based on the expected vibration frequency.
US08266925B2 Apparatus for manufacturing float glass
An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass, including a float bath for storing a molten metal on which a molten glass flows, wherein the molten metal flows in the float bath, comprises an discharge opening formed through a wall of a downstream end of the float bath at the center of the wall to discharge a molten metal crashing against the wall and dross floating on the molten metal; and a pair of side channels formed inside of the wall and communicated with the discharge opening and both sides of the float bath.
US08266923B2 Refrigerating device comprising two storage compartments with selective cooling modes
A refrigeration device comprising at least two storage compartments that are thermally insulated from one another and from the environment. In said device, an evaporator that can be cooled independently of an evaporator of the other storage compartment or compartments, is allocated to each storage compartment. Said device is equipped with elements for switching at least one of the compartments from a freezing mode to a non-freezing mode.
US08266918B2 Refrigerant circulating pump, refrigerant circulating pump system, method of pumping refrigerant, and rankine cycle system
A Rankine cycle system has a condenser, a refrigerant circulating pump connected to the condenser, a heat collecting device connected to the refrigerant circulating pump, and an expansion turbine connected to the heat collecting device and the condenser. The refrigerant circulating pump includes an expansion tank or pressure vessel, a refrigerant supply conduit connected to the lower part of the expansion tank and to the condenser, and a refrigerant discharge conduit connected to the upper part of the expansion tank. An open/close valve is installed in the refrigerant supply conduit. A pressure regulating valve installed in the refrigerant discharge pipe opens when a pressure reaches a specified value or higher. A temperature regulating device can heat the refrigerant in the expansion tank to produce a refrigerant vapor of saturated temperature or higher, which vapor can be introduced into the heat collecting device.
US08266913B2 Power plant and method of use
A power plant arrangement and method of operation are provided. The power plant arrangement comprises at lease one main air compressor and one or more gas turbine assemblies. Each assembly comprises a turbine combustor for mixing a portion of a compressed ambient gas flow with a portion of a recirculated low oxygen content gas flow and a fuel stream, and burning the combustible mixture to form the recirculated low oxygen content flow. The assembly further comprises a turbine compressor, fluidly connected to the turbine combustor, and connected to a turbine shaft that is arranged to be driven by rotation of a turbine. The assembly also comprises a recirculation loop for recirculating at least a portion of the recirculated low oxygen content gas flow from the turbine to the turbine compressor.
US08266908B2 Multi-heat source power plant
According to present invention, a method is provided for operating a multi-heat source power plant using a low-medium temperature heat source fluid, wherein the multi-heat source power plant includes a turbine or expander run by an organic motive fluid, comprising preheating the organic motive fluid using the low-medium temperature heat source fluid and thereafter providing further heat from an additional heat source to vaporize the motive fluid which is supplied to the turbine or expander. Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a heat exchanger suitable to pre-heat an organic motive fluid with a low-medium temperature geothermal fluid, and solar energy collecting means suitable to directly or indirectly provide heat to the pre-heated organic motive fluid for heating and vaporizing the motive fluid. In addition, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a heat exchanger suitable to pre-heat an organic motive fluid with a low-medium temperature unused industrial heat streams, and solar energy collecting means suitable to directly or indirectly provide heat to the pre-heated organic motive fluid for heating and vaporizing as well as superheating the motive fluid.
US08266904B2 Buoyancy engine
An energy output device that harnesses the buoyant effect produced as air rises through a plurality of finned cylinder wheels submerged in a volume of water. The finned cylinder wheels are positioned along a vertical axis above the point at which air enters into the water. The finned cylinder wheels contain a set of fins that trap the rising air so that the buoyant effect created combined with fluid gravitational farce causes the finned cylinder wheels to rotate. A plurality of intermediary gear assemblies are alternately positioned with the finned cylinder wheels linking the vertically aligned components together. The simultaneous rotation is ultimately transferred to a torque output axle gear assembly located above the alternating finned cylinder wheels and intermediary gear assemblies.
US08266903B2 Engine lag down suppressing device of construction machinery
An engine lag down control system for construction machinery has a machinery body controller having first, second and third torque control units and a solenoid valve. The first torque control unit controls a torque control valve to a minimum pump torque corresponding to a target number of engine revolutions when a non-operated state of a control device has continued beyond a monitoring time. The second torque control unit controls the torque control valve such that the above-described minimum pump torque is held for a predetermined holding time subsequent to the operation of the control device from the non-operated state. The third torque control unit controls the torque control valve such that from a time point of a lapse of the predetermined holding time, the pump torque is gradually increased on a basis of a predetermined torque increment rate.
US08266901B2 Axial thrust offloading device
An axial thrust offloading device for axial thrust balance of a machine shaft including a thrust balance ring with a supply channel for a pressurized medium opening into an annular space on the ring's face, first and second side disks disposed axially adjacent to and on opposed sides of the ring and forming first and second pressure chambers closed off on an exit flow inside by a labyrinth seal and on an inlet flow side to a pressurized medium via first and second restrictor locations, and a disk-shaped restrictor element disposed in the annular space, wherein relative axial movement between the ring and the restrictor element provides for reciprocal opening of the first and second restrictor locations to form a pressure difference between the first and second chambers.
US08266899B2 Exhaust purification apparatus for internal combustion engine
The present invention provides an internal combustion engine exhaust purification apparatus includes a filter configured to collect particulate matter contained in exhaust gas, a selective catalytic reduction converter provided downstream of the filter to reduce nitrogen oxide contained, an oxidation catalyst converter with an adsorption function provided upstream of the converter to temporarily adsorb the nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas, a burner configured to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the filter, the selective catalytic reduction converter, and the oxidation catalyst converter to set the temperature of the filter to at least a predetermined recovery temperature, thus recovering the filter, and an ECU configured to inhibit the burner from being started when the burner is otherwise to be started but if the selective catalytic reduction converter has not been activated.
US08266893B2 Exhaust gas purification apparatus of internal combustion engine
An adding time a of a fuel addition to an exhaust system is limited to a guard value G or less during an adding period A of a concentrated intermittent fuel of a catalyst recovery control. Accordingly, a one-time fuel adding amount from an adding valve 46 is limited to be equal to or less than a predetermined value, and it is possible to prevent such a great amount of unburned fuel component that cannot be fully purified by a NOx catalyst from being supplied to the NOx catalyst during the adding period A. Further, if a total amount (GF+Q1)·t of the unburned fuel component supplied to the NOx catalyst during the adding period A reaches an allowable upper limit value UL, the concentrated intermittent fuel addition is canceled and a suspend period B is forcibly started. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a total amount of such a great amount of unburned fuel component that cannot be fully purified by the NOx catalyst from being supplied to the NOx catalyst during the adding period A. Therefore, generation of white smoke in exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine by an excessive supply of the unburned fuel component to the NOx catalyst at a time of executing catalyst recovery control can be prevented.
US08266892B2 Calibrated dosing unit, especially of an exhaust gas treatment unit
The invention relates to a volume quantity dispensing unit, in particular as a unit for metering an aqueous solution such as a urea/water solution, which can be used in an exhaust gas aftertreatment unit (17), comprising a pressure transducer (1), in particular comprising an electric pressure sensor, the volume quantity dispensing of the volume quantity dispensing unit following an electric signal (2) and the volume quantity dispensing unit being calibrated. There is provided at least one means (3) for changing a pressure value (4), which means changes the pressure value (4) in such a way that the pressure value (4), which is intended to correspond to the pressure in the volume quantity dispensing unit, is an input signal for a volume quantity (5) to be dispensed.
US08266891B2 Method and system for emission control of a compression ignition locomotive engine
Method and system for emission control of a compression ignition locomotive engine. The method includes measuring an actual power level of the engine, comparing a desired power level with the actual power level of the engine; implementing a combustion strategy based on the comparing of the desired and the actual power levels; and implementing an emission strategy based on the combustion strategy. The emission strategy is intended to attain a predetermined emission level in the exhaust from the engine.
US08266888B2 Cooler in nacelle with radial coolant
A cooling system in an aircraft gas turbine engine includes a heat exchanger positioned within an annular nacelle space surrounding a bypass duct of the engine. The heat exchanger has a radial coolant passage extending between the bypass duct and ambient air surrounding the nacelle, and a flow passage extending substantially normal to the radial passage for direction of a fluid to be cooled therethrough. A configuration of this nature may assist in defining a no-flow length of the heat exchanger in a third direction normal to the other two mentioned directions, which may allow for improved performance within a given radial envelope.
US08266883B2 Power plant start-up method and method of venting the power plant
Ambient air is compressed into a compressed ambient gas flow and delivered to a turbine combustor. At least one of an exhaust port, a bypass conduit, or an extraction conduit is opened to vent the power plant. A turbine shaft is rotated at an ignition speed and a fuel stream is delivered to the turbine combustor for mixing with the compressed ambient gas flow to form a combustible mixture. The combustible mixture is burned and forms a recirculated gas flow that drives the turbine. The recirculated gas flow is recirculated using the recirculation loop. The turbine is operated at a target operating speed and then reaches substantially stoichiometric combustion. At least a portion of the recirculated gas flow is extracted using an extraction conduit that is fluidly connected to the turbine compressor.
US08266882B2 Cable guide
A cable guide (10), having articulated links (12), capable of angling in two directions, and open on an face end, and arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction and forming a guide channel (16) by means of external guide elements; joints absorbing tensile forces are located between two connected links, and the links (12) each display corresponding connecting elements (18) with two connecting components (20, 22). The first component (20) of the connecting element (18) is fork-shaped, where the second connecting component displays a first seat (32) with a spherical boundary, in which a joint element (34), having an opening (36) and a spherical outer boundary (35) adapted to the first seat, is moveable, and the second component with a joint element (34) can be positioned between the two legs of the first component in a way that the opening (36) in the joint element with a spherical outer boundary is aligned with an opening (27, 28) provided in each of the two legs (24, 26).
US08266881B2 Flexible motor support system for a crop gathering device having a harvesting header
A motor support system including a motor having a shaft rotatably secured to and maintained in a substantially axial alignment with a second shaft configured to change angular orientation along at least one plane of travel perpendicular to the axial alignment. The second shaft has a first pivot point with respect to a frame, the motor being secured to the frame by a cantilevered flexible member to maintain the motor shaft in substantial axial alignment with the second shaft.
US08266879B2 Riding mower
A riding mower comprises a raising and lowering mechanism (30, 33, 100), the raising and lowering control lever (27), and a PTO mechanism (17a, 17b) operated by a clutch lever (29). When the raising and lowering mechanism (30, 33, 100) reaches a predetermined height, a operatively connecting mechanism (5) transmits, to the raising and lowering control lever (27), a return-to-neutral displacement for returning the raising and lowering control lever (27) to the neutral position, and transmits, to the clutch lever (29), a disengaging displacement for returning the clutch lever (29) to the disengage position. A first adjusting operation member (55a) adjusts a triggering displacement at which the raising and lowering displacement is transmitted to the raising and lowering control lever (27) as the return-to-neutral displacement. A second adjusting operation member (55b) adjusts a triggering displacement at which the raising and lowering displacement is transmitted to the clutch lever (29) as the disengaging displacement.
US08266878B2 System and method for verifying and assembling a multiple prescription package
A method for verifying a multiple prescription order having a plurality of different medications is described. The method comprises receiving a prescription order that includes a first medication that is different from a second medication. Additionally, the prescription order indicates that the first medication and second medication are to be taken at regular intervals. After entering the prescription order into a graphical user interface, the method verifies the entered prescription order by comparing the entered prescription order to the multiple prescription order. Multiple prescription packages are generated that combines the first medication and second medication in the same package that are intended to be taken at the prescribed interval. Each multiple prescription package is then inspected, and a verification process is initiated that confirms that the first medication and second medication are within each multiple prescription package. The multiple prescription packages are then placed into a container that is sealed.
US08266875B2 Method and means of reducing loss of heat of evaporation
A hot water shrink tunnel includes a heat chamber that has no flue or vent into the heat chamber, an inlet opening and spaced therefrom an outlet opening. Each opening is closed by an end closing device, such as a curtain. A conveyor carries a product through the heat chamber from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. A duct is mounted adjacent each end opening, where the duct includes a shroud of a size and design to capture hot water vapor that issues from the heat chamber when a product passes through the end closing device of the non-flued/unvented tunnel.
US08266868B2 Opening device for outer wrapping and method for forming
Provided is a tamper proof outer wrapping with a reinforced tear zone. The reinforced tear zone includes a tear tape affixed between two layers of the wrapping material. A perforated line runs parallel to the reinforced tear zone on each of the reinforced tear zone. A tab is formed at one end of the reinforced tear zone. The tab is pulled to separate the reinforced tear zone from the remaining wrapping material and open remove the outer wrapping. The wrapping can be used on packages containing smoking articles such as cigarettes or orally consumed products such as candy or pouched tobacco products.
US08266866B1 Method and apparatus for an inflatable shell
A method of assembling an inflatable shell of a structure comprises folding a plurality of shell sections about a set of fold lines and integrating the plurality of shell sections together with one another to form the shell. In another embodiment, an inflatable shell comprises a plurality of shell sections, each shell section having two pairs of fold lines for folding into stowage comprising a first gore section having a plurality of first gore panels layered and collectively folded about at a first set of fold lines. Each layer of the first gore panels and second gore panels are configured such that, once the first gore panel and second gore panel are attached to one another at the respective side edges of each panel, the lines of attachment forming a second set of fold lines for the shell section. A system and method for fabricating gore panels is also disclosed.
US08266865B2 Device for frontal termination of a floor covering
A device is described for the frontal termination of a floating-laid floor covering (3) having a terminus profile (4) and having a fastener fitting (5) for the terminus profile (4) resting on a subfloor (2). To provide advantageous design conditions, it is suggested that the fastener fitting (5) be connected in a shear-resistant manner to the floor covering (3) and have a rest (8) for the terminus profile (4) butt-jointed on the front face (1) of the floor covering (3).
US08266861B2 Process of producing hip, ridge or rake shingles, and high profile shingles produced thereby
A hip, ridge or rake shingle is provided, having a high profile, by using various shingle layers to form a built-up wedge-shaped headlap portion, comprised of a plurality of layers of different dimensions in the headlap portion of the shingle, and the process for manufacturing the same from a single sheet of shingle material is provided.
US08266860B2 Grid tee for suspension ceiling
In one embodiment, a roll-formed sheet metal tee for grid type suspended ceilings with the face of its flange integral with the stem and the layers of the stem fixed together for improved torsional strength. An upper region of the stem can have one or more of its layers folded to increase suspension wire breakout strength. A stiffening bulb is below suspension wire receiving holes so that a loop of the suspension wire through the tee has a narrow profile and thereby avoids interference with ceiling panels during their installation or removal. Other embodiments of a tee share the feature of a narrow, suspension wire receiving upper stem portion.
US08266850B2 Fixed window with a double hung look
First and second frame sections are to be joined at a corner of a glazing. Each section has a front base piece, a rear base piece, and a glazing stop piece. The front base piece is anchored to a support structure of a building and has a glazing channel facing the safe side of the window, to receive therein the glazing. The glazing stop piece is secured to the front base piece and thereby holds the glazing in its channel. The rear base piece is secured to the front base piece and thereby laterally closes the frame section. The base pieces are shaped so that an end portion of the front base overlaps an end portion of the rear base and a number of fasteners are installed through these end portions to secure the base pieces to each other. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08266849B2 Interlocking platform panels and modules
A platform panel or module is provided to construct a surface for a deck, floor, wall, ceiling, or roof. The panel or module comprises a decorative top layer integral with or joined to a structural, composite molded platform. Each platform panel or module has two complementary module-coupling sides that take advantage of the full width of each joist that supports the platform. Also, male and female connecting members are disposed along the module-coupling sides that enable one platform panel or module to be efficiently and positively interlocked with an adjacent panel or module. Each panel or module can be fastened on one side to a single joist while being secured on its opposite side to an adjoining panel or module. The panels or modules are also designed to cover over an entire joist substructure, including the beginning-of-sequence and end-of-sequence joists.
US08266846B2 Solar panel roof surface
A solar panel roof surface effectively uses solar panels supported by an open roof support substructure having a series of parallel hollow support beams. These hollow beams support the solar panels on a top surface and accommodate drainage along the beams. The solar panels are secured to an upper surface of the hollow support beams and in combination therewith define a closed sloped roof surface. The series of solar panels are positioned on the beams to define elongate segments of abutting panels. The abutting panels include a sealing arrangement between panels to allow flow of water along the length of the elongate segments. The hollow support beams include a top surface with a central securing slot positioned between panel segments and panel segment support surfaces either side of said securing slot for supporting edges of the solar panels. Fasteners engage the securing slot and the upper edge of the panels to secure the panels to the upper surface of the support beams.
US08266838B2 Fishing lure and method of manufacturing same
A fly-fishing fly and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The fly includes a unique abdomen. A method is provided for coloring and waterproofing the abdomen material, which allows it to transmit virtually all of the available light. The fly has a natural glow to it that is discernable to human eyes even after the sun has set. This fly represents a new approach to fly-fishing lures because it is substantially translucent and lifelike.
US08266836B2 Remote control decoy
A remote controlled decoy is provided. The remote control decoy operates using two propellers secured to a hull and remotely controlled by a radio frequency transmitter. A shell resembling a particular waterfowl is releasably coupled to a hull which serves as a watertight compartment for the receiver and the electronics associated with the propulsion of the decoy. The decoy may also be provided with strobe lights to draw attention to the decoy from passing waterfowl.
US08266834B2 Display frame and support unit thereof
The instant disclosure provides a photo-frame-type display and a support unit thereof. The display has a display frame unit having a bottom portion disposable on a working surface. The support unit comprises a connecting base unit fixedly disposed to the back of the display frame unit, an inclining module pivotally coupled to the connecting base unit, and a rebounding module on the back of the display frame unit in elastic connection with the inclining module. The photo-frame-type display may be disposed on a tabletop in a fashion resembling a traditional photo frame, and the support unit is capable of steadily sustaining the display frame unit in a steep inclining configuration suitable for touch-screen/handwriting operations.
US08266832B2 Wrap-around protective label
A label system including a label having a first portion which has a protective coating thereon and a second portion on a same side thereof which does not have the protective coating. The label further includes a generally transparent window, wherein the window is configured to overlie the second portion when the label is wrapped around a body.
US08266829B2 Fastening device for system irons
A system iron comprises an iron and a base that has a receiving area for receiving the iron. The base comprises a fastening device for fastening the iron to the base. The fastening device includes a first engagement member and a second engagement member arranged at mutually opposite sides of the receiving area. At least one of the engagement members is displaceable in a direction away from the other engagement member and is biased towards the other engagement member. With such a fastening device, a user can safely and conveniently lock the iron to the base using just one of his hands for gripping the main grip portion of the iron.
US08266828B2 Footwear having air-controlled active element
A clothing article for a foot including a sole including a sealed collapsible air cavity having disposed therein a return support for expanding a collapsed air cavity wherein the air cavity includes an outlet permitting a quantity of air to exit when the air cavity is collapsed; an upper, coupled to the sole, for covering a portion of the foot; an air-actuated active element coupled to the upper, the active element including a first mode and a second mode, the active element biased to the first mode and responsive to the quantity of air to transition from the first mode to the second mode; and a communication channel, coupled to the outlet and to the active element, for transferring the quantity of air from the air cavity to the active element.
US08266827B2 Article of footwear incorporating tensile strands and securing strands
An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element, a tensile strand, and a securing strand. The tensile strand is located adjacent to an exterior surface of the foundation element and substantially parallel to the exterior surface for a distance of at least five centimeters. The securing strand joins or secures the tensile strand to the foundation element. Although the thicknesses may vary, a thickness of the tensile strand may be at least three times the thickness of the securing strand. In some configurations, a backing strand may also assist with joining the securing strand to the foundation element.
US08266824B2 Condensation dryer having a heat pump and method for the operation thereof
A condensation dryer is provided that includes a drying chamber for items to be dried, a process air circuit via which fan driven process air can be conducted across the items to be dried, and a heat pump circuit for alternately heating and cooling the process air. A secondary fluid circuit is provided between the process air circuit and the heat pump circuit.
US08266818B2 Pixel optimization for color
A macro pixel is provided. The macro pixel includes at least two color pixel elements. Each color pixel element includes a photoreceptor that in response to receiving light, generates an output signal that is indicative of the quantity of light photons of a color are received. Each of the color pixel elements are configured to receive a corresponding color. The photoreceptor of each color pixel element has a geometry and a responsivity to light that is a function of the geometry of the photoreceptor such that the responsivity of the output signal of the photoreceptor to the corresponding color is controllable by changing the geometry. The geometries of the photoreceptors are selected so that a predetermined relative sensitivity to each color is obtained.
US08266814B2 Method for operating a rinsing liquid device in a household appliance for cleaning pieces of laundry, and rinsing liquid device
A household appliance for cleaning laundry includes a rinsing container that collects rinsing liquid generated during a cleaning process, a controller that stores a connection type of a rinsing liquid device during an initial commissioning of the rinsing liquid device, and one of a collection container that collects rinsing liquid after cleaning a heat exchanger of a heat pump and a connection to an external waste water system that disposes of the rinsing liquid after cleaning the heat exchanger based upon the connection type stored by the controller.
US08266813B2 Exhaust air dryer with heat exchanger
An exhaust air dryer with a drying chamber for items to be dried. The dryer includes a process air fan, a heat exchanger which includes a heat source, a heat sink of a heat pump, and a flushing device for flushing of a first inflow surface of the heat source and a second inflow surface of the heat sink with a liquid which is assigned to the heat source and the heat sink for removing of soil; and air ducts interconnecting the drying chamber, the process air fan, and the heat exchanger for conducting process air.
US08266811B2 Multiaxial unitary alignment apparatus
An adjustable alignment apparatus for a gage that fits to a vehicle body includes a base having first, second, and third abutment faces and an adjusting plate having first, second, and third walls respectively spaced from the first, second, and third abutment faces. An adjusting bolt acts between the base and the adjusting plate to move the walls of the adjusting plate respectively toward and away from the walls of the base. A first mounting bracket engages with the vehicle body and is attached to one of the base and the adjusting plate. A second mounting bracket engages with the gage and is attached to the other of the base and the adjusting plate. A plurality of shims can be removeably installed and uninstalled between the abutment faces of the base and the walls of the adjusting plate to adjust the position of the gage relative the vehicle body.
US08266809B2 Spirit level
A spirit level includes a profile body having a recess, a vial disposed in the recess of the profile body, and an evening-out part. A step is formed between the vial and the profile body on a side face of the profile body, and the evening-out part covers the step and spans the recess of the profile body. The evening-out part is flush with the side face of the profile body, and may have a magnifier effect.
US08266807B2 Measuring apparatus and system
The present invention relates to measuring apparatus for pulling a measurement from an underlying base structure. In one aspect, the present invention is a measuring apparatus having a rigid body and means for coupling the body to an underlying base structure. The rigid body includes a first laser and is adapted to receive a portion of a tape measure therein. The means for coupling the rigid body to the underlying base structure can be one or more conventional fasteners, such as, but not limited to, a bar clamp, suction cups, screws, bolts, nails, pins, hooks, hook and loop fastener, snaps, clips, brackets, and/or sleeves. Generally, the first laser is oriented such that light emitted from the laser is projected about 90 degrees from the face of the underlying structure.
US08266806B2 Collapsible saw
A collapsible saw including a saw blade with teeth and a saw frame. The frame is made of four parts; a handle, a front piece, a support body and a lever piece. The four frame units fold flat and enclose both sides of the blade and fold out to form a generally U shaped saw frame, with the saw blade stretched between the two ends of the U shaped frame. The frame parts are connected to each other, and the saw has a sawing and a transport mode.
US08266804B2 Garden shears
A garden shears includes a pressing member, a holding member, a cutting member and a ratchet. An aperture of the cutting member combines with an aperture of the pressing member for a pivot. The holding member and the ratchet are assembled together at an assembling portion of the pressing member, and teeth of the ratchet engage with a pawl of the cutting member such that the pressing member, the holding member and the ratchet have different pivot points. An opening between the blade and the anvil is smaller than an opening formed between the handle and the holding member. Since the opening formed between the handle and the holding member is larger than the cutting opening between the blade and the anvil, a stronger cutting torque is applied to increase the clipping strength derived from the anvil and the blade.
US08266798B2 Method of making an improved electrical connection with sealed cable core and a terminal
A method of forming a seal about an electrically conductive core of a cable having an insulative outer cover and a terminal includes the steps of providing a lead of the core extending beyond an axial edge of the insulative outer cover; spraying a conformal coating onto the lead; crimping the terminal onto the cable while the conformal coating is still wet to displace the conformal coating from between the lead and the abutting contact surfaces of the terminal and to cover and seal remaining portions of the lead not in direct contact with the terminal with the conformal coating and curing the conformal coating over the remaining portions of the lead.
US08266797B2 Method of manufacturing a multi-layer substrate
Disclosed are a multi-layer substrate and a manufacturing method of the multi-layer substrate. By employing a carrier to alternately form dielectric layers and metal structure layers thereon. Each dielectric layer adheres with the adjacent dielectric layer to embed the metal structure layers in the dielectric layers corresponding thereto. Comparing with prior arts, which have to use prepregs when hot pressing and adhering different layers of different materials, the present invention takes fewer processes, thus, fewer kinds of materials without using prepregs. Therefore, the present invention can promote the entire quality and yield of manufacturing the multi-layer substrate to satisfy mechanical characteristic matching of the multi-layer substrate and to reduce cost of the whole manufacturing process. Significantly, the multi-layer substrate having thin dielectric layers according to the present invention can satisfy the concern of impedance matching therefore, and can reduce crosstalk influence to keep good signal integrity therein.
US08266796B2 Method of fabricating a semiconductor device package
Provided is a wiring substrate, a semiconductor device package including the wiring substrate, and methods of fabricating the same. The semiconductor device package may include a wiring substrate which may include a base film. The base film may include a mounting region and a non-mounting region. The wiring substrate may further include first wiring patterns on the non-mounting region and extending into the mounting region, second wiring patterns on the first wiring patterns of the non-mounting region, and an insulating layer on the non-mounting region, and a semiconductor device which may include bonding pads. At least one of side surfaces of the second wiring patterns adjacent to the mounting region may be electrically connected to at least one of the bonding pads of the semiconductor device.
US08266795B2 Methods of making an electrochemical gas sensor
This disclosure relates to an improved electrochemical sensor that has a simplified electrode assembly. The electrode assembly incorporates electrodes into or onto a single polymeric substrate. The working electrode can be porous, to enable an analyte, such as a toxic gas, to access an electrode-electrolyte interface. Ionic connection between electrodes can be made by an electrolyte on a back side of the electrode assembly, and external electronic circuitry can be connected directly to the electrode assembly. This construction dramatically simplifies the sensor, resulting in reduced costs and potentially improved performance. The construction is compatible with batch fabrication methods.
US08266794B2 Method of producing a wired circuit board
A wired circuit board has a metal supporting board, a metal foil formed on the metal supporting board to have a thickness of less than 2.0 μm, a first insulating layer formed on the metal supporting board to cover the metal foil, and a conductive pattern formed on the first insulating layer.
US08266792B2 Method of manufacturing a printed circuit board with an embedded electronic component
A printed circuit board with an electronic component embedded printed circuit board and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method of manufacturing a printed circuit board with an embedded electronic component having a groove formed on one surface thereof and an electrode formed inside the groove includes: forming a first circuit pattern on one surface of a first metal layer; pressing the first metal layer against a first insulator; forming a first conductive protrusion by selectively etching the other surface of the first metal layer; and mounting a first electronic component by disposing a conductive adhesive layer such that an electrode of the first electronic component and the first conductive protrusion are electrically connected to each other. Thus, an electronic component without its electrode protruded outward can be mounted easily and reliably and the manufacturing time can be shortened.
US08266791B2 Method of fabricating microfluidic structures for biomedical applications
Methods of fabricating microfluidic structures featuring substantially circular channels are provided. The methods involve (a) providing a patterned wafer comprising at least one exposed electrically conductive region and at least one exposed electrically insulating region; (b) electroplating an inverse channel portion with substantially semicircular cross section onto the wafer, thereby forming a first master mold; (c) employing the first master mold so as to emboss a channel portion in a first polymer sheet; and (d) aligning and bonding the first polymer sheet with a second polymer sheet having a corresponding channel portion such as to define a first channel with substantially circular cross section between the polymer sheets.
US08266789B2 Device for the production of cable harnesses
There is disclosed a device for a production of cable harnesses, said device having a stand, a rotor, at least two rotor arms and at least two mounting boards, said rotor rotatably mounted on said stand and said rotor having said at least two rotor arms on which said at least two mounting boards are mounted, wherein each mounting board of said at least two mounting boards is configured to allow producing at least one cable harness. In a preferred embodiment each mounting board of said at least two mounting boards is mounted on two rotor arms of said at least two rotor arms in a vertically adjustable manner, and said rotor has a rotor post which extends upward from said stand and to which said at least two rotor arms are mounted. In a further preferred embodiment at least one electrical stand contact is mounted to said stand and is configured to be connected to an electrical test device, and an electrical mating contact is associated with each mounting board and is adapted to be connected to a cable harness which is arranged on said mounting board, wherein said mating contact of each mounting board comes into electrical contact with said stand contact in a specific rotation position of said rotor, in order to connect said cable harness to said test device.
US08266784B2 Processing module positioning system for window blind slats
A processing module positioning system for window blind slats utilizes a position adjustment assembly to move plural processing modules to predetermined positions. The position adjustment assembly includes a servo motor employed to drive a connecting strap. A position control frame is fixed on the connecting strap, so that when the connecting strap is driven to move, the position control frame will be moved by the connecting strap to drive the processing modules connected on the position control frame to move. The position control frame can be connected to and disconnected from the processing modules.
US08266781B2 Hydraulic tensioning jacks
Axially expandable spacers (51, 53) are insertable between a nut (20), on a bolt (19) to be tensioned, and a face (F) on a component (C) and have ramp faces (52, 54) to take up the space as the bolt (19) is tensioned by an hydraulic tensioner (25), where the puller bar (35) is engaged with an extension (121) on the nut (120). A segmented collar (60) has radially movable segments (61) to allow quick engagement/release between the puller bar (35) and the end of the bolt (19) on the nut (120).
US08266780B2 Method and apparatus for use of porous implants
An orthopedic implant. The implant includes a metal portion having an internal three-dimensional cavity, the cavity having an opening to an outer surface of the metal portion, a ledge circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the opening, and a porous metal insert formed in a three-dimensional shape conforming to the shape of the cavity and enclosed by the cavity without being bonded to the cavity. The insert is retained inside the cavity by the ledge.
US08266779B2 Method of attaching setting and using a self-drilling anchor screw with one tool
A unique self-drilling anchor screw is configured so that it can be set and used to secure a first object to a second object using only one tool to save time and effort. A nut of the screw engages a nut stop when turning in reverse, thereby driving rotation of the screw in reverse. The screw has a drill bit tip adapted for drilling a hole while turning in reverse. A hole is drilled using the drill bit tip while turning the nut in reverse with a socket wrench of the one tool. After drilling the hole, the nut is turned in the forward direction with the socket wrench to engage a sleeve member of the screw, which sets the screw in the second object. Then, the nut is further turned forward using the socket wrench to tighten the nut against the first object located between the nut and the second object.
US08266777B2 Method of installing a bathtub liner using a liquid adhesive
The present invention is an improved method of installing a bathtub liner in a bathtub, with a liquid adhesive. The method steps include removing the bathtub drain and overflow protection device, templating and cutting the bathtub liner to properly fit into the bathtub, cleaning the bathtub, forming a foam rail gasket, setting the bathtub liner into place and forming the bathtub liner drain, removing the set bathtub liner and cleaning the bathtub liner, applying tub and wall adhesive and sealant between the bathtub and the bathtub liner, resetting the liner into place and installing the bathtub drain and stopper, installing any accessories, pouring the liquid adhesive between the liner and the bathtub, flushing away any unnecessary liquid adhesive and catalyzing the liquid adhesive.
US08266776B2 Structural connection aligning device and method of use thereof
A device and method of use for aligning structural elements to be connected is presented. In particular, the present invention relates to providing an end of a first structural element and an end of a second structural element; providing an aligning device including a head configured to be removably secured proximate the end of the first structural element, the aligning device further including an alignment element attached to the head, the alignment element having a rotatably secured plunging body extendable from the head; extending the plunging body from the head to non-rotatably engage the second structural element; and moving the non-rotatably engaged second structural element via extension of the plunging body to align the end of the second structural element with the end of the first structural element.
US08266774B1 Lever action pipe flange spreader
A mechanical apparatus designed to separate and spread apart pipe flanges used in industrial type piping systems comprising a screw-driven wedge assembly is herein disclosed. The jacking apparatus provides two (2) jaw assemblies which fit between a pair of mated flanges. The jaw assembly is held in place during the prying process by a tethered metal pin which extends through one of the pipe flange bolt holes. A pair of safety restraint straps support the apparatus during use. Once the apparatus has spread apart the flanges, flange gasket material therebetween can be changed as well as other repair, maintenance or modification activities such as inserting an isolation blind. The apparatus is available in multiple sizes to fit various pipe diameters and flange sizes.
US08266772B2 Connector and methods of using a connector
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a connector and a method of using a connector. A connector for joining a cable with an anchor comprises a first end, a second end and a spacer extending between the first end and the second end. An opening is disposed at the first end. The opening has a configuration that mirrors a configuration of the anchor. A guying portion for joining the cable to the connector is disposed at the second end. An extension is disposed adjacent the spacer for facilitating juncture of the cable and the connector. In a method, the anchor is applied to a support surface and the first end and the anchor are joined. A tool that moves the cable in proximity to the guying portion is connected with the extension. The tool is activated to bring the cable closer to the guying portion. A portion of the cable is inserted into the guying portion for joining the cable to the connector. A further connector comprises a first end and a second end. A guying portion for joining a cable to the connector is disposed at the second end. An extension is disposed substantially between the first end and the second end for facilitating juncture of the cable and the connector. In each embodiments the connector is a single, unitary piece.
US08266770B2 Clip for fabrics
A badge holder for attachment to a garment includes a planar clip body having an opening therein forming a periphery structure in the clip body. A planar flexible spring member appends from a top portion of the periphery structure, with the free end terminating within the opening near a bottom portion of the structure and is coplanar therewith. The gap between the edge surface of the spring member and the interior wall of the periphery structure decreases in width from the bottom portion of the peripheral structure to the top portion of the peripheral structure. A plurality of projecting elements project from the surrounding edge surfaces of the spring member and from the front surface to assist in firmly holding the fabric in the clip. A badge mounting member projects from the front surface of the periphery structure upon which a badge can be mounted.
US08266767B1 Faucet handle
A faucet handle includes a handle having a containment space, the containment space having an assembly aperture on a top surface, the assembly aperture accepting a limiting member, with two limiting ribs disposed adjacent to two opposite sides of the assembly aperture. An adjusting member has a through aperture and two engaging columns adjacent to a side of the through aperture. Each engaging column is inserted between the two limiting ribs of the handle. The adjusting member also has two engaging slots adjacent to another side of the through aperture and an assembly device having an assembly base. The assembly base has an assembly space and two positioning columns adjacent to the assembly space, and each positioning column engages with an engaging slot of the adjusting member.
US08266764B2 Hinge for a packaging box or the like
A hinge for a packaging or cargo box or the like, having a first and a second hinge leaf, the second hinge leaf has a first bushing and a second bushing located at a distance therefrom, between which a bushing of the first hinge leaf can be rotated about a mutual hinge axis. An axial tube is rotationally fixed to the bushing of the first hinge leaf and is pivot-supported in the bushings of the second hinge leaf. A torsion spring is disposed in the axial tube and attached to one end of the axial tube. A torque support connects the other end of the torsion spring to the second hinge leaf in a rotationally fixed manner. A damper for the hinge movement is connected to the second hinge leaf and the axial tube. In a cylindrical hollow space of an outer opening, formed by the three bushings (65a, 65b, 65c), the damper (56), the axial tube (53) containing the torsion spring (58), and the torque support (54a) are inserted successively starting at the second bushing (65b) of the second hinge leaf (52), and the torque support (54a) is prevented from rotating and from being axially displaced in the second bushing (65b) by a safety device (54d, 68a, 70, 72).
US08266756B1 Scrubber adapted for cleaning a side face and under surface of lap siding
A scrubber for lap siding with a profile complementary to the profile of the boards in the lap siding such that when the scrubber is moved side to side in a washing action, an exposed side face and under surface of the siding boards are effectively scrubbed and dirt, dust, mildew, mold and algae are effectively removed.
US08266754B2 Autonomous surface cleaning robot for wet and dry cleaning
An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
US08266752B2 Pool cleaner control subsystem
A method and apparatus for operating a pool cleaner body in a manner to maximize the time spent on cleaning relative to the time spent on repositioning. More particularly, the invention is directed to a control subsystem for operating a cleaner body to enable it to primarily travel in a forward direction (i.e., forward state) along a travel path but operable also in a backup/redirect state to translate and or rotate the body to enable it to escape from obstructions while also minimizing the formation of conduit tangles. The control subsystem is configured to perform reposition operations without increasing incidents of conduit tangling by: 1—avoiding an excessive rotation of the body, e.g., approximately 180° or more, when attempting to free the body from an obstruction; and/or 2—avoiding the initiation of a timed reposition operation while the body is transitioning between a travel path at the wall surface and a travel path at the water surface.
US08266745B2 Slow acting pocketed spring core having fill material inside pockets
Spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material and a method of making such pocketed spring cores (12). Fill material, such as pieces, strands or elements of foam or fiber is located inside at least some of the pocketed springs to reduce noise.
US08266739B2 Remote-controlled vehicle for transporting bio-waste
A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material.
US08266737B1 Swimming pool water leveler
A swimming pool water leveler system. Implementations may include a water leveler comprising one or more of the following aspects: separate fill and sensing chambers within the water leveler housing; logical water level adjustment features that provide a tactile indicator of water level change; a continuous balance line and overflow line; a water supply line seal valve with a cup seal; a reducer plug in an outlet between the sensing chamber and the balance line to assist in junk removal; and the ability to pressure test the balance line and overflow line at the same time.
US08266732B1 Auxiliary siphon device for the toilet
An auxiliary siphon device for the toilet has: a hollow air container, which is bottom-opened, an abdicating groove in which a drain valve can be installed in is vertically disposed in the sidewall of the air container, said abdicating groove is communicated with the water tank; through holes for water flow are provided in the sidewall of the air container in the lower portion of the abdicating groove; a sealing bottom cover communicated with the bottom of the air container, and a drain valve installing hole is disposed in the sealing bottom cover corresponding to bottom of the abdicating groove; and a connecting tube, the bottom end of which is connected to the trapway of the toilet, and the top end of which is connected to the top of the inside of the air container.
US08266728B2 Toilet device with cleanser and fragrance
Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air.
US08266727B2 Padding device for sports
A padding device for sports includes an outer armor having two main pads and a front guard board. Two linings are mounted in the outer armor. Reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections are formed on an outer surface of the outer armor and include apertures and perforations. Vents are formed in areas of each lining corresponding to the reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections. The vents provide rapid dissipation of heat generated by the wearer during sporting, providing comfort wearing. The reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections reinforce the areas where the vents are formed.
US08266724B2 Helmet equipped with eye shield and with face-conformable gasket along edge portion of eye shield
A helmet for a firefighter or for an industrial, chemical, or emergency rescue worker has a crown and a brim projecting forwardly from the crown. The helmet is equipped with a pair of eye shields, each of which is mounted to the helmet, each of which is adapted to be manually moved between a storage position and a usage position, and each of which in the usage position, but not in the storage position, projects downwardly so as to shield an associated one of the eyes of a wearer. The helmet is equipped with a pair of face-conformable gaskets, each of which is disposed along an outer edge of an associated one of the pair of eye shields and which is adapted to conform to the face of a wearer when the associated one of the pair of eye shields is moved into the usage position. Each face-conformable gasket is made from an elastomeric material, such as neoprene, and has a bladder, which is adapted to conform to the face of the wearer, and a grooved channel, to which the bladder is attached and into which the outer edge of the associated one of the pair of eye shields fits tightly but removably.
US08266723B2 Method and apparatus for accommodating and covering of varying abdomen
A method and apparatus for accommodating and covering a varying sized abdomen and particularly the abdomen of a pregnant woman involving leaving a zipper opening of pants not intended to cover an enlarged girth at least partially open and using a garment to cover the opening in said pants by first interconnecting a pants button on one side of the opening to a buttonhole on the other side of the opening using a buttonhole elastic having elongate spaced slots as buttonholes and a double button to snugly secure the waistband of the non-maternity pants around a user's abdomen and using a flexible fabric garment to cover the zipper opening and, if desired, other selected portions of the abdomen of the user.
US08266722B2 Cap bill plate with multiple layers and cap using the same
The present invention relates to a cap bill plate having multiple-layers. The multiple layer of the cap bill plate includes three layers, a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer includes a reflective layer thereby providing greater visibility. Since the second layer is totally foamed so as to reduce its weight, the cap wearer will feel better comfort. Besides, the third layer includes a moldable material which allows itself to be shaped in any desired structure.
US08266721B1 Head wear specifically but not exclusively for people experiencing hair loss
An artful head covering made of cloth and other materials, existing in three embodiments, each sequentially dependent on the one before it. All embodiments including a cap portion comprised of a curved upper crown with a straight lower edge connected to a band portion comprised of a straight upper edge and a curved lower edge. The second embodiment has fasteners attached to the exterior of the cap portion of the head covering for added dimension along with serving a function in the third embodiment in which strands comprised of additional fasteners and artful objects are connected to some or all of the fasteners of embodiment 2. The head covering is secure and covers the portion of the head that is normally covered with hair. A fun and creative head covering for hair loss, or solely for fashionable purposes, that is comfortable and flattering to the face.
US08266720B2 Sport glove closure flap
A glove closure system having an opening dividing the glove into a lateral side (thumb) and a medial side (pinky). The opening allows for easy access of the user's hand. The system consists of a rectangular or oval flap attached to the lateral portion and pulled over the access opening. A primary fit is caused by the user pulling the flap over to the back of the lateral side of the glove and fastening with a hook and loop attachment method.
US08266719B2 Strape glove
A glove made from narrow strap material. Glove advantages when used with a striking tool: improved control, improved striking force, improved tool head acceleration, improved energy transfer, reduced hand fatigue, improved grip, and reduced vibration shock. It can be configured for 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers plus the thumb. The glove forms a web between the thumb and fingers. The width of the web and the tightness of fit on the thumb and fingers is controlled by a single pull-tab type of adjustment. The adjustment is secured by a contact friction loop which increases in friction during impact force use. The glove can be worn on a bare hand or over the top of a more conventional type of glove while still providing the same advantages.
US08272068B2 Scanning probe microscope and sample observing method using the same
In a near-field scanning microscope using an aperture probe, the upper limit of the aperture formation is at most several ten nm in practice. In a near-field scanning microscope using a scatter probe, the resolution ability is limited to at most several ten nm because of the external illuminating light serving as background noise. Moreover, measurement reproducibility is seriously lowered by a damage or abrasion of a probe. Optical data and unevenness data of the surface of a sample can be measured at a nm-order resolution ability and a high reproducibility while damaging neither the probe nor the sample by fabricating a plasmon-enhanced near-field probe having a nm-order optical resolution ability by combining a nm-order cylindrical structure with nm-order microparticles and repeatedly moving the probe toward the sample and away therefrom at a low contact force at individual measurement points on the sample.
US08272067B2 Protecting commercials within encoded video content
In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying an identifiable video object from a video picture of a digital video having video content and commercial content, the video picture contained within the video content; encoding the identifiable video object as a video overlay object; encoding the commercial content based on generating a first key frame, and storing the video overlay object within the first key frame as an object that is not displayed as part of the commercial content; and encoding the video picture based on generating a second key frame that includes a default video object in place of the identifiable video object, the default video object including an overlay reference to the video overlay object within the first key frame, wherein unavailability of the video overlay object during rendering of the second key frame causes display of the default video object to visually corrupt the video picture.
US08272063B2 DRM scheme extension
A method for achieving a secure recording and storing of a recorded activity is based on an extended Digital Rights Management (DRM) system. A recording and storing procedure is initiated, in response to recognizing one or more triggers at a device hosted by a user equipment. On the basis of the one or more triggers a Rights Issuer is located, and a Recording and Storing Instruction (RSI) is retrieved from the RI, using an existing DRM standard. Based on the RSI, a trusted storage for storing the recorded activity is located, and one or more recording procedures, involving one or more recording equipments, are activated and managed by the device. Before the recorded content is forwarded to the trusted storage, a protected content is generated from the recorded content, according to content of the RSI.
US08272057B1 Method and apparatus for identifying data patterns in a file
A method and apparatus for identifying data patterns of a file are described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary process includes, but is not limited to, receiving a data packet of a data stream containing a file segment of a file originated from an external host and destined to a protected host of a local area network (LAN), the file being transmitted via multiple file segments contained in multiple data packets of the data stream, and performing a data pattern analysis on the received data packet to determine whether the received data packet contains a predetermined data pattern, without waiting for a remainder of the data stream to arrive. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08272047B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing system, recording medium and information processing method
A receiving unit receives information selected by a user on an operating screen. A detecting unit detects a function executing part corresponding to the information received by the receiving unit. A determining unit determines that the user authentication is required when a function is to be executed, when “the user authentication is required” is set for at least any one of a function allocated to a function executing part that is detected by the detecting unit, the function allocated to another function executing part, and the operating screen that includes the function executing part to which the function is allocated. A function executing unit executes a function allocated to the function executing part selected by the user, wherein the user is authorized to execute the function.
US08272045B2 System and method for secure remote desktop access
A secure remote access system includes client software installed on a portable computer that establishes a remote session with a counterpart server software installed on a server in a DMZ of the company's internal network through a secure tunnel. The DMZ server is connected to a router behind an enterprise second level firewall. The router routes the session to the appropriate desktop computer if the desktop is permitted remote access. A bandwidth limiter may be provided to balance the load through the router.
US08272042B2 System and method for automation of information or data classification for implementation of controls
A system, method and computer program product are provided for monitoring data traffic on one or more networks, determining the classification of the data based on an organization's classification rules, and assigning a classification to one or more entities involved in the transmission of the data, the classification being based at least in part on the classification of the data being transmitted. The classification rules may be based on an organization's classification categories of confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA). The system, method and computer program product are also provided for implementing controls based on the classifications of the various entities, such as issuing an alert and/or preventing transmission of data if the data is transmitted between two entities that have different classifications.
US08272040B2 Preventing inadvertent lock-out during password entry dialog
One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method for providing controlled access to electronic content. A password is associated with electronic content, such as by password-protecting an electronic file that contains the electronic content. At least one password attempt is received in an effort to access the electronic content. Each password attempt is compared to the password at a selected subset of “trap” character positions. Up to a threshold number of password entries is allowed that have incorrect characters at any of the trap character positions. A greater number or even an unlimited number of incorrect password entries are allowed having incorrect characters at non-trap character positions. Access to the electronic content is allowed only if one of the password entries exactly matches the password.
US08272039B2 Pass-through hijack avoidance technique for cascaded authentication
A hijack avoidance technique avoids presenting an access to more than one of a chain of authentication objects, such as a chain of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) authenticators. A pre-filter determines whether an authentication object should be presented with the access by comparing either all or a portion of a domain suffix, an IP address, or other identification other than the user ID with predetermined values. If the filter criterion is met, the associated authentication object accepts or rejects the access. Otherwise, the access is passed to the next authentication object in the chain. The first authentication object may be associated with a hosting entity and successive authentication objects each associated with different customers of the hosting entity. By virtue of the filtering, each authentication object is presented only with a particular subset of all of the possible access identifiers, which avoids presenting all of the previously unauthenticated accesses to each authentication object in the chain.
US08272037B2 Flexible WLAN access point architecture capable of accommodating different user devices
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for improving the control of access by a terminal device in a WLAN environment having an access point for determining whether the device utilizes an IEEE 802.1x protocol by the access point communicating to the device, a packet, whereby if the devices utilizes a IEEE 802.1x protocol the device appropriately responds and otherwise the access point determines that the terminal device protocol does not employ a IEEE 802.1x protocol and selects an authentication mechanism compatible with the terminal device. If the device is not an IEEE 802.1x client, an IP packet filtering is configured to redirect a user HTTP request to a local server, and when the HTTP requests are thereby redirected, the HTTP server presents the terminal device with information specifically related to the browser based authentication.
US08272031B2 Policy-based virtualization method involving adaptive enforcement
A method is provided in which a permission for running a system software instance alongside another system software instance is issued on the basis of a first policy rule concerning the operation of a first software application and a second policy rule concerning the execution of second software application.
US08272029B2 Independent role based authorization in boundary interface elements
A boundary interface element for communications networks is disclosed. The boundary interface element is adapted for enabling a network administrator for a first network coupled to a first network interface of the boundary interface element to configure a policy for the first network interface independently of the other administrators of the other interfaces, while restricting access to a second network interface of the boundary interface element. Similarly, the boundary interface element enables a network administrator for a second network coupled to the second network interface of the boundary interface element to configure a policy for the second network interface while restricting access to the first network interface. The network administrator for the first network is permitted to view the policy configured for the second network interface, and the network administrator for the second network is permitted to view the policy configured for the first network interface. The boundary interface element may be employed in a variety of network deployment scenarios.
US08272028B2 Approach for managing access to electronic documents on network devices using document retention policies and document security policies
An approach for managing access to electronic documents uses document retention and document security policies. In response to detecting a request to access a particular electronic document stored on a network device, a document retention policy and a document security policy are applied to the particular electronic document. If, based upon application of the document retention policy to the particular electronic document, a determination is made that the particular electronic document is to be deleted, then the particular electronic document is deleted from the network device. If, based upon application of the document security policy to the particular electronic document, a determination is made that access to the particular electronic document should be denied, then access to the particular electronic document is denied. Retention policy audits, automatic or manual loading or auto-destruction code and self-extracting and executable data may also be used to enforce document retention and document security policies.
US08272027B2 Applying digital rights to newly created electronic
A routing computer is connected to one or more multi-function peripherals (MFPs) on a network. A routing manager located in the routing computer contains user information for users that operate one or more of the MFPs connected on the network. Based on a set of user preferences and or default settings, document data scanned by or received via facsimile for a particular user is sent from one of the MFPs to the routing computer. The routing manager then applies rights management and optional encryption to the destination document created from the document data and sends the destination document to a folder or to one or more individuals via electronic mail. As a result, rights management policy may be applied to newly created documents automatically and before the documents are accessible to users in network storage or by email.
US08272026B1 Method and apparatus for using a dynamic policy to manage a file purging process
A method and apparatus for using a dynamic policy to manage a file purging process is described. In one embodiment, a method for using the dynamic policy to purge files comprising processing a dynamic policy for purging files from a computer wherein the dynamic policy comprises one or more metrics and applying the dynamic policy to a plurality of files to identify at least one file to be purged.
US08272022B2 Method for receiving a broadcast signal and broadcast receiver
A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including an NRT service, method comprises receiving a broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying the NRT service based on the first signaling information, identifying an Internet Protocol (IP) address of an NRT service signaling data based on the first signaling information and the second signaling information, receiving the NRT service signaling data by accessing the IP address, and downloading a desired NRT service based on the NRT service signaling data.
US08272020B2 System for the delivery and dynamic presentation of large media assets over bandwidth constrained networks
Media content, based on a predetermined set of constraints, from a content provider is delivered to a local cache of a user device before viewing the media. A client asset manager process resides in the user device, an asset list at the content provider site, and the media assets are located at a remote site.
US08272012B2 User-controlled data/video integration by a video control system
A video control system transfers a video signal to display a data/video integration menu and receives user instructions indicating user-selected data and display positioning for the user-selected data. The video control system transfers a data request and receives the user-selected data. The video control system receives video content. The video control system integrates the user-selected data and the video content into a video signal that positions the user-selected data relative to the video content according to the display positioning in the user instructions. The video control system transfers the video signal to display the integrated video content and user-selected data.
US08272008B2 Methods, systems, and products for retrieving audio signals
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for retrieving audio signals. A video signal is received that is associated with a content identifier and an alternate audio tag. In response to the alternate audio tag, a query is made for an alternate audio source that corresponds to the content identifier. A query result is received that identifies at least one alternate audio signal that corresponds to the content identifier and that is separately available from the video signal.
US08272007B2 Broadcast receiving apparatus receiving broadcast signal and method of controlling the apparatus
A broadcast receiving apparatus includes a generating unit generating a first encryption key specific to the broadcast receiving apparatus including identification information; a recording unit recording a broadcast stream that is included in a certain channel of broadcast signals and that includes an individual information stream and a content stream requiring a second encryption key for decryption, the individual information stream periodically including first individual information items and second individual information items; a searching unit searching for the earliest first individual information item and the earliest second individual information item from the individual information stream included in the broadcast stream; and an overwriting unit overwriting the found second individual information item at a position that is earlier than the position of the found second individual information item and that is later than the position of the found first individual information item in the individual information stream.
US08272006B2 Information signal processing apparatus, method of creating database, method of processing information signal, and program for implementing method of processing information signal
Disclosed is an information signal processing apparatus. The information signal processing apparatus includes an adjustment unit by which users each adjust an inputted information signal so that an output of the information signal has a predetermined quality, and a storage unit that stores operation information having a final adjustment value of a series of adjustments carried out by the adjustment unit, and history information relating to a sequence of changes to an adjustment value up to the final adjustment value in a storage medium in association with preference information of the user during the series of adjustments.
US08272004B2 Optical disc clamping device
An optical disc clamping device is provided. A driving bar is moved away from a center hole to synchronously drive a first linking bar and a second linking bar. A first pivotal rod and a second pivotal rod are respectively driven by the first slider and the second slider to move towards the center hole to drive a carrier which carries a chucking disk disposed thereon to contact a spindle motor. A suppresser is fixed at the rim of the center hole to press on the chucking disk to clamp the disc stably.
US08272003B2 Disc apparatus
A disc apparatus includes: a playback unit 1 provided with a conveying roller 5 and a disc guide 3 to be vertically movable with respect to an apparatus main body; a moving means for moving downward the conveying roller and the disc guide in amounts of travel which are different from each other to avoid contact of the roller and the guide with a disc 14 with interlocking an operation that the loaded disc 14 is moved downward to be mounted on a turntable 6; and a disc-guide-cum-position-regulating member 102 attached to the apparatus main body corresponding to a disc loading port such that the playback unit is restrained from moving to the disc loading port side.
US08272002B2 Method and system for implementing an external trusted platform module
A method for implementing an external trusted platform module includes establishing a connection with a remote host device via a remote interface. The method also includes receiving and processing a request for a trusted platform module (TPM) function from the remote host device via the remote interface. The method additionally includes generating a response to the request for the TPM function based on the processing of the request for the TPM function received from the remote host device. The method further includes sending the response to the request for the TPM function to the remote host device via the remote interface.
US08271999B2 Compensating for instrumentation overhead using execution environment overhead
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program code for profiling an application. Execution of an application is monitored. A set of metrics relating to execution of the application occurring during monitoring execution of the application are collected to form a set of observed metrics. An execution environment overhead occurring with respect to the set of observed events is identified to form an identified execution environment overhead. The set of observed metrics is adjusted using the identified execution environment overhead to form a set of calibrated metrics.
US08271996B1 Event queues
Described are techniques for communicating between one or more producers and one or more consumers. A first consumer of an event queue registers for notification regarding occurrences of one or more events. A producer of the event queue posts one or more notifications to one or more consumers of the event queue regarding one or more occurrences of one or more events. Each of the consumers receive notification regarding occurrences of events for which the consumer is registered. The first consumer retrieves posted event notifications regarding events for which the first consumer is registered. If the first consumer is executing in user space and an event notification list to which the event notifications for the first consumer are posted is located in shared memory, the first consumer retrieves the posted event notifications without proxying into kernel space.
US08271995B1 System services for native code modules
Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates the execution of a native code module. During operation, the system obtains a service registry comprising a set of service modules and determines a set of system services required by the native code module. Next, the system selects one or more of the service modules providing the system services. Finally, the system enables the system services for the native code module by providing an inter-module communication (IMC) runtime that facilitates communication between the native code module and the one or more service modules.
US08271994B2 Reduced data transfer during processor context switching
Data transfer during processor context switching is reduced, particularly in relation to a time-sharing microtasking programming model. Prior to switching context of a processor having local memory from a first to a second process, a portion of the local memory that does not require transfer to system memory for proper saving of data associated with the first process is determined. The context of the processor is then switched from the first to the second process, including transferring all of the local memory as the data associated with the first process, to system memory—except for the portion of the local memory that has been determined as not requiring saving to the system memory for proper saving of the data associated with the first process. Therefore, switching the context from the first to the second process results in a reduction of data transferred from the local memory to the system memory.
US08271993B2 Method and apparatus for facilitating pipeline throughput
In an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of facilitating pipelines throughput in a pipeline processor system including at least one producer processor/consumer processor pair. The method includes the step of controlling (22) the producer processor/consumer processor pair to allow them to run out-of-sync without violating dependency (21,23,26).
US08271990B2 Removing operating system jitter-induced slowdown in virtualized environments
Techniques for eradicating operating system jitter-induced slowdown are provided. The techniques include allocating one or more computing resources to one or more logical partitions of one or more parallel programs in proportion of one or more cycles consumed by one or more sources of operating system jitter in each compute phase in each of the one or more logical partitions.
US08271989B2 Method and apparatus for virtual processor dispatching to a partition based on shared memory pages
The present invention provides a computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for mapping and dispatching virtual processors in a data processing system having at least a first partition and a second partition. The data processing system runs a first partition on a virtual processor during a first timeslice. The data processing system identifies an at least one physical page used by the first partition and the second partition. The data processing system maps the at least one physical page to the first partition and the second partition. The data processing system determines a fitness value based on the mapping. The data processing system dispatches the Virtual processor to the second partition on a second timeslice based on the fitness value, wherein the second timeslice immediately succeeds after the first timeslice, whereby the at least one physical page remains in cache during at least the first timeslice and the second timeslice.
US08271988B2 System-generated resource management profiles
A method for computer control of collaborating devices enables automatic generation of resource management profiles to coordinate resource allocation within the collaborating device. The method includes utilization of a graphical user interface to select an initial resource management profile and instruct the device to automatically generate a resource profile. Timing is specified for creation of the automatically generated optimized resource profile. The optimized resource profile is developed from statistics maintained, collected, and interpreted about the demand for resources within each component of the collaborating device. An operator may elect to automatically invoke the most recently generated optimized profile after a specified period of collaborating device idleness or to invoke it upon an instruction from the operator. The optimized resource profile may be saved for future use or discarded.
US08271986B2 Visual and graphical data processing using a multi-threaded architecture
Active and/or proactive semaphore mechanisms and thread synchronization techniques can be applied to various visual and graphical processing techniques.
US08271985B2 Scheduling apparatus and scheduling method
A scheduling apparatus includes a state information acquisition unit that acquires, from a decoding unit, state information that serves as an indicator for computing a processing time actually required for a decoding unit to perform a decoding process on first processing target data, and a schedule generating unit that determines a second scheduled processing time for which the decoding unit is able to perform the decoding process on second processing target data, based on the processing time computed based on the state information. The schedule generating unit further generates a second schedule for the decoding unit to perform the decoding process on the second processing target data, by allocating the second scheduled processing time to the decoding unit.
US08271984B2 Method for creating an optimized flowchart for a time-controlled distribution computer system
A method is described and presented for creation of an optimized schedule for execution of a functionality by means of a time-controlled distributed computer system, in which the distributed computer system and the functionality have a set of (especially structural and functional) elements of at least one element class and the elements are at least partially in a dependence. The method according to the invention, in which the task is solved, is initially and essentially characterized by the fact that the dependences between the elements are recognized, classified and the elements are assigned to corresponding dependence classes, and that optimization of schedule occurs by coordination of elements of at least one dependence class.
US08271981B2 Detecting an extraordinary behavior
An apparatus detects detecting when an extraordinary behavior is performed when a monitoring task is executed on an information processing apparatus. The detecting apparatus includes: an obtaining section for obtaining a measurement data including an executing timing and an execution time for each occasion of execution when the monitoring task is executed for a number of times on the information processing apparatus; a distance calculating section for calculating a distance between a measured point corresponding to each measurement data in a multi-dimensional space on which an executing timing and an execution time are allocated to different coordinates and another measured point placed in a predetermined range; and a determining section for determining whether an extraordinary behavior is performed when the monitoring task corresponding to the measurement data is executed based on the distance obtained for the measured point corresponding to the measurement data.
US08271977B2 Computer system, virtual computer system, computer activation management method and virtual computer activation management method
A virtual computer system has a plurality of computers for executing a program and a storage system connected to the computers via a network. A virtualization mechanism in a first computer of the plurality of computers generates at least one virtual computer on the first computer. The virtualization mechanism in the first computer executes at least one of a first judgment and a second judgment when a request for activating a first virtual computer of the at least one virtual computer is received, the first judgment being for judging whether or not the activation of the first virtual computer is prohibited based on first information stored in a memory of the virtualization mechanism, and the second judgment being for judging whether or not an identifier included in a logic I/O adapter device assigned to the first virtual computer is invalid based on second information stored in the memory of the virtualization mechanism. The activation of the first virtual computer is permitted or prohibited based on the executed judgment in response to the request for activating the first virtual computer.
US08271976B2 Systems and methods for initializing multiple virtual processors within a single virtual machine
The present invention is a system for and method of initializing multiple virtual processors in a virtual machine (VM) environment. The method of initializing multiple virtual processors includes the steps of the host creating a multiple processor VM and activating a “starter virtual processor,” the “starter virtual processor” issuing a startup command to a next virtual processor, the virtual machine monitor (VMM) giving the target virtual processor the highest priority for accessing the hardware resources, the VMM forcing the “starter virtual processor” to relinquish control of the hardware resources, the VMM handing control of the hardware resources to the target virtual processor, the target virtual processor executing and completing its startup routine, the VMM forcing the target virtual processor to relinquish control of the hardware resources, and the VMM handing control of the hardware resources back to the “starter virtual processor” for activating subsequent virtual processors.
US08271971B2 System and method for automated program updating in a remote appliance
Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising communicating with a program update server to determine if a program update is available, communicating a response with the program update server indicating that the program update is available from the program update server, and communicating the program update to the remote appliance at a pre-scheduled update time.
US08271968B2 System and method for transparent hard disk drive update
Information handling system hard disk drive firmware updates are initiated on a hard disk drive without disrupting operations of the information handling system. A firmware update is copied in executable form to the hard disk drive's buffer and executed by the hard disk drive's controller without aborting queued tasks or losing system synchronization. The controller then copies the firmware update to flash memory in parallel with execution of the firmware update so that the hard disk drive operates with minimal degradation in performance.
US08271964B2 Extensible software development services
Described herein are methods and systems for providing software development services in a networked software development environment. For instance, instead of performing compilation on a stand-alone desktop computer, software development activities including, compilation are performed by a service provider in response to a general query from a client requester. Such a network desirably has a global view of the source files being processed by various software development tools associated therewith. This global view enables many interesting approaches including the ability to perform analysis and optimizations to the input files not specified by the client requester. Such anticipatory processing may be based on the history and pattern of previous requests and availability of software development tools that the client requester is not aware of, for instance. The service request is submitted to a software development service provider to get back a specified result and non-specified anticipatory results as one of many “hits” in a ranked order.
US08271963B2 Mimicking of functionality exposed through an abstraction
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for mimicking functionality of an application platform. At runtime, an analysis is performed of an application platform to identify how a desired functionality is implemented by the application platform. When the analysis reveals that the application platform is using a known function that can be mimicked, a handshake with the application platform is bypassed and the desired functionality is mimicked. To mimic the functionality, the known function is started for the application platform that uses the desired functionality. An entry point of the known function is detected. Machine instructions are decoded in the known function. Code that mimics an effect of the machine instructions is generated. The code that mimics the effect of the machine instructions is then executed.
US08271960B2 Obtaining profile data for use in optimizing computer programming code
Program execution profile data is collected by direct measurement of some code paths, and by inferring data for unmeasured paths. The data collection process may cause errors, which are propagated by the inferencing process. The profile data thus constructed is further enhanced by detecting certain data mismatches, and adjusting inferred data to reduce the scope of errors propagated during the inferencing process. Preferably, a control flow graph of the program being measured is constructed. Mismatches in the total weights of input arcs versus output arcs are detected. For certain specific types of mismatches, it can be known or guessed which count is incorrect, and this count is accordingly corrected. Correction of arc counts proceeds recursively until it is no longer possible to correct mismatches. Additionally, certain other conditions are adjusted as presumed inaccuracies.
US08271959B2 Detecting irregular performing code within computer programs
A computer-implemented method of finding portions of a computer program exhibiting irregular performance can include detecting an entry into a function of a computer program under test indicating a current execution of the function and, responsive to detecting an exit from the function, determining a count of a computing resource utilized by the function during the current execution of the function. The count of the computing resource can be compared with a count range determined according to at least one prior execution of the function. The function can be selectively represented within a call graph as a plurality of nodes according to the comparing.
US08271958B2 Remapping debuggable code
User script code that has been developed for execution in a host application can be remapped to debuggable script code, based on explicit debugging gestures, allowing for appropriate debugging coverage for the code while mitigating execution (in)efficiency issues. Capabilities of an application virtual machine used for the host application can be determined, and the user script code can be instrumented with guards for detecting explicit debugging gestures based on a virtual machine's (VM') capabilities. The instrumented user script code can be executed in a runtime environment, for example, by a just-in-time compilation service. If an explicit debugging gesture is detected, a function where the gesture was detected can be transformed into debuggable script code, in one embodiment, based on the debuggable gesture detected.
US08271956B2 System, method and program product for dynamically adjusting trace buffer capacity based on execution history
A method, system and program product for dynamically adjusting trace buffer capacity based on execution history. The method includes receiving, by a module configured to trace, a plurality of traces pertaining to one or more trace events generated during execution of a program being traced, the trace events generated including panel data and sequence data. The method further includes determining, using trace data captured from the plurality of traces received, whether or not a path for a trace event is a new path. If the path for the trace event is determined to be a new path, the method includes dynamically adjusting, by the module, an initial size of a trace buffer configured to store the trace data captured, such that, the module increases the initial size of the trace buffer upon making a determination that the trace event is a new trace event based on execution history.
US08271954B2 Method and apparatus for saving checkpoint data while detecting and analyzing a loop structure
A save data discrimination method saves calculation results including an element which is periodically saved when a computer executes a program repeating the same arithmetic process. The method includes analyzing a loop structure of the program from a source code of the program to detect a main loop of the arithmetic process repeated in the program and a sub-loop included in the main loop, determining a point of entrance to the main loop as a checkpoint that is a point for saving data of the calculation results, and analyzing the contents of the arithmetic process described in the main loop to identify reference-first elements which are elements only referred to and elements defined after being referred to as data to be saved at the checkpoint determined at the point of entrance.
US08271951B2 System and methods for collecting software development feedback
A system and method are disclosed for collecting software development feedback. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting a user feedback message associated with a software object. The software object may define a portion of an application user interface. The method may also include categorizing the user feedback message according to a feedback categorization criterion. Additionally, the method may include displaying the user feedback message in a display arranged by a category identified by the categorization criterion.
US08271946B2 Apparatus for operating a process installation
A set-up for operating a process installation. The set-up includes a control station and at least one field device, which determines or monitors at least one process variable. Each field device has a program memory, in which a boot-loader software is persistently implemented. The boot-loader software enables communication of the field device with the control station. A transmission link is provided, via which the control station and the field device, or field devices, communicate with one another during operation. Each field device transmits to the control station upon booting of the field device, via the transmission link, device-specific information. The control station transmits to the field device, after receipt of the device-specific information, application- and/or device-specific, measurement/control/evaluation software, which is matched to a particular application of the field device and which the field device stores in a data memory associated with it. The field device, based on application- and/or device-specific, measurement/control/evaluation software available to it during operation, makes available information concerning the process variable.
US08271941B2 Method and apparatus for representing and configuring flexible and extensible presentation patterns
Techniques are provided for representing and configuring flexible and extensible presentation patterns based on fine-grained architectural building blocks (ABBs). The techniques include defining ABBs, modeling the ABBs in a uniform manner, and creating at least one template using the ABBs, wherein the at least one template includes at least one of pre-configured static characteristics and user-specified service characteristics. In an embodiment of the invention, an exemplary method for designing and managing fine-grained ABBs can include identifying ABBs to compose an architecture for facilitating presentation and interaction between consumers and other elements in a solution, analyzing the ABBs to monitor computing resources used by individual ABBs, selecting a number of running instances of the ABBs based on (i) requests of a pertinent entity and (ii) available resources, and managing life-cycles of ABBs.
US08271938B2 Flexible base class library
Mechanisms that allow frameworks significant flexibility in varying the library of common base classes in a manner that better suits the domain of applications served by the framework. Instead of providing the base class library, the runtime provides a data contract for the data structure of each base class. The frameworks can then define each base class in a custom way so long as the data contract is honored. Thus, for example, the framework may provide custom framework-specific methods and/or properties as is appropriate for the framework. Another framework might define the base classes in a different way.
US08271936B2 Non-graphical model dependencies in graphical modeling environments
Graphical programming or modeling environments, such as a block diagram environment, are disclosed in which dependencies that influence how a model executes are defined without altering the visual representation of the model. In the graphical modeling or programming environment, users create a model that describes how the system is to execute. The users can then augment the model with non-graphical dependencies that provide general execution goals or specific dependencies between blocks. The user can augment the graphical model with dependency constraints specifying how the model should execute. The constraints are coupled to the model and can be optionally displayed on the model in a debugging/analysis mode to provide further insight into how the model executes.
US08271933B1 Pin unspecific device planning for printed circuit board layout
A printed circuit board (PCB) block diagram tool for block diagram level editing of a PCB design abstracted from a PCB physical layout tool is disclosed. The PCB block diagram tool includes a plurality of interface objects, a plurality of block objects and interconnect lines. The plurality of interface objects represents interfaces between components. Each of the plurality of interface objects include a plurality of signal, power and ground signal lines without defined physical assignment to pin or pad. The plurality of block objects represents a plurality of physical objects in the PCB physical layout tool. The plurality of blocks are configured to accept the plurality of interface objects. Interconnect lines connect the plurality of interface objects between the plurality of block objects.
US08271925B2 Printed board design system and method including decoupling capacitor arrangement examination unit
A decoupling capacitor pin position information obtain unit calculates based on board design data of a printed board, position information indicating positions of decoupling capacitors on the printed board. A power supply plane position/shape information obtain unit calculates based on the board design data, position/shape information indicating a position and shape of a power supply plane of the printed board. A restriction condition input unit collects restriction conditions from an input device. A decoupling capacitor examination unit judges based on the position information, the position/shape information and the restriction conditions, whether or not arrangement of the decoupling capacitors is adequate. Therefore, a designer, while designing arrangement/wiring of the printed board, can check in real time whether or not the arrangement of the decoupling capacitors is adequate, and thus can design at higher speed a printed board in which arrangement of decoupling capacitors is adequate.
US08271914B2 Method and apparatus for simulating behavioral constructs using indeterminate values
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that simulates behavioral constructs of a register transfer level design using indeterminate values. The system may receive hardware description language code which includes a construct that behaves differently depending on the value of an expression, e.g., the construct may execute different portions of code based on the value of a control expression, or it may store data in different storage locations based on the value of an index expression, etc. In response to determining that the expression's value is indeterminate, the system can execute two or more alternatives that are controlled by the expression, and then merge the results in some prescribed way. An embodiment of the present invention can enable a user to reduce the discrepancy between the results generated by a register transfer level simulation and the results generated by the associated gate level simulation.
US08271909B2 System and method for aperture based layout data analysis to achieve neighborhood awareness
Embodiments of the invention provide system and methods for EDA tools. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention provide an input infrastructure for EDA tools that gathers pertinent information surrounding an input cursor's present locality (or neighborhood) and then analyzes the pertinent information in view of an issued command to automatically determine suitable targets or subsequent operations that a user of the EDA tool may want to select next.
US08271906B1 Method and system for using a dynamic cursor area to facilitate user interaction
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates interaction with a user of a computing device. During operation, the system obtains user input from the user through a user interface of the computing device. Next, the system updates, based on the user input, a dynamic cursor area proximate to a cursor in the user interface to provide functionality-based feedback to the user at a location where the user is likely to be looking.
US08271891B1 Computing environment logbook
A computing environment logbook logs events occurring within a computing environment. The events are displayed as a history of past events within the logbook of the computing environment. The logbook provides search functionality to search through the history of past events to find one or more selected past events, and further, enables an undo of the one or more selected past events.
US08271889B1 Automatically updated user interfaces for a mobile device
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for automatically updating user interfaces for a mobile device. In one aspect, a first set of instructions from an automatically synchronizing data store are received. The first set of instructions are executed to provide an interface between a user and an operating system on the mobile device. The data store is automatically updated with a second set of instructions. The second set of instructions are executed to provide a modification to the interface between the user and the operating system on the mobile device.
US08271886B2 System and method for expanding target inventory according to browser-login mapping
A target advertising system includes a user profile database configured to store browser-login mapping information associated with mapping of browser cookie information and login cookie information, an advertisement server configured to identify an access by a web browser and to transfer browser cookie information of the web browser to a user behavior server, and the user behavior server configured to receive the browser cookie information from the advertisement server, to identify, from the user profile database, user profile information of the browser-login mapping information corresponding to the browser cookie information, and to transfer the identified user profile information to the advertisement server.
US08271885B2 User interface customization using evaluation data
A customized user interface is configured to include one or more user interface gadgets provided by one or more user interface gadget providers. Multiple possible user interface gadgets are identified for inclusion in the user interface by comparing a set of required attributes for the user interface to stored attribute data for a plurality of registered user interface gadgets. One or more of the possible user interface gadgets is selected for inclusion in the user interface using stored evaluation data for the possible user interface gadgets. Data related to the selected user interface gadget(s) is provided for use in generating the customized user interface on a computer system.
US08271883B2 Intelligent auto-creation of new portlets
A method is provided for keeping presentation of information to a minimum. A perspective comprises areas, and each area can have one or more portlets which display information. Each area has an associated list of portlet types that can be instantiated within the area. Each portlet can be manually placed into or out of a locked state. Various portlets can also be in a dirty state if they contain unsaved information, such as in a partially completed form. When a new portlet is to be added to the perspective, first an area which supports creation of that type of portlet is selected. The existing portlets within that area are then examined, and if one exists which is not locked and is not dirty, then it is replaced with the new portlet. If no such existing portlet is eligible for replacement, then the new portlet is created and added to the existing portlets. In this way, portlets in which a user is no longer interested may be replaced with newer portlets of more immediate interest, thereby reducing clutter within the perspective view of the information.
US08271880B2 Central system based user interface resource management
A system and method for managing the utilization of user interface resources. Various aspects of the present invention comprise establishing a wireless communication link between a first system and a second system. The second system may be communicatively coupled to one or more user interface resources. The second system may, for example, determine whether at least a portion of a user interface resource is available for use with the first system. The second system may, for example, communicate the availability of various user interface resources for use with the first system. Various aspects may comprise requesting allocation of at least a portion of a user interface resource for use with the first system. The second system may allocate at least a portion of a requested user interface resource for use with the first system. Various aspects of the present invention also comprise system components that perform the above-mentioned operations.
US08271879B2 Workstation management application
Disclosed are various embodiments for a workstation management application. An identification of a user is obtained in a user interface. A listing of workstations that the user has accessed is rendered in the user interface. A selection of one of the workstations is obtained in the user interface. A listing of management tasks configured for the workstation is rendered in the user interface. One of a plurality of management tools is launched to perform a selected one of the management tasks for the workstation.
US08271878B2 Behavior-based selection of items to present on affiliate sites
A content provider system interacts with a network of web sites to provide behavior-based content to users. Operators of the web sites add widgets to selected web pages of their sites. The widgets, when executed on the computing devices of users who view the selected web pages, report user-generated events to the content provider system. The content provider system analyzes the reported events to detect behavioral associations between particular web sites, web pages, products, and/or other types of items. The widgets may also retrieve and display behavior-based content that is based on these item-to-item behavioral associations. For example, when a user views a particular web page, a widget on that page may request and display descriptions of, and links to, other sites or pages that are (a) behaviorally related to the page being viewed or an item represented thereon, and/or (b) behaviorally related to the past browsing activities of the particular user.
US08271876B2 Trigger, generate, and display hover helps for multiple user interface elements
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving user input requesting display of pieces of information associated with user interface elements displayed on a page; analyzing the page for determining the pieces of information associated with the user interface elements; and outputting some of the pieces of information associated with a plurality of the user interface elements for concurrent display on the page with each other and with the user interface elements. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also presented.
US08271874B2 Method and apparatus for locating and transforming data
The invention provides method and apparatus for locating data in a data file and for transforming the data. The method comprises the steps: determining the data unit to be located in the data file; determining a type for the data unit, the type including “Text”, “SingleLine”, “MultiLine”, “Block” and “Iterator”; when the type of the data unit is not “Text”, selecting a different data unit as the location reference for the data unit; generating the location description for the data unit, based on the type of the data unit and the position relationship between the data unit and the different data unit, the description including the type of the data unit, one or more location elements for locating the data unit and including “Top”, “Bottom”, “Left” and “Right”, each of the location elements including a combination of attributes so as to determine the position of the location element. The invention may locate the data position by two dimensional area.
US08271871B2 Automated method for alignment of document objects
An apparatus and automated method are disclosed for alignment of objects in a document which allows saliency within one or both objects to be a factor in the alignment. The method includes, for an input electronic document, identifying first and second objects to be aligned on a page of the document. A one dimensional guideline profile is generated for at least the first object based on a detection of saliency for the first object. The first and second objects are aligned based on the guideline profile to form a modified document and the modified document is output.
US08271866B2 User-controlled web browser table reduction
The invention that meets the needs identified above is a web browser plug-in or feature comprising a modification program (MP), a configuration program (CP), a table reduction program (TRP), algorithms and rules, that interacts with a web browser to analyze a web page for tables. The analysis consists of interrogating incoming hypertext markup language (HTML) for table structure , ,
and tags, and incoming text for delimiters. The configuration program introduces controls into the text for each column and row delimeter that met a criteria for being hideable. In addition, the configuration program introduces controls into the HTML for each column and row tag that met a criteria for being hideable. The configuration program links the controls to a hiding algorithm so that when activated, the appropriate hiding algorithm will act on the row or column associated with the control. The controls are injected before the web browser renders the web page. When the web browser renders the web page, the web browser recognizes and interprets the injected HTML code so that the table may be reduced by the table reduction program.
US08271857B2 Correcting errors in longitudinal position (LPOS) words
The invention includes a method for longitudinal position (LPOS) detection in a magnetic tape storage system for storing data upon linear tape open (LTO) magnetic storage tape, which data includes odd and even 36-bit LPOS words with error correcting ability. The method includes steps of encoding positional information onto the magnetic storage tape within the odd and even 36-bit LPOS words using each LPOS word's 8-bit sync mark field, Sy, and six of each LPOS word's 4-bit symbol fields, L0, L1, L2 L3, L4, and L5, wherein 6 of 24 total bits comprising the encoded 8-bit sync mark field: Sy, and six 4-bit symbol fields: L0, L1, L2 L3, L4, and L5 are utilized as parity bits, operating the magnetic tape storage system by passing the LTO magnetic storage tape encoded with the odd and even LPOS words with error correcting ability longitudinally across a servo reader/writer at a known speed, decoding the encoded positional information by reading either two words sequentially or two words simultaneously, the simultaneous reading requiring that the LPOS words include servo band numbers and detecting and correcting both ambiguous bits and single erroneous bit errors.
US08271856B2 Resistive memory devices and methods of controlling operations of the same
To control operations of a resistive memory device, an input-output operation of an error check and correction (ECC) code is separated from an input-output operation of data. A condition of the input-output operation of the ECC code is determined stricter than a condition of the input-output operation of the data. reliability of the input-output operation of the ECC code may be enhanced, thereby reducing errors due to defect memory cells, noise, etc.
US08271854B2 Embedded electronic device and method for storing data
An embedded electronic device is provided. The embedded electronic device comprises a flash memory and a processor. The flash memory comprises a plurality of data storage blocks. The processor performs a parity check process to determine parity data of operation system (OS) data, wherein the parity data serves as a backup for the operation system (OS) data. The processor stores the operation system (OS) data and corresponding parity data into the data storage block of the flash memory.
US08271853B2 Cache memory, computer system and memory access method
A cache memory has a data holding unit having multiple cache lines each of which includes an address area, a data area and a dirty bit, and a controller which is given read data and a correction execution signal indicating whether or not error correction has been performed for the read data, the read data has been read from a memory storing error-correction-coded data, which also stores address information corresponding to the read data into the address area of any one of the multiple cache lines, stores the read data into the data area, and sets a predetermine value as the dirty bit on the basis of the correction execution signal.
US08271846B2 Method and apparatus for channel encoding and decoding in a communication system using low-density parity-check codes
A method for encoding a channel in a communication system using a Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) code is provided. The method includes determining a number of parity bits for puncturing; dividing the parity bits at predetermined intervals, and determining a number of puncturing parity bits, which are subjected to puncturing within the predetermined intervals; determining a modulation scheme; determining positions of puncturing parity bits corresponding to the determined number of the puncturing parity bits within the predetermined intervals according to the modulation scheme; repeatedly performing puncturing on puncturing parity bits corresponding to the determined positions at the predetermined intervals; and transmitting remaining bits except for the punctured bits according to the modulation scheme.
US08271845B2 Method for evaluating the operating safety of a system
Evaluating the operating safety of a complex software and or hardware system such as a system for displaying flight information on an instrument panel of an aircraft. The evaluation method includes construction of a first architecture of the system, divided into several blocks each comprising data inputs/outputs, the inputs of a block being connected to the outputs of other blocks in the first architecture; identification of failures of the outputs of the blocks of the architecture; construction of first boolean expressions expressing the states of the outputs of the blocks of the first architecture as a function of the states of the identified failures, of the states of the inputs of the blocks; definition of a first feared event to be examined by a second boolean expression constructed based on the first boolean expressions; and reduction of the second boolean expression in a sum of monomials.
US08271843B2 Method and apparatus for improving hybrid automatic repeat request operation in a wireless communications system
A method of improving Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request operation for a user equipment operating in HS-SCCH less operation in a wireless communications system includes receiving a retransmission data in an HARQ procedure, determining a decoding result of data stored in a first soft buffer, combining the retransmission data with the data stored in the first soft buffer for generating a combined data when the UE determines that the data stored in the first soft buffer has not been successfully decoded, and performing a decoding process on the combined data and a store process corresponding to a second soft buffer. The first soft buffer is obtained by a first rule and the second soft buffer is obtained by a second rule.
US08271842B2 Reducing harq retransmissions using peak power management techniques
Systems, methods and apparatuses for reducing HARQ retransmissions using peak power management techniques are presented. In one example, a receiver may perform multi-level error correction for reducing HARQ retransmissions. The receiver may include a Peak-to-Average-Power Ratio Management Module (PAPR MM) decoder configured to perform a first level of error correction utilizing retransmissions originating at a front end of a distal transmitter. The receiver may further include a symbol demapping module connected to the PAPR MM decoder, a deinterleaver connected to the symbol demapping module, and a decoder connected to the deinterleaver and the PAPR MM decoder, where the decoder may be configured to perform a second level of error correction utilizing retransmissions originating at a back end of the distal transmitter. A transmitter for reducing HARQ retransmissions using PAPR techniques is also presented.
US08271839B2 Link instruction register with resynchronization register
A test architecture accesses IP core test wrappers within an IC using a Link Instruction Register (LIR). An IEEE P1500 standard is in development for providing test access to these individual cores via a test structure called a wrapper. The wrapper resides at the boundary of the core and provides a way to test the core and the interconnections between cores. The test architecture enables each of the plural wrappers in the IC, including wrappers in cores embedded within other cores, with separate enable signals.
US08271836B2 Capturing diagnostics in web browser applications
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for capturing diagnostics for Web browser applications. Embodiments of the present invention can capture errors in client-side code for a Web application and automatically report them a Web Service. Diagnostics code can be automatically injected into client code to capture client-side diagnostic information, including but not limited to errors in Web application code (script code, managed code, etc) that runs in a Web browser. The client-side diagnostic information can be automatically forwarded to a Web service under the control of the Web application. The Web application operator can use this information to improve the quality and hence customer satisfaction of their Web application.
US08271832B2 Non-faulting and first-faulting instructions for processing vectors
The described embodiments include a processor that handles faults during execution of a vector instruction. The processor starts by receiving a vector instruction that uses at least one vector of values that includes N elements as an input. In addition, the processor optionally receives a predicate vector that includes N elements. The processor then executes the vector instruction. In the described embodiments, when executing the vector instruction, if the predicate vector is received, for each element in the vector of values for which a corresponding element in the predicate vector is active, otherwise, for each element in the vector of values, the processor performs an operation for the vector instruction for the element in the vector of values. While performing the operation, the processor conditionally masks faults encountered (i.e., faults caused by an illegal operation).
US08271829B2 Network connection device and method for detecting network errors
A network error detecting method checks if a network connection device has an Internet protocol (IP) address, if domain name mapping of web pages is correct, and if data communication between a web browser and a web server is correct. Accordingly, the network connection device informs the web browser of an IP address error, a domain name mapping error, or a data communication error. The web browser displays the network errors to users when the network errors are detected.
US08271827B2 Memory system with extended memory density capability
A system including a central processing unit, a first memory channel being configured to couple the central processing unit to a first semiconductor memory unit, wherein the first memory channel is configured to be clocked with a first clock frequency, and a second memory channel being configured to couple the central processing unit to a second semiconductor memory unit, wherein the second memory channel is configured or configurable to be clocked with a second clock frequency smaller than the first clock frequency.
US08271826B2 Data receiver apparatus and data transmitter apparatus
Write pointer generation units successively switch and indicate storage locations of data transmitted from a transmitter end LSI from plural buffers constituting FIFO circuits. A clock-step ring buffer delays a gated step signal to instruct an operation stop. When receiving the gated stop signal delayed by the clock-step ring buffer, the write pointer generation units stop switching instructions of the storage locations.
US08271815B2 Device for controlling power to a plurality of peripherals based on the state of a host computer
This invention relates to a standby power control device, which is able to apply in controlling the ON/OFF state of the power of a computer and a plurality of peripheral devices, which comprises: a power input unit, a power transformation unit, a switching unit, a start control unit, a power control unit, a power output unit, and a micro-process unit, wherein the micro-process unit is connected to the computer to detect a boot signal and a shut down signal. When the computer is shut down, the micro-process unit receives the shut down signal and to turn off the start control unit to facilitate the power control unit to disable the connection of the power input unit and the power output unit, so that the standby power of the computer and the peripheral devices is turned off for achieving the purpose of saving the electrical power.
US08271814B2 Migrating a client computer to a virtual machine server when the client computer is deemed to be idle
Energy saving virtualization technique embodiments are presented that save energy by virtualizing a network-connected client computer's computing session (or a part thereof) as a virtual machine (VM) and then migrating it between the client computer and a VM server, depending on whether the computing session is active or idle. The client computer VM is migrated to the VM server when the client computer is deemed to be idle, and the VM is migrated back when the client computer is deemed to have re-entered an active condition. When the VM has been migrated away from the client computer and is residing on the VM server, the client computer is put into a sleep mode, thereby saving energy. However, the user's computing session remains alive on the VM server so that ongoing network connections and other activity are not disturbed.
US08271811B2 Methods and apparatus for load-based power management of PHY logic circuits of a SAS device based upon a current workload
Apparatus and method for managing power consumption of circuits within a Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) device. A SAS device having a plurality of PHY logic circuits includes a queue manager and a power manager. The queue manager is operable to determine a current workload based on queued entries for the plurality of PHY logic circuits. Based on the current workload, the power manager is operable to set identified ones of the plurality of PHY logic circuits into a low power mode. In some embodiments, PHY logic circuits may be restored to full power operation responsive to changes in the current workload and/or responsive to receipt of a signal from another SAS device coupled to the SAS device. In other embodiments the power manager is further operable to manage power consumption of link and/or DMA logic circuits of the SAS device.
US08271810B1 Method and apparatus for dynamically detecting environmental conditions and adjusting drive strength in response to the detecting
Disclosed is a dynamic detector to detect an environmental condition including a power-supply level relative to a predetermined threshold signal during a training phase; and an adjustable buffer, coupled with the dynamic detector, configured to adjust output drive strength during the training phase in response to the detected environmental condition.
US08271799B2 System and method for generating a disguised password based on a real password
A system and method for generating a disguised password are provided. The method presets a real password via an input device, selects one or more characters from the real password as a verification code. The method further generates an encryption code corresponding to the verification code according to an encryption algorithm, generates a character string based on the encryption code, and displays a verification box on a display screen to receive an input key from the input device. In addition, the method determines whether the input key matches the encryption code of the character string, and generates a disguised password by replacing the verification code with the encryption code in the real password if the input key matches the encryption code of the character string.
US08271793B2 Dynamic multimedia fingerprinting system
A dynamic multimedia fingerprinting system is provided. A user requests multimedia content from a Web cache server that verifies that the user is authorized to download the content. A custom fingerprint specific to the user is generated and dynamically inserted into the content as the content is delivered to the user. The custom fingerprint can be generated on the Web cache server or at the content provider's server. The system allows a content provider to specify where the custom fingerprint is inserted into the content or where the fingerprint is to replace a placeholder within the content.
US08271792B2 Image processing apparatus, authentication package installation method, and computer-readable recording medium
An image processing apparatus is disclosed that includes an installation unit that installs an authentication package providing a function related to authentication; a signature confirmation unit that confirms whether an issuance source of the authentication package is an authenticated issuance source based on an electronic signature attached to the authentication package; and an authentication package confirmation unit that confirms the authentication package based on attribute information of the authentication package confirmed to be the authenticated issuance source by the signature confirmation unit. In the image processing apparatus, the installation unit installs the authentication package confirmed by the authentication package confirmation unit.
US08271786B1 Method and system for providing secure communications between a first and a second peer device
A method and system for providing secure communications between a first and second peer device is disclosed. The invention includes allowing the first and second peer devices to verify the authenticity of each other only while each peer device is within an established zone of privacy wherein the established zone of privacy is an area close (for example, almost touching) to the peer device. Because the authenticity of the other device is verified only while each peer device is within the established zone of privacy, users can visually confirm that there are no potential interlopers within the zone. As a result, the two peer devices can discover each other in a more secure fashion The method and system include creating a zone of privacy with the first peer device, allowing the first and second peer devices to verify the authenticity of each other only while the second peer device is within the zone of privacy, and allowing encrypted data to transfer between the first and second peer device once the authenticity of each peer device has been verified.
US08271783B2 Subordinate trusted platform module
Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with cryptographic key maintenance and/or migration are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes a logic for performing cryptographic key maintenance and/or migration and an interface for operably connecting the system to a trusted platform.
US08271779B2 Prepaid and subscription distribution services web methods
A client data distribution service may receive messages from a client device requesting data sets from the data distribution service. The data sets may include a client certificate used to protect in verified subsequent communications between the client device in the data distribution service as well as provisioning packets used by the client device to enable operation by the user. Specific messages between the client device in the data distribution service include hardware identifiers, initialization keys, last used sequence numbers, and Underwriter product identifiers. Corresponding acknowledgment messages may be used by the data distribution service to remove completed transactions.
US08271773B2 Configurable field device for use in process automation systems
A configurable field device for automation technology with a partially dynamically reconfigurable logic chip FPGA, in which function modules are dynamically configured during runtime, and to a method for operating the configurable field device.
US08271770B2 Computer motherboard with automatically adjusted hardware parameter value
A computer motherboard with automatically adjusted hardware parameter values restarts automatically and proceeds with overclocking or power-saving operation in case the computer motherboard hangs due to preceding overclocking or power-saving operation. The computer motherboard includes: a watchdog unit connected to a frequency generator and adapted to notify the frequency generator and generate a restart signal after predetermined duration; the frequency generator for generating and outputting a frequency, and automatically decreasing or increasing, according to notice from the watchdog unit, a current frequency generated by the frequency generator so as to generate and output a new frequency to substitute for the current frequency; and a hardware parameter value setting unit for setting the frequency generator for a start frequency and an operation mode and starting the watchdog unit; wherein the computer motherboard receives the restart signal and automatically restarts at the new frequency when unbooted after predetermined duration.
US08271760B2 Spatial locality of file system block allocations for related items
Example apparatus, methods, and computers facilitate improving spatial locality of file system block allocations for related items. One example method includes accessing a block allocation request that is configured to control a computer to allocate a block of storage available on a storage device and, upon determining that the block allocation request includes a session key that identifies a session associated with a block reservation pool, controlling the computer to allocate a block of storage from the block reservation pool to satisfy the block allocation request rather than allocating a block of storage from generally available blocks of storage. The block reservation pool includes blocks of storage on the storage device that satisfy a spatial locality relationship determined by a pre-read technique associated with the storage device.
US08271756B2 Content approving apparatus
The present invention aims to provide an apparatus capable of determining whether or not content is permitted to be taken out, by managing contents permitted to be taken out. One aspect of the invention is characterized by comprising: a storage means that stores therein taking-out-permitted-content identification data which is data generated on the basis of a part or entirety of each content permitted to be taken out; and a generating means that generates the taking-out-permitted-content identification data. Another aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a storage means that stores therein taking-out-permitted-content identification data which is data generated on the basis of a part or entirety of each content permitted to be taken out to the outside; and an approving means that determines whether a content is permitted to be taken out, with reference to the taking-out-permitted-content identification data.
US08271754B2 Simple preconfigured client management failsafe
A system, method and computer-usable medium are disclosed for recovering data from a memory storage device. The operating system (OS) of an IPS comprising a source memory storage device, further comprising stored data, is monitored to detect a defective operating state. If a defective operating state of the OS is detected, then operation of the IPS is terminated, followed by the initiation of IPS boot operations to recover data from the source memory storage device. The OS is bypassed, and initial boot operations are performed from a management controller or from the BIOS of the IPS. Additional boot operations are performed, and once the IPS has been brought to an operative state, a data recovery module is used to transfer data from the source memory storage device to a target storage device.
US08271751B2 Systems and methods for reliably managing files in a computer system
Systems and methods allow for reliably and efficiently managing files stored on a data storage medium associated with a computer system such as a set-top box. The computer system manages a collection of metadata describing each of the files stored on the data storage medium in a memory during operation of the computer system. A current snapshot of the collection of metadata is periodically or otherwise stored to the data storage medium. Following a reboot of the computer system, the collection of metadata can be recovered to the memory from the snapshot of the collection of metadata stored on the data storage medium.
US08271747B2 Mask key selection based on defined selection criteria
An improved data system permits power efficient mask key write operations. A mask key selector implements criteria-based selection of mask keys for mask key write operations on blocks data. In one embodiment, a first set of mask keys is compared to data bytes of a data block that will be written to memory. The comparison culls keys from the list of candidates that match unmasked data bytes, that is, values that will be written to memory as “changed” data. A mask key is selected from the resulting set of candidates so a memory write operation consumes less power (relative to selection of other keys), or so that the operation minimizes switching noise. The selected mask key is then substituted by a controller into masked data values, and a modified data block is transmitted to memory, with the memory detecting masked data by identifying mask keys in the modified data block.
US08271744B2 Apparatus, system, and method for switching data library managers
A device, method, and system for switching library managers of a data library while maintaining data library storage devices online. A library manager accepts and executes data transaction commands for access to data residing on the storage devices of the data library. A transition manager module receives a directive to transition library management functions from a first library manager to a second library manager. The transition manager module stops the first library manager from accepting new data transaction commands while maintaining the storage devices online. The first library manager may execute previously accepted data transaction commands. The transition manager module suspends the library management functions of the first library manager and activates the library management functions of the second library manager. The storage devices of the data library may complete data transaction commands throughout the library manager transition.
US08271741B2 Prioritization of multiple concurrent threads for scheduling requests to shared memory
A “request scheduler” provides techniques for batching and scheduling buffered thread requests for access to shared memory in a general-purpose computer system. Thread-fairness is provided while preventing short- and long-term thread starvation by using “request batching.” Batching periodically groups outstanding requests from a memory request buffer into larger units termed “batches” that have higher priority than all other buffered requests. Each “batch” may include some maximum number of requests for each bank of the shared memory and for some or all concurrent threads. Further, average thread stall times are reduced by using computed thread rankings in scheduling request servicing from the shared memory. In various embodiments, requests from higher ranked threads are prioritized over requests from lower ranked threads. In various embodiments, a parallelism-aware memory access scheduling policy improves intra-thread bank-level parallelism. Further, rank-based request scheduling may be performed with or without batching.
US08271740B2 Multiport memory and information processing system
In an information processing system, a plurality of information processing devices CHIP0 and CHIP1 are connected to multiport memory MPMEM0 that has a plurality of ports, and memory areas in multiport memory MPMEM0 can be altered to memory areas occupied by particular ports and memory areas shared by a plurality of ports. At such times, immediately after the occurrence of a request from a port, the status of this request may be supplied from other ports.
US08271739B2 Memory control apparatus, program, and method
A memory control apparatus which controls access to a shared memory for each transaction. The apparatus includes a management unit that stores versions of data stored in the shared memory, a log storage unit that stores an update entry including a version of data subjected to an update operation in response to execution of an update operation on the shared memory in processing each transaction, and a control unit that writes a result of processing corresponding to execution of a relevant update operation to the shared memory when a request to commit a transaction has been given, and a relevant update entry version matches a corresponding version stored in the management unit, or re-executes the update operation and writes a result of re-execution to the shared memory when the update entry version does not match the corresponding version in the management unit.
US08271736B2 Data block frequency map dependent caching
A method for increasing the performance and utilization of cache memory by combining the data block frequency map generated by data de-duplication mechanism and page prefetching and eviction algorithms like Least Recently Used (LRU) policy. The data block frequency map provides weight directly proportional to the frequency count of the block in the dataset. This weight is used to influence the caching algorithms like LRU. Data blocks that have lesser frequency count in the dataset are evicted before those with higher frequencies, even though they may not have been the topmost blocks for page eviction by caching algorithms. The method effectively combines the weight of the block in the frequency map and its eviction status by caching algorithms like LRU to get an improved performance and utilization of the cache memory.
US08271733B2 Line allocation in multi-level hierarchical data stores
A storage apparatus for storing data is disclosed. The storage apparatus comprises: a plurality of stores having storage locations for storing data items, including a level one store and a level two store the storage apparatus having a hierarchy such that in response to an access request for accessing a data item the level one store is accessed and in response to detecting that the item is not stored in the level one store the level two store is accessed. The storage apparatus is configured to store a copy of at least some items in both of the one level one store and the level two store, the storage apparatus comprising a plurality of indicator storage elements associated with a corresponding plurality of storage locations of the level two store, a set value of an indicator stored in one of the indicator storage elements indicating that the corresponding stored data item is also stored in the level one store. The storage apparatus is configured such that in response to a request to allocate a storage location in the level two store, storage locations having a set indicator associated with them are not selected for eviction.
US08271732B2 System and method to reduce power consumption by partially disabling cache memory
In one embodiment, a cache memory includes a data array having N ways and M sets and at least one fill buffer coupled to the data array, where the data array is segmented into multiple array portions such that only one of the portions is to be accessed to seek data for a memory request if the memory request is predicted to hit in the data array. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08271729B2 Read and write aware cache storing cache lines in a read-often portion and a write-often portion
A mechanism is provided in a cache for providing a read and write aware cache. The mechanism partitions a large cache into a read-often region and a write-often region. The mechanism considers read/write frequency in a non-uniform cache architecture replacement policy. A frequently written cache line is placed in one of the farther banks. A frequently read cache line is placed in one of the closer banks. The size ratio between read-often and write-often regions may be static or dynamic. The boundary between the read-often region and the write-often region may be distinct or fuzzy.
US08271724B1 Controlling write request access to a non-volatile log
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method and system are provided to control access to the non-volatile log (NVlog) of a storage server. By controlling access to the NVLog of a storage server the relative disk write bandwidth available to different client write requests can be controlled. The incoming write request can be categorized, and, during times of heavy load, only be permitted to use NVLog space as permitted based on the categorization of each write request. In one embodiment, the present invention includes receiving a write request from a client at a storage server, and determining whether the received write request can be presently logged in a NVlog based on a category of the write request.
US08271723B1 Isolation devices for high performance solid state drives
Systems and methods are provided for coupling multiple flash devices to a shared bus utilizing isolation switches within a SSD device. The SSD device is operable at a speed of about 400 MT/s or higher with high signal integrity. The SSD device includes a controller, a channel in electrical communication with the controller, a plurality of isolation devices in electrical communication with channel, and a plurality of flash memory devices, wherein each flash memory device is in electrical communication with the channel and controller through the one of the isolation devices.
US08271721B2 Data writing method and data storage device
The invention provides a data writing method for a flash memory. First, a write command, a write address, and write data are received from a host. When a total number of block pairs in the flash memory is equal to a threshold value, and execution of the write command increases the total number of block pairs, the write data is written to a data buffer block of the flash memory, and the write address is stored in an address storage table. A target block pair comprising a target mother block and a target child block is then selected from the block pairs for integration. The target mother block and the target child block are integrated into an integrated block during receiving intervals of a plurality of subsequent write commands. Finally, the write command is executed according to the write data stored in the data buffer block and the write address stored in the address storage table.
US08271713B2 Interface systems for portable digital media storage and playback devices
A docking assembly serves as an interface between (1) a portable digital media storage and playback (PDMSP) device, and (2) a media reproduction system. A remote controller preferably controls the docking assembly and PDMSP device, which may receive electric charge from the assembly. Media reproduction systems may reproduce audio and video signals in user-perceptible form. Telephonic relay capability is further provided between a telephonic PDMSP playback device and a telephonic remote controller by way of a telephone rebroadcast receiver associated with the docking assembly. Methods for downloading digital media files, and for creating or modifying playlists with a remotely controllable docking assembly adapted to provide a television-compatible video output signal, are further provided.
US08271707B2 Method and system for PCI hybrid function
A single root I/O virtualization (SR-IOV) capable peripheral component interconnect (PCI) device may be operable to configure resources to transparently operate in a non-SR-IOV environment utilizing a physical function (PF) and one or more hybrid functions (HFs). In instances when the SR-IOV capable PCI device is operating in a SR-IOV environment, the SR-IOV capable PCI device may expose a VF configuration space in the hybrid function to an associated PCI driver for configuring the hybrid function as a virtual function. In instances when the SR-IOV capable PCI device is operating in a non-SR-IOV environment, the SR-IOV capable PCI device may hide a SR-IOV extended header in the physical function from the associated PCI driver and expose a PF configuration space in the hybrid function to the associated PCI driver for configuring the hybrid function as a physical function.
US08271705B2 Dual key electronic connector
A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.
US08271704B2 Status information saving among multiple computers
Provided are techniques for status information saving among multiple computers. In one embodiment, a selected computer is operated using a plurality of input/output devices over switched input/output signal paths passing through a KVM (keyboard video mouse) switch positioned between the selected computer and the plurality of input/output devices. Status data is carried over signal paths passing through the KVM switch wherein the status data represents status information for a plurality of computers connected to the KVM switch. The status data passing through the KVM switch is stored in a memory coupled to the KVM switch. Other embodiments are described and claimed. Other embodiments are contemplated, depending upon the particular application.
US08271702B2 Memory allocation method for direct memory access and terminal therefor
A memory allocation method and terminal for supporting Direct Memory Access (DMA) are provided. The terminal includes a memory for storing data used for operations of the terminal, a plurality of devices for executing applications for specific functions, a control unit for defining, when the terminal boots up, a virtual zone dedicated for the DMA in the memory, and a DMA unit for controlling the DMA of the devices.
US08271698B2 Communication system, transmitter, receiver, communication method, program, and communication cable
The present invention relates to a communication system, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable for providing high-speed bidirectional communication while maintaining compatibility. When an HDMI (R) source 71 performs bidirectional IP communication with an HDMI (R) sink 72 using a CEC line 84 and a signal line 141, a switching control unit 121 controls a switch 133 so that, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a converting unit 131 and, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a receiver 82. When bidirectional communication is performed using only the CEC line 84, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 so that the CEC signal output from the HDMI (R) source 71 or the receiver 82 is selected. The present invention is applicable to, for example, HDMI (R).
US08271697B2 State change in systems having devices coupled in a chained configuration
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for state change in systems having devices coupled in a chained configuration. A number of embodiments include a host and a number of devices coupled to the host in a chained configuration. The chained configuration includes at least one device that is not directly coupled to the host. The at least one device that is not directly coupled to the host is configured to change from a first communication state to a second communication state responsive to receipt of a command from the host.
US08271691B2 Method for coupling a telephone switched circuit network to an internet protocol network
There is provided a method of coupling a telephone switched circuit network to an internet protocol network, wherein the telephone switched circuit network and the internet protocol network are interconnected by a gateway. The gateway comprises a non-routing key rule and the method comprises the step of generating a control method for a service by use of the non-routing key rule, wherein the service is located on the telephone switched circuit network and wherein the service is implemented by at least one application server, wherein the at least one application server is located on the internet protocol network and wherein the at least one application server is specified by an application server status. The method further comprises the step of sending the control message to a node, which is located on the telephone switched circuit network.
US08271690B2 Electronic device for holding time information and processing a job and control method thereof, device and control method thereof, information processing apparatus and display control method thereof, image forming apparatus and operation method thereof, and program and storage medium
In a device having a capability of using time data acquired from an external time information generator, a notification unit notifies a user of time information. The notification unit also notifies the user whether the notified time information is based on time data acquired from the external time information generator. Processing performed by the device is restricted depending on a status associated with time information. Although some types of processing are allowed when the device is in a status in which the time information is based on the time data acquired from the external time information generator, the same type of processing are disabled when the device is in any other status associated with time information.
US08271682B2 Enhancements for domain name leasing marketplace
The present invention creates an electronic marketplace where owners of Internet domain names can have multiple parties compete for the right to lease their domain names. A marketplace provider supplies a technology for redirecting Internet traffic from leased domain names to domain names specified by parties that win the right to lease domain names.
US08271681B2 Communications system using hierarchical queue structure for email message delivery and related methods
A communications system may include at least one destination server for hosting email message boxes, and communications devices for generating email messages each associated with a respective message box. A delivery server may have a plurality of queues and a controller. The controller may store the email messages in a first queue, and attempt to send the stored email messages to the destination server at a first sending rate. The controller may also move email messages stored in the first queue to a second queue based upon a delivery failure. Email messages may be sent from the second queue at a second sending rate less than the first sending rate. The controller may also move email messages from the second queue to the first queue having a common characteristic with a successfully delivered email message.
US08271680B2 Domain isolation through virtual network machines
A method and device for communicating information resources between subscriber end stations and nodes belonging to different network domains is described. The device instantiates different virtual network machines for different network domains using separate independently administrable network databases. Each of the administrable chores of the separate independently administrable network databases includes the assignment of access control and the configuration of the policies for those network databases. The policies include traffic filtering policies to indicate what kind of information payloads can be carried, traffic and route filtering policies to indicate what paths through the network will be used for each payload carried. Each of the network domains includes one of the different virtual network machines and each of the different network domains is virtually isolated from other network domains.
US08271675B2 Remote control apparatus and method
A remote control apparatus and method are provided. The remote control apparatus includes a user interface (UI) server which transmits a UI having a multimedia data format, and a UI client which displays the UI, receives a user command and controls the UI server according to the received user command. The remote control method includes enabling a UI server to transmit a UI having a multimedia data format to a UI client, enabling the UI client to display the UI, and enabling the UI client to control the UI server by transmitting a user command received through the UI to the UI server.
US08271668B2 XML in the MASP client-server protocol
A method and system for using XML for both a protocol layer and application data are described. The method comprises the steps of initiating a connection by a client to a server to form a session, responding by said server to said client indicating that said connection has been successfully completed, submitting a request by said client to said server for service, responding by said server to said client by providing said service and terminating the connection by said client. A session is maintained and a plurality of requests for service by a client and a server responds to those requests by providing the requested service or an error message. The session is maintained until all requests made by a client have been serviced and the requests made by a client may be either synchronous or asynchronous. The system comprises a client and a server coupled to said client by a communication link.
US08271666B2 Systems and methods for load balancing real time streaming
The present application relates to systems and methods for managing of Real Time Stream Protocol (RTSP) sessions by an intermediary located between a client and a server. An intermediary located between a client and a server receives a response from the server to a request of the client to setup a media stream. The response may include a first session identifier established by the server. The intermediary may encode a port of the server and an internet protocol address of the server into the first session identifier to form a second session identifier. The intermediary may modify the response to identify the second session identifier as the session identifier provided by the server. The intermediary may transmit the modified response to the client responsive to the request of the client to setup the media stream.
US08271663B2 System and method for multiple address of record registration using a single implicit SIP request
A method for registering multiple addresses of record comprises receiving a session initiation protocol register request, the session initiation protocol register request comprising a unique identifier of a session initiation protocol endpoint and a contact address for the session initiation protocol endpoint. The method proceeds by retrieving one or more addresses of record associated with the unique identifier of the session initiation protocol endpoint. The method further comprises associating each of the one or more addresses of record with the contact address for the session initiation protocol endpoint.
US08271659B2 Methods and systems for automatic removal and replacement of connections in a pool rendered stale by a firewall
This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for managing connections within a connection pool. The method includes initializing a plurality of connections. The plurality of connections are configured to pierce a firewall. The method further includes placing the plurality of connections in a connection pool, and storing creation times for each of the plurality of connections. The method then determines the firewall's connection teardown time period and, based at least in part on the firewall's connection teardown time period, setting the connection pool's connection teardown time period to be at least less than the firewall's connection teardown time period.
US08271655B2 Cloud computing roaming services
The present invention provides a system and method to provide Cloud roaming services. It allows Cloud services to be offered to requesters that are abstracted from the underlying Cloud provider used to fulfill those services. The present invention provides the ability for Cloud providers to be dynamically associated with currently available Cloud services for requesters. The system and method describes two scenarios—a pull and push model—to align requester required services to currently available services from Cloud providers. The requester has a profile determining a prioritized list of Cloud providers that may be used, or the primary Cloud provider may delegate services to a partner cloud. The algorithm of the invention shows how the provider decides which requesters have access to which services—based on current utilization and forecasting. Also, from a requester perspective, location, roaming, network bandwidth and requester processing capabilities (not all-inclusive) may be sent to the provider of Cloud services to determine whether a change is needed.
US08271653B2 Methods and systems for cloud management using multiple cloud management schemes to allow communication between independently controlled clouds
To manage and communicate with virtual machines in an external cloud regardless of the cloud management scheme of clouds, the cloud management system can utilize an abstraction library. The abstraction library can be configured to abstract out the differences between different cloud management schemes utilized by the cloud management systems and an independent cloud management system of the external cloud.
US08271649B2 Access rights used for resource discovery in peer-to-peer networks
Secure resource discover in peer-to-peer networks involves creating a resource discovery record associated with a computing resource of a user device that is made available via the user device to peers of a peer-to-peer network. The resource discovery record describes the computing resource and may be independent of native service discovery mechanisms of the peer-to-peer network. An access right record is created that controls the ability of one or more contacts to gain access to the resource discovery record. The resource discovery record is sent to the one or more contacts via the peer-to-peer network. The one or more contacts can use the resource discovery record to access the computing resource via the peer-to-peer network in accordance with the access right record.
US08271648B2 Method and apparatus for media duplication
There is disclosed in embodiments herein a digital media content duplication system and method that allows digital media data to be duplicated to one or more destinations and verified. In one embodiment, the system may comprise multiple servers and multiple database structures; providing storage, management. processing, coordination, and tracking of the digital media content and the duplication process.
US08271647B2 Method and system for energy efficient routing and network services
A method and system of an embodiment may include identifying a power source used by a network element, determining a carbon footprint of a unit of power usage from the power source, identifying one or more components associated with the network element used for a network operation performed by the network element, determining the power usage of the one or more identified components during the process, and calculating the carbon footprint of the process performed by the network element.
US08271636B2 Rule-based networking device
A networking system, device, and method are provided. The networking device typically includes a user-defined ruleset including HTTP request rules and HTTP response rules. The networking device may further include a request processor configured to receive an incoming HTTP request from the client, apply HTTP request rules to the incoming HTTP request, to thereby produce a modified HTTP request, and send the modified HTTP request to the server. The networking device may further include a response processor configured to receive an HTTP response to the modified HTTP request from the server, apply the HTTP response rules to the HTTP response, to thereby produce a modified HTTP response, and send the modified HTTP response to the client.
US08271631B1 Methods, tools, and interfaces for the dynamic assignment of people to groups to enable enhanced communication and collaboration
A system for optimizing the value of communications between communicating parties is provided. The system includes a communication group manager that facilitates specifying policies, preferences and/or automated analysis of ideal communication channels, routing and/or scheduling in terms of communicating party groups that can be pre-populated clusters of communicating parties, assembled based on relationships (e.g., organizational), and/or assembled based on satisfying inclusion criteria (e.g., age, location, competence, communication history, meeting history). The communication group manager maps communicating parties into predefined and/or dynamically created groups that facilitate specifying and/or automatically computing ideal communication actions like selecting a channel, displaying lists of potential channels sorted by communicating party preferences, and (re)scheduling communications to different channels and/or times. Ideal communication actions can be identified by maximizing a measure of expected communication utility, where groups provide simplifying abstractions to facilitate assessment of outcome utilities. The method can employ representations of preferences of the contactor and contactee that allow for group-specific preference considerations that weight differentially contactor and/or contactee preference considerations in communication action optimization. The system includes a group wise communication coordinator that identifies optimal group communication sets. The method facilitates a recipient communicating with a group member where the communication utility is optimized based on a preference, and a context associated with the group to which the member belongs.
US08271630B2 Remotely deploying computer programs
Methods and systems are provided for remotely deploying computer programs. Remote deployment is implemented by acquiring available resource information and related network resource information of a client in response to a request for remotely deploying a plurality of computer programs for the client; determining a deployment policy based on the available resource information and the related network resource information of the client; and remotely deploying transmission and installation of the plurality of computer programs based on the deployment policy.
US08271628B2 Method and system for community data caching
A cache module (26) at a client computer (12) controls a cache portion (28) on a storage device (24). The cache module communicates with other cache modules at other clients to form a cache community (15). The cache modules store World Wide Web or other content in the cache portions for retrieval in response to requests (32) for content from browsers (30) in the cache community. When the requested content is not available in the cache community, the requested content may be retrieved from an origin server (19) using the Internet.
US08271627B2 Method and apparatus for updating system information in broadband wireless communication system
A method for updating system information in a broadband wireless communication system in which data is transmitted and received via a superframe, includes: receiving information from a base station by means of superframes including a primary superframe header (P-SFH) and a secondary superframe header (S-SFH), wherein the information including control information transmitted via an information element of the P-SFH (P-SFH IE) and system information transmitted via at least one of information element of a subpacket (SP) of the S-SFH (S-SFH SP IE); decoding the P-SFH IE, wherein the P-SFH IE including a scheduling information bitmap indicating a transmitted S-SFH SP IEs in the superframe, a change count (CC) of the S-SFH, and a SP change bitmap indicating changing status of the S-SFH SP IEs; comparing the received CC with a previously stored CC; checking the S-SFH SP change bitmap, if there is a difference between the received CC and the stored CC; and decoding and updating corresponding SP IE of the S-SFH based on the checking result.
US08271624B2 Methods, systems, and apparatus for determining and automatically programming network addresses for devices operating in a network
A method for configuring a network device including an optical sensor includes activating the optical sensor of the network device to generate data representing an image in view thereof, and analyzing the data from the optical sensor to determine image information represented by the image. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the image information represented by the image in view of the optical sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.
US08271613B2 Asynchronous hypertext messaging
An asynchronous hypertext messaging system and method are disclosed. The system and method use existing hypertext transfer protocols and is capable of transmitting real-time asynchronous data between server and client regardless of firewalls or proxy servers implemented at the client or the server. In a communication system comprising a client and server interconnected by an internet, initial authentication is performed initially between the server and the client. A secure log in is performed by the client with the server in conjunction with a possible java applet download. The communication server then initiates a multiplexed virtual connection between the server and the client and transmission of asynchronous real-time data can occur over the virtual connection. The virtual connection is periodically refreshed by a request issued from the java applet.
US08271611B2 Method and system of invoking MIDlets from a web browser on a local device
Method and system for invoking MIDlets from a mobile web browser using the push registry mechanism provided by the application management software (AMS) of a local device, such as the push registry socket or push registry SMS, the local device including a mobile terminal, mobile telephone, smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset and the like.
US08271609B2 Dynamic service invocation and service adaptation in BPEL SOA process
Techniques for dynamic service invocation and dynamic service adaptation in the context of a service oriented application. In one set of embodiments, a plurality of mediator services are introduced between the application and a plurality of actual services accessed by the application. The plurality of mediator services are configured to expose a common, abstract operation. At application runtime, the application determines, via a rules engine, a selection of a mediator service, and invokes the abstract operation by sending an invocation message to the selected mediator service. The selected mediator service transforms (i.e., adapts) the message into a format appropriate for invoking an actual operation exposed by an actual service associated with the selected mediator service. The selected mediator service then invokes the actual operation by sending the transformed message to the actual service.
US08271605B2 System and method for managing distributed objects as a single representation
An architecture and method for managing at least two distinct machines (or objects) in which resources are shared as a single entity (or object) in an agent-based system. The agent-based system comprising a controller, a local agent coupled to the controller, and at least one clustered machine. The at least one clustered machine includes at least two individual agents, the at least two individual agents sharing at least one shared resource/service. The system also includes a virtual non-persistent connection for coupling the at least two individual agents to the local agent. The at least one shared resource/service is accessed by the local agent through the virtual non-persistent connection using a virtual IP address to enable the at least two individual agents of the at least one clustered machine to be represented as a single object.
US08271604B2 Initializing shared memories for sharing endpoints across a plurality of root complexes
A mechanism for initializing shared memories for sharing endpoints across a plurality of root complexes is provided. A multi-root PCIe manager (MR-PCIM) initializes the shared memory between root complexes and endpoints by discovering the PCIe switch fabric by traversing all the links accessible through the interconnected switches of the PCIe switch fabric. As the links are traversed, the MR-PCIM compares information obtained for each of the root complexes and endpoints to determine which endpoints and root complexes reside on the same blade. A virtual PCIe tree data structure is then generated that ties the endpoints available on the PCIe switch fabric to each root complex. The MR-PCIM, or a single-root PCIe manager (SR-PCIM), may then assign each endpoint and root complex a base and limit within the PCIe memory address space the endpoint belongs to.
US08271602B2 System and method for conversation based on web service addressing
Embodiments of the present invention introduces mechanisms that allow conversational Web services to have long running business transactions between multiple parties with persistent states. Web service addressing is used to exchange conversational identifiers between the client(s) who requests the service and the server who provides it. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
US08271595B2 Sharing data within an instant messaging session
Sharing data within an instant messaging session is described. A user participating in an instant messaging session may request a data access key. The key, which provides access to data associated with the user, may then be transmitted via the instant messaging session to one or more other participants in the instant messaging session. The other instant messaging session participants can then use the key to access, via the instant messaging session, the data associated with the user. Users may be granted various levels of access to another user's data.
US08271591B2 Methods, systems, and products for managing communications
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for managing communications of a user. Identity information relating to the user is received, and a notification of a communication from a communicating partner is received. The user's preference for withholding the communication is obtained. An entry in a message log is created for the withheld communication. The message log is displayed to the user, such that the user is not notified of receipt of the withheld communication, yet receipt of the withheld communication is logged in the message log.
US08271590B2 Processing electronic messages according to sender classification
A computer-implemented method of sorting electronic messages can include identifying at least one recipient of an electronic message and retrieving a classification scheme of the recipient. An identifier can be included within the electronic message. The identifier can specify a tag selected from the classification scheme of the recipient. The electronic message, including the identifier specifying the selected tag, can be sent.
US08271586B2 Feature delivery packets for peer-to-peer based feature network
A device communicates with feature peers, associated with a network, to obtain information associated with the feature peers, and receives a customer packet. The device also determines, based on the feature peer information, which of the feature peers support a feature associated with the customer packet, and selects, from the determined feature peers, a set of feature peers for the customer packet to traverse. The device further associates, with the customer packet, an additional packet used for delivering the feature associated with the customer packet, and forwards the customer packet and the additional packet to one of the feature peers in the selected set of feature peers.
US08271585B2 Identifying intermediaries and potential contacts between organizations
A contact identification system provides a network of members with each member of a network having a relationship with one or more other members of the network. The contact identification system identifies relationship paths between a first member of a first network and a second member of a second network by traversing relationships to identify relationship paths that include a common member that is common to both the first network and the second network. The contact identification system generates an intermediary score for each identified relationship path to indicate whether the identified relationship path includes an intermediary who can effect a successful introduction between the first member and the second member. The contact identification system then identifies as potential intermediaries the common members based on generated intermediary scores.
US08271584B2 Cellular messaging alert method and system
An efficient method and system for utilizing existing wireless communication devices and networks, such as cellular phones and carriers, as an underlying infrastructure in providing emergency information to a targeted percentage of the population in a specified geographical location, without requiring individuals to subscribe to an alerting service and without using information solicited from or provided by the intended recipients of the alert.
US08271581B2 System and method for PIN-to-PIN network communications
A system and method is provided for enabling wireless access to a computer network via communication between a remote (client) wireless device and a wireless device physically linked to the computer network. A bank of one or more wireless gateway devices may be cradled and connected to a network server. The wireless gateway devices may then act as a node on the wireless network, and remote wireless devices may send and receive messages to and from the wireless gateway devices using PIN-to-PIN messaging. The wireless gateway devices, when cradled, may communicate with any attached server or other network equipment, and may therefore act as a wireless gateway to the server or other network equipment.
US08271579B2 Server method and system for executing applications on a wireless device
A server implemented method for facilitating execution of an application for a wireless device. The server selects a plurality of scene components. The scene components comprise at least one functional unit operable to execute functions associated with the scene components. The functions of said functional units are a portion of an application operable to be executed by the wireless device. The server further selects a plurality of assets. The assets are operable to be used in rendering a scene utilizing said plurality of scene components. The server determines a partition of functionality of the application which defines a server behavior module for executing on the server and a client behavior module for executing on the wireless device. The server customizes the plurality of scene components and the plurality of assets for the wireless device. The plurality of scene components and plurality of assets are sent to the wireless device for execution and rendering.
US08271578B2 Bidirectional data transfer optimization and content control for networks
A method of transferring data objects over a network comprises intercepting a network transfer message with a passing object, creating a unique identifier for the object using a predetermined function, the same function having been used to provide identifiers for objects stored at predetermined nodes of said network, removing the object and sending on the network transfer message with the unique identifier in place of the object. Then, at the recipient end it is possible to obtain the unique identifier and use it as a key to search for a corresponding object in the local nodes. The search starts with a node closest to the recipient and steadily spreads outwards. The object when found is reattached for the benefit of the recipient and network bandwidth has been saved by the avoidance of redundant transfer since the object is brought to the recipient from the node which is the closest to him.
US08271577B2 Processing recurring events within personal information management clients
A computer-implemented method of processing recurring events within personal information management (PIM) clients can include executing a plug-in component within a PIM client. The method can include receiving, within the PIM client, an event update including a recurring event identifier that is natively understood by the PIM client and supplemental recurrence data not natively understood by the PIM client. The method further can include, responsive to the plug-in component detecting the supplemental recurrence data and a user input executing the event update, the plug-in component can locate a recurring event corresponding to the recurring event identifier. The method can include the plug-in component updating the recurring event according, at least in part, to the supplemental recurrence data, and storing the recurring event within the PIM client.
US08271573B2 Data structure, event reporting system and method for event reporting
Provided is data structure, system and method for reporting an Event occurred due to a digital item (DI). An Event Report Request data for requesting to deliver an Event Report data, wherein the Event Report data reports an Event occurred in accordance with use of a digital item, the Event Report Request data comprising Delivery Time information describing time for transmitting the Event Report data, wherein the Delivery Time information includes: a specific time; an elapsed time; and a periodic time. An Event Report data for reporting an Event occurred in accordance with use of a digital item, wherein the Event Report data provides information specified in an Event Report Request data, the Event Report data comprising: ER Descriptor describing contents and formats of the Event Report data; and Source Descriptor describing information on a source generating the Event Report data.
US08271572B2 Generating partial sums
A method for generating partial sums from at least four multiple-digit sequences in a computing device includes partitioning the multiple-digit sequences into at least a first set of multiple-digit sequences and a second set of multiple-digit sequences. The method also includes generating at least one auxiliary set of multiple-digit sequences. The auxiliary set includes digits copied from respective digit positions of multiple-digit sequences in the first and second sets. The method further includes replacing the copied digits in the first and second sets by zeros to obtain a first altered set and a second altered set, respectively, of multiple-digit sequences each comprising multiple segments separated by the replaced zeros. The method also includes generating at least a first partial sum by adding the multiple-digit sequences in at least one auxiliary set and generating at least a second and third partial sums by adding the multiple-digit sequences in the first altered set and second altered set, respectively.
US08271571B2 Microprocessor
Provided is a microprocessor including a complex-MAC unit that operates in response to a complex-MAC instruction. The complex-MAC unit receives first and second complex data (each having 2m-bit length) from a first register having a register length of at least 2m+1 bits, and also receives third and fourth complex data (each having 2m-bit length) from a second register having a register length of at least 2m+1 bits, to calculate a sum of real parts or imaginary parts of a complex product of the first and third complex data and a complex product of the second and fourth complex data. The complex-MAC unit adds the obtained sum of the real parts or imaginary parts to a stored value of the third register, and overwrites the third register with the cumulative total value. The third register has a register length of at least 2m+2 bits.
US08271568B2 Digital filter
Methods and apparatuses in which a first stage of a digital filter receives input data to be filtered, the first stage of a digital filter operating at a first clock; a second stage of the digital filter outputs filtered output data, the second stage of the digital filter operating on a second clock, wherein a ratio of a frequency of the first clock and a frequency of the second clock is a fractional number, and a frequency of the second clock is higher than a frequency of the first clock; the first stage receives an indication of a ratio of the first clock and the second clock; and the first stage receives an indication of a time offset between (1) a clock pulse of the second clock, which occurs between a first clock pulse and a second clock pulse of the first clock, and (2) the first clock pulse of the first clock.
US08271567B2 Methods and systems for compression, storage, and generation of digital filter coefficients
A method and system for compressing coefficients of a digital filter is provided. In one approach, the method comprises providing a digital filter having a plurality of consecutive filter coefficients including a first filter coefficient, determining consecutive difference values between each of the consecutive filter coefficients, and storing the first filter coefficient and the consecutive difference values in a memory. The consecutive filter coefficients are generated by retrieving the first filter coefficient, and adding a first difference value to the first filter coefficient to generate a consecutive second filter coefficient. The first difference value corresponds to a difference between the first filter coefficient and the second filter coefficient. A consecutive next difference value is then added to the second filter coefficient to generate a consecutive next filter coefficient. The consecutive next difference value corresponds to a difference between the second filter coefficient and the consecutive next filter coefficient.
US08271566B2 Apparatus and method for time-series storage with compression accuracy as a function of time
The present invention provides a system and method for time-series with compression accuracy as a function of time. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a computer with a processor. The system performs a method receiving a data set on the computer, utilizing a plurality of filter banks to transform the data set into a plurality coefficients, wherein each coefficient is associated with a basis function, and quantizing the plurality of coefficients, wherein the quantization maps the plurality of coefficients into certain value ranges. Then, system further performs determining a threshold based upon each coefficient effect on a time domain, disregarding the coefficient that fall below the threshold, and storing any remaining coefficients as compressed data for the data set.
US08271565B2 Nonlinear filtering and deblocking applications utilizing SIMD sign and absolute value operations
Method, apparatus, and program means for nonlinear filtering and deblocking applications utilizing SIMD sign and absolute value operations. The method of one embodiment comprises receiving first data for a first block and second data for a second block. The first data and said second data are comprised of a plurality of rows and columns of pixel data. A block boundary between the first block and the second block is characterized. A correction factor for a deblocking algorithm is calculated with a first instruction for a sign operation that multiplies and with a second instruction for an absolute value operation. Data for pixels located along said block boundary between the first and second block are corrected.
US08271564B2 Lookup table arrangement and related management method for accommodating concurrent processors
A system and methods of managing entries in a cuckoo hash table that is subject to manipulation by a plurality of concurrent processors are provided. The cuckoo hash table is used to maintain a plurality of keys, along with their data items, in a plurality of entries. In accordance with an operating method, a first command for the cuckoo hash table is processed, and the first command is associated with a first processor of the plurality of concurrent processors. In addition, invalid conditions associated with concurrent processing of a second command for the cuckoo hash table are prevented or minimized. The second command is associated with a second processor of the plurality of concurrent processors. As one example, the operating method manages the situation where concurrent push commands create a race condition. As another example, the operating method manages the situation where a lookup or delete command from one processor competes with a push command from another processor.
US08271563B1 Computer-implemented method and system for managing attributes of intellectual property documents, optionally including organization thereof
A computer-enabled system, method, and medium is provided to support, e.g., analyzing intellectual property documents by assigning attributes to the documents. The present invention is suitable for use by intellectual property professionals and is flexible to support development and use of customized attribute types and attributes. Optionally, a group of intellectual property documents can be divided into projects, which can be ingested including assigning attributes. Optionally, the attributes can be used to filter information included in e.g., searches, and/or reports.
US08271562B2 User interface and geo-parsing data structure
A method to allocate memory, in response to application requests, for a compact data structure having location data and a trailer section is provided. The trailer section of the compact data structure is checked to determine an offset for listings and indices representing the location data. Upon determining the offset, the listings and indices are loaded into memory and responses to the application requests are generated by utilizing the listings and indices stored in the memory.
US08271561B2 Object structure-based system and method for managing information
A software product comprising a set of computer instructions stored on a computer readable medium and executable by a computer processor to maintain a profile object representing profile data, receive a first command based on the profile object to access an attribute value, and access the attribute value. The profile object can include at least one profile section that acts as a container for attributes and at least one attribute for each profile section. The attributes can essentially be variables having a name and a value.
US08271558B1 Creating a unification directory that unifies a plurality of file system directories
Various embodiments of a system and method for creating a unification directory to unify a group of directories are described herein. The system may enable a first directory to be unified with one or more other directories such that when directory operations are performed on the first directory, it appears to them that the first directory includes not only its own files, but also the files of the one or more other directories. This may be accomplished by creating a persistent, re-useable unification directory which includes directory entries corresponding to the names of the files in the first directory and the one or more other directories. The unification directory does not contain complete copies of the files. Instead, the unification directory is used to obtain a listing of the files when needed, and the system then re-directs file operations to the real files in the individual directories as necessary.
US08271553B2 Encoding method and apparatus and decoding method and apparatus
The disclosed embodiments relate to a multimedia data encoding/decoding method and apparatus. In some aspects, a decoding method comprises receiving multimedia data which comprises a media area including a video data area and an audio data area, a media information area including a video track area and an audio track area respectively corresponding to the video data area and the audio data area, and a menu description area including description data for displaying a menu that provides an interface between a user and media data in the media area; extracting the description data from the multimedia data, the description data being described using a scene representation format; decoding the extracted description data by extracting scalable vector graphics format data form the description data; rendering a menu using the decoded description data; and decoding media data extracted from the media area based on the menu, wherein the media area, the media information area and the menu description area are incorporated into a single file. The disclosed embodiments include a multimedia data encoding/decoding method and apparatus can construct a multi media data file including a plurality of video/audio contents and description data for a menu between a user and media data. Thus, a time taken to process and transmit the multimedia data can be reduced.
US08271548B2 Systems and methods for using metadata to enhance storage operations
Systems and methods for managing electronic data are disclosed. Various data management operations can be performed based on a metabase formed from metadata. Such metadata can be identified from an index of data interactions generated by a journaling module, and obtained from their associated data objects stored in one or more storage devices. In various embodiments, such processing of the index and storing of the metadata can facilitate, for example, enhanced data management operations, enhanced data identification operations, enhanced storage operations, data classification for organizing and storing the metadata, cataloging of metadata for the stored metadata, and/or user interfaces for managing data. In various embodiments, the metabase can be configured in different ways. For example, the metabase can be stored separately from the data objects so as to allow obtaining of information about the data objects without accessing the data objects or a data structure used by a file system.
US08271545B2 Database partitioning by virtual partitions
A database may be virtually partitioned into virtual partitions. The virtual partitions are mapped to physical databases of a database. Data records added to the database are each assigned to a virtual partition and stored in the physical database mapped to the assigned virtual partition. The identifier generated for a data record includes an identifier of the assigned virtual partition. When additional databases are created, virtual partitions are remapped to the larger space of physical databases.
US08271544B2 Data file having more than one mode of operation
A data file having more than one modes of operation. The data file comprises an image component for storing an image as a representation of the data file and one or more data components appended to the image component. The image component comprises metadata associated with the one or more data components. In a first mode of operation, the image component of the data file is readable for viewing the image by an image viewer while the image component is part of the data file. The one or more appended data components are unreadable by the image viewer in the first mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, the image component and the one or more appended data components are readable by a file reader.
US08271543B2 Creation of context for communications based on previous interactions
In one embodiment, an identification (ID) of a person involved in a current communication is utilized to access a communication log to determine an active time interval of a previous communication with the same person. The active time interval is utilized to identify the context material of the previous communication and access to the context material is provided during the current communication.
US08271542B1 Metadata producer
The present invention provides an automated metadata producer, or “markup manager.” According to one aspect, the markup manager allows disparate resources to be made into useful objects by producing appropriate metadata and associating it with the original resources. In one example, a markup manager according to the invention first analyzes the original resources and outputs appropriate, descriptive metadata; then it creates a new document which includes both the metadata and an indicator to the original resource. The resource analysis and metadata production is accomplished by an algorithm in which first a “metadata schema” and a “perspective” (or facet) is selected (by the user or requesting program); then an automatic categorization step is taken where the appropriate metadata are found with respect to the selected perspective; then a transformation step is taken in which the autocategorized analyses are translated into the target metadata schema.
US08271536B2 Multi-tenancy using suite of authorization manager components
Embodiments described herein are directed to implementing a multi-tenancy service component configured to provide multi-tenancy capabilities for submitted services. In one embodiment, a computer system instantiates a hosting service that includes a multi-tenancy component configured to provide resource access to multiple users through a single multi-tenant resource instance. The computer system receives a submitted service submitted to be hosted by the hosting service. The submitted service includes a portion of use information usable to configure parameters of the multi-tenancy component. The computer system configures the multi-tenancy component to provide resource access for multiple users through a single multi-tenant resource instance, where each user provides a resource instance claim indicating a resource instance level authorization for the user. The computer system also provides resource access to each of the users through the single multi-tenant resource instance, based on the resource instance level authorization included in the resource instance claim.
US08271533B2 Computer database with adaptive storage space architecture
A computer database having adaptive storage space architecture is provided. The database has a storage space architecture which has a grid having grid lines, intersections of the grid lines forming nodes which provide space for storing data, each node being assembled from a plurality of cells arranged in at least one group of cells forming a storage space structure of the node, each cell being suitable for storing simple data. Additionally, selected groups of cells within the nodes may be designated as replicable, i.e. being able to replicate itself in response to an external signal. A corresponding database processing unit for processing data stored in the database, a graphical user interface for input and output of the data, and method of forming the database are also provided.
US08271526B2 Content provisioning method and system
Content items or data defining access to content items for provision to one or more users is respectively maintained. Respective content access data for those users from which content items or data defining access to content items are received is changed and a sub-set of the content items or data defining access to content items is provided to a user, the members of the sub-set being determined in dependence on the content access data of the user. Each content item or set of data defining access to a content item has a property having a value, and the content access data includes a content access value relating to the property, wherein the sub-set of the content items or data defining access to content items is determined in dependence on the respective values.
US08271524B2 Identification and provision of reported aspects that are relevant with respect to achievement of target outcomes
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: identifying, in response to reception of one or more solicitations, one or more relevant reported aspects associated with one or more source users that are relevant to achieving one or more target outcomes, the identification of the one or more relevant reported aspects being based, at least in part, on relevancy of the one or more relevant reported aspects with respect to achieving the one or more target outcomes; and providing the one or more relevant reported aspects. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08271522B2 Matching queries in a network
A method of matching queries in a hybrid infrastructure/infrastructure-less network, the network comprising pluralities of first and second type communication devices respectively, the method comprising placing a first query by a user on one of the first type devices and forwarding the query via infrastructure based communication to one of the second type devices; forwarding, depending on a category of the first query, the first query from the one second type device to one or more first type devices via infrastructure based communication; and relaying the first query from each of one or more first type devices to one or more neighboring first type devices via infrastructure-less communication.
US08271519B2 Systems and methods for fast remote data access from a spreadsheet
Systems and methods are provided for importing data into a spreadsheet from an external data source. A set of cells containing formulas is identified. A first user defined function is executed to access a particular data record from the external data source. The execution of the first user defined function includes determining which of the stored formulas contain user defined functions to access data records from the external data source, resolving parameters of the identified user defined functions, generating a bulk query to the external data source requesting data for certain user defined functions having sufficient parameters resolved for identifying a data record plus more data records than are specified by the user defined functions, storing the data records specified in a hash table, storing the more data records than are specified in a memory, and returning the particular data record to the spreadsheet.
US08271514B2 Controlling presentation of refinement options in online searches
A method is provided that includes specifying enabling relationships, which map enabling sets of one or more enabling attribute-value pairs to respective enableable attributes. Responsively to the search query, a current state is designated that comprises current-state attribute-value pairs, and a result set is generated containing some of the items of a corpus. An enableable attribute of one of the enabling relationships is identified as enabled when the current-state attribute-value pairs include all of the enabling attribute-value pairs of the enabling relationship. A populated attribute-value pair is found that comprises the enabled attribute and a value therefor, and which, when added to the search query, results in an extended query that is satisfied by at least one of the items in the corpus. The result set is presented in association with the value of the populated attribute-value pair as a refinement option. Other embodiments are also described.
US08271511B2 Method for forming a reference list of marks, database and method for forming said database
The present invention relates to a method for forming a mark reference list using a database including a register of mark-forming objects in the form of a sample array, and a mark array. According to this method, a mark is compared with each sample of the sample array, match indexes of the mark and said each sample are determined based on said comparison, and a list of high match indexes of the mark and the samples is formed. The decision that a mark should be included into the reference list is made, if the match index of a query sample and the mark is higher than the lowest index of the list of high match indexes of the mark and the samples.
US08271510B2 Translating and geocoding addresses
A device may include a memory and a processor. The memory may be configured to store a regular address database and store a translated address database. The processor may be configured to perform a lookup, in the regular address database, of a regular address that corresponds to a working address. In addition, the processor may be further configured to determine whether the working address is qualified to be converted into an address comprising aliases that correspond to terms in the working address when the regular address is not found in the translated address database, and convert the working address to generate a first translated address when the working address is qualified to be converted.
US08271508B2 Automated storage and retrieval of data
The present invention is directed to the automated storage and retrieval of data. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: requesting a data record; broadcasting a query for the requested data record to a plurality of data records in a data center, the query comprising a unique listener key identifying the requested data record and information regarding a requesting program; providing each of the plurality of data records with a listener, wherein each listener actively monitors the broadcasted query to determine if the unique listener key in the broadcasted query matches a unique listener key of the data record associated with the listener; and in the case of a match, automatically transferring the data record with the matching unique listener key from the data center to the requesting program.
US08271504B2 Systems for performing an external (disk-based) sort of a large data file which take advantage of “presorted” data already present in the input
Systems and programs for improving the efficiency of a sorting process in a computer system are disclosed. Data is provided in an input file external to the central processing unit of the computer system. In one embodiment, the implemented process involves investigating the contents of the input file in order to identify presorted portions thereof; incorporating the identified presorted portions of the input file into a second file external to the central processing unit, performing this step by rearranging directory information, without physically transferring the presorted portions from the input file. In sort processes involving both a string generation phase and a merge phase, the techniques described may be used in either or both phases, as well as in any output phase. Rearrange directory information rather than physically transferring data provides for greater efficiency in disk I/O.
US08271500B2 Minimal perfect hash functions using double hashing
Technologies are described herein for constructing a minimal perfect hash function. According to embodiments, a hash table is constructed by double hashing each of the strings in a set of strings. A computed double hash value is utilized to identify an empty location in the hash table for each string. A signature for each string is stored in the empty location of the hash table identified for the string. In order to obtain a minimal perfect hash value for an input string, the input string is iteratively double hashed until a location is identified in the hash table that contains a signature corresponding to the input string. The minimal perfect hash value is an integer value identifying the location in the hash table that contains the signature corresponding to the input string.
US08271499B2 Incremental maintenance of inverted indexes for approximate string matching
In embodiments of the disclosed technology, indexes, such as inverted indexes, are updated only as necessary to guarantee answer precision within predefined thresholds which are determined with little cost in comparison to the updates of the indexes themselves. With the present technology, a batch of daily updates can be processed in a matter of minutes, rather than a few hours for rebuilding an index, and a query may be answered with assurances that the results are accurate or within a threshold of accuracy.
US08271496B2 Computer-readable media, communication apparatus, and communication system
A computer-readable medium stores computer-readable instructions that control a communication on a communication apparatus that obtains a content summary information having at least content location information from a server. The instructions cause the communication apparatus to perform steps. The steps include receiving a delivery source information inputted through a user operation, determining whether the delivery source information includes a predetermined character string. Content summary information corresponding to the inputted delivery source information is obtained when the determining step determines that the predetermined character string is not included in the delivery source information. Content summary information corresponding to a predetermined alternative delivery source information is obtained when the determining step determines that the predetermined character string is included in the delivery source information.
US08271495B1 System and method for automating categorization and aggregation of content from network sites
A plurality of content items are retrieved from multiple network sites. Content from each content item is programmatically analyzed in order to associate that content item with one or more categories. The one or more categories may be part of a larger set of predefined categories. A network page is assigned to one or more corresponding categories in the set of predefined categories. At least some content is provided on the network page using one or more content items that were associated with the one or more categories assigned to that network page.
US08271493B2 Extensible mechanism for grouping search results
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with grouping automated search results are described. One embodiment includes a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions operable to perform a method that includes identifying items to group. The method also includes selectively grouping a first item and a second item upon determining that a comparison of a metadata attributes indicates that the first item and the second item are to be treated as members of a group.
US08271490B2 System for generating permalink of mash-up map
A system and method for generating a unique link (i.e., map permalink) of mash-up map data including various information are provided. The system receives a request for generation of the map permalink of specific mash-up map data, and generates a map URL including map information in response to the request for generation of the map permalink. Also, the system generates at least one of an advertisement layer identifier, an additional service data identifier, and a user-generated data identifier, combines the generated identifier with the map URL, and stores the combined identifier together with related data.
US08271488B2 Method for improving a web site's ranking with search engines
A program may be used to increase traffic flow to a Web site by analyzing, optimizing and submitting the Web site to one or more search engines. The program may accept search phrases and check the compatibility of the Web site with the search phrases as well as check the textual content, the parseability and the spiderability of the Web site. In a preferred embodiment, the analysis mimics the ranking methodologies used by the search engines. The program assists the owner of the Web site in optimizing the Web site for the search engines, possibly by automatically editing the code of the Web site, and submits the Web site for registration with the selected search engines. The program may be repeated from time to time to insure the Web site remains in an optimized state.
US08271487B1 Hypervideo tracking and reporting system
A system for tracking and reporting of user behavior including tracking and recording of media viewed by a user. The media may include hypervideo video-enhanced pages and other media types. The system is operable to create a user-configurable report including data regarding user use of the media, such as indicating the number of times each media has been viewed and indicating the number of times each path has been taken through each hypervideo application.
US08271486B2 System and method for searching a bookmark and tag database for relevant bookmarks
A method comprises receiving a search request to search a bookmark package database storing bookmarks and tag information, e.g., user-generated keywords; using the search request to search the tag information in the bookmark package database to locate relevant bookmarks and to generate search results; and presenting the search results to a user. The search results may identify user-specific relevant bookmarks, and/or relevant bookmarks regardless of the creator. The method may include determining related terms and enabling selection of the related terms to initiate additional searching. The method may include generating a relevance value based on keyword order, meta-information type, number of bookmarks to a given content item, number of hits on a given bookmark, time of last bookmarking to a given content item, and/or content analysis. Search result organization may be based on the relevance values. The bookmark package database may further store automatically generated and user-generated meta-information.
US08271476B2 Method of searching text to find user community changes of interest and drug side effect upsurges, and presenting advertisements to users
A method of locating relevant documents wherein documents are given a fingerprint comprising weights associated with particular topic categories of a classification system, each weight representing a degree to which the document relates to the particular topic category. Documents whose fingerprints have a predetermined degree of mathematical overlap with the fingerprint may be considered relevant. Fingerprints of texts may be combined to define user fingerprints and user fingerprints may be combined to define community user fingerprints, which can be monitored. Changes in the interest of the online community may be monitored and automatically reported to advertisers who can then instantly adjust their advertising campaign. Similarly, changes in community interest may be reported to pharmaceutical companies monitoring drug side effects. The methods may be used in combination with keyword searching.
US08271475B2 Application of user context to searches in a virtual universe
An approach that applies user context to searches in a virtual universe is described. In one embodiment, there is an enhanced virtual universe search tool that includes a receiving component configured to receive a query from an avatar that is online in the virtual universe. A scanning component is configured to scan a collection of avatar data describing attributes that are relevant to behavioral, search and informational needs of the avatar. A resource search component is configured to return search results for the query that are in accordance with the scanned collection of avatar data.
US08271469B2 Method and system for a non-hierarchical trace system using a hierarchical control interface
A method and system for tracing components in computer applications is provided in which trace data from components can be logged in real time. A hierarchical control interface 209 is used in which leaf nodes 306-311 represent components 204 being traced. The hierarchical control interface 209 includes means for setting trace levels for components 204 being traced. A non-hierarchical trace system 210 is used for carrying out the trace processing and includes means 320 for storing trace level settings received from the hierarchical control interface 209. The trace system 210 also includes means 322 for receiving a call from a component 204 with trace data; means for checking the trace level settings 321 for the component 204; and means for storing or discarding the trace data accordingly.
US08271468B1 Cross-region data access in partitioned framework
A method and system is provided for maintaining customer data in a data store system utilizing a scalable partitioning framework. More specifically, the data store of a customer service system is partitioned (divided) into multiple partitions by a partitionable key of customer data so that each partition owns a subset of the customer data. By maintaining several partitions that store a subset of the customer data exclusive to each other, blackout or brownout problems can be local to one partition and, thus, the availability for the entire system will be increased. Moreover, a set of partitionable keys, a minimal unit to be moved between partitions, is grouped and associated with a partition. By eliminating direct dependencies between the partitions and the partitionable keys, the system can have great flexibility with regard to migrating customer data between partitions and adding a new partition.
US08271465B2 Parallel nested transactions in transactional memory
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for supporting parallel nested transactions in a transactional memory system. Multiple closed nested transactions are created for a single parent transaction, and the closed nested transactions are executed concurrently as parallel nested transactions. Various techniques are used to ensure effects of the parallel nested transactions are hidden from other transactions outside the parent transaction until the parent transaction commits. For example, versioned write locks are used with parallel nested transactions. When a transactional memory word changes from a write lock to a versioned write lock, an entry is made in a global versioned write lock map to store a pointer to a write log entry that the versioned write lock replaced. When the versioned write lock is encountered during transaction processing, the global versioned write lock map is consulted to translate the versioned write lock to the pointer to the write log entry.
US08271457B2 Database management system and method which monitors action results and adjusts user parameters in response
A system and method for automated database management are provided. Statistics relating to operation of a database may be collected, wherein the database comprises one or more database objects. Characteristics of the database objects may be determined, either automatically or by user intervention, using the collected statistics, one or more policies, and/or one or more definitions. The policies and definitions may be defaults or may be customized by a user. Actions to be performed on the database objects may be determined, either automatically or by user intervention, based on the characteristics of the database objects. A schedule for performing the actions on the database objects may be automatically determined. The actions may be performed on the database objects based on the schedule. The actions on the database objects may be confirmed. The results of the actions on the database objects may be analyzed or monitored. Policies and/or definitions may be reconfigured based on the results. The system and method may automatically decide to perform one or more REORG actions on the database objects based on the statistics. A recommendation of a modification to one or more of the database objects may be generated based on the statistics. The scheduled actions may be modified as a result of detecting a change in the characteristics or usage of at least one of the database objects.
US08271456B2 Efficient backup data retrieval
Information is retrieved by receiving a list of one or more files to be restored; and obtaining a contiguous group of blocks that includes a first segment of one or more blocks associated with the one or more files to be restored, a gap of one or more blocks that are not associated with the one or more files to be restored that is adjacent to the first segment, and a second segment of one or more blocks associated with the one or more files to be restored that is adjacent to the gap.
US08271454B2 Circular log amnesia detection
The setting up of a circular log implementation to be able to detect amnesia in a circular log, and to the determination of whether or not amnesia has occurred in such a circular log. Upon detecting a checkpoint trigger, information is preserved sufficient to detect whether or not the removed records ever existed in the circular log. If a request for information from a record were subsequently to be received by the circular log implementation, and if the record was not actually in the circular log, the preserved information could then be consulted to see if it indicates that the record had once existed in the circular log. If the information indicates that the record had once existed in the circular log, then amnesia has not occurred. If the information does not indicate that the record had once existed in the circular log, then amnesia has occurred. Accordingly, amnesia detection is made possible even in a complicated circular log implementation.
US08271444B2 Storage control device to backup data stored in virtual volume
A storage control device uses write management information that manages locations of the occurrence of writing in one or more first storage devices in order to specify one or more locations where writing has occurred, and backs up one or more data elements stored in one or more specified locations to a second storage device. In order to perform a restore operation, write management information at the time of a backup is stored, and data elements stored in the second storage device are restored to one or more locations specified from the write management information at that time of backup, or to one or more new locations specified from new write management information indicating one or more new locations corresponding to the one or more locations.
US08271441B1 Virtualized CG
A method, system, and program product for use in a data replication environment, the data replication environment comprising a plurality of data protection appliances, each data protection appliance of the plurality of data protection appliances comprising a journal, the method comprising creating a virtual consistency group comprising a virtual journal; wherein the virtual consistency group is configured to replicate a production volume, dividing the virtual consistency group into segments; wherein each segment corresponds to a portion of the production volume and a portion of the virtual journal, and assigning each data protection appliance of the plurality of data protection appliances a segment of the virtual consistency group.
US08271440B2 Apparatus, method and program for refreshing a summary table
An apparatus is provided with base table storage sections that store base tables and delta tables for the base tables, a summary table storage section that stores a summary table for storing results of queries to a plurality of base tables and delta information about the summary table, delta data processing sections that insert delta data of the base tables into the delta tables, and a delta computation processing section that generates delta information about the summary table. The delta computation processing section is provided with a generation section that generates delta information about a specified base table on the basis of an update that has been performed for the base table, in a situation where a subsequent update of the specified base table is permitted; and a control section that performs control so that, when a different base table is specified, delta information is generated in a different transaction.
US08271432B2 Community-driven relational filtering of unstructured text
A method and apparatus for calculating a score for word selection, which may be used to preprocess sets of words prior to a dimensionality reduction process, employs information about relationships between words themselves (such as synonym relationships) or relationships between items with which the words are associated (such as products in a catalog). In some embodiments, the relationships are also community based; i.e., the relationships are established by a community of users. The relationships may be references to two or more word sets in which the word of interest is common. In one embodiment, the word sets are descriptions of products in an online catalog, the community is the group of people who view the catalog, and the relationships used for calculating the score for a particular word of interest are coreferences (e.g., viewing or purchasing) of pairs of products for which the catalog descriptions both include the particular word.
US08271429B2 System and method for collecting and processing data
A system and method for collecting and processing data over a communications network. A data mining marshaller module associates each plugin to a particular data source and manages the plugin to periodically retrieve unstructured data from the data source based on a plurality of data items to be monitored on behalf of a plurality of users. The plugins convert unstructured data received from the data sources to structured data and the data marshaller module stores the structured data in a database. This enables the system and method to aggregate and display the structured data in multiple graphical representations according to the user's preference.
US08271426B2 Change application for datasets using frozen and delta values
A method includes storing a first value for one or more measures in a block of data for the cube of data. The first value is a value where the state of the cube is that no changes are applicable to the block of data. A second value is stored for the one or more measures in the block of data. The second value is a delta value representing changes made to the block of data based on the first value. A change is received to the block. A computer processor then calculates a new second value based on the change to the block. The new second value is stored in place of the second value previously stored while the first value remains the same. The second value represents the cumulative changes to the measure since the frozen value was determined.
US08271423B2 Optimum route searching apparatus, method and recording medium that determines search termination for routes in accordance with the route of interconnected nodes
An optimum route searching apparatus, method and recording medium make it possible to obtain the optimum cable laying route in a short period of time. The optimum route searching apparatus includes an external storage device for storing search data comprising information related to a route that has a node as a connection point; a simplification device for creating simplified data by extracting information related to a node constituting a branching point, a bending point and a terminal point; a connection information creation device for creating a connection information file of cable laying route based on the simplified data; and a searching device for searching for an optimum cable laying route candidate based on the connection information file. The search termination determination determines search termination for all routes in accordance with the route of interconnected nodes from the start point to either the end point or the dead end having been written to all cards by a card writing device.
US08271417B2 Health meter
Techniques for indicating the status or health of a software system in a simple and summarized manner. In one embodiment, a health meter is displayed that displays a status value indicating the status or health of the software system. The status or health of the system as indicated by the health meter may be based upon one or more characteristics or perspectives (or components) of the system, such as performance, resource utilization, reliability, availability, scalability, and status values computed for the components.
US08271415B2 Computerized medical self-diagnostic and treatment advice system including modified data structure
A system for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over a digital network via interactive dialogue. Software authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. “Meta” functions for time-density analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A semantic discrepancy evaluator routine along with a mental status examination are used to detect the consciousness level of a user of the system. A dynamic data structure is used to record and save new patient data over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary.
US08271414B2 Network characterization, feature extraction and application to classification
Methods, systems and apparatus for characterizing networks are presented. For example, a method of characterizing a network represented by a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges is provided. The method may be implemented on a processor device and includes calculating, for example, by the processor device, a passthrough count of at least a portion of the network. The passthrough count includes a count of a number of passthroughs in the at least a portion of the network. A passthrough includes one of the plurality of nodes, a directed edge of the plurality of edges coupled to the one of the plurality of nodes, and another edge of the plurality of edges coupled to the one of the plurality of nodes. At most one of the directed edge and the other edge is directed towards the one of the plurality of nodes. At most one of the directed edge and the other edge is directed away from the one of the plurality of nodes.
US08271413B2 Providing digital content based on expected user behavior
In a computing system, information regarding a plurality of events that use a computing device is obtained, and a time-dependent increase in activity for each of at least some of the events is identified. An observed interest by a user in an event is correlated with an identified increase in activity for the event. Information about the activity at a time related to the event is provided for review by the user.
US08271410B2 Displaying resources based on shared contexts
A user data engine residing on an endpoint machine generates a current user context reflecting a specific flow of operations performed by an end-user when interacting with a software application. A context engine residing on a sever machine compares the current user context to one or more stored user contexts included in a context database and generates a similarity value based on each comparison. A resource engine identifies resources in a resource database that are associated with the stored user contexts and then generates a relevance score for each resource based on the similarity scores corresponding to the stored user contexts with which those resources are associated. The resource engine transmits a resource list reflecting the identified resources to the user data engine based on the relevance scores. The user data engine displays on a display screen of the endpoint machine information associated with resources reflected in the resource list.
US08271408B2 Pairwise ranking-based classifier
The present invention provides methods and systems for binary classification of items. Methods and systems are provided for constructing a machine learning-based and pairwise ranking method-based classification model for binary classification of items as positive or negative with regard to a single class, based on training using a training set of examples including positive examples and unlabelled examples. The model includes only one hyperparameter and only one threshold parameter, which are selected to optimize the model with regard to constraining positive items to be classified as positive while minimizing a number of unlabelled items classified as positive.
US08271406B2 Computing mixed-integer program solutions using multiple starting vectors
An optimization engine includes a mixed-integer programming (MIP) solver that receives a programming model, an outcome objective, and a group of start vectors. Each of the MIP start vectors in the group specify one or more restrictions to apply to the programming model. The MIP solver uses the programming model to compute a potential solution from each of the MIP start vectors included in the group, which results in a group of potential solutions. Next, the MIP solver selects one of the potential solutions in the group as an optimal intra-group solution. The optimal intra-group solution is the potential solution in the group that best achieves the outcome objective. In turn, the optimal intra-group solution is used to complete the outcome objective.
US08271397B2 Method and apparatus for secure access, payment and identification
According to one aspect, the invention provides a system for authenticating identities of a plurality of users. In one embodiment, the system includes a first handheld device including a wireless transceiver which is configured to transmit authentication information, a second device including a wireless receiver, where the second device is configured to receive the authentication information.
US08271392B2 Methods and systems for managing merchant screening
A method and system for processing a financial transaction using a payment card through a third-party interchange network is provided. The financial transaction is initiated by a cardholder at a merchant location. The method includes storing a list of private label participating merchants, receiving an authorization request for the transaction involving the payment card wherein the authorization request includes a merchant location identifier for the merchant location where the transaction occurred, performing a merchant screening process on the transaction including validating the transaction as originating at a private label participating merchant location, manipulating at the interchange network the authorization request to include a private label identifier when the transaction is determined to have originated at one of the participating merchants, and transmitting the manipulated authorization request with the private label identifier to an issuer of the payment card for processing as a private label transaction.
US08271391B2 Method for securing an on-line transaction
The invention relates to a method for securing an on-line transaction, comprising a proximity test which permits the proximity of the physical presence of the client to the on-line processing station (PT) with the authentication authority (AA) to be verified, an authentication test for the holder of the chipcard (CP) and a non-repudiation test for the transaction.
US08271390B2 Digital rights management (DRM) license manager
A method, device, and system including a digital rights management (DRM) license manager to protect software applications from unauthorized use. The DRM license manager system binds essential application data to a software license. This binding is achieved by adding an encryption key to a software license and encrypting the application data with that key. The essential application data is any kind of data which is required for proper operation of the program, such as media files, game levels or state tables. The DRM license manager system performs a check and decrypt operation of the essential application data during program run time. It requires that the license is available on the system. It also ensures that the decryption operation can only take place if the conditions defined in the license are met.
US08271385B2 Method, device, and system for completing on-line financial transactions
A method for conducting a secure transaction over a network includes the steps of receiving a price and a transaction identifier from a merchant, the transaction identifier identifying a purchase selection made by a user, receiving a user identifier from a user, receiving a financial institution selection from the user, initiating a communication session with the selected financial institution, receiving a financial-institution user-identifier from the user, communicating the financial-institution user-identifier to the selected financial institution, communicating to the selected financial institution a request to transfer funds, receiving the funds from the selected financial institution, and sending the funds to the merchant.
US08271384B2 System and method for selection of payment systems from a payment system directory to process a transaction
Dynamically enabling and facilitating businesses or other entities to locate and transact with payment systems for the purpose of processing payments. A customer interacts with a supplier of an item (e.g., goods or services), selects an item for purchase, and provides the supplier with payment criteria. The supplier queries a payment system directory to locate candidate payment systems for the transaction. The supplier then interacts directly with one or more of the payment systems to partially or fully process payment for the transaction. Alternatively, the supplier interacts with a gateway service, which queries a payment system directory to locate candidate payment systems and then interacts with one or more of the payment systems to process payment for the transaction.
US08271383B2 Service soft-disconnect reconnection
A service soft disconnection may be provided. First, a first user interface screen may be provided: i) in response to determining that a payment has not been received for a service after a date for which an account holder responsible for the service has been sent a disconnection notice; and ii) in response to receiving a user initiated request for the service. Next, identification data may be received in response to the provided first user interface screen. Then the identification data may be determined to be valid. In response to determining that the identification data is valid, a second user interface screen may be provided. Payment data may then be received in response to the provided second user interface screen. Consequently, the payment data may be determined to be valid and the service may be reinstated in response to determining that the payment data is valid.
US08271382B2 Systems and methods of introducing and receiving information across a computer network
One method involves the use of stored value account that may be used, for example, to make internet payments, and that can be credited using a variety of payment techniques. Such a method involves receiving money at a money transfer location from a potential purchaser. The money is then stored as an electronic record in a stored value account of the purchaser. This money is then available for transfer at the request of the purchaser. Upon such a request, the money may be electronically sent to a recipient and the stored value account may be debited.
US08271377B2 System and method for creating a market map in an electronic trading environment
A market map interface displays market information and trader-related information associated with at least two tradable objects. In one embodiment, the at least two graphical interfaces may be linked, and a user may define one or more adjustment parameters to be used to adjust the view of information being displayed via the linked graphical interfaces. For instance, a user may initiate repositioning of one of the linked graphical interfaces, thus, effectively, causing other linked graphical interfaces to be repositioned according to the defined adjustment parameters.
US08271373B2 System and method for flexible spread participation
A system and method for risk analysis of a portfolio of derivative products is disclosed which is conducted based on a set of flexible rules. The system and method allow creating predefined sets of products for the purpose of future risk offsets. If a futures trade as a subset of that set of products that met a threshold level, then the subset is assigned the offset value (or a pro rata or other portion of the offset value) of the predefined set. For example, assume that the predefined set consists of one S&P 500 futures, one NASDAQ futures, one S&P Midcap 400 futures and one Russell 1000 futures and the threshold is three. If the futures trader holds any three of those four futures, the three futures can be grouped, assigned an offset value, and this group can be used as one asset for purpose of further risk offsets.
US08271372B1 System and method for econometrically-based grant management
Systems and methods for grant management are provided. In one example, a computer system tracks grant proposals, calculates a conversion ratio that determines the percentage of grant proposals that are converted into successes and projects future research funding based on past successes that remain active and projected proposal volume and the conversion ratios.
US08271369B2 Financial modeling and forecasting system
An approach for forecasting and modeling is provided. A software system (i.e., the Forecast and Modeling system) supports enterprise data collection to build large scale simulation models, which can be linked into a single up-to-date model of planned corporate activity and options. The Forecast and Modeling system advantageously provides re-usable financial components, and enables auditing and analysis of historical plans and beliefs.
US08271367B1 Systems and methods for financial stress testing
Embodiments provide computerized stress testing for evaluating the effect of changes in the financial position of one or more borrowers. A stressed financial parameter (e.g., a risk rating or financial ratio) is generated for a borrower based on a selection of a borrower account type, a stress amount for applying to the account type, and additional financial inputs corresponding to the borrower. In some cases the stressed financial parameter is generated as a function of an unstressed financial parameter for the borrower, the stress amount, a numerator factor corresponding to the selected account type, and a denominator factor corresponding to the selected account type. Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided with the stress testing functionality.
US08271365B2 Real-world profile data for making virtual world contacts
A method and system provides arrangements creating a relationship between a real-world entity and a virtual world environment. A virtual world patron can participate in various virtual world activities and transactions. Feedback may be provided and records kept regarding the virtual world activities and transactions. The virtual world patron may be a possible recipient of a real-world consequence or benefit based on a virtual world occurrence. In some instances confirmation of an awarded real-world benefit may be provided via a communication interconnection. Real-world profile data may be used in connection with promotional activities in a virtual world environment.
US08271364B2 Method and apparatus for obtaining, organizing, and analyzing multi-source data
The tool of the invention is a data gathering and analytical process that uses internal customer data and external CRA data to build a consumer credit market data base and data structure. The internal customer data is classified according to identified Customer Attributes, the CRA data is also classified according to identified Consumer Attributes and the combined data is further classified according to additional Value Added Attributes. The resulting data structure is organized at the individual level such that each individual has associated therewith values for each of the Customer Attributes, Consumer Attributes and Value Added Attributes. The resulting analysis can be used to set institutional strategies and/or to make predictive decisions on individual borrower credit requests.
US08271363B2 System and method for banking downstream resource costs
In a system according to the invention, a sum of money related to the current or projected cost of pollution remediation associated with the use of a particular mineral resource is banked at the time of the mineral's extraction, first sale or entry into the stream of commerce. Disbursement of the banked monies may be made to downstream processors, end users, effected entities or third parties for remediation, sequestration or conservation activities or simply for recompense. In one embodiment of the invention, dynamic tracking systems may apportion the payout as a function of measured observed winds and precipitation patterns. In this way, the true economic cost of a particular mineral resource may be more accurately reflected in its selling price.
US08271361B2 Change order template for purchase order document amendment
Particular embodiments provide for a user configurable purchase order template. A list of attributes for a purchase order template may be created and output to a user. The user may then select which attributes in the list are internal attributes or external attributes. After the purchase order document has been approved by the supplier and the purchaser, changes may be necessary. When a change is desired, the system determines if the changed attribute is an external attribute or an internal attribute. If the changed attribute is an external attribute, the external entity may be contacted for approving the change. After the external entity has approved the change, the purchase order may be amended. If the changed attribute is an internal attribute, the attribute may be changed without contacting the external entity. If the change is an internal change, then the purchase order may not be amended, but an internal change relating to the purchase order may be made.
US08271360B1 System and method for automatic approval of direct deposit payroll limit increases
A system and method for automatic approval of direct deposit payroll limit increases includes a computing system implemented process for automatic approval of direct deposit payroll limit increases whereby a payroll management system provider establishes qualification criteria for automatic approval of direct deposit payroll increases. Once the qualification criteria are defined, the qualification criteria are stored. Then, when a customer business requests a direct deposit payroll that exceeds at least one of the customer's current direct deposit payroll limits, the process for automatic approval of direct deposit payroll limit increases analyzes the requested direct deposit payroll data and/or customer history data and compares this data with the qualification criteria. If the present direct deposit payroll funds request meets the qualification criteria, the direct deposit payroll limit for the customer business is automatically increased and the direct deposit payroll funds request is approved without further action/input from the customer business.
US08271357B2 Presenting items based on activity rates
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to monitor an activity level associated with queries made in an online marketplace over a monitoring time period to provide an activity rate, and to determine that the activity rate has crossed a merchandising threshold rate. In response, a cluster of items or item groups associated with the queries may be presented on a display, perhaps in conjunction with a landing page merchandising promotion. Additional apparatus, system, and methods are disclosed.
US08271354B2 Electronic music marker device delayed notification
Method and system for providing a notification function for bookmarked music clips broadcast over a radio station to provide to a user of an electronic music marking device such that when the playlist for the bookmarked music clips is available, the user can access information corresponding to the bookmarked music clips, while when the playlist for the bookmarked music clips is not available, the user is notified that the playlist is unavailable, and when the playlist becomes available, the an email is generated and transmitted to the user informing the user that the playlist corresponding to the user's bookmarked music clips is available, and further, the email may include a hypertext link attachment which may be configured to automatically re-direct the user's browser terminal to display the playlist corresponding to the bookmarked music clips on the user's electronic music marker device account.
US08271353B2 System and method for generating an alternative product recommendation selected through bids
A method and system for automatically generating a self-updating naturally-reading narrative product summary including assertions about a selected product. In one embodiment, the system and method includes evaluating an existing narrative product summary, comparing an existing attribute name, attribute value, attribute unit, and assertion model, respectively, to a current attribute name, attribute value, attribute unit, and assertion model to determine if one of the comparisons shows a change. The system and method further determines a new attribute associated with the selected product, selects an alternative product, retrieves a new assertion model with assertions that describe the selected product and identify an alternative product in a natural manner. The system and method then generates a naturally-reading narrative product summary by combining the new attribute with the new retrieved assertion model, and by combining the selected alternative product with another retrieved assertion model to recommend the selected alternative product in the narrative.
US08271345B1 Systems and method for incorporating bidder budgets in multi-item auctions
Systems and methods for conducting multi-item auctions for complex goods that allows bidders to specify budget constraints is disclosed. The system includes a server, a network, a plurality of trader systems and a data store unit. The system allows bidders to work effectively with limited budgets. The server includes an allocation unit performs a sealed-bid auction that enables bidding without the risk of going over budget, and thus, the present invention encourages bidders to place more and higher bids. Sellers will therefore receive higher prices and goods are more likely to be efficiently assigned.
US08271342B2 Delivery management system and method using smart communicator
Disclosed is a delivery management system and method using a smart communicator. The delivery management system includes a selling server for selling articles online; a delivery server for managing delivery of articles sold by the selling server; a mailbox which reads information from an information storage attached to an arrived article at a destination under the control of the delivery server; and a home network server which stores ordered article information, determines whether the arrived article is correctly delivered on the basis of a comparison between the ordered article information and the arrived article information read from the information storage, transmits the result of the comparison to a smart communicator, controls follow-up management of the delivery according to a remote control of the smart communicator. Accordingly, it is possible to check the arrival of an article and control follow-up management on the articles delivered correctly or incorrectly using the smart communicator.