| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08292219B2 |
Aircraft landing gear unlock actuator
This disclosure relates to a landing gear system that includes a landing gear strut rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. A lock-stay is connected to the landing gear strut and is movable between locked and unlocked conditions. An unlock actuator is connected to the lock-stay and includes first and second members movable relative to one another. The first member is movable between first and second positions that correspond to the locked and unlocked conditions. A controller is in communication with the unlock actuator and is configured to command the unlock actuator between the first and second positions in response to an input. The second member is permitted to free-drive relative to the first member between the stowed and deployed positions with the lock-stay in the unlocked condition. |
| US08292216B1 |
Wing lift system
A method and apparatus may be present for moving a wing. A plurality of lifting assemblies may be attached to a first plurality of channels in a ring associated with the wing of an aircraft. A plurality of base assemblies may be attached to a plurality of fittings with a second plurality of channels associated with a fuselage of the aircraft. The plurality of lifting assemblies may be moved away from the plurality of base assemblies using a plurality of biasing systems such that the ring may move away from the fuselage. |
| US08292214B2 |
Vibration damping for wing-to-body aircraft fairing
A wing-to-body fairing for aircraft is formed from a sandwich structure having integrated vibration damping. |
| US08292212B2 |
Method, mandrel and device for the removal of coreless rolls of a stretch film
A method, a mandrel and a device for removing coreless rolls of a plastic film. The mandrel comprises a tubular body having a plurality of radial holes, conformed with a chamber for distributing pressurized air, in which a piston suitable for being magnetically coupled with an external drive member slides. When a roll must be removed, pressurized air is supplied to the fore end of the mandrel, and escapes from all the holes to expand the internal turns of the roll which can be taken off without friction. As the roll advances along the mandrel, the magnetically driven piston progressively reduces the volume of the air chamber preventing at the same time the air to escape from the holes that progressively come to lie on the rear side of the mandrel, with consequent saving of compressed air. |
| US08292209B2 |
Webbing retractor
An operating load of an overload releasing mechanism is made to be high by a simple method. In a webbing retractor, spring claws engage with recesses of a rotor, and a gear wheel and the rotor are connected. When relative rotational force is applied between the rotor and the gear wheel, the spring claws elastically deform and engagement thereof with the recesses is released. Due thereto, connection of the rotor and the gear wheel is released, and the overload releasing mechanism is operated. Here, urging members urge the spring claws toward a side of engaging with the recesses. Due thereto, the operating load of the overload releasing mechanism can be made to be high by a simple method of merely adding the urging members. |
| US08292205B2 |
Tablet crusher
A device for crushing one or more tablets and method for using the same are disclosed. The device preferably contains a lower body portion and upper body portion which assemble to define a cavity between the two portions. The cavity has a floor which may define an anvil. At least one opening is placed within the cavity to accept a tablet. A platen body may be adapted to travel along a substantially vertical axis between a closed and open position and may be guided along a rear vertical wall of the cavity. A pinion is preferably placed on an elongate member and operatively engages with a rack placed on the platen body such that movement of the elongate member is translated to the platen body. A crushing surface may be placed on the platen body and is preferably parallel to the anvil. The crushing surface and anvil may be placed at an oblique angle relative to the vertical axis of travel for the platen body. The platen body may contain a top surface which contacts a corresponding surface on the elongate member when the platen body is in the closed position so as to apply a hammering force to the tablet. |
| US08292199B2 |
Locking element for a dispenser
A locking element for a dispenser for discharging a medium, with an insert body, which has an outlet channel and an exit opening for the medium to be discharged, and a piston element which has a piston head co-operating with a piston seat and at least one elastic resilient leg, characterized in that a sealing element is arranged in the outlet channel, which forms the piston seat, and the piston element with the at least one resilient leg is arranged in an enlarging channel portion of the outlet channel, wherein the piston head is pre-tensioned against the piston seat and is pushed out of the piston seat by the exiting medium. |
| US08292190B2 |
Coding pattern comprising registration codeword having variants corresponding to possible registrations
A substrate having a coding pattern disposed thereon or therein. The coding pattern comprises a tiling of contiguous grid cells, each grid cell being demarcated by t target elements and having t-fold rotational symmetry, each grid cell containing nt registration symbols, each registration symbol being encoded by a set of macrodots; and a tiling of contiguous tags, each tag consisting of an array of c grid cells, each tag containing a plurality of data symbols. There are ct possible registrations between a physical layout of the coding pattern and a logical layout of the coding pattern and any contiguous tag-shaped array of c grid cells contains cnt registration symbols. The registration symbols, taken in a defined sequence relative to the physical layout of the tag-shaped array, form a registration codeword of length r. There are v distinct registration codewords, each corresponding to a distinct one of the ct possible registrations. |
| US08292178B2 |
Integrated smart label
Implementations of the present disclosure provide an integrated smart label, comprising a plurality of electronic components, each of the electronic components including a profile defining at least a portion of a machine-readable indicia, at least one of the electronic components storing first data, and the machine-readable indicia being a visual representation of second data. Implementations of the present disclosure also provide a method of producing an integrated smart label, and a system employing an integrated smart label. |
| US08292175B2 |
Tag device, reader device, and RFID system
Embodiments relate to a tag device, a reader device, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The Q embodiment provides a tag device comprising: a reception module converting a received high frequency signal into a scale level, and Q converting the converted scale level into a digital signal to output the same; a transmission module modulating a transmission signal M to output the same; and a controller controlling the reception module and the transmission module. The tag device communicates with the reader device through wireless short distance communication. |
| US08292169B2 |
Cart device, system and method for determining the weight of each item carried
A cart moves items within a facility, each having an identification tag. The cart includes a carriage, a scale, a reader, and processors. The scale measures a cumulative weight of the items on the carriage. The reader reads the tags of the items. The processors determine a weight for each item by a change in the cumulative weight after its transfer to or from the carriage. The weight is stored in a database in association with each item. There is also disclosed a related system and method. Preferably, the cart is located, and its location is applied to each item carried thereby to track the items within the facility. |
| US08292168B2 |
System and method for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle
Disclosed is a system for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle for example at a service station, the system including an identification tag associated with the vehicle, a data storage device associated with the vehicle for storing vehicular data, at least one tag reader configured to read and transmit data from the identification tag and a station relay unit configured to receive the transmitted and to transmit an authorization signal. Disclosed is also a method of authorizing a purchase associated with a vehicle, for example at a service station, comprising associating with a first identifier and a second identifier with a vehicle, when requested to authorize a purchase associated with said vehicle, acquiring the first identifier and the second identifier, determining that the acquired first and second identifiers are correctly associated and if the first acquired identifier and said second acquired identifier are associated, authorizing the purchase. |
| US08292162B2 |
Envelope
An envelope according to the present invention includes an envelope body having a first end and defining an interior area selectively accessible adjacent the first end through which articles may be inserted. The envelope includes a flap extending from the first end that is selectively movable between first and second configurations in which the interior area is accessible or enclosed, respectively. Further, the envelope includes adhesive situated on the flap for interacting with the envelope body to maintain the flap at the second configuration. In addition, flavoring is disposed the flap, but at a position that is adjacent to and distinct from the adhesive. The envelope may include first and second indicia on the flap, with one indicia including only adhesive and with the other indicia including only flavoring. The indicia may present geometric shapes, or alphanumeric data such as an advertisement or other messages. |
| US08292161B2 |
Welding alignment and spacing article
A welding alignment and spacing article is provided for forming a welding gap between two structures to be welded together. The article includes a body having first and second surfaces that are spaced from each other at a selected spacing distance to define a region of selected body thickness. The body is formed from a non-metallic degradable body material in the region that can be wholly or partially degraded by exposure to a degrading agent to reduce the body thickness. The degradable body material is sufficiently incompressible to be useable as a spacer that maintains a specified welding gap distance between the two structures to be welded. |
| US08292159B2 |
Fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuit device
Productivity is to be improved in assembling a semiconductor integrated circuit device. A matrix substrate is provided and semiconductor chips are disposed on a first heating stage, then the matrix substrate is disposed above the semiconductor chips on the first heating stage, subsequently the semiconductor chips and the matrix substrate are bonded to each other temporarily by thermocompression bonding while heating the chips directly by the first heating stage, thereafter the temporarily bonded matrix substrate is disposed on a second heating stage adjacent to the first heating stage, and then on the second heating stage the semiconductor chips are thermocompression-bonded to the matrix substrate while being heated directly by the second heating stage. |
| US08292155B2 |
Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with tactile position feedback
A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted. |
| US08292151B2 |
Tool assembly for surgical stapling device
The present disclosure describes a surgical device with a body portion defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of staples, a dynamic clamping member movable relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples, and an articulation and firing actuator extending at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly. The tool assembly is pivotally attached to the body portion for movement from a position aligned with the longitudinal axis to a position oriented at an angle thereto. The articulation and firing actuator extends at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly, is operably associated with the dynamic clamping member and the tool assembly, and is movable in relation thereto to selectively pivot the tool assembly relative to the body portion and move the dynamic clamping member relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples. |
| US08292150B2 |
Adapter for powered surgical devices
An adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member and a powered actuator device including at least one rotatable drive shaft is provided. The adapter assembly includes an actuation shaft configured to convert rotation of a first drive shaft of the powered actuator device into an axial translation of a first drive member of the surgical end effector. The adapter assembly further includes an elongate tube configured to convert rotation of a second drive shaft of the powered actuator device into an axial translation of a second drive member of the surgical end effector. The actuation shaft is disposed within the elongate tube, and the actuation shaft and the elongate tube translate axially independent of each other. |
| US08292141B2 |
Method for separating a pane of brittle material from a moving ribbon of material
A pane is separated from a moving ribbon of brittle material by restraining the ribbon upstream of a score line prior to separating the pane. The ribbon is restrained by selectively contacting a first side and a second side of the ribbon in one of an opposite, overlapping or offset relation. The ribbon can be restrained prior to, substantially simultaneous with or subsequent to forming the score line. The restrained status of the ribbon is maintained during and immediately after separation of the pane from the ribbon, thereby reducing the introduction of a disturbance or bending moment into the upstream ribbon. |
| US08292140B2 |
Flat display panel cutting apparatus and cutting method using the same
A flat display panel cutting apparatus that includes a conveyor for feeding a loaded flat display panel to a cutting area and a spraying area; a cutting tool positioned in the cutting area, for forming primary cracks on the flat display panel, the primary cracks including two or more first cracks spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction and two or more second cracks spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction; and a spraying tool positioned in the spraying area, for growing secondary cracks by spraying high temperature steam onto the first cracks or second cracks of the primary cracks formed on the flat display panel. |
| US08292137B2 |
Wire cable reinforced carrying strap
An elongate carrying strap reinforced by longitudinally extending multi-strand wire cables (41) is engaged with a fitting (1) for forming a loop (64) at an end of the strap (2) so as to avoid inelastic deformation of the cable. A pair of multi-strand wire cables are received in parallel envelopes (43) disposed on opposite longitudinal edges of the strap, each envelope is tubular and formed in a flexible polymer strip (40) extruded over the cable. The fitting has a transverse bar portion (71) having a convex face abutting the inner side of the loop and a pair of transverse arm portions (9, 10) defining an opening therebetween, the opening receiving a neck (63) of the loop and having opposing strap-engaging surfaces abutting the outer side of the strap and cooperating to hold the inner side against the convex face (4) of the bar portion (71). |
| US08292133B2 |
Vented closure assembly for a container
A vented closure assembly for a container, the container including a raised outlet defining a dispensing opening, includes a closure body having a nestable and extendable spout formed with a generally cylindrical section, a frustoconical section, and a transition region, including an invertible fold, located between these two sections. The generally cylindrical section defines an outlet opening and a threaded closing cap is assembled to the generally cylindrical section for closing off the outlet opening. A retainer is used for connecting the closure body to the raised outlet wall and the spout includes a thicker wall portion for enabling the closure body to maintain a selected orientation. A plurality of venting ears are used to help provide the venting capability. |
| US08292130B2 |
Pump for distributing liquid product and dispenser comprising such a pump
A fluid dispenser pump (10) including a pump body (11) and a piston (20) that slides in leaktight manner in the pump body (11) between a rest position and an actuated position. The piston (20) is secured to an actuator rod (30) that extends axially out from the pump body (11). A ferrule (40) is mounted on the top edge (12) of the pump body (11), the ferrule (40) defining the rest position of the piston (20). The ferrule (40) co-operates in leaktight manner with the actuator rod (30) while the actuator rod (30) moves between the rest position and an intermediate position, and the ferrule (40) co-operates in non-leaktight manner with the actuator rod (30) while the actuator rod (30) moving between the intermediate position and the actuated position, so as to make it possible to vent the pump (10). |
| US08292129B2 |
Dispensing device
A dispensing device for liquid media having a housing, a medium reservoir, an outlet opening for dispensing the medium and an inlet opening for intake of air for the purpose of volume equalization in the medium reservoir, wherein a cap is provided that is fittable onto the housing and protects the outlet opening when in the fitted state. The cap closes the inlet opening in gas-tight manner from an environment on the one hand and from the outlet opening on the other hand. |
| US08292127B2 |
Self-cleaning foam-dispensing device
A foam dispensing device uses a single actuator to actuate two concentric pistons, one for an air chamber and one for a telescopically oriented liquid chamber. In all of the various embodiments the liquid chamber stops its actuation first and can continue to move along with the single actuator and the air chamber continues to dispense air. The air and liquids are dispensed into foaming chamber and then dispensed. The liquid chamber can continue to move because the liquid chamber is attached to the pump system by a deformable connector or some form. This arrangement allows for a foaming device that uses just one actuator that has the ability to dispense foam in the first phase and just air to clear out the nozzle effectively in the second phase. |
| US08292123B2 |
Apparatus and method for synchronized flow from volumetric tanks
Techniques for mixing liquids in a specific ratio at synchronized flows are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention a dispensing system comprises a plurality of tanks, each of the tanks includes an overflow outlet to limit a liquid therein to a certain measurement, and an array of volumetric outlets spaced apart and vertically arranged. The corresponding overflow outlet and the volumetric outlets of the tanks are located at the same height. The dispensing system further comprises a dispensing assembly including a manifold coupled to the volume outlets of the tanks via respective pipes, and further a flow-regulating device in at least one but not all of the pipes to control a flow of the liquid coming downwards from each of the tanks through one of the volumetric outlets thereof. |
| US08292122B2 |
Fluid containing and dispersing apparatus
A fluid containing and dispersing apparatus comprising, a primary fluid containing chamber and a secondary mass containing chamber, wherein said primary fluid containing chamber is primarily intended to contain fluids (such as water) and said secondary chamber is primarily intended to contain other matter used as gardening supplements (fertilizers and the like) for plants. The instant invention provides user a means to avoid direct contact with such supplements, which is advantageous as these supplements often comprise chemicals. In one embodiment the invention features a substantially flexible nozzle with removable fluid distribution heads, external chambers for carrying supplies and equipment. Another embodiment comprises an easy to use pump with a fluid measuring display and a time recording feature. Another embodiment features a solid matter containment chamber without said pump apparatus. In the pump embodiment a secondary fluid containment chamber that is contiguously and seamlessly attached to said primary fluid containment chamber. |
| US08292120B2 |
Hanging liquid dispenser
A hanging liquid dispenser is provided that includes a pump and valving for delivering the fluid material when the dispenser is operated by the user in a controlled fashion. The hanging dispenser includes a main body that serves as a fluid reservoir and has an eyelet which is suitable for use in hanging the dispenser from a suitable support. In addition to including the ability to hang, the dispenser preferably includes a pump for metered dosing of the fluid within the dispenser when operation of the pump delivers a controlled volume of the fluid as desired by the user. |
| US08292111B2 |
Tamper evident plastic dispensing container
Tamper-resistance is provided in spice container closures and containers through use of tamper-evident and/or tamper-resistant elements. A tamper evident closure includes a base, a cover, and a tamper strip, with the tamper strip being joined to the base and cover by a first hinge connecting the tamper strip to the base and a second hinge connecting the tamper strip to the cover. At least one dispensing port in the base is selectively coverable by a flap of the cover. The tamper strip is adapted to be manually torn away and fully released from the cover and base. The flap is hinged to the cover by a third hinge. In addition, or alternatively, a snap lock connection is formed between a container closure and the container. |
| US08292102B2 |
Container thread design
The present disclosure provides a container and a method of making a container. In one example, the container includes a body having an upper portion, a sidewall portion and a base portion. The upper portion includes a blown finish defining a longitudinal axis and an opening into the container. A tamper evident (TE) band is formed on the finish and defines a first diameter at an outermost surface. The TE band defines at least two disconnected radial protrusions. At least one thread is formed on the finish. The at least one thread defines a second diameter at an outermost surface. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The TE band defines a gap between each respective disconnected radial protrusion. Each thread defines a thread start portion and a thread run-out portion. A line parallel to the longitudinal axis extends through the thread run-out portion and the gap. |
| US08292101B1 |
Flip-top dispensing system with a child resistant latch mechanism
A child resistant dispensing system having a flip-top closure. The flip-top closure has a push button positioned in the skirt of the flip-top lid wherein an opposed squeeze disengages the child resistant latch mechanism. The child resistant latch mechanism includes a latch projecting from the flip-top lid and engaging a projection of the closure body. A latch guide assists in positioning the latch during engagement with the projection of the closure body. The push button may be positioned substantially flush with the outside surface of the flip-top lid and closure body. |
| US08292094B2 |
Storage rack system
A storage rack system for storing items along the inside of a door. An open grid rack is attached to the inside of the door and can be used to support various structures configured to hold items such as handguns. Alternatively, a grid, comprised of structures configured as holsters, enables the storage of a large number of handguns in a small area. The open grid rack and the holster grid may be utilized to support items other than guns. The rack assembles are configured to be attached to the inside of a door, such as, for example, a gun safe door, by brackets or by other suitable attachment assemblies. |
| US08292091B2 |
Process of forming multilayered structures
The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures. |
| US08292089B2 |
Helical support structure for intake screens
A method and apparatus for supporting a screen. The apparatus comprising a cylindrical screen for submerging in a fluid, the screen having an inlet pipe for connecting to a piping system, filter members, a first end, a second and a support structure. The support structure is one or more helical members which traverse the screen. |
| US08292088B2 |
Water supply system with filtration and retrofit assembly
A water supply system in accordance with the invention includes pumping in which there is a mechanical co-dependency between the generations of liquid-draw pressure and filtration-drive pressure, but a hydraulic dependency of the application of the filtration-drive pressure upon release of water from the liquid-draw pressure. In one preferred embodiment, the system is enabled by a retrofit assembly in which a second, filtration-drive pump is mechanically connected to the pump handle of a water intake pump. The retrofit assembly may include multiple arms and hinge points for coupling the second pump to the pump handle, as well as a flow path from the output of the water intake pump to the input of the second pump and a flow path from the second pump to a filtration system. The flow path between the two pumps typically includes an unfiltered water outlet. |
| US08292086B2 |
Strainer apparatus
The invention relates to a strainer apparatus, such as a strainer basket, a strainer cylinder and the like, wherein slits or gaps are formed between strainer bars (6). The base of the strainer bars is received in receiving recesses (8) adapted to the dimensions of the base of the bars, in a support element (3). The support element can also be a reinforcing or strengthening element, and the strainer bars (6) are permanently fixed to the respective support element (3). At least one pocket (10, 11) that can be filled with a filler material is provided between each support element (3) and each associated strainer bar (6), at least on the edge region (7) of the respective receiving recess (8). In the strainer apparatus according to the invention, the pocket interrupts the contact surface between the outer contour of the strainer bar (6) and the inner contour of the associated receiving recess in the support element (3), such that a pre-determined intermediate space is intentionally formed in the form of a pocket (10; 11), at least on the edge region (7). The pocket is then filled with a homogeneous or composite filler material used as a fixing means, wherein the filler material may be composed of, for example, an adhesive. In this way, a permanent solid connection can be produced between strainer bar (6) and support element (3). |
| US08292085B2 |
Run-of-mine coal separator
A solids separation system and methods for use; the system having a barrel rotatably mounted in a substantially horizontal arrangement, a carriage on which the barrel is mounted and inclined so as to elevate the coal exit end of the barrel in relation to the rock exit end, a motor to rotate the barrel, a blower, a blower motor, a blade affixed to and helically wound along the interior surface of said barrel, and barriers between the turns of the blades to force the contents up into a stream of air supplied by a blower. |
| US08292083B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating particles, cells, molecules and particulates
A method and apparatus for continuously separating or concentrating particles that includes flowing two fluids in laminar flow through a magnetic field gradient which causes target particles to migrate to a waste fluid stream, and collecting each fluid stream after being flowed through the magnetic field gradient. |
| US08292082B2 |
Product display carton
A display carton includes a display box having an open top. The display box includes a bottom panel; a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel; a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom panel; and a pair of front walls, each front wall extending inwardly from a side wall and attached to a bottom front wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel. The pair of front walls and the bottom front wall form a substantially unobstructed center viewing area for a product displayed in the display carton. The display carton also includes a single removable insert. The insert includes a foldable sheet having at least one set of dividers extending inwardly from the side walls and upwardly from the bottom panel, thereby defining at least two product receiving compartments for supporting a product. |
| US08292080B2 |
Shipping carton with integral cushion support
A shipping carton with an integral cushion support. The carton includes a bottom, two side walls and two end walls extending vertically from the base, and a top. The top and bottom of the carton include two side flaps and two end flaps that are used to close the top and bottom in a conventional manner. The end flaps preferably include a integrally formed cushion support that includes an elongate body having a triangular cross-sectional shape defined by a vertical wall extending away from the end flap and an inclined wall extending from the end of the vertical wall towards the end flap. One or more locking tabs extend from the end of the inclined wall of the cushion support and engage one or more slots formed in the end flap. Alternatively, a locking member extends away from the end flap in the same direction as the vertical wall of the cushion support and includes a locking slot formed adjacent the end flap that is engaged by the one or more locking tabs to lock the cushion support in place. When the end flaps are turned in for closing the top of the carton, the vertical wall of the cushion support abuts or otherwise engages a support member block that is operably engaging at least a portion of the top of the packaged product. |
| US08292077B2 |
Shock absorbing substrate container
A substrate container is generally comprised of a cover, a base, a latching mechanism, and a substrate retention system. Substrate container has corners with flanges disposed at the corners. Each flange has a hole there through to enhance shock absorption capability by the container, and thus provide greater protection to the substrate. |
| US08292073B2 |
Fitting system cart for golf club heads and shafts
A fitting system cart is provided for golf club heads and shafts which have releasable connections between the golf club head and the shaft. The fitting system cart includes a base with a back panel, two side panels, and a top panel which all define an interior portion, a shaft container, and a set of golf club head cases. The fitting system cart may include two door panels connected to the base and movable between an open and closed position. The fitting system cart may include a set of cases for carrying golf club heads. The cases may have a bottom portion for holding golf club heads and a top portion connected to the bottom portion, wherein the top portion rotates between an open and a closed position. The shaft container may have a configuration wherein the shaft container is closed, and a configuration wherein the shaft container is open. |
| US08292071B2 |
Packaging structure for roll paper
The present invention provides a structure for storing coreless roll paper R having a hollow portion in the axis portion instead of a winding core, wherein the structure includes an outer case 2 for storing roll paper R; and a lower holding member 3 and an upper holding member 4 respectively having concave portions 31,41 each having an inside diameter that closely matches the outside diameter of the roll paper R, each of the lower holding member 3 and the upper holding member 4 having an external shape that fits the outer case 2, wherein the lower holding member 3 is disposed in the outer case 2 with the concave portion 31 facing upward, and the upper holding member 4 is disposed in the outer case 2 at the location above the lower holding member 3 with its concave portion 41 facing downward. |
| US08292070B2 |
System and method for green and rapid paper packaging
A package of sheet media and method of loading the package are presented in which a stack of sheet media is wrapped in a multi-layer strap, the multi-layer strap is operative to allow a user to load the package of sheet media into a media supply tray of an associated print engine, the multi-layer strap includes a third layer disposed between a first layer and a second layer, and the third layer is operative to allow the user to remove the multi-layer strap from the stack of sheet media while the stack of sheet media is positioned within the media supply tray. |
| US08292068B2 |
Medical device package
The present disclosure provides a package for a medical device containing a cavity for receiving the medical device, a first closure having a sealed portal therein and a second closure adjacent the first closure. |
| US08292067B2 |
Knotless endostitch package
Various embodiments of suture packages are disclosed to provide a surgical needle, having an associated length of suture material, to a surgical suturing instrument. The disclosed suture packages generally include a body portion having a needle supplying loading unit mounted thereon. Various methods of affixing the loading unit to the body portion are disclosed. The body portion defines a suture tray and a cover is provided to secure a suture within the suture tray. A securing ring is provided to secure the cover to the body portion. |
| US08292066B2 |
Embroidery thread organizing card with corresponding thread and embroidering information
An embroidery thread organizing card including a thread organizing structure having a front panel and a back panel, a barcode provided on a front side of the front panel near one corner thereof for material management, and instruction information provided on a rear side of the back panel showing things to be noted during embroidering, a plurality of information zones provided on the front side of the front panel, and a plurality of embroidery thread groups having a number and a location corresponding to that of the information zones and being clamped at an end to the thread organizing structure. Each of the information zones shows a thread color sample and information related to the use of the corresponding embroidery thread group. A user picking a thread for embroidery can at the same time obtain information related to the picked thread, so as to avoid using a wrong thread and to embroider efficiently. |
| US08292064B2 |
Conveyor drive roller
There is disclosed a conveyor drive roller of the type which may be used for example for supporting and driving a conveyor medium. The conveyor drive roller has a hollow drum which defines a cylindrically shaped rotatable supporting surface, and an internal surface. The hollow drum is rotatably connected to a first and a second support structure. An internal gear assembly is disposed inside of the hollow drum and operably connected to the internal surface of the hollow drum. The second support structure is adapted to permit a rotor of a motor located outside of the hollow drum to releasably couple to the internal gear assembly through the second support structure, so that when the rotor is coupled to the internal gear assembly, through the second support structure, rotation of the rotor is transmitted by the internal gear assembly to the hollow drum to cause rotation of the hollow drum about the first and second support structures. |
| US08292062B2 |
Method and device for conveying planar products
A method and a device for the conveyance of planar products (10, 10′, 20, 20′), in particular printed products, are provided wherein a product group (100) composed of at least two products (10, 10′, 20, 20′) is gripped by a gripper (42) in the area of a product edge (12, 12′, 22, 22′) and conveyed in a direction of conveyance (F2). At least one of the products (10, 10′, 20, 20′) is displaced relative to the other product or products (10, 10′, 20, 20′) in the product group (100) in a direction of displacement (A) defined by the gripped product edge (12, 12′, 22, 22′), such that in each case a projection (14, 24) is formed in the direction of displacement (A). Thus a first projection (14) is associated with at least one displaced product (10, 10′, 20, 20′) and a second projection (24) is associated with the remaining product or products (10, 10′, 20, 20′) of the product group (100). Thus, it is easy to increase the carrying capacity of a gripper conveyor and, when applicable, to easily separate the products that are gripped in groups. |
| US08292061B2 |
Package apparatus
A package apparatus includes a first conveyance unit and a second conveyance unit. The first conveyance unit is configured and arranged to convey a plurality of packaged objects in a first conveying direction. The second conveyance unit is provided below the first conveyance unit and configured and arranged to convey the packaged objects in a second conveying direction generally opposite from the first conveying direction. The second conveyance unit is configured and arrange to overlay each of the packaged objects received from the first conveyance unit on an adjacent one of the packaged objects such that the packaged objects are generally oriented in the second conveying direction to form a group of the packaged objects that is conveyed in the second conveying direction on the second conveyance unit. |
| US08292059B2 |
Escalator
An escalator includes a plurality of steps or panels, a chain for driving the steps or panels, at least one chain wheel around which the chain is deflected and wherein the chain, starting from the chain wheel, forms an upper strand and a lower strand. There is also provided a device for the polygonal compensation of the movement of the at least one chain wheel. The effective lever arm of the chain on the at least one chain wheel in the upper strand is substantially equal to the effective lever arm of the chain on the at least one chain wheel in the lower strand. |
| US08292057B2 |
Step band guard for a passenger conveyor
A step band guard for use of a passenger conveyor includes a first panel comprising a first piece of material. A second panel comprises a second piece of material that is distinct and separate from the first piece of material. A securing connection allows for selectively securing the panels together. The first panel can be strategically left in place for blocking access to at least a portion of a step band near a turnaround. The second panel can be selectively put in place when blocking access to the entire step band at the turnaround is desired. The first panel allows for some access to the step band and allows an individual to move the step band without having to have the entire step band guard in place. |
| US08292056B2 |
Roller assembly, roller unit, and conveyor apparatus
This invention provides a roller assembly including a rotary member including a driving shaft portion and a convey roller portion provided with the driving shaft portion, a driving wheel including a hole portion and attached to the driving shaft portion, the driving wheel being driven to rotate, a transmission receiving portion radially extending outward from the driving shaft portion and rotated together with the driving shaft portion, a friction transmission member clamped between the transmission receiving portion and a side surface of the driving wheel and frictionally transmitting a rotational force of the driving wheel to a rotary member, and a biasing portion applying a clamping force between the transmission receiving portion and the side surface of the driving wheel. |
| US08292055B2 |
Self-adjusting mechanisms for clutches
In transmissions having input clutches, a lever arm configured as a second class lever is pivoted at one end, applies force to a clutch bearing near its middle and is acted upon by a linear actuator at its opposite end. The present invention relates to mechanisms for adjusting the location of the pivot to compensate for clutch wear. The fixed pivot is replaced by a linear one way clutch mechanism. As the clutch facing wears and the clutch is activated, an extension of the actuating lever arm abuts a stationary stop beyond the one way clutch pivot which translates the pivot point provided by the one way clutch mechanism toward the clutch to reduce pre-travel and compensate for clutch facing wear. Hydraulic and spring biasing of the pivot point are also disclosed. |
| US08292051B2 |
Valve for disconnecting the front braking and/or the trailer braking, for a farm tractor or a similar vehicle
A valve intended to disconnect, in specific circumstances, the braking of the front wheels, and/or of a trailer whose braking system is connected through a trailer braking valve, for the braking system of a farm tractor or similar vehicle which includes two master cylinders, operated by two separate braking pedals, directly controlling the braking of the rear wheels, and controlling the braking of the front wheels and/or the braking device of the trailer through the disconnection valve. The disconnection valve includes a body, first and second inlet connections connected to the two master cylinders, and a delivery connection connected to a braking circuit of the front wheels and/or to the trailer brake valve. The valve body has a bore wherein is installed one movable piston subjected to the action of pressure applied to the first inlet connection. |
| US08292048B2 |
Energy absorbing device operating with a free-flowing medium
An energy absorbing device, in particular a device for single-use occupant protection in vehicles, has a container with a magneto-rheological medium which is forced on impact through a restriction with at least one outlet channel. The flow resistance of the outlet channel may be influenced by a device for generation of a magnetic field. |
| US08292044B2 |
Pneumatic constricting drum brake assembly
A pneumatic constricting drum brake with rotary seals attached to opposite axial sides of the hub central region for sealing the hub and brake drum. Both rotary seals are accessible for replacement in service by removal of the housing side plate and brake drum without removal of the hub. |
| US08292043B2 |
Disc brake device
A disc brake apparatus which can securely suppress clunking sounds not only at the time of forward braking of a vehicle but also at the time of back braking of the vehicle is provided. When a backing metal 6A of a brake pad 6 shifts toward a first torque receiving part 3C of a torque member 3 along with an operation for forward braking of the vehicle, a leading end part of a spring piece 9A engages one slope of an engaging projection 6E, so as to elastically press the backing metal 6A toward the first torque receiving part 3C, whereby the disc brake apparatus is held in a first contact state. When the backing metal 6A shifts toward a second torque receiving part 3D of the torque member 3 along with an operation for back braking of the vehicle, the leading end part of the spring piece 9A engages the other slope of the engaging projection 6E, so as to elastically press the backing metal 6A toward the second torque receiving part 3D, whereby the disc brake apparatus is held in a second contact state. As a result, the clunking sounds are suppressed not only at the time of forward braking of a vehicle but also at the time of back braking of the vehicle. |
| US08292042B2 |
Electric disk brake
Disclosed is an electric disc brake. The electric disc brake includes friction pads for pressing a disc, a carrier for supporting the friction pads, a caliper housing supported by the carrier such that the caliper housing moves back and forth to press the friction pads, and a pressing device for pressing the friction pads. The pressing device includes a pressing member moving back and forth in the caliper housing to press one of the friction pads, a screw shaft coupled to the pressing member, a worm wheel coupled to the screw shaft, a driving shaft crossing the screw shaft and having a worm gear engaged with the worm wheel, a motor for rotating the driving shaft in a forward direction or a reverse direction, and an auxiliary pressing device. |
| US08292040B2 |
Double screw elevator
A double screw elevator consists of two screws whose helical threads extend in opposite helical directions, and each of the screws is provided with a nut, so that a suspension unit and a carrying unit on the nuts can be driven to move close to or away from each other, thus achieving the function of lifting or lowering the elevator car. The double screw elevator is simply structured, easy to assemble, and the length of a single screw of the elevator is shortened, making it easier to manufacture the screw. Furthermore, the screw driving elevator reduces the occurrence of accident whiling improving the rate of utilization. |
| US08292038B2 |
Control device for operating two elevator cars in a single hoistway
The device for controlling movement of a plurality of elevator cars in a single hoistway includes a door monitor module (46) that facilitates controlling movement of elevator cars (22, 24). The door monitor module (46) is configured to determine when at least one door (30) along a hoistway (26) is open. The door monitor module (46) places a first relay (52) in a selected operative state if a first elevator car (22) is stopped at a landing corresponding to the at least one open door. The door monitor module (46) places a second relay (56) in a selected operative state if a second elevator car (24) is stopped at a landing corresponding to the at least one open door. The door monitor module (46) is also configured to place both relays (52, 56) into the selected operative state if neither of the elevator cars (22, 24) is stopped at a landing corresponding to an open door (30) along a hoistway (26). |
| US08292034B2 |
Air-oil separator
The present invention provides an air-oil separator comprising a first region having a mixture of air and oil, a second region wherein separation of at least some of the oil from the air-oil mixture occurs and at least one multi-directional injector plug located on a rotating component in flow communication with the first region and the second region, the multi-directional injector plug having a discharge head that is oriented such that at least a part of the air-oil mixture discharged therefrom has a component of velocity that is tangential to the direction of rotation of the rotating component. |
| US08292033B2 |
Tree stand
The tree stand includes a column permanently or semi-permanently secured to a tree or other support by one or more circumferential cables or bands and/or one or more threaded fasteners driven into the tree. The ends of the band are captured in a slot on the column, the threaded fastener, or optionally an unthreaded pin, capturing the ends of the band in the slot. Access to the pin is blocked by a lock that may only be removed by a person having the proper key, thus assuring that the column can be safely left in place. A platform and seat are removably attached to the column when use of the stand is desired. The user of the stand may install several columns in various locations and transport only a single platform and seat to one of the previously installed columns when the stand is to be used. |
| US08292031B2 |
Platform lift apparatus for attic storage space
A platform lift apparatus enables the safe movement of objects to and from an attic storage space. The platform lift apparatus includes a frame, a drive mechanism, and a platform. The frame includes internal and external mounting surfaces. The drive mechanism is substantially disposed within the frame and is coupled to the internal mounting surfaces. The drive mechanism includes a plurality of rotatable, parallel shafts with each shaft further including at least one lift drum having an associated lift tether at least partially wound thereon and having an end hanging therefrom. The platform is coupled to each lift tether end and is thereby suspended from the frame. The platform is selectively movable by operation of the drive mechanism within in a vertical dimension between raised and lowered positions. The drive mechanism further comprises an electric motor operatively coupled to the plurality of parallel shafts. |
| US08292030B2 |
Mobile eave hook system and method
An anchoring device, system and method. The anchoring device, system and method can include one or more rolling hook devices designed to couple or be secured to a projection such as those associated with rooftops. The rolling hook devices can include an arched member and any number of wheels to facilitate positioning. The rolling hook device may further be coupled to one or more tethers that allow it to serve as an anchor or work in conjunction with any number of other devices that function together as an anchoring system. |
| US08292029B2 |
Securing ring and corresponding manufacturing process
A securing ring, such as a belay loop, including a plurality of layers of ring-shaped surface sections, an outermost ring-shaped surface section being fixed to at least one of the layers below. The ring-shaped surface sections are formed from surface sections of a flat tubular element folded or rolled upon one another. A corresponding process for the manufacture of the securing ring involves the folding or rolling up of a flat tubular element. |
| US08292027B2 |
Composite laminate for a thermal and acoustic insulation blanket
This invention is directed to a composite laminate comprising in order (a) a flame retardant polymeric moisture barrier (b) an inorganic platelet layer and (c) a flame retardant thermoplastic film layer The invention is also directed to a thermal insulation and acoustic blanket comprising a core of fibrous material or foam surrounded by the above composite laminate wherein the thermoplastic film layer of the composite laminate contacts and encapsulates the core. |
| US08292026B2 |
Silencer
A silencer for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, more preferably of a motor vehicle, has two end face bottoms facing away from each other, a closed circumferential jacket, at least one silencer insert, at least one inlet pipe and at least one outlet pipe. At least one of the pipes extends through the jacket into the silencer interior and is fastened to the jacket. The manufacture can be simplified if the pipe extending through the jacket has a cone, if the silencer insert on an intermediate pipe has a mating cone which engages in the cone. |
| US08292021B2 |
Muffler assembly and pseudo muffler assembly for a motorcycle, and motorcycle incorporating the same
A motorcycle includes a muffler assembly including a muffler and a muffler cover arranged on one side of a rear wheel in a lateral direction. The motorcycle also includes a housing box resembling the muffler assembly and arranged substantially parallel to the muffler assembly on the other side of the rear wheel in the lateral direction. The housing box has a shape substantially similar to a shape of the muffler assembly, thereby forming a pseudo muffler assembly or replica muffler assembly. |
| US08292020B2 |
Automatic moving apparatus for pre-crash headrest
An automatic moving apparatus may include a collision prediction sensor, a control unit comparing a value measured by the collision prediction sensor, with a reference value stored in the control unit, and outputting a control signal when it may be determined that the value measured by the collision prediction sensor is higher than the reference value, and a headrest moving unit moving a headrest unit toward a passenger's head before the headrest unit comes into contact with the passenger's head, and including a stay rod connected to the headrest unit, both sides of the stay rod being placed in a vertical direction, tilting device tilting the stay rod forwards or backwards relative to a seatback in response to the control signal of the control unit, and vertical moving device moving the stay rod in a vertical direction in response to the control signal of the control unit. |
| US08292019B2 |
Shock absorbing structure for vehicle
A shock absorbing member is supported on a shock absorbing member support bracket fixed onto a floor tunnel sandwiched between left and right front seats. Therefore, it is possible to allow the front seats to interfere with the shock absorbing member so that the member can absorb collision energy at a time of a side collision of a vehicle. Because a lower portion of a front wall connected to an inverted-U-shaped inner face of the shock absorbing member is connected to an upper portion of a front wall of the shock absorbing member support bracket, the front wall of the shock absorbing member support bracket receives a load of the side collision in a shearing direction. Accordingly, it is possible to increase strength of the front wall of the shock absorbing member support bracket against the side collision, prevent the shock absorbing member from falling down sideways, and enhance the shock absorbing effect. |
| US08292007B2 |
Wheeled platforms
A wheeled platform 100 is disclosed, which is characterized by high mobility and reliability, and which can be used in a wide range of applications including transport and robotic devices. The wheeled platform 100 has fore and aft body portions 130, 132, each body portion 130, 132 having first and second sides 106, 108. Overlapping wheels 112, 114, 116, 118 are rotatably attached to the first side 106 and overlapping wheels 120, 122, 124, 126 are rotatably attached to the second side 108. The fore body portion 130 can be connected to the aft body portion 132 via an articulation element 133. |
| US08292005B2 |
Device and method for measuring a property in a downhole apparatus
A method and device for measuring a property, such as torque, includes a plurality of sensors, and a measuring device. The sensors attach to a downhole apparatus at a distance from one another. The sensors provide signals indicating their positions. A logic circuit may calculate an angle between the sensors. The logic circuit then calculates the property based on the angle, the distance between the sensors, and other known physical properties of the downhole apparatus. |
| US08292004B2 |
Downhole marking apparatus and methods
Example downhole marking apparatus and methods to use the same are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a coring tool assembly for use in extracting a core sample from a subterranean formation adjacent a borehole; a sample container retainer operatively coupled to the coring tool assembly, wherein the sample container retainer is configured to hold a sample container configured to receive the core sample; and a scriber operatively coupled to the sample container retainer and configured to mark a surface of the sample container. |
| US08292000B2 |
Earth moving device for working vehicle
An earth moving device for a working vehicle, in which earth and sand flowing rearward over an earth moving blade does not enter through a gap between a bush and a piston rod into an angle cylinder tube. An angle cylinder is formed by including an angle cylinder rod and an angle cylinder tube. The angle cylinder rod is pivotably supported on a vertically movable frame, and the angle cylinder tube is pivotably supported on the earth moving blade. |
| US08291999B2 |
Control arrangement for motor grader blade
Mounting arrangement includes a drawbar assembly universally coupled to a longitudinally extending front frame portion of a machine proximal to a front wheel and a distance rearward from the wheel. An implement mounting bracket pivotably coupled to the assembly defines an articulation axis. First and second hydraulic actuators advance respective power links coupled to the mounting bracket to rotate the mounting bracket about the articulation axis. Respective idler links limit the movement of the actuators and power links. |
| US08291998B1 |
Furrow closing wheel assembly
A furrow closing wheel assembly includes a closed loop that has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. Each of the first and second lateral surfaces has a channel therein. Flanges positioned on a hub are extendable into the channels to couple the hub to the loop. A plurality of teeth extends upwardly from the outer surface. Each of the teeth has a front face, a rear face, a first side, a second side and an apex positioned distal to the loop. Each the front faces is faceted such that the front faces are absent of a substantial planar surface lying in a plane that is orientated parallel to an axis of rotation of the loop. The front face of each of the teeth is a leading face of the teeth extending into soil when the loop is positioned on the hub. |
| US08291997B2 |
Pivoting gauge wheel
Embodiments of the invention provide an innovative arrangement to control the height of ground engaging tools located on agricultural implements via gauge wheel assemblies, particularly for supporting and adjusting the height of winged extensions of the implement frame. The gauge wheel assemblies may provide an adjustment assembly in the form of a screw jack, which can be coupled to a support bracket that is attached to the implement frame and also coupled to a support tube that is coupled to a gauge wheel via pivot assembly and a bracket. The bracket and support tube may be coupled at discrete positions according to the height adjustment of the screw jack via pins and holes in the bracket and tube. When coupled, the pins and holes of the support bracket and tube may reduce the load of the winged extensions on the screw jack mechanism. |
| US08291995B1 |
Root whacker tool
The root wacker tool is a manually operated hand tool that includes a shaft of which mounted thereon is a hammer cap for imparting a force into a blade located about an opposite end of the shaft, which is useful in the cutting of roots or stumps located within compacted soil. The slide hammer has a mushroom shape to form a finger guard, and can be disengaged from the shaft to connect to a handle accessory to form a sledge hammer. The handle accessory can be connected to the shaft for use as a root whacker tool or attached to the blade to form an ax. An accessory saw can be stored within the shaft when not in use, and can be attached to the handle accessory for use as a saw. The shaft is aligned above the desired cutting surface via a slide hammer that slides vertically about the shaft, and a footplate, which secures the blade with respect to the shaft. |
| US08291993B2 |
Soil stabilizer with track apparatus
A soil stabilizer for treating ground surface includes a stabilizer frame, a rotor rotatably mounted thereon, the rotor being movable such that the rotor may engage various depths of earth, a rotatable axle, and a track apparatus mounted on the rotatable axle, the track apparatus supporting the stabilizer frame and providing for movement of the stabilizer frame and rotor across the ground surface. The track apparatus may include a continuous flexible track having an upper length and a ground-engaging lower length and including an inner surface, an axle wheel mountable to the rotatable axle for rotational movement therewith, the axle wheel engaging the inner surface of the flexible track along the upper length to drive the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle, and a track apparatus frame for mounting the axle wheel. |
| US08291990B1 |
Fire fighting system
A fire fighting system for fighting forest and brush fires under dry, hot and windy conditions which includes a jet engine for generating a high speed air stream, a water source for supplying water to a cooling system which lowers the water temperature to between forty and fifty degrees Fahrenheit, a nozzle for injecting cold water into the air steam and a filter which provides very fine particles of cold water within the stream. The stream of cold water is directed to a forest or brush fire dropping the temperature of the fire which eventually extinguishes the fire. |
| US08291988B2 |
Tubular actuator, system and method
A tubular actuating system includes, a tubular, a plurality of same plugs runnable within the tubular, a sleeve disposed at the tubular, and at least one slide that is movably disposed at the sleeve between at least a first position and a second position, the at least one slide is configured to be seatingly engagable with a first of the plurality of same plugs when in the first position and seatingly engagable with a second of the plurality of same plugs when in the second position. |
| US08291987B2 |
High capacity running tool and method of setting a packoff seal
A high capacity running tool sets and internally tests a casing hanger packoff during the same trip. The running tool has a stem and a body. The body is secured by threads to the stem of the running tool so that rotation of the stem relative to the body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. An engagement element connects the tool body to the casing hanger by engaging the inner surface of the casing hanger. Longitudinal movement of the stem relative to the body moves the engaging element between inner and outer positions and lines up ports in the stem and in the body for setting and testing functions. |
| US08291984B2 |
Control device for an inflatable tool for the treatment of a well or a pipeline
The invention relates to device for controlling an inflatable tool used to treat a well or pipeline. The device, which is inserted between the outlet of a fluid supply pipe and the tool, comprises: a chamber communicating with the exterior through a tube and with the tool via a pipeline; and a piston mounted in said chamber, which, under the force of a spring, normally occupies a first position in which it seals the outlet of the pipe, the aforementioned tube then communicating with the pipeline. The pipeline is provided with at least one spring-loaded check valve which allows the passage of the pressurized fluid from the chamber to the tool when the pressure upstream of the valve exceeds a predetermined threshold value, which prevents the passage of the fluid in the opposite direction. |
| US08291983B2 |
Intake for shrouded electric submersible pump assembly
An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a well fluid intake having a shroud hanger formed in an upper portion thereof, a seal section having a motor head formed in a lower portion thereof, and an electrical conduit extending between the shroud hanger and the motor head. The intake has a plurality of fluid entry slots positioned a select distance from the shroud hanger in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the shroud hanger to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor head. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures. |
| US08291981B2 |
Shear open valve
The present invention regards a device designed for injection of fluids in a well bore, typically an offshore well bore for petroleum production and gas injection/gas lift system for fluid injection. The device comprises a outer hollow housing with an internal body moveable within the outer housing which in a first closed position is closed with a metal to metal seal system between the outer housing and the internal body, which internal body is operated by pressure differential across the internal body. The internal movable body is connected to the outer hollow housing by means of a retainer key. The retainer key comprises a shear arrangement and is arranged to keep the valve in a fixed closed position, where fluid pressure is to overcome the pretension of the retainer key in order to open the device. When the device is shear opened, it can be kept in this open position as the retainer key is locked to the outer hollow housing. |
| US08291970B2 |
Consumable downhole tools
A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite. |
| US08291967B2 |
Heat sink and cooler
A heat sink includes a plurality of fins. The fins are formed to serve as partition walls of flow paths of a coolant. The fins are formed such that the coolant flows along a surface thereof. A merge space is formed to allow the coolant in the flow paths separated by the fins to merge. The merge space is formed in the flow paths formed by the fins. |
| US08291963B1 |
Hybrid core assembly
A hybrid core assembly for a casting process includes a ceramic core portion and a refractory metal core portion that interfaces with a ceramic core trough of the ceramic core portion. The refractory metal core portion includes a finger having a bent portion that establishes a refractory metal core trough aligned with the ceramic core trough. |
| US08291955B2 |
Apparatus of manufacturing pipe-shaped insulator
Disclosed is an apparatus of manufacturing a pipe-shaped insulator, wherein a thin fiberglass mat is coated, at a surface thereof, with a binder (adhesive) and is press-wound on a forming roller, so as to manufacture a pipe-shaped insulator having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined diameter. The apparatus includes a mat feeding roller, a plurality of fiberglass mat transportation rollers, a coating roller to coat a binder over a surface of the fiberglass mat, a forming roller on which the fiberglass mat, coated with the binder, is wound in plural times to form a pipe-shaped insulator, a squeeze roller disposed parallel to the forming roller, a pressure regulator to press the fiberglass mat, an encoder to measure a transported length of the fiberglass mat, a cutting unit to diagonally cut the fiberglass mat, a control system, a sensor, and a plurality of drive motors and power transmission members. |
| US08291954B2 |
Application-film transfer tool
The application-film transfer tool includes a main body having a base member and a sliding securing member slidably attached to the base member, a refill attachable to and detachable from the main body and having a supply bobbin, a take-up bobbin, a transfer head, and a refill case, and a refill securing mechanism securing the refill to the main body, wherein the refill is secured to the main body by engaging the engagement protrusions of the refill and the engagement depressions of the base member, latching together the sliding securing member and the section near the front end of the refill, and engaging the section near the back end of the locking member and the hooks. |
| US08291950B2 |
Self-inflating tire assembly
A tire assembly includes a tire carcass body and an air tube body extending between an outward facing tire body surface and an inward tire body surface. The air tube body has an enclosed hollow enclosed outlet end at a first end and an enclosed hollow inlet end at an opposite second end. An air passageway extends through the air tube body from the inlet end to the outlet end. The outlet end is positioned to face exposed from the outward tire body surface and the inlet end is positioned to face exposed from the inward tire body surface. The air tube body is integrally formed of resilient flexible material composition and includes a hollow outer casing and one or more hollow air cables positioned within the casing for regulating the rate of air flow from the inlet end to the outlet end. The air tube body may follow a non-linear U-shaped path that surrounds a tire body bead core between the outward tire body surface and the inward tire body surface and be incorporated into the green tire build without disrupting the tire building and curing process or compromising the structural integrity or form of any of the green tire building components. |
| US08291948B1 |
Centering guide for automated bottling machinery
The centering guide for automated bottling machinery is secured to its filler unit by a central saddle. Two laterally opposed posts slide in holes through the saddle. A bridge extends across the upper ends of the posts. The bridge provides attachment for a cam roller traveling on a cam as the bottling unit and guide rotate with its filler unit. The lower ends of the posts are threaded into a base plate holding a single piece guide bell removably therein. The bell has a resilient seal removably installed therein. As the cam roller is reciprocated by the stationary cam during rotation of the bottling unit, the bridge, posts, and base are also actuated to raise and lower the guide bell over the bottle mouth in concert with the filling operation. Springs are installed between saddle and base plate to assure proper operation when the bell is lowered. |
| US08291947B2 |
Water bottle adaptor for an appliance
A system and method for supplying bottled water to an appliance is provided, where the water bottle is opened as it is positioned on the appliance. The appliance includes an operational portion and a bottle receiving portion. The operational portion can be any appliance which utilizes water in its operations, such as humidifiers, vaporizers, coffeemakers, tea makers, dental water jets, and the like. The bottle receiving portion includes a conduit defining a fluid path, where the conduit is in fluid communication with the operational portion. The conduit has a first end with a piercing member for piercing the bottle, and a second end in fluid communication with the operational portion. When a water bottle is positioned in the bottle receiving portion, the piercing member pierces the bottle, allowing the water to exit the bottle along the fluid path to the operational portion of the appliance. |
| US08291937B2 |
Accumulator membrane unit, method for production thereof and rock drilling machine including such an accumulator membrane unit
An accumulator membrane unit (2) for inclusion into an accumulator chamber (6) in an accumulator (1) for storing hydraulic energy under pressure. The accumulator membrane unit includes membrane elements (3) that are sealingly joined at their peripheries and limit an inside membrane volume (V) which varies in dependence of a pressure at an outside of the accumulator membrane unit. The invention also concerns an accumulator, a method and a rock drilling machine. |
| US08291935B1 |
Flexible gas mixing manifold
Each of plurality of gas sources flows to a different one of a plurality of separate source gas flow paths. Then, a source gas is distributed directly from each of plurality of separate source gas flow paths to a plurality of separate gas mixture flow paths, thereby distributing a plurality of source gases to each of different flow paths. A plurality of separate gas mixture streams is generated by flowing a plurality of source gases in each of a plurality of separate gas mixture flow paths. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of separate source gas flow paths comprises a gas distribution duct, and each of a plurality of gas mixture flow paths comprises a gas mixing conduit. In some embodiments, a gas distribution duct includes a plurality of gas distribution ports and a gas source port connectable to a gas source. In some embodiments, a gas mixing conduit comprises a plurality of gas inlet holes, a gas mixing region, and a gas outlet hole. Each of the gas inlet holes is connectable to a gas distribution duct and is operable to conduct a source gas into the gas mixing region. A plurality of gases is mixed in the mixing region to form a gas mixture. A gas manifold is operable to mix a plurality of source gases in a plurality of gas mixing conduits to generate a plurality of gas mixtures having different gas compositions and flow rates. |
| US08291934B2 |
Proportional valve assembly
A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a service passage, a first bore in fluid communication with the service passage, a first passage, a second bore in communication with the service passage and a second passage. The first bore has an inlet portion, a first service portion in communication with the service passage, and a first load holding portion. The first passage is in communication with the first load holding portion and the service passage. The second bore has a return portion, a second service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a second load holding portion. The second passage is in selective communication with the second load holding portion of the second bore and the return passage. A valve is disposed in the second passage. The valve allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the return passage. |
| US08291929B2 |
Dual float rollover valve
The invention concerns a dual float rollover valve for use in a vehicle fuel tank assembly. The rollover valve may include a housing having an upper portion with a top end defining a vapor passage and an opposed bottom end, and an outer wall extending between the top and bottom ends and defining a channel extending therethrough; and a lower portion having a first end engaging with the bottom end of the upper portion, an opposed second end including a vent hole therethrough, and an outer wall extending between the first end and the second end and defining a chamber therein. An inner seal may be mounted between the channel and the chamber and include a seal bore extending from the channel to the chamber, with an upper float mounted in the channel, and a lower float, mounted in the chamber, having a buoyancy relative to fuel such that it is adapted to float on the fuel and selectively seal against the seal bore. |
| US08291922B2 |
Dish washing machine
The present invention relates to a dish washing machine, and more particularly to a dish washing machine having a structure in which a bottom surface of the dish washing machine is not wet with water. The dish washing machine includes a washing chamber (150) for washing dishes, a fan (90) for discharging air from the washing chamber (150), a housing for a space to install the fan (90), an exhaust duct (92) for guiding the air from the housing (94) to an outside of the dish washing machine, and a passage for draining water to an outside of the housing (94) whenever the water is present in the housing (94). |
| US08291921B2 |
Removing bubbles from a fluid flowing down through a plenum
In an example embodiment, a top proximity head for depositing fluids on a semiconductor wafer includes a delivery bore which receives fluid. The top proximity head includes a plenum that is connected to the delivery bore by numerous input channels into which fluid flows from the delivery bore. Each input channel has an inverted V-shaped opening which urges the upward flow of any air bubbles. From the plenum, the fluid flows through output channels out of the top proximity head to form a meniscus. The fluid is suctioned from the meniscus back into the top proximity head through return channels that lead to a return bore. A passage connects the delivery bore with the return bore, allowing air bubbles to escape from the delivery bore into the return bore. The passage allows a negligible amount of fluid to flow directly between the two bores rather than through the plenum. |
| US08291919B2 |
Method of making a custom cigar
A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. |
| US08291918B2 |
Mechanically regulated vaporization pipe
A portable vaporization implement, comprising: a tubular section having a hollow interior, an air intake, and an output orifice; a smoking material chamber that is within said hollow interior and that is in fluid contact with said air intake and said output orifice, and is positioned generally in between said air intake and said output orifice, wherein desired components of a smokable substance may be vaporized; and a purely mechanical means for automatically regulating the amount of heat entering said smoking material chamber, whereby the temperature within said smoking material chamber stays within the vaporization range of said smokable substance, wherein said mechanical means allows unimpeded inhalation by the user. |
| US08291913B2 |
Adaptive control of optical pulses for laser medicine
Tissue is treated by irradiating it with a sequence of optical pulses that are directed in sequence to various sites on the tissue. During the irradiation sequence, one or more tissue properties are measured at a site(s) that has already been irradiated. These measurements are used to adjust the parameters of subsequent optical pulses in the sequence. |
| US08291906B2 |
Patient interface systems
A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient's nares; a pair of strips configured to be connected to opposite sides of the patient interface structure; and adhesive configured to secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's nares. The adhesive may be provided on the strips, and the strips are configured to be adhered to sides of the patient's nose by the adhesive. Another patient interface system includes a first component including adhesive on a first side and hook or loop fastener material on a second side, wherein the adhesive is configured to adhere the component to the face of the patient; and a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient's airways. The patient interface structure includes a second component including a corresponding loop or hook fastener material configured to engage the corresponding hook or loop fastener material of the first strip to secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's face. A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface structure including a pair of nasal prongs or pillows configured to sealingly engage the patient's nares; and at least one spring configured to bias the nasal prongs or pillows outwards into engagement with the nares of the patient. |
| US08291904B2 |
Gas delivery device and system
A gas delivery system including a gas delivery device, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gas are also described. |
| US08291902B2 |
Enhanced semi-automatic emergency medication dose nebulizer
A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a plunger assembly having a pair of converging blades coming to a point for piercing a medication capsule held within a docking chamber adjacent to a nebulizing mixing chamber and a hollow needle connected to an air power source directing air through said needle, to force liquid medication from said pierced medication capsule into said nebulizing mixing chamber of said nebulizer. |
| US08291898B2 |
Dispensing apparatus
The present invention provides a dispensing apparatus for delivering metered doses of product from a pressurised dispensing container comprising: a housing comprising a body portion and a removable mouthpiece, the body portion containing a dose counting mechanism and a sleeve; the body portion comprising an aperture through which said pressurised dispensing container can pass to be received in the sleeve but through which the sleeve is unable to pass such that the sleeve is retained within the body portion; the sleeve being located in the body portion such that an upper end of said pressurised dispensing container when received in the sleeve is accessible to allow actuation of said pressurised dispensing container; the apparatus comprising means for retaining said pressurised dispensing container in the body portion. |
| US08291894B2 |
Loading pellets in pellet guns
Loading pellets into a pellet gun, whether it is of breech or break barrel design, is often a frustrating and difficult procedure, especially when done with the fingers. The pellets are small and hard to handle. Various embodiments of a dispenser for dispensing pellets to a breech design or a break barrel design pellet gun without touching them are described. The frustration and other difficulties usually encountered by pellet gun users are avoided by the dispensers delivering the pellets directly to pellet guns. |
| US08291892B2 |
Heat exchanger with cast housing and method of making the same
A heat exchanger suitable for cooling exhaust gases and a method of making same are disclosed. The heat exchanger includes an outer casting member having first and second ends and forming a housing and a plurality of channel members forming alternating first and second flow channels for the flow of an exhaust gas through the first flow channels and coolant through the second flow channels. The channel members form a core having first and second ends, this core being mounted in the casting member. A first flange is fixedly attached to a first end of the core so as to form a sealed joint. A second flange is fixedly attached to the second end of the core so as to form another sealed joint. The first and second flanges are each coupled by fasteners to their respective ends of the casting. |
| US08291891B2 |
EGR system with dedicated EGR cylinders
Improved exhaust gas recirculation system and methods that use one or more of the engine's cylinders as dedicated EGR cylinders. All of the exhaust from the dedicated EGR cylinders is recirculated back to the engine intake. Thus, the EGR rate is constant, but the EGR mass flow may be controlled by adjusting the air-fuel ratio of the dedicated EGR cylinders or by using various variable valve timing techniques. |
| US08291888B2 |
Speed dependent knock control
A system and method for controlling knock according to vehicle speed is disclosed. A knock control system has at least two settings, a first setting used for a first speed range and a second setting used for a second speed range. In another embodiment, knock may be controlled according to ambient noise measured directly within the motor vehicle. |
| US08291887B2 |
Throttle control device for saddle-ride type vehicle
A throttle control device for a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a throttle sensor is disposed in a case at a fixed position to detect an amount of a rotation operation of a throttle grip in accordance with a rotation of a throttle pipe. An operation of an actuator which drives a throttle valve to open and close is controlled by a control unit on the basis of a detected value of the throttle sensor. The throttle control device does not require a cancel switch to cancel an operation of an automatic cruise control device, which in turn reduces the number of parts, allowing size reduction of the case fixed on a bar handle. |
| US08291880B2 |
Internal combustion engine comprising several combustion chambers
In an internal combustion engine having several combustion chambers formed in in-line cylinders wherein an air/fuel mixture can be combusted and which include a common cylinder head, with discharge passages formed within the cylinder head and extending to a common confluence zone in communication with a discharge manifold, the common confluence zone is delimited on a first side (A) by at least one cylinder head wall and a separate shell element on a second side mounted to the outside of the cylinder head, the shell element being curved funnel-like for conducting the exhaust gas away from the engine. |
| US08291877B2 |
Valve drive device
In a valve drive arrangement for an internal combustion engine including a camshaft carrying axially movable cam elements provided with cams for operating gas exchange valves of the internal combustion engine and an actuation device having at least one shift element which is provided to shift cam element by means of a shifting gate between opposite axial positions, the valve drive arrangement has a change-over device for changing the axial shift direction of the shift element from one to the opposite axial position. |
| US08291876B2 |
Camshaft variable timing limiting devices, methods of assembly, and uses thereof
A variable timing limiting device for mounting to a camshaft variable timing mechanism includes a flange having a central opening and a travel limiter extending from the flange, wherein the camshaft variable timing mechanism has a hub and a sprocket having a recessed portion, the travel limiter being matably receivable in the recessed portion of the sprocket. In another aspect of the disclosure, a variable timing limiting device for a camshaft variable timing mechanism includes a free floating travel limiter inserted into a chamber portion of the camshaft variable timing mechanism. In another aspect of the disclosure, a camshaft variable timing mechanism for securing to a camshaft includes a hub, a vane lobe extending from the hub, a sprocket portion having a recess configured to receive an end of the vane lobe, the vane lobe being capable of travel within the recess, and a variable timing limiting device. |
| US08291875B2 |
Continuously variable valve lift device for vehicle
A continuously variable valve lift device for a vehicle is provided, which includes a drive shaft rotating in association with a crank shaft and having a drive cam formed on an outer periphery thereof, a locker arm shaft provided apart from the drive shaft and having one end that supports a rocker arm rotating and rocking in association with the drive cam, output cams rotatably installed on the drive shaft to interlock with the other end of the rocker arm, and a variable drive part straightly moving the rocker arm shaft in a vertical direction of the rocker arm shaft to vary a valve lift. When a valve is shifted from the high-lift state to the low-lift state, a pumping loss is reduced to improve the fuel consumption ratio. Also, since an advance function is provided, an exhaust-side CVVT can be deleted to greatly reduce the manufacturing cost. |
| US08291874B2 |
Apparatus for adjusting deviation of engine and continuously variable valve lift device including the same
An apparatus for adjusting deviation of an engine and a continuously variable valve lift device including the same are provided. The apparatus for adjusting deviation of an engine includes an adjustment member connecting a rocker arm to plural output cams, respectively, to adjust lengths between the rocker arm and the output cams, respectively, so that the lengths become equal to or different from each other. The continuously variable valve lift device includes an eccentric cam shaft with eccentric cams installed on its outer periphery, a rocker arm rotatably installed on the eccentric cams to interlock with plural output cams, and apparatus for adjusting deviation provided on the rocker arm to adjust lengths between the rocker arm and the output cams so that the lengths become equal to or different from each other. |
| US08291873B2 |
Valve arrangement for a combustion engine
This invention relates to a valve arrangement in an engine, comprising a valve with a valve plate and a stem like portion having an upper portion and lower portion, a valve control mechanism, the upper portion forms a hollow annular body extending coaxially with the extension of the stem like portion, the valve plate is connected to the lower portion to form a gap between the valve plate and the upper portion to allow for the gases to be transported past the valve plate into or out from the inside of the hollow annular body, the upper end of the annular body is open and the hollow annular body at its outer side is arranged with at least one first interacting device arranged to interact with at least one second interacting device of the valve control mechanism to facilitate movement and positioning. |
| US08291872B2 |
Highly efficient 6-stroke engine cycle with water injection
A six-stroke engine cycle having improved efficiency. Heat is recovered from the engine combustion gases by using a 6-stroke engine cycle in which combustion gases are partially vented proximate the bottom-dead-center position of the fourth stroke cycle, and water is injected proximate the top-dead-center position of the fourth stroke cycle. |
| US08291868B2 |
Brake furnace
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for heating liquid for use in a radiant heating system. More specifically it relates to transferring heat generated from friction caused by pressing brake pads against rotating wheels to a thermally conductive liquid being pumped through said rotating wheels and circulating the heated liquid through a radiator type space heating system. |
| US08291867B2 |
Pressure-applying garment for animals
A garment to reduce an animal's anxiety, fearfulness, overexcitement, or a combination thereof. The garment may include a central portion, flaps extending from opposite sides of the central portion, and, in some cases, a cinching member that extends from a central area of the central portion. The flaps may be fastened together around the chest and stomach of the animal, and the cinching member may be fastened to the central portion or one or more flaps to tighten the garment further, applying pressure to reduce anxiety, fearfulness, or over-excitement. Straps may be provided to secure the garment to the animal's neck. One material that may be used in making the garment is a fabric made of 55% cotton, 35% polyester, and 10% spandex. The animal may generally be any animal with four legs, for example, a dog or cat, or two arms and two legs, for example, a monkey. |
| US08291862B2 |
Top-fill hummingbird feeder with vertically operative base sealing mechanism
A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a liquid container with a a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin. An insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented. Movement of the insert between the two positions is effected by pushing the liquid container toward the basin (the closed position) and by pulling the liquid container away from the basin (the open position). Each movement of the insert has an associated “snap” or gives positive physical feedback which the user can feel that assures the user that the desired fluid flow or fluid sealed position has been achieved. |
| US08291855B2 |
Mobile robot printer for large image reproduction
A system for automatically reproducing an image on a large surface, such as the surface of an outdoor or indoor athletic field or athletic court. The system includes a computer, a microcontroller, a mobile robotic platform, a plurality of distance sensors, a plurality of boundary markers, and image reproduction machinery. The computer takes the image input by the user and translates for use by the microcontroller. The distance sensors use the boundary markers to provide positioning information to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is used to control motors and sensors on the mobile robotic platform and image reproduction machinery. The mobile robotic platform propels and steers the system along the surface. The image production machinery comprises a guide rail, a carriage, and a paint head assembly which reproduce the image onto a large surface. The movement of the image production machinery is decoupled from the movement of the mobile robotic platform. |
| US08291845B2 |
Offshore drilling vessel
A pipe handling system for handling the pipes from a cargo hull includes a gantry beam and a guide mast assembly having an essentially vertical guide mast. The guide mast assembly is moveably connected to the gantry beam, allowing movement of the guide mast assembly in a vertical direction between a lowered mast position and a lifted mast position relative to the gantry beam. A lifting part includes a device configured to engage a pipe. The lifting part is moveable by one or more hoists in a vertical direction between a lowered lifting part position for picking up the pipe and a lifted lifting part position. The lifted part engages on the guide mast assembly, such that the guide mast assembly causes vertical guidance of the lifting part when the guide mast assembly with the engaged lifting part is moved between the lowered mast position and the lifted mast position. |
| US08291843B2 |
Drilling apparatus and method
An apparatus for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds is described comprising a frame (8); a first row of deep loosening tines (4) carried by the frame and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame (8); and a second row of drill coulters (5) carried by the frame (8) and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame, —wherein a deep loosening tine (4) of the first row is aligned with at least one pair of drill counters (5) of the second row, in such a manner that each coulter (5) of the pair is laterally offset either side of the deep loosening tine (4). A method for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds using such an apparatus is also described. |
| US08291836B2 |
Paper pallet structure
A paper pallet structure, includes a plurality of first sheet bodies and a plurality of second sheet bodies, the first sheet body is bent to form two wing portions, a first connecting portion connected to the two wing portions, and a first supporting portion positioned between the two first wing portions and coming into abutting contact with the first connecting portion, and the second sheet body is bent to form two wing portions, a second connecting portion connected to the two wing portions, and a second supporting portion positioned between the two second wing portions and coming into abutting contact with the second connecting portion. The first wing portion and the second wing portion respectively have first engagement portions and second engagement portions, and the first engagement portions are engaged with the second engagement portions to position the first sheet body and the second sheet body perpendicular to each other. |
| US08291830B2 |
Folding table
An improved folding table is distinguished by the following features: a locking means is provided, by means of which the table top (5) can be locked in the work or use position thereof and in the storage position thereof, the locking means can be unlocked by means of a disengagement means (15), as well as the hand-actuatable disengagement means (15a), a further foot-actuatable or shoe-actuatable disengagement means (15b) is provided, and the at least one further foot-actuatable or shoe-actuatable disengagement means (15b) is provided on the underside of the table on the table half which is lower than the pivot axis of the table top (5) and/or is lower than the hand-actuatable disengagement means (15a) when the table top (5) is pivoted into the storage position. |
| US08291826B2 |
Deflagration to detonation transition device
A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive. |
| US08291825B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for electro-mechanical safety and arming of a projectile
A safety and arming apparatus for use with a projectile includes a rotor pivotable between a safe position and an armed position. A biasing element holds a mass engaged with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to allow the mass to displace and disengage from the rotor in response to a setback force on the projectile. A second biasing element includes a displaceable end for engaging with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to disengage the displaceable end from the rotor in response to projectile spin. A piston actuator can rotate the rotor to the armed position if the mass is disengaged and the displaceable end is disengaged. A detonator on the rotor can be aligned with a detonation cord when the rotor is in the armed position and unaligned when the rotor is in the safe position. |
| US08291824B1 |
Monolithic exploding foil initiator
A monolithic exploding foil initiator (EFI) or slapper detonator and the method for making the monolithic EFI wherein the exploding bridge and the dielectric from which the flyer will be generated are integrated directly onto the header. In some embodiments, the barrel is directly integrated directly onto the header. |
| US08291823B2 |
Digital printing plate and system with electrostatically latched deformable membranes
A printing surface includes a substrate having latching electrodes on a first surface, a spacer layer on the first surface of the substrate, the spacer layer patterned to form wells such that the latching electrodes reside in the wells, a deformable membrane, the membrane having conductive regions, on the spacer layer to enclose the wells, each enclosed well and its associated region of the membrane forming a pixel membrane, and actuation circuitry to actuate the electrodes to cause selected ones of the pixel membranes to remain in a deflected state when the pixel membranes receive an impulse to return to an undeflected state. |
| US08291822B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes is described in which a cleaning member is positioned on one side of a belt and a backup member positioned on a second side of the belt. The backup member is configured to move between a contact position and a non-contact position. |
| US08291821B2 |
Infinitely variable cutoff printing press with constant speed plate cylinder and inker
A variable cutoff printing press is provided. The printing press includes a first plate cylinder rotating at a constant angular velocity and printing on a web during each revolution about a first plate cylinder axis and a first blanket cylinder rotating at varying angular velocities during each revolution about a first blanket cylinder axis. The first blanket cylinder comes in and out of contact with the first plate cylinder during operation. A method of variable cutoff printing is also provided. |
| US08291816B2 |
Drawer type cooking device
The invention provides a drawer type cooking device having an operation unit disposed on an upper portion of a drawer body so as to increase the height of the drawer body within a cooking device body as much as possible, capable of facilitating power supply and signal transmission between the control unit within the cooking device body and the operation unit when the drawer body is opened and closed. Slide mechanisms 4 disposed on left, right and bottom portions enabling the drawer body 2 to be moved into and out of the cooking device body 1 are composed of conductive materials, so as to provide a slidable state with constant conduction. By transmitting data via serial communication and supplying power to the operation unit from the cooking device body 1 to the drawer body 2, it becomes possible to dispose the operation unit on a door 2a being opened and closed. By forming the operation unit including a microcomputer for communication on the drawer body 2, it becomes possible to increase the ceiling height of the drawer body 2, increase the ceiling height and capacity of the heating chamber 3, and enlarge the height limitation of an object to be cooked. An illuminating light source 25 disposed on the door 2a of the drawer body 2 can also receive power supply via the arrangement described above to illuminate food loaded in the drawer body 2. |
| US08291812B2 |
Self tamping coffee holder
A self-tamping coffee holder tamps loose ground coffee obtaining richer flavor. The coffee holder includes a holder base and a holder cap. Coffee is loosely deposited in the coffee holder and the holder cap is attached to the holder base. An internal filter chamber holds the coffee and allows tamping of the coffee into a compacted state. The filter chamber may be formed by a fixed filter or by a removeable filter constructed of filter paper, nylon mesh, metal mesh, or any material capable of holding the coffee while allowing a flow of heated water through the coffee. The tamping may be by a spring or by a resilient solid material attached to the coffee holder and may push the coffee down inside the filter or push the filter and the coffee up against the holder lid. |
| US08291808B2 |
Titanium mosaic body armor assembly
An assembly useful for constructing concealable, flexible, lightweight protective body armor includes a flexible support layer to which is bonded a mosaic of rigid, adjacent tiles having a high bending performance, such as type 5 titanium alloy, which includes 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium by weight. The inner support layer can include woven para-aramid and/or STF-treated Kevlar™. The tiles can have interlocking and/or thickened edges. An additional backing layer can include para-aramid and/or carbon nanofiber embedded UHMWPE UD-laminate. An inner layer can have high moisture transport, anti-microbial properties, and low friction. An outer layer can be shaped with anatomical features to hide the armor. The assembly can be flame resistant. Assemblies with 2 mm thick tiles and total thickness less than 5 mm can provide V50 protection against 9 mm FMJ projectiles at more than 1000 feet/second, and can also protect against knife and spike assaults at 65 Joules force. |
| US08291807B1 |
Machine gun ammunition holder incorporating center of gravity downward ejection-deflector
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of mounting ammunition holders for side loading machine guns and weapons that downwardly eject spent cartridges. The ammunition holders include adjustable hinges attached side plates that both moves the center of gravity of the left side supported ammunition holder to move in a right direction underneath the machine gun until the ammunition holder is balanced relative to the machine gun. The side plate further deflects the spent cartridges from being directly ejected downward from the machine gun and instead deflect the spent cartridges to one side of the machine gun away from both the machine gun and an operator of the gun. The ammunition containers can be ammunition belt boxes. The ammunition containers can be ammunition pouch bags. Frames can allow for bags to be inserted therein and be pre-shaped to form a deflection surface by a built on side wall which functions as a deflection plate to deflect spent cartridges and shells sideways away from the gun. |
| US08291801B2 |
Table saw with ratchet mechanism
A table saw in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a first ratchet member operatively connected to the swing arm assembly, and a second ratchet member movable between a first ratchet position whereat rotation of the first ratchet member in a first and a second direction is allowed, and a second ratchet position whereat the second ratchet member is engaged with the first ratchet member such that rotation in only the first direction is allowed. |
| US08291800B2 |
Combination power tool
A combination power tool with a machine base, an independently operable portable circular saw, and a connection device for fastening the portable circular saw to the machine base to form a miter saw. The portable circular saw has a power supply unit including a first power socket that is provided at the front side of the portable circular saw and selectively electrically connectable to the motor of the portable circular saw, a second power socket provided at the rear side of the portable circular saw and selectively electrically connectable to the motor of the portable circular saw, and a power cable for connecting an external power source to one of the first power socket and the second power socket. |
| US08291798B2 |
Method and device for producing small, thin sheets from an active-ingredient film
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing small, thin sheets from an active-ingredient film (2), in which the latter is produced by casting the film material onto a substrate material or by coating a substrate material, storing it with or without substrate material on a reel, pulling it off the reel and cutting it. It achieves the object of designing a method of this type in such a way that with this method small sheets can be produced as exactly as possible in predetermined sizes. To do this, the active-ingredient film (2) is pulled off automatically, is separated from a substrate material which, if present, and in tensioned form, is fed to a cutting station and is cut, in the feed direction, into long, narrow strips (7) of predeterminable width, and the long strips (7) are brought together in the feed direction and together are fed by a further feed device (10) to a transverse cutter (11), which cuts through the combined long strips (7) at predetermined intervals. |
| US08291796B2 |
Two-axis machine tool
A two axis machine tool suppresses vibrations between two processing machines and provides a self vibration suppressing effect resulting from increased rigidity and increased mass. The two axis machine tool includes first and second separate and independent machine beds and processing machines mounted respectively on the first and second machine beds, and the first and second machine beds are connected together through vibration suppressing units. Each of the vibration suppressing units includes a viscoelastic body sandwiched between first and second plate members secured respectively to the first and second machine beds. |
| US08291785B2 |
Ball screw
A ball screw includes a screw shaft, in which a thread groove is formed in an outer peripheral face thereof, that includes a small-diameter portion with a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the screw shaft formed integrally at one end of the screw shaft; a nut, through which the screw shaft passes, having a thread groove formed in an inner peripheral face thereof; a plurality of balls disposed in a ball passage formed by the thread groove of the screw shaft and the thread groove of the nut; and a ring-shaped stopper, immovably fitted on the small-diameter portion, that prevents the nut from moving. |
| US08291783B2 |
Helical locking mechanism for doors
A powerless helical locking mechanism for a door includes a screw with a variable lead angle connected with a power source, and a self-adaptive nut connected to the door. The helical slot of the screw is divided into a working segment with the helical lead angle greater than the friction angle, a closing segment with the helical lead angle smaller than the friction angle, and a transition segment between the closing and working segments. The power source actuates the screw to rotate bidirectionally. |
| US08291781B2 |
System and methods for actuating reversibly expandable structures
An actuator is provided for reconfiguring a reversibly expandable structure, also referred to as a deployable structure. The deployable structure includes an enclosed mechanical linkage capable of transformation between expanded and collapsed configurations while maintaining its shape. An actuator coupled to the deployable structure provides a load, force, or torque for actuating a transformation. The actuated deployable structure transfers the actuation force to an external body substances, or element in contact with the deployable structure. The force can be directed inwardly or outwardly depending upon direction of the transformation (i.e., expanding or contracting). The force provided by the deployable structure can be used to perform work by its application over at least a portion of the distance traveled by a perimeter of the deployable structure during its transformation. In some embodiments, the actuatable deployable structure is lockable structure supporting a static load. |
| US08291778B2 |
Extractive sampling system for fluids
Disclosed is an extractive sampling system to secure representative fluid samples and transport to analyzers as a sample destination. The invention is directed to modification of sample acquisition components and the addition of elements to overcome sample obtainment issues that occur in a variety of fluids to be samples. |
| US08291776B1 |
Force sensor using changes in magnetic flux
A force sensor includes a magnetostrictive material and a magnetic field generator positioned in proximity thereto. A magnetic field is induced in and surrounding the magnetostrictive material such that lines of magnetic flux pass through the magnetostrictive material. A sensor positioned in the vicinity of the magnetostrictive material measures changes in one of flux angle and flux density when the magnetostrictive material experiences an applied force that is aligned with the lines of magnetic flux. |
| US08291775B2 |
Torque sensor and robot apparatus
Provided is a torque sensor including a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a strain body, and a detection element. The first rotating body is rotatable around an input shaft. The second rotating body is rotatable around an output shaft. The strain body includes a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion is separated from at least one of the rotating bodies in a first direction parallel to the input shaft, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third direction around the input shaft and is capable of engaging to the at least one of the rotating bodies in the third direction. The strain body transmits a rotational torque to the third direction between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. The detection element is provided to the strain body to measure a strain of the strain body due to the rotational torque. |
| US08291772B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing shear fasteners used in downhole tools
A tester for testing a shear fastener includes: a frame; a stationary chuck connected to the frame; a linear guide comprising a slider; a movable chuck connected to the slider; a movable insert fastened to the movable chuck and having a hole for receiving a first portion of the shear fastener; a stationary insert fastened to the stationary chuck and having a hole for receiving a second portion of the shear fastener; a linear actuator for engaging the movable chuck and fracturing the shear fastener; and a load cell for determining force exerted on the shear fastener by the linear actuator. |
| US08291771B2 |
Electronic apparatus with sensor
An electronic apparatus with a sensor has an exterior case, a sensor unit arranged inside the exterior case for detecting pressure, and a sensor holding frame arranged between the exterior case and the sensor unit for mounting the sensor unit on the exterior case. The sensor holding frame includes a sensor accommodating portion which accommodates the sensor unit and which has a pressure chamber into which the pressure is taken in front of a sensor body of the sensor unit, and a pressure introducing passage through which pressure is introduced into the pressure chamber from outside the exterior case. A center axis of the sensor accommodating portion and a center axis of the pressure introducing passage are displaced from each other. |
| US08291766B2 |
Method and device for ultrasound testing
In a method and device for ultrasonic testing of a workpiece, a multiplicity of ultrasonic testing pulses are launched into the workpiece from a test surface thereof. At least two ultrasonic testing pulses are launched into the workpiece to be tested at launching points that are spaced apart from one another by a test step width measured along the test surface. A single measured value (Ī) assigned to a local point located in the workpiece is calculated on the basis of the received signals assigned to the at least two ultrasonic testing pulses. |
| US08291765B2 |
Carrier modulating accelerometer
An accelerometer module for measuring acceleration in a stabilized platform system includes a power supply configured to accept an input AC reference signal and to generate a regulated DC signal and a reference signal in phase with the input AC reference signal; an accelerometer configured to receive the regulated DC signal from said power supply and to generate an output signal in response to an external force acting on the accelerometer module and an analog multiplier unit configured to receive the output signal from the accelerometer and the reference signal from the power supply, and to modulate the reference signal with the output signal so as to output a modulated accelerometer signal. A method for servicing a stabilized platform system comprising is also provided. |
| US08291763B1 |
Push-in-snap mounting bracket for gauge
A gauge mounting assembly for mounting a gauge to an instrument panel of a vehicle such as an automobile, boat, airplane or any other device utilizing said gauge and instrument panel. The gauge mounting assembly comprises: a gauge disposed within a gauge housing abutting a gauge housing flange; a gauge mounting bracket integrally attached to the gauge housing; said gauge mounting bracket comprising a circular base with a series of flexible fingers extending axially from said base; and, said fingers consisting of a ratcheting tip. When said gauge mounting assembly is positioned within a hole in said instrument panel the flexible fingers consist of an elastic dual-action cantilevered spring members. First, said fingers flex inwardly towards the axial surface of the gauge housing to permit passage through said hole. Second, said spring members bow outwardly from their original position exerting an outward force against said hole maintaining retention and alignment of the gauge housing. The ratcheting tips of the flexible fingers distal from said base become trapped on a opposite rear surface of said instrument panel, corresponding to the thickness, sandwiching the instrument panel between the gauge housing flange and corresponding ratcheting tips creating an exponential resistance in removal force created by the bowed shaped configuration of the spring members and automically centering the gauge device within the hole of the instrument panel without the need of a additional element. |
| US08291759B2 |
Fluid flow direction detection
In order to provide a robust, weather resistant, portable, low-noise, relatively inexpensive, wind direction detection device, disclosed herein is a method and device for detecting fluid flow direction based on sensing a temperature variation transmitted from a temperature variation source to one or more temperature sensors. One or more indicators are utilized to communicate the measured fluid flow direction to a user. An implementation of the fluid flow direction detection device utilizes a resistance heater as the temperature variation source, thermistors as the temperature sensors, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to each thermistor as the indicators. The thermistors and LEDs are arranged in a circular fashion around the resistance heater to accurately detect the direction of a thermal plume generated by the resistance heater. |
| US08291756B2 |
Measuring tyre pressure
This invention provides a valve stem (21) for a tire. The valve stem (21) comprises at least one electrical circuit for measuring pressure within the tire. The circuit comprises a capacitive pressure sensor (5) and an inductive coil (6). The inductive coil (6) is coiled around the valve stem (21). |
| US08291755B2 |
Tire air-pressure detection device
A method and apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention includes a tire pressure detection device comprising an elongated casing having a first casing portion and a second casing portion, configured to house a pressure sensor and the battery therein. The elongated casing also includes a mounting hole for accommodating a connection member configured to connect the casing to a tire valve. The mounting hole is disposed, in one embodiment, and at approximately longitudinal center portion thereof. The first casing portion and the second casing portion are joined to each other by joint portions comprising a hook formed on one of the first casing portion and the second casing portion, and a hook hole formed in another of the first casing portion and the casing portion. The joint portions are located around the mounting hole and both longitudinal ends of the casing. The casing is configured such that a tire valve penetrates a rim of the tire wheel from an outside to an inside thereof. |
| US08291750B1 |
Resonant measurement system and method
A system for measuring damping and that includes an oscillator that produces an excitation signal for a resonator that can be placed in a damping medium. A sensor produces a sensor signal responsive to resonator motion. Also, a timing circuit ensures that excitation and sensing occur during mutually exclusive periods. An amplifier responds to the sensor signal, producing an amplified sensor signal. A phase detector is adapted to measure the phase relationship between the excitation signal and the amplified sensor signal and a controller is responsive to the phase detector to adjust the excitation frequency of the excitation signal, to create a phase lock loop. An integrator receives the amplified signal during periods that are mutually exclusive to and interleaved with the excitation. This integrator produces an integrated DC and low frequency component of the amplified signal, which is subtracted from the input amplifier input. |
| US08291743B1 |
Method and system for calibrating an electronic lapping guide for a beveled pole in a magnetic recording transducer
A method and system for calibrating an electronic lapping guide (ELG) for transducer(s) having an ABS and a magnetic structure are described. The magnetic structure has a desired thickness, a bevel, and a flare point a distance from the ABS. The method and system include providing at least three ELGs. A first ELG has first and second edges first and second distances from the ABS. A second ELG has third and fourth edges third and second distances from the ABS. A third ELG has fifth and sixth edges fourth and second distances from the ABS. The first, third, and fourth distances correspond to a stripe height and an offset. The first, third, and fourth distance and/or the second distance corresponds to an intersection between the bevel and the desired thickness. The method and system also include measuring resistances of the ELGs, and calibrating the ELG(s) utilizing the offset and resistances. |
| US08291733B2 |
Electric door lock
An electric door lock includes a transmission wheel driven by a motor and incorporating a spring with a driving end to drive a driven wheel. The transmission wheel and the driven wheel are rotatably sleeved around an inner drive tube connected to an inner handle. A spindle is inserted into the inner drive tube and has an operating end exposed from the inner handle. The driven wheel is connected integrally to the spindle for rotation. Preferably, a coupling piece extends through an arc-shaped slot in the inner drive tube and interconnects the driven wheel and the spindle. |
| US08291731B2 |
Washing machine generating and using the steam
A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine has an improved structure adapted to generate steam in order to improve washing effect and enable sterilization of laundry using the steam. The washing machine comprises a tub to contain water, a heater installed in the tub, and a controller to control the heater to heat the water contained in the tub and to generate steam. |
| US08291729B2 |
Microalignment using laser-softened glass bumps
Disclosed is a method for fabricating glass bump standoff structures of precise height, the method comprising providing oversized glass bumps on a glass substrate, providing a heat source to heat the bumps, positioning a substrate to be aligned on the oversized bumps, and reducing the height of the oversized bumps by a combination of manipulations comprising (1) softening the bumps by heating the bumps and (2) applying pressure to the substrate to be aligned. |
| US08291728B2 |
Method for the joining of low expansion glass
The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for joining together pieces of low thermal expansion glass to form parts that can be used in the manufacturing of mirror blanks. The parts are then used as a basis for the fabrication, using the method described herein, of hexagon sub-assemblies that would then be joined for assembly into mirror blanks. |
| US08291727B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing ceramic microspheres for cementing applications
A method and apparatus for manufacturing ceramic microspheres from industrial slag. The microspheres have a particle size of about 38 microns to about 150 microns. The microspheres are used to create a cement slurry having a density of at least about 11 lbs/g. The resultant cement slurry may then be used to treat subterranean wells. |
| US08291721B2 |
Dual condenser fans with center partition
A transport refrigeration system having a structural framework supporting a refrigeration unit including a condenser heat exchanger supported in an upper region of the framework and an engine and an electric generator powered by the engine supported by the framework in an engine compartment in a lower region of the framework, includes a pair of vertically disposed condenser fan/motor assemblies disposed aft of the condenser heat exchanger in side-by-side relationship and above the engine compartment; and a flow partition extending vertically between the pair of condenser fan/motor assemblies. |
| US08291719B2 |
Thermal control system and method
A system for improving the thermal efficiency of a thermal control loop in which refrigerant after compression and condensation is applied to an evaporator employs a subsidiary counter-current heat exchange intercepting refrigerant flow to maintain the quality of the refrigerant by exchanging thermal energy between the input flow and the output flow from the evaporator. The same principle is effective, with particular advantage when small connections have to be made, in systems using mixed phase media and using the concept of direct energy transfer with saturated fluid. |
| US08291718B2 |
DSM defrost during high demand
A method includes providing a standard supply of electrical power to a defrost heater during a standard defrost cycle for a refrigeration system of an appliance, detecting a high energy demand period during the standard defrost cycle, and enabling a reduced consumption of electrical power by the defrost heater in a low power defrost cycle. |
| US08291717B2 |
Cryogenic vacuum break thermal coupler with cross-axial actuation
A system and method to connect a cryocooler (refrigerator) to a superconducting magnet or cooled object allows for replacement without the need to break the cryostat vacuum or the need to warm up the superconducting magnet or other cooled object. A pneumatic or other type of actuator establishes a thermo-mechanical coupling. The mechanical closing forces are directed perpendicular (cross-axially) to the cryocooler axis and are not applied to the thin wall cryocooler body or to the thin cryostat walls or to the cooled object or to its shield. It is also possible that some of the compressive force be transferred to the cryocooler body. In that case, the extensions are designed so that the forces transferred to the cryocooler thermal stages do not exceed allowable stresses in the cryocooler stage. Additionally the device provides the possibility of easy inspection and cleaning of the thermal contacting surfaces of the cryostat cold and intermediate stations from the bonded chips of compressible gasket after the cryocooler retraction. |
| US08291716B2 |
Hybrid propulsive engine including at least one independently rotatable turbine stator
A hybrid propulsive technique includes providing a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one jet engine. The at least one jet engine includes an at least one turbine section, wherein the at least one turbine section includes at least one turbine stage. The at least one turbine stage includes an at least one turbine rotor and an at least one independently rotatable turbine stator. The hybrid propulsive technique further involves extracting energy at least partially in the form of electrical power from the working fluid, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to torque. The hybrid propulsive technique further comprises rotating an at least one at least one independently rotatable turbine stator at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to torque. |
| US08291712B2 |
Method for determining sensor locations
A method for determining sensor locations in a gas turbine engine is provided. The said method includes providing a turbine rear frame including a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced struts extending between the inner and outer surfaces, wherein a strut sector is defined between each pair of circumferentially-adjacent struts, providing a plurality of fuel nozzles that are each aligned with a strut sector, selecting one of the plurality of fuel nozzles as a primary index nozzle and positioning each of a plurality of sensors relative to one of the plurality of nozzles using a corresponding positioning angle such that each of the plurality of sensors coincides with a gas flow temperature distribution profile between each pair of circumferentially-spaced nozzles. |
| US08291711B2 |
Flow sleeve impingement cooling baffles
A combustor assembly for a turbine engine includes a combustor liner, a flow sleeve and a baffle ring. The flow sleeve surrounds the combustor liner. An annulus is formed between the flow sleeve and the combustor liner. A plurality of row of cooling holes are formed in the flow sleeve. The baffle ring radially surrounds the combustor liner and is located in the annulus. |
| US08291708B2 |
Combustor and multi combustor including the combustor, and combusting method
A dual fuel nozzle of a gas turbine combustor with a variable jetting hole diameter is disclosed. The combustor includes a plurality of swirling wings disposed along an outer peripheral surface of a central shaft to have at least one main fuel jetting hole, an air duct positioned at the lower side of the swirling wings to supply air to the swirling wings, a pilot fuel injection hole and jetting hole formed to pass through a central portion of the central shaft to supply a pilot fuel, a switching plate disposed inside the swirling wings to vary the size of the main fuel jetting hole, a driving unit disposed to be connected to the switching plate to move a position of the switching plate, and a casing containing the swirling wings, the air duct, the switching plate and the driving unit. It is possible to enhance fuel flexibility in a multiple fuel system for applying two or more fuels to a gas turbine at the same time. |
| US08291707B2 |
Multi-stage check valve
A multi-stage check valve includes a valve housing defining an internal valve chamber. A main valve member within the valve chamber of the valve housing has an internal valve chamber. In the first position thereof the main valve member blocks fuel below a predetermined main pressure from flowing through a main fuel path. In the second position thereof the main valve member is displaced to allow fuel above the predetermined main pressure to flow through the main fuel path. The multi-stage check valve also includes a pilot valve member within the valve chamber of the main valve member. In the first position thereof, the pilot valve member blocks fuel below a predetermined pilot pressure from flowing through a pilot fuel path. In the second position thereof, the pilot valve member is displaced to allow fuel above the predetermined pilot pressure to flow through the pilot fuel path. |
| US08291699B2 |
Exhaust manifold of a turbo-supercharged reciprocating engine
Exhaust manifold of a turbo-supercharged reciprocating engine with any number of cylinders ranging from 2 to 6 and equipped with an EGR system which comprises: a) an outer casing (21) which includes flanges (23, 25) for effecting joining, respectively, to the cylinder head (13) of the engine and the turbine (15) and an opening towards an EGR outlet duct (27) and an inner wall (31) with low thermal inertia defining a regulating chamber (33) for the exhaust gases introduced into it, after passing through a particle filter (45), via a plurality of orifices (35) located in the inner wall (31); b) inner branches (41) for entry of the exhaust gases, situated opposite the exhaust pipes (17); c) an outlet duct (59) for conveying the exhaust gases to the turbine (15), designed as an extension of the inner wall (31). |
| US08291697B2 |
Internal combustion engine control device
An internal combustion engine control device includes a NOx adsorber catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage, an EGR passage, a reducing agent adding device, a torque fluctuation reducing device, and a fuel injection device. The EGR passage draws a portion of exhaust gas from the exhaust passage downstream of the NOx adsorber catalyst and recirculates the exhaust gas into the intake passage. The reducing agent adding device adds a reducing agent to exhaust gas upstream of the NOx adsorber catalyst to reduce substances adsorbed by the NOx adsorber catalyst. When or after the reducing agent adding device adds the reducing agent, the torque fluctuation reducing device advances the timing of the fuel injection device or carries out a pilot injection to reduce a fluctuation in engine torque. The reducing agent adding device adds less reducing agent while the torque fluctuation reducing device is operating. |
| US08291693B2 |
Method for setting a predetermined oxygen filling value of an oxygen storage reservoir of a catalytic converter
A method for setting a predetermined oxygen filling value of an oxygen storage reservoir of a catalytic converter for a motor vehicle, the oxygen filling value being set with consideration of a combustion air ratio which has been determined depending on the raw emission values which have been determined or which are to be determined for the exhaust gas components which are to be oxidized and reduced by the catalytic converter. |
| US08291689B2 |
Corrugated core cowl for a gas turbine engine
An example core nacelle for a gas turbine engine includes a core cowl positioned adjacent to an inner duct boundary of a fan bypass passage having an associated cross-sectional area. The core cowl includes at least one groove that is selectively exposed to change the cross-sectional area. |
| US08291684B2 |
Swather with automatic reel control
In a swather formed by a tractor and attached heeder for cutting standing crop to form a swath, reel speed and optionally draper speed are controlled relative to ground speed by a control system including a manually operable input and display available to the operator. The control system can be used in an automatic mode to set an index value for an actual difference in reel speed relative to ground speed and to vary reel speed accordingly. In this mode a manually operable control varies the index. The control system can be switched by the operator to manual in which case the same control varies the actual reel speed. Minimum reel speed can be set by the same control and when operative the automatic system does not allow reel speed to fall below the minimum set value despite the values of index and ground speed. A crop-lodged switch is also provided which when operated acts to move the header to a lowered position and the move the reel to a forward most and lowermost position in a single operation controlled by the single switch. |
| US08291674B2 |
Window-containing assemblies having a molded plastic frame
The present invention provides a window frame design that is adapted to receive at least two light-panels. The window frame comprises a stepped frame section that includes a lower step surface and an upper step surface. The lower step surface is adapted to receive a first light-panel so that a section of the first light-panel lies flush against the lower step surface. Similarly, the upper step surface is adapted to receive a second light-panel so that the second light-panel lies flush against the upper step surface. The window frame design of the invention can be either incorporated into a skylight frame that may be attached to a curb unit on a roof or it may be an integral part of a skylight frame-curb assembly that also contains a curb section. In another embodiment of the invention, a window frame design which directly incorporates one or more light-panels during molding is provided. |
| US08291670B2 |
Modular entrance floor system
A modular entrance floor system comprising a plurality of floor sections, the plurality of floor sections being disposed adjacent each other and defining a perimeter of an entrance floor area. Each floor section includes a base plate permanently coupled to a foundation, and a surface plate removably attached to the base plate. The surface plate has at least one drain feature. The plurality of floor sections are configured such that the surface plate of a first floor section is interchangeable with the surface plate of a second floor section, independent of the adjacent floor sections. |
| US08291663B2 |
Drywall sealing tape
A drywall sealing tape which includes a substrate layer and a mesh layer made of mesh filament. The mesh layer is an array of filaments formed together which, when adjacent the substrate, create an inter-filament cavity for receiving and retaining joint compound between the substrate and the drywall panel. In use, the drywall sealing tape of the present invention may be coated with joint compound and applied to a drywall panel. The inter-filament cavities retain a volume of joint compound corresponding to the approximate thickness of the mesh filament. The joint compound retained within the cavities serves to bond the drywall sealing tape of the present invention to the drywall panels, and provides a seamless, crack-resistant surface. |
| US08291662B2 |
Continuous pour concrete slip dowel
According to one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a continuous pour concrete slip dowel is disclosed configured for use across a joint between adjacent concrete slabs. The continuous pour concrete slip dowel of the invention includes a slip sleeve configured to be positioned within a first concrete slab, and a main dowel rod having i) a first rod end portion configured to be received within the slip sleeve, ii) a second opposed rod end configured to be received within a second concrete slab which is adjacent the first slab and spaced from the first slab by a intervening joint, and iii) an intermediate coupling rod portion connecting the first rod end with the second rod end, wherein the coupling rod portion defines an offset therein whereby the coupling rod portion is configured to extend around the joint. |
| US08291647B2 |
Self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling
A self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling is provided. The self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling includes a lower section including a platform and a floor, said lower section forming a first portion of a foundation of said dwelling; an upper section including a ceiling and connected to the lower section to define a cavity, said upper section forming a first portion of a roof of said dwelling; a plurality of wall components attached to said lower section and said upper section within said cavity to form subcavities within said cavity; a plurality of panels attachable to said lower section and said upper section to enclose said cavity when the structure is configured as the shipping container and attachable to said upper section to form a second portion of said roof of said dwelling extending from said first portion of said roof to define an approximate area of said dwelling when the structure is configured as the dwelling; and a plurality of extension walls storable within said subcavities when the structure is configured as the shipping container and configurable to enclose said approximate area of said dwelling when the structure is configured as the dwelling. |
| US08291646B2 |
Wind power installation pylon interior
A wind power installation comprising a pylon comprising a pylon, a generator supported by the pylon and rotor blades coupled to the generator. The wind power installation further includes a first door to allow entrance into and exit from the interior of the pylon, a first level disposed in the interior of the pylon and directly accessible via the first door, the first level having a lock space including living quarters or sanitary equipment disposed therein. In addition, the wind power installation includes a second door disposed between the lock space and other portions of the interior of the pylon, wherein the second door is moisture-tight, a second level, disposed in the interior of the pylon and accessible via the second door, and a power module including a transformer housed in a moisture-tight container and electrically coupled to the generator, wherein the power module is disposed in the other portions of the interior of the pylon. |
| US08291641B2 |
Method for hydroponically growing plants that are root-nurtured
A method for hydroponically growing plants that are typically root-nurtured includes supplying a fluid to a main body with a top through a fill plug, maintaining the fluid at a pre-determined level in the main body with a top, an entrance end and an exit end by a drain pipe, feeding at least one plant with the fluid, the at least one plant disposed on the main body in a saddle with a top that has a strainer that is in contact with the pre-determined fluid level and returning the fluid to a reservoir from the main body. A second method for hydroponically growing plants that are typically root-nurtured includes supplying a fluid to a main body with a top through a dripper is also provided. |
| US08291640B2 |
Aquaponic system for vegetable and fish production
The invention relates to an aquaponic facility with closed water circulation, including at least one aquaculture unit and at least one hydroponic unit, characterized in that the aquaculture unit has at least one water outlet which is functionally connected with the hydroponic unit by a one-way valve such that water from the aquaculture unit can be supplied to the hydroponic unit, and the hydroponic unit has at least one cold trap, wherein the at least one cold trap is functionally connected with the aquaculture unit in such a way that the water obtained from the at least one cold trap can be supplied to the aquaculture unit, as well as its use. |
| US08291635B2 |
Strike-setting assembly for use with an unmanned fishing rod
A strike-setting assembly for an unmanned fishing rod including a hook-setting device carried by a fishing pole holder is provided. The hook-setting device includes a tether and an efficient, reliable mechanical trigger assembly including multiple magnets that permit easy, sensitive, multiple adjustments in multiple increments. The fishing pole holder is suitable for retaining the hook-setting device and for holding the rod in a manner providing resistance to the upward tension on the back handle portion of the fishing rod applied by the hook-setting device engaged on the front of the fishing rod. |
| US08291628B2 |
Art display system and method
A system for displaying illuminated art which includes an electrical/framework kit and a flexible media imprinted with artwork which combine for display of the artwork as on a table lamp or hanging lamp. The media is constructed out of a flexible sheet of plastic or a fabric-plastic laminate which is preferably bowed into a cylindrical or oval shape. The framework for supporting the illuminated media includes a slot provided in a central ring to accommodate the electrical cord of an electrical assembly, whereby the lamp is pre-wired so that user assembles it without having to wire the electrical components and wires. A digital library is set up where museums or other institutions or businesses can upload images of selected artworks to be printed on the flexible sheets of the media. |
| US08291627B1 |
Frame with movable emblem
The present invention provides a frame for attaching a license plate or novelty plate to a vehicle, with the capability of attaching an emblem to the frame in a desired location chosen by the user from multiple possible points of attachment. Multiple receptacles may be formed in the frame, each suitable for receiving and tightly holding an protuberance extending from an emblem, so that the emblem may be attached to the frame wherever there is a receptacle. Alternatively, a separate clip may be placed behind the frame, with prongs extending forward around the frame to attach to an emblem in any position on the frame where the clip is located. The position of the emblem on the frame may be shifted up and down or side to side. The emblem may also be removed and repositioned in a new position selected by the user. |
| US08291624B2 |
Blade assembly for an excavating apparatus
An alternative blade assembly for an excavating apparatus comprising a front face, side walls, a centre forward edge portion, side forward edge portions on either side of the centre forward edge and end forward edges at each distal side of the side forward edges, wherein the end forward edges have bottom edges which are lower than the bottom edge of the centre forward edge. |
| US08291623B2 |
Front mounted tractor snow blower
An independently powered tractor snow blower that is capable of being front mounted to the tractor and has an independent power source. The snow blower is capable of being easily connected and removed to the front of the tractor, and provides compact, stable, and versatile operation when in use. |
| US08291619B2 |
Skateboard shoes
A shoe comprising a single molded sole having a lateral section, positioned at a front outer portion of the sole, the lateral section made of a first rubber material, a medial section, positioned at a front inner portion of the sole and positioned adjacent to the lateral section, the medial section made of a third rubber material, a heel section, positioned at a rear portion of the sole, the heel section made of the third rubber material, and an arch section, positioned between the lateral section or the medial section and the heel section, the arch section made of a second rubber material. |
| US08291618B2 |
Devices with internal flexibility sipes, including siped chambers for footwear
Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product. |
| US08291617B2 |
Cushioned athletic cleated shoes
A reinforcing elastic polymer, such as a urethane/rubber material, is selectively spray-applied over upper, midsole or outsole components of articles of footwear. Such a material sprayed over the toe area of baseball shoes, for example, that is subjected to increased wear during use, serves to improve the durability of that area. A cleated midsole constructed of a lightweight foamed material such as EVA, has an elastic polymer outsole layer selectively spray-applied over the outer surface of the cleated midsole to form a combination midsole/outsole that provides improved durability and traction, as well as superior shock absorption characteristics. |
| US08291615B2 |
Inner sole structure for a sports shoe
An inner sole structure for a sports shoe includes an upper sheet, a lower sheet below the upper sheet, and a wavy corrugated sheet interposed between the upper and lower sheets. The wavy corrugated sheet has at least two downwardly convex protrusions that form voids between the wavy corrugated sheet and the lower sheet, and that are in sliding contact with an upper surface of the lower sheet. The downwardly convex protrusions of the wavy corrugated sheet slide longitudinally along the lower sheet member when they are subjected to compressive deformation. |
| US08291614B2 |
Removable rounded midsole structures and chambers with computer processor-controlled variable pressure
This invention relates generally to footwear such as a shoe, including an athletic shoe, with a shoe sole, including at least one removable midsole section formed by a midsole portion, wherein the removable midsole section is non-orthotic. The removable midsole section is inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the removable midsole section. The removable midsole section may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The removable midsole section provides the capability to permit replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole. The shoe sole can, in another embodiment, include at least one compartment containing a fluid, a flow regulator, a pressure sensor to monitor the compartment pressure, and a control system such as a computer processor capable of automatically adjusting the pressure in the compartment(s) in response to the impact of the shoe sole with the ground surface. |
| US08291613B2 |
Ready cleat
A cleated sandal for use in athletic activities comprising a flexible sole and plural attachment straps for mounting the sandal on a foot or footwear of a wearer. A plurality of cleats for contacting a ground surface extend from a bottom side of the flexible sole at its toe and heel ends. The plural attachment straps include two vertical and two horizontal attachment straps each having a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom and top surfaces of each of the attachment straps are covered with suction mesh hairs which cling to each other when overlaid; hence, allowing portions of each strap to connect to each other to form secure loops and to tighten the sandal on the foot or footwear of the wearer. The attachment straps also are additionally connected to the sole through respective aligned buckles. |
| US08291612B2 |
Heater element for the inner sole of a footwear
Disclosed is a breathable insole heater element (12, 40) for footwear. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a porous metallized fabric, e.g. nickel-metallized polyester woven fabric. The heater element is embedded in or laminated in an insole for an article of footwear such as a shoe or boot. The insole may be cut to size as desired. The insole may include microencapsulated agents such as fragrances, perfumes, microbials or insect repellents. The microcapsules may be activated to release the agents due to the heat generated by the heater element in operation. |
| US08291611B2 |
Multiple stage even-drying wood kiln system and method
A wood kiln system and method that sequentially cures and dries layers of stacked wood during which each layer of wood is heated to 125 to 170 deg. F. as the kiln container is evacuated to approximately 13 inches of Hg for 8 to 12 hrs. After the wood has been cured, drying stage is commenced as the wood is continuously heated by evacuating the kiln container to 0.35 to 3 inches of Hg for 6 to 12 hrs. During the drying stage, a cold water bath is formed in the bottom of the kiln container. A condensation tank located between the vacuum pump and the kiln is used to continuously remove the water and water vapor from the kiln container. In one embodiment, the vacuum pump includes a primary vacuum pump serially connected to an auxiliary vacuum pump that allows the air to be continuously and gradually reduced in the kiln container. |
| US08291607B2 |
Goniometric positioning system
A system for positioning an object includes a base and a platform for detachably retaining the object. A first linear actuator is pivotably coupled to a first pivot axis of the platform and a first pivot axis of the base. A second and a third linear actuator are pivotably coupled to a second pivot axis of the base and the first pivot axis of the platform. A fourth linear actuator is pivotably coupled to the second pivot axis of the base and a second pivot axis of the platform. The first, second, third and fourth linear actuators being selectably adjustable in length to position the platform at a select position about a predetermined arc of travel. |
| US08291606B2 |
Guide tool and method for laying concrete block
A guide tool for use in laying concrete block to form a wall includes a body sized and configured to slidably attach removably to a door frame such as to secure one end of a mason's line at a desired elevation and with a selected offset relative to the door frame. As so secured by the guide tool, the mason's line provides a true positional reference for laying of concrete block both with respect to the intended line of the wall in plan view, and with respect to the desired horizontal line of courses of block which are to form the wall. |
| US08291605B2 |
Box level
A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A central vial is within a topnotch formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. An integral inner vertical wall extends between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length. The inventive level further preferably includes an external brace reinforcing a central frame portion weakened by forming the topnotch. The external brace includes first and second plate members each against one of the sidewalls about the notch-defining bottom and side edges and each substantially spanning a respective one of the sidewalls. A fastening member extending through the sidewalls and pulling the plate members toward each other to sandwich the sidewalls therebetween, thereby reinforcing a central frame portion weakened by forming the topnotch. |
| US08291604B2 |
Box level
A level including an elongate hollow frame with two sidewalls and a topwall extending therebetween. A central vial is within a topnotch formed by removal of a topwall section and adjacent sections of sidewalls including notch-defining bottom and side edges. The frame includes an inner horizontal wall extending between the sidewalls at the notch-defining bottom edges. The central vial is supported in accurate orientation without calibration against a cental-vial reference surface formed in the inner horizontal wall parallel to the top and bottom measuring surfaces and defining a notch-bottom. An integral inner vertical wall extends between the top and bottom walls thereby reinforcing the frame along the frame length. A plumb-vial structure has a viewing-end region and an opposite-end region. The viewing-end region includes an elongate ramp sloping along a level-longitudinal axis toward the plumb vial with an inclination permitting vial viewing from shallow angles. The inventive level further preferably includes an external brace reinforcing a central frame portion weakened by forming the topnotch. |
| US08291602B2 |
Composite utility knife blade, and method of making such a blade
A composite utility knife blade and method of making such a blade involves butt joining a tool steel wire to a front edge of an alloy steel backing strip. The wire is electron beam welded to the backing strip to form a composite strip defining a first metal portion formed by the alloy steel backing strip, a second metal portion formed by the tool steel wire, and a weld region joining the first and second metal portions. The composite strip is annealed and hardened such that the first metal portion defines a surface hardness within the range of approximately 38 Rc to approximately 52 Rc, and the second metal portion defines a surface hardness within the range of approximately 60 Rc to approximately 75 Rc. The hardened strip is then tempered, quenched, surface treated to form a sharpened cutting edge, scored, and separated into a plurality of blades. |
| US08291601B2 |
Reusable metal blade handle
The present invention relates to a reusable metal blade handle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reusable metal blade scalpel handle with safety features provided therein which are also usable across a wide range of blades. In particular, the present invention has application for reusable metal surgical scalpels, providing the facility of a uniform handle type across a variety of blade types. |
| US08291598B2 |
Retractable blade scraper having a blade-storage drawer and a blade slide with upper and lower blade-clamping members
A retractable blade scraper includes a handle body having a handle rear end and a handle forward end including a forward-end opening. An internal blade-slide cavity extends rearwardly from the forward-end opening toward the handle rear end and is configured to selectively receive a blade through—the forward-end opening. A blade slide housed by the blade-slide cavity includes lower and upper blade slide members between which the blade is selectively retained. A blade-slide actuator is accessible through an actuator slot defined through a wall of the handle body between slot first and second ends. Reciprocation of the actuator between the slot first and second ends reciprocates the blade slide between a rearward blade-storage position in which the blade is housed in the blade-slide cavity and a forward blade-changing position in which the blade protrudes through the forward-end opening to facilitate blade changing. The actuator includes threadably cooperating members that facilitate the alternative clamping of a blade between and release of a blade from between the blade slide members when the blade slide is in the blade-changing position. A spare-blade storage drawer is housed within a blade-storage cavity and is accessible through a rear-end opening in the handle body. |
| US08291594B2 |
Attachment system and method for thermal protection system
An attachment system for mounting a tile of a thermal protection system to a substructure comprises a post assembly configured to interconnect the tile to the substructure. The post assembly is configured to allow relative sliding movement between the tile and the substructure along a plane which is generally parallel to the tile. The attachment system facilitates installation and removal of the tile from the substructure for inspection, maintenance and repair of the tile and/or the substructure. |
| US08291593B2 |
Method of manufacturing multicolored interior trim components
A process for preparing interior trim components of a motor vehicle from a support having at least two decorative layers, wherein in a first step the decorative layers are heated to a specific temperature range and are e ared b molding, in a second step the decorative layers are trimmed, and in a third step the decorative layers are positioned in mutual orientation and fixed by reduced pressure, and in a fourth step the decorative layers are transferred to a backing mold and molded with component support (1) on the surface opposite. |
| US08291592B2 |
Method of lengthening a container well of a railcar
A railroad freight car with a lengthened container well, including an extended and reinforced well car unit side sill, and a method for lengthening a container well of a railroad freight car intended for carrying an intermodal cargo container. A side sill extension member is welded into position, between a body bolster at each end of the container well unit and a nearest container support assembly, and a container-well bottom assembly is lengthened at each end of the container well. A longitudinally-extending doubler plate may be welded to the longitudinally central portion of the side sill, to ensure sufficient rail clearance at mid-length of the car. |
| US08291581B2 |
Method for production of substrate electrode for plasma processing
A plurality of reference holes are formed in the surface of a first substrate made of a first material, and a plurality of columnar members are each fitted in the reference holes in such a manner that at least a part of each of the columnar members projects from the surface of the first substrate. Subsequently, an electrode surface layer made of a second material is formed on the surface of the first substrate in such a manner that an end portion of each of the columnar members are exposed at the surface and then the columnar members are removed. Thus obtained is a substrate-like electrode including at least an electrode surface layer provided with through holes having a cross section matching a sectional shape of the projecting portion of the columnar members. |
| US08291579B2 |
Geared insertion apparatus for a PCA
A apparatus for mounting an interposer PCA into a chassis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bracket attached to the PCA. A geared handle is rotatably attached to one end of the bracket. The geared handle is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. Two geared segments are rotatably attached to the opposite end of the bracket and are meshed with the geared handle. A slot is formed in each geared segment and two slots are formed in the geared handle. The slots engage with insertion/ejection flanges on the chassis. The engaged slots force the PCA down into mating connectors in the chassis when the handle is rotated from the open position to the closed position. |
| US08291565B2 |
Method of refurbishing bipolar electrostatic chuck
A bipolar electrostatic chuck refurbishing process in accordance with an aspect of the present invention does not require physical separation of the two electrodes of the electrostatic chuck. One aspect of the present invention is drawn to method of treating a bipolar electrostatic chuck having a front surface and a back surface and comprising a first electrode disposed at the front surface, a second electrode at the front surface and an anodized layer disposed on the front surface, the first electrode and the second electrode. The method comprises measuring a first parameter of the electrostatic chuck, discarding the electrostatic chuck if the first measured parameter is not within a first predetermined range, cleaning the electrostatic chuck if the first measured parameter is within the first predetermined range, sealing gaps between the first electrode and the second electrode at the front surface with a sealant, without displacing the first electrode relative to the second electrode, eliminating the anodized layer, and disposing a new anodized layer onto the front surface, the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US08291562B2 |
Rake tine replacement tool
A tool for replacing rake tines, having inner and outer ends, of a rake wheel which includes a central disc-shaped support plate means and a peripheral rim spaced outwardly of the support plate means with the peripheral rim having a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therein which receive the rake tines extending therethrough so that the outer ends of the rake tines are positioned outwardly of the peripheral rim, and means removably securing the inner ends of the rake tines to the support plate means. The tool comprises a plurality of spaced-apart body members adapted to be secured to tines not needing replacement and to replacement tines to maintain the replacement tines to be secured to the rake wheel. |
| US08291558B2 |
Piezoelectric/electrostriction element manufacturing method
A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element includes a step of subjecting the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film to a heat treatment and a polarization treatment after the film is allowed to stand until the value of an electric constant has converged after the heat treatment. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive element manufactured in this method has small stress remaining in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film, and predetermined performance regarding, for example, a displacement amount, a displacement-generating force, and an electric power efficiency (consumed electric power) as a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element (piezoelectric/electrostrictive film) is never spoiled. |
| US08291557B2 |
Apparatus for rebuilding gas turbine engines
A method for repairing a turbine blade for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes securing the blade into a clamping fixture, obtaining a zero reference from a gauging surface on the clamping fixture, coupling the clamping fixture to a grinding machine, and grinding the blade based on the zero reference. |
| US08291546B2 |
Recovery tank for an extractor cleaning machine
An extractor cleaning machine includes a base having a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a recovery tank removably coupled to the base and having a recovery tank handle, an extractor handle pivotally coupled to the base, and a supply tank coupled to the extractor handle for pivotal movement with the extractor handle with respect to the base. At least a portion of the supply tank is positioned above and over the recovery tank in a direction normal to a surface to be cleaned when the extractor handle is in an upright storage position. The supply tank is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle to supply cleaning fluid to the distribution nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine is liftable by the recovery tank handle when the extractor handle is in the upright storage position. |
| US08291545B2 |
Twin cyclone vacuum cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A dirt container is selectively mounted to the housing for receiving and retaining dirt and dust separated from the suction airstream and includes a first cyclonic air-flow chamber and a second cyclonic airflow chamber. The chambers are spaced apart and are each approximately vertically oriented and arranged in a parallel relationship. An air manifold is disposed at a top portion of the dirt container. The air manifold includes an inlet section through which dirty air passes and an outlet section. The inlet section directs a flow of dirty air into two separate inlet conduits leading to a respective one of the first and second airflow chambers. The outlet section collects a flow of cleaned air from both of the chambers and merges the flow of cleaned air into a single outlet conduit. |
| US08291543B2 |
Adapter apparatus for collecting debris and related method
An adapter apparatus to be installed on a pail to allow debris to be swept into the pail when the pail is resting on its side on a surface to be swept. A mounting section is included which is configured to be positioned over at least part of a lip of the pail and secured in place on the pail. A debris collector guide is attached to the mounting section, with the debris collector guide including a pair of sidewalls and a bottom section disposed intermediate the side walls, with the sidewalls and bottom section forming a debris collection region which permits debris to be swept into the debris section and into a pail on which the adapter apparatus is installed. |
| US08291542B2 |
Stitch bonded multi-surface foam cleaning pad
A foam core cleaning element of stitch-bonded construction having a multi-surface operative cleaning face. The cleaning element includes at least one fluid absorbing layer of absorptive polymeric foam. At least a first plurality of yarns extends in discontinuous patterned stitched relation through discrete selected zones of the fluid absorbing layer such that the first plurality of yarns forms a patterned array of first surface loop zones projecting outwardly away from a first side of the fluid absorbing layer in a defined patterned arrangement across the operative cleaning face of the cleaning element. A plurality of stitch-free zones of the polymeric foam define outwardly projecting convex curved surfaces at positions adjacent to the first surface loop zones across the operative cleaning face of the cleaning element. |
| US08291541B2 |
Brush for a scrubbing, sweeping and/or polishing machine and spraying device for the cleaning of several surfaces that are separated from each other by means of grooves and/or joints
The invention relates, on the one hand, to a brush (1) for a scrubbing, sweeping and/or polishing machine for mechanical cleaning of several surfaces that are separated from each other by means of grooves and/or joints, such as, inter alia, paving stones, tiles, Bangkirai and/or building bricks, wherein the scrubbing, sweeping and/or polishing machine is provided so as to move the brush in a plane that is substantially parallel to the said surfaces that are separated from each other, and a scrubbing, sweeping and/or polishing machine provided with one or more brushes (1), the brush (1) being provided with at least one set of polishing bristles (2) for cleaning or polishing the surfaces; at least one set of joint bristles (3) for cleaning the grooves and/or joints between the surfaces; and the polishing bristles (2) having a length that is shorter than the length of the joint bristles (3). Additionally, the invention relates to a spraying device (10) for spraying several surfaces that are separated from each other by means of grooves and/or joints, such as, inter alia, paving stones, tiles, Bangkirai and/or building bricks, wherein the spraying device (10) comprises two or more spray heads (11), each of which produces a water jet (12). |
| US08291540B2 |
Orbital brush for an orbital floor brush machine
An orbital blush for an orbital floor brush machine is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The orbital brush includes a brush frame adapted to fit to the orbital floor brush machine, a first ring of first bristle tufts of a first length and oriented at a first angle, and a second ring of second bristle tufts of a second length and oriented at a second angle. |
| US08291539B2 |
Toothbrush and process for producing the same
The invention relates to a toothbrush with a neck piece and a brush body, comprising a head piece connected thereto, conventional bristles and at least one soft elastic cleaning element. According to the invention, the conventional bristles are mounted on a support element made from hard plastic. The above is connected to the brush body by means of a recess on the head piece which matches the support element. The at least one cleaning element is arranged on the head piece and directly connected to the brush body. The invention further relates to a method for production of such a toothbrush. |
| US08291533B2 |
Patient treatment apparatus
A patient treatment device includes an upper cantilever member and a lower cantilever member pivotally coupled to a platform, a bracket pivotally coupled to the front portions of the cantilever members for forming a parallelogrammic device, an elevating transmission device for pivoting the cantilever members up and down relative to the platform, a patient supporting table including a front portion pivotally attached to the bracket, and a tilting transmission device for tilting the patient supporting table between the horizontal position and the tilted working position and for preventing the patient from falling down from the patient supporting table inadvertently. |
| US08291527B2 |
Drive apparatus for bidet toilet
Apparatus for driving a nozzle of a bidet toilet, has a base 1; a nozzle 2; a guide device 11, 12 formed on the base for guiding linear movement of the nozzle; a motion output device 7 having an output shaft 71; a driving wheel 3 attached to the output shaft and being rotatably driven with the output shaft; a pair of guide wheels 4,5 rotatably fixed relative to the base, and a non-toothed conveyer 6 wound around the driving wheel 3 and the guide wheels 4, 5 and fastened to the nozzle 2. Rotation of the driving wheel 3 causes linear movement of the nozzle 2. |
| US08291524B2 |
Clip for mounting a fluid delivery device
A clip for mounting a fluid delivery device adjacent a wall of an enclosure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a base, a hook configured to support the base adjacent the wall, means for attaching a fluid delivery device to the base, and means for rotating the base. Additionally, a method for attaching a clip for mounting a fluid delivery device adjacent a toilet bowl is disclosed. The method includes securing a hook to a rim, engaging a tab of a base to an underside of the rim at an interface, and rotating the base in response to the interface to substantially engage the tab of the base with the underside of the rim. |
| US08291522B2 |
Hybrid waterless urinal
A hybrid waterless urinal includes a main body having an integrally formed elongated receptacle for receiving an effluent liquid, a drain unit having a reservoir, a primary P-trap and an integrated one way valve for storing and removing the effluent liquid from the urinal, a washout channel for providing fresh water under pressure to the drain unit and a secondary P-trap positioned inside the washout channel. |
| US08291521B2 |
Adjustable neck protective collar in particular for motorcycle riders
A collar for protecting the neck of a user, useful in particular for motorcycle riders, is envisaged, said collar comprising two half-collars which are pivotably hinged together at one end so as to be rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane and which can be connected together by means of a fastening and release lever, a plate which at the rear extends downwards from the bottom edge of the collar so as to be centred with respect to the spinal column of the user, and a protective shield which extends downwards at the front. The collar is provided with removable padding means where the collar rests on the user's shoulders. |
| US08291518B1 |
Retractable neckpiece for headwear
Apparatus for shading a user's neck. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a laterally extending central portion configured to support a neckpiece to cover at least a portion of a neck of a user, and opposing leg portions which extend from the laterally extending central portion configured to engage a headwear to support said neckpiece adjacent said headwear. Each of the opposing leg portions is formed into a substantially G-shape that comprises a first flange configured to extend down between a first surface of an external panel of said headwear and an upturned interior hatband of said headwear; a second flange in overlapping relation to the first flange, the second flange configured to extend up against a second surface of said external panel; and a connecting central portion disposed between and in overlapping relation to both the first and second flanges. |
| US08291516B2 |
Glove
A glove has a body, a side mirror pad and a side mirror. The body has a palm segment having a palm back surface and a wrist segment connected to the palm segment. The side mirror pad is connected to the palm back surface of the palm segment of the body and has a mirror face, a securing end and a connecting end. The securing end is connected to the palm back surface of the palm segment of the body. The connecting end is selectively connected detachably to the securing end and the palm back surface of the palm segment. The side mirror is mounted on the mirror face of the side mirror pad. |
| US08291515B2 |
Shirt stay fasten point designed shirt and method of securing same
A garment such as a shirt, blouse, jersey, vest or jacket, having a plurality of fastening points for attachment of a shirt stay, shirt holder or other retaining harness therethrough. The fastening points ensure that the garment remains tucked in to promote a uniform, neat appearance. Also disclosed is a method of retaining a garment in proper orientation on a wearer by providing a plurality of fastening points in the garment, at least some of which are preferably in pairs, such that each fastening point within a pair can be aligned with the other of the pair, and the pair can cooperatively receive a fastening mechanism therethrough to anchor the garment in place. The fastening points are positioned so that when one or more shirt stays, holders, harnesses or the like are properly engaged in the fastening points, a desired appearance of the garment being worn is created and maintained. |
| US08291513B2 |
Counter balanced, hands free, self positioning, protective shield
One embodiment of a shield assembly that automatically positions itself into a user's field of view when the user tilts their head up to look skyward, protecting their face and eyes from hazards from above such as falling debris and dangerous UV rays and returns to a position out of the user's field of view when the user resumes looking forward. The same embodiment provides for a hands free method of lowering and raising the visor assembly in and out of the user's field of view by simply tilting their head. The same embodiment also provides for a one finger operation to lock the visor into a desired position. |
| US08296861B2 |
Polarization-modulated tip enhanced optical microscope
Methods and systems for improving high resolution imaging using a polarization-modulated tip enhanced optical microscope. A polarizer is configured to alternately create and remove a region of enhanced optical intensity adjacent the tip of the microscope probe at the focus of a light source. The sample being studied emits photons at specific rates relative to a background rate depending on the existence or nonexistence of the region of enhanced optical intensity. Comparing the rate of emissions when the region of enhanced optical intensity exists to when it does not creates a detailed image of the sample. By not requiring the probe to oscillate, this system enhances the resolution of the microscope without potentially causing damage to the sample. |
| US08296854B2 |
Chip card having a first user function, method for selecting an identifier, and computer system
The invention relates to a chip card having a first user function, whereby the first user function may be reset to a “first use” status by entering a code (B, C). |
| US08296846B2 |
Apparatus and method for associating categorization information with network traffic to facilitate application level processing
An apparatus is described that associates categorization information with network traffic to facilitate application level processing through processing of network traffic in accordance with provisioned rules and policies. The apparatus includes a plurality of microcode controlled state machines, wherein at least one microcode state machine processes at least one input data field using a hash function to generate a hash identifier. This embodiment further includes a distribution circuit that routes input data to the plurality of microcode controlled state machines, such that at least one individual microcode controlled state machine applies a rule to the input data to produce the at least one input data field, and to produce modification instructions based on the hash identifier. This embodiment further includes a first circuit that appends the hash identifier to the input data to produce modified input data based on the modification instructions, and that routes the modified input data in accordance with an output routing strategy. Advantageously, the apparatus provides an architectural framework well suited to a low cost, high speed, robust implementation of flexible, advanced network security and monitoring features and network traffic analysis. |
| US08296844B2 |
Protection against impersonation attacks
A computing method includes running on a user computer a first operating environment for performing general-purpose operations and a second operating environment, which is configured expressly for interacting with a server in a protected communication session and is isolated from the first operating environment. A program running in the second operating environment detects an attempt to imitate the protected communication session made by an illegitimate communication session that interacts with the first operating environment. The detected attempt is inhibited automatically. |
| US08296840B2 |
Providing permission to perform action on an electronic ticket
Described are methods and systems related to providing permission to a user to perform an action on a workflow driven ticket. The ticket is accessed to determine an action type to be performed on the ticket and a correlated object associated therewith. A role based permission tuple is determined based upon a role of the user. A ticket based permission tuple is determined by generating a universal permission tuple based upon the action type and generating a dependency map based upon the correlated object. The dependency map is mapped to the universal permission tuple to construct the ticket based permission tuple. The role based permission tuple is supplemented with the ticket based permission tuple, to provide the required permission to execute the action. Upon an execution of the action, the permission is partially revoked, by removing the ticket based permission tuple. |
| US08296839B2 |
VPN discovery server
Methods and systems for enabling robust routing between protected enclaves over an unsecured network are provided herein. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods and systems for enabling routing among a plurality of protected enclaves, each supported by one or more secure gateways, over an unsecured network. Methods and systems according to the present invention achieve key routing requirements while presenting solutions that can be readily scaled to large network environments. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods and systems for implementing a Prefix Discovery Server (PDS) that enables the mapping of Plain Text (PT) networks to secure gateways, maintains current network routing information, and assists VPN gateways in determining routes to remote protected enclaves. |
| US08296837B2 |
VoIP proxy server
A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) proxy server is described. The VoIP proxy server is placed in a DMZ of a company's secure internal communication network. The VoIP proxy server receives VoIP control messages and VoIP media streams and based on the MAC address and source IP address contained in the control message, pushes a policy change to the internal network's external firewall to open call control protocol ports and Real Time Protocol (RTP) ports only for packets from the source IP address. The VoIP proxy server manages the hiding of the company's internal network address and directs incoming VoIP packets to an IP-PBX connected to the company's internal network. |
| US08296827B2 |
Method for enabling an administrator to configure a recovery password
A method is provided for a enabling a user to initiate a password protected backup copy of the user's credentials. The method includes providing a user with a credential store containing information relating to the user's identity, generating a different recovery password of any length for each recovery authority, encrypting the recovery password for each recovery authority, storing the encrypted recovery passwords in the credential store, and sending a copy of the information by the user from the credential store to a central repository. |
| US08296826B1 |
Secure transfer of files
Disclosed are various systems, methods, and other embodiments for the secure storage of files and the like. In one example, a determination is made in a server as to whether an entity indicated in a request received in the server is authorized to transfer a file from a client to a mass storage system over a network. A plurality of instructions are obtained in the server to send to the client, where the instructions are configured to control activity of the client in transferring the file from the client to the mass storage system over the network. The instructions are sent to the client in order to implement the transfer of the file from the client to the mass storage system. |
| US08296824B2 |
Replicating selected secrets to local domain controllers
A domain controller hierarchy includes one or more hub domain controllers in communication with one or more local domain controllers, such as local domain controllers at a branch office. The hub domain controller(s) is writable, while the local domain controller(s) is typically read-only. Non-secure and secure information is partitioned to specific local domain controllers at the one or more hub domain controllers. The non-secure and secure information is then passed from the hub domain controller only to the local domain controller associated with the given partition at the hub domain controller on request. For example, a user requests a logon at a client computer system at a local branch office, and the logon is passed from the local domain controller to the hub domain controller. If authenticated, the user logon account is passed to the local domain controller, where it can be cached to authenticate subsequent requests. |
| US08296823B2 |
System, an arrangement and a method for end user authentication
The present invention relates to a system for authentication of an end user of a user station arrangement (10) requesting access to protected information, comprising access server means (20) and authentication means (30), the user station arrangement (10) supporting communication with the authentication means (30) over a first communication channel of a radio network (40). It further supports communication with the authentication means (30) over a second communication channel. The authentication means (30) are adapted to, at reception of a request for access to protected information from a user station arrangement (10), establish if the user station arrangement (10) is reachable over the first communication channel. Said authentication means (30) are adapted to support a first authentication mode and a second authentication mode over said second communication channel, and further comprises decision means for selecting if and/or when the first or second authentication mode is to be used for a user station arrangement (10) requesting access to protected information. |
| US08296822B2 |
State-updating authorization
An authorization system includes an authorization node, a storage device and a reference monitor. The authorization node executes an authorization policy, and the storage device stores an authorization state associated with the authorization policy. Requests for access to a secured resource are received at the reference monitor, and the reference monitor queries the authorization node, which uses the authorization policy to determine whether to grant access to the secured resource based on a rule having at least one access condition. The rule, executed as part of the authorization policy on the authorization node, is configured to update all the entries in the authorization state for which an update condition is met. |
| US08296821B2 |
System, server, and program for access right management
Each domain is provided with an access right management device which creates a resource-sharing policy and performs processing for resource-sharing policy negotiation between a plurality of domain administrators. An access right management device that has created a resource-sharing policy identifies, for each policy unit included in the resource-sharing policy, an access right management device that is a negotiating partner to negotiate with about the policy unit in question. The access right management device generates negotiation information including an identification name of the identified negotiating-partner access right management device and the policy unit in question and sends the negotiation information to the negotiating-partner access right management device. Only when all policy units are agreed on by respective identified negotiating-partner access right management devices, the resource-sharing policy is set on shared resources. |
| US08296818B2 |
Distribution and amplification systems that automatically terminate to a matched termination in response to power interruptions and related methods
Distribution and amplification systems for cable television networks include a tap unit having a first RF tap port and a second RF tap port, a voice-over IP (“VoIP”) RF signal amplifier and a non-VoIP RF signal amplifier. The VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the first RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path and a passive, non-interruptible signal path. The non-VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the second RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path. The VoIP and non-VoIP RF signal amplifiers are each configured to terminate their amplified signal paths to respective matched terminations in response to a power outage. |
| US08296817B2 |
Apparatus for transporting home networking frame-based communications signals over coaxial cables
A method and apparatus for coupling a system propagating home networking communications signals over telephone lines to a system propagating television signals over a coaxial cable system to a television device. A three port adapter has a phone line port, a first coaxial cable port and a second coaxial cable port. The first coaxial cable port is coupled to the phone line port through a low pass filter and wideband balun adapted to pass home networking communications signals while being adapted to reject television signals. The first coaxial cable port is also coupled to the second coaxial port through a high pass filter while being adapted to reject home networking communications signals. The phone line port is coupled to the system propagating home networking communications signals. The first coaxial cable port is coupled to the system propagating television signals over coaxial cable. The second coaxial cable port to the television device. |
| US08296815B2 |
Generating a stream comprising synchronized content
A method of generating a stream comprising synchronized interactive content is described. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting a first stream from a studio to a terminal or a terminal system of a first user and to a buffer; transmitting in response to the first stream a second stream to a mixer connected to the buffer, the second stream comprising content generated in reaction to the content of the first stream; providing the mixer with a temporal relation between the packets in the first and second stream; generating a first output stream comprising a substantially synchronized content by mixing packets in second stream with packets of the buffered first stream on the basis of the temporal relation. |
| US08296813B2 |
Predictive frame dropping to enhance quality of service in streaming data
Methods and apparatus for optimizing quality of streaming data transmitted between a first node and a second node over a network, the streaming data including one or more frame groups is disclosed. A processor-readable medium having embodied therein processor readably instructions for implementing a method for optimizing quality of streaming data transmitted between a first node and a second node over a network is also disclosed. |
| US08296812B1 |
Streaming video using erasure encoding
A system, apparatus and method for presenting a movie on demand over a network is described. According to one system and method, the network has one or more nodes, portions of a video being encoded as encoded portions each having sections, the sections for each encoded portion being distributed among segments, the segments being distributed among the one or more nodes; an apparatus including a network interface is coupled to the network; a control system is coupled to the network interface and configured to initiate a movie request and to communicate with a subset of the one or more nodes to receive a subset of the segments; and a decoder coupled to the network interface and configured to decode a subset of the sections so that less than all of the sections are used to play back the movie; and a presentation device coupled to the apparatus, the presentation device presenting the portions of the video. Each portion of the movie is played back, in its entirety, without using all of the sections of that portion. |
| US08296803B2 |
Program recommendation system, program view terminal, program view program, program view method, program recommendation server, program recommendation program, and program recommendation method
An object of the invention is to eliminate a program having a high general preference, and recommend a program customized to a preference of a specific user. A reserved information receiver (230) in a program recommendation server (3) receives reserved information transmitted by a program viewing terminal. A reserved information DB (235) stores the reserved information with respect to each of the users. A community reserved information statistics section (236) defines the users as a first group, based on the received reserved information, and the reserved information stored with respect to each of the users. A total user reserved information statistics section (237) defines the users as a second group including the first group. A recommended program creator (239) generates recommended information customized to the first group, based on an aggregate calculation result of the reserved information of the users belonging to the first group, and an aggregate calculation result of the reserved information of the users belonging to the second group. A recommendation transmitter (240) transmits the recommended information to the program viewing terminal. The program viewing terminal reproduces a program based on the recommended information. |
| US08296802B2 |
Interactive program guide systems and processes
Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information. |
| US08296798B2 |
Channel searching system
A channel searching system includes a head end broadcasting a broadcasting signal over a broadcasting medium, and a receiver. The broadcasting signal includes a multi-channel video containing a plurality of videos and video configuration information on the videos. The receiver is capable of receiving the broadcasting signal over the broadcasting medium and showing a viewer a channel searching view edited from the multi-channel video based on the video configuration information and searching screen configuration information. |
| US08296796B2 |
Digital broadcasting receiver and a data processing method
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A data processing method of a digital broadcasting receiver comprises receiving a mobile/handheld (MH) broadcasting signal including mobile service data and main service data; generating RS(Reed-Solomon) frames from the received MH broadcasting signal; extracting ESG (electronic service guide) data from the generated RS frame; extracting SDP (session description protocol) data from the extracted ESG data; checking a port number corresponding to subtitle having reference information, among the extracted SDP data; and controlling the subtitle having reference information using the checked port number so that the subtitle having reference information is displayed. |
| US08296792B2 |
Method and system to provide interactivity using an interactive channel bug
A method and system are disclosed to provided interactivity using an interactive channel bug. The interactive channel bug (e.g., an “interactive broadcast channel branding logo”) allows a television user to access a variety of interactive services. The interactive broadcast channel branding logo may be configured to launch a functionality determined by a broadcaster. This functionality may change over time. The form of the interactive broadcast channel branding logo may also change over time in which the availability of new interactive services is indicated. |
| US08296789B2 |
Chucking device, motor, disk drive apparatus and chucking device manufacturing method
In a chucking device, a rolling guide portion is arranged below an upper cover portion of a rotor holder and radially inwards of a cylinder portion of the rotor holder. This helps restrain the noises generated by the rolling movement of balls from propagating to the outside. Moreover, the turntable and the rolling guide portion are formed of a single resin member extending continuously through a through-hole defined in the rotor holder. |
| US08296788B2 |
Optical disc apparatus
A printed circuit board (PCB) is attached on a surface of a tray that is opposed to a chassis main or a bottom plate of a housing. On the tray and in a vicinity of a position where the PCB is disposed, a first protruding portion is formed to protrude toward the chassis main, on which a second protruding portion is formed at a position to be opposed to the first protruding portion. Between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion is a clearance while the tray is accommodated in the housing. When the tray deforms, the second protruding portion supports the first protruding portion to prevent further deformation of the tray. |
| US08296787B2 |
Optical disk drive
An optical disk drive includes a main body and a tray. The main body includes a housing, a first resisting member, and two rails. The first resisting member and the two rails are disposed in the housing. The tray is slidably coupled to the two rails, and is operable to be switched between a first state and a second state. The tray is received in the housing in the first state, and protrudes out of the housing in the second state. The tray includes a second resisting member, which is capable of being elastically compressed along a resisting direction substantially perpendicular to a sliding direction of the tray. The second resisting member is resisted by the first resisting member along the resisting direction to secure the tray in the first state. The second resisting member is away from the first resisting member in the second state. |
| US08296783B1 |
Media player instance managed resource reduction
Techniques and systems are disclosed for managing computer resources available to multiple running instances of a media player program. The methods include monitoring consumption of computing resources of multiple running instances of a media player program to render respective media content in a graphical user interface of a computing device. The graphical user interface associated with an additional program configured to render additional content, different from the media content, to the graphical user interface. The additional program can be a browser. The methods further include instructing the multiple instances to reduce respective portions of the computing resources consumption upon determining that a requested increase in computer resources consumption of the media player program would cause the computer resources consumption of the media player program to exceed a first predetermined level. |
| US08296779B2 |
Event filtering at a performance-based interface
Architecture that facilitates performance enhancement in message-based computing across a performance-based interface. When a request from a source is transmitted across the interface to a destination, a filter component in communication with the destination dynamically allows only one or more relevant responses from the destination to transition the interface to the source. This mechanism achieves an even tighter filtering of events while at the same time giving developers more flexibility over the events they choose to register, thereby enhancing the performance of message-based computing architectures by reducing unnecessary computation. |
| US08296778B2 |
Computer data communications in a high speed, low latency data communications environment
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for computer data communications in a high speed, low latency data communications environment that include: brokering, by a stream administration server, establishment of a message stream from a contributing client device to a feed adapter, including authenticating the contributing client device, authorizing the contributing client device to send messages to the feed adapter on the message stream, and establishing in messaging middleware of the contributing client device a set of constraints on messages to be transmitted from the contributing client device to the feed adapter; receiving, in the messaging middleware of the contributing client device from an application of the contributing client device, a message for transmission to the feed adapter on the message stream; determining, by the messaging middleware, whether contents of the message satisfy the constraints; and administering the message, by the messaging middleware, in dependence upon whether the message satisfies the constraints. |
| US08296777B2 |
System and method for providing customized dynamic images in electronic mail
A system and method providing a personal electronic communication incorporates the use of image tags which designate a desired dynamic imaging server and a corresponding image chain to dynamically create a customized image that is associated with the personal electronic communication. Upon receipt of the personal electronic communication, the personal electronic communication is parsed to identify an embedded image tag. A dynamic imaging server designated by the image tag is then used to dynamically create, manipulate and transfer customized images back to the recipient of the personal electronic communication based on the image chain corresponding to the image tag. The image chain may be included within the image tag or the image tag may include reference information designating the image chain. |
| US08296768B2 |
Method and apparatus to enable runtime processor migration with operating system assistance
In a method for switching to a spare processor during runtime, a processing system determines that execution should be migrated off of an active processor. An operating system (OS) scheduler and at least one device are then paused, and the active processor is put into an idle state. State data from writable and substantial non-writable stores in the active processor is loaded into the spare processor. Interrupt routing table logic for the processing system is dynamically reprogrammed to direct external interrupts to the spare processor. The active processor may then be off-lined, and the device and OS scheduler may be unpaused or resumed. Threads may then be dispatched to the spare processor for execution. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08296765B2 |
Method of forming a personal mobile grid system and resource scheduling thereon
The method of forming a personal mobile grid system and resource scheduling thereon provides for the formation of a personal network, a personal area network or the like having a computational grid superimposed thereon. Resource scheduling in the personal mobile grid is performed through an optimization model based upon the nectar acquisition process of honeybees. |
| US08296761B2 |
Measuring CPU busy ratio and idle time of multiple LPARS by calculating the difference between consecutively acquired elapsed time counter in the virtual machine system
A virtual machine system in which a physical CPU busy ratio can be measured in consideration of the status of an assignment of the physical CPU, and the measured CPU busy ratio can be reflected to a CPU busy ratio of each guest OS. An elapsed time counter is provided in a hypervisor, and a hypervisor access interface is provided in each of LPARs and used to read the elapsed time counter from the guest OS. A performance monitor program running on each guest OS calculates, based on a value of the elapsed time counter, the number of sampling timings expected to occur during the time when the physical CPU is not assigned to the LPAR in which the performance monitor program is provided. |
| US08296757B2 |
Copy protection of software and/or data
Autorun functionality is incorporated into a portable device such as a flash drive, a wireless adapter, a communication adapter, or any USB peripheral device. The portable device is connectable to a computing device (e.g. USB). The portable device may act as a security key to protect software or data running on the computing device from unauthorized use. At least part of the protected software or data may be stored in a protected memory component of the portable device which is not accessible by the user. Upon connecting the integrated circuit memory device to the computing device, the at least part of the protected software or data may run automatically on the computing device to enable the function of the protected software or data; whereby the user may run the protected software or data on the computing device while the portable integrated circuit memory device remains connected to the computing device. |
| US08296753B2 |
Upgrade service system
A wireless apparatus or the like downloads upgrade content information and an upgrade key generated from a production number of the user apparatus which are generated by an upgrade key support center apparatus to perform upgrading, and the upgrade key support center apparatus periodically acquires apparatus information of the wireless apparatus or the like to monitor whether illegal upgrading is not performed. This makes it possible to easily manage a wireless apparatus which can perform an increase/decrease in capacity, selection of redundancy, change of functions, and the like by using an upgrade key. |
| US08296748B2 |
Method and system for intermediate representation of source code
A method to provide effective control and data flow information in an Intermediate Representation (IR) form. A Path Sensitive single Assignment (PSA) IR form with effective and explicit control and data path information supports control flow sensitive optimizations such as path sensitive symbolic substitution, array privatization and speculative multi threading. In the definition of PSA form, besides defining new versioned variables, the gamma functions keep control path information. The gamma function in PSA form keeps the basic attribute of SSA IR form and only one definition exists for each use. Therefore, all existing Single Static Assignment (SSA) IR form based analysis can be applied in PSA form. The gamma function in PSA form keeps all essential control flow information and eliminates unnecessary predicates at the same time. |
| US08296746B2 |
Optimum code generation method and compiler device for multiprocessor
A method of generating optimum parallel codes from a source code for a computer system configured of plural processors that share a cache memory or a main memory is provided. A preset code is read and operation amounts and process contents are analyzed while distinguishing dependence and independence among processes from the code. Then, the amount of data to be reused among processes is analyzed, and the amount of data that accesses the main memory is analyzed. Further, upon the reception of a parallel code generation policy inputted by a user, the processes of the code are divided, and while estimating an execution cycle from the operation amount and process contents thereof, the cache use of the reuse data, and the main memory access data amount, a parallelization method with which the execution cycle becomes shortest is executed. |
| US08296744B2 |
Tree-based directed graph programming structures for a declarative programming language
Embodiments of tree-based directed graph programming structures for a declarative programming language are provided. In various embodiments, complex graph structured data, referred to as “DGraphs” herein in one non-limiting implementation, is authored using a compact, human friendly syntax without the use of explicit identifiers. In one non-limiting aspect, the syntax includes support for conformance relationships, also referred to as factored relationships. In another non-limiting aspect, the semistructured graph data is a tree-based representation and the syntax includes lexical resolution of references or lexical scoping, and/or non local initialization. |
| US08296738B1 |
Methods and systems for in-place shader debugging and performance tuning
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a system that allows a software developer to perform shader debugging and performance tuning. The system includes an interception layer between the software application and the application programming interface (API). The interception layer is configured to intercept and store source code versions of the original shaders included in the application. For each object in the frame, the interception layer makes shader source code available to the developer, so that the developer can modify the source code as needed, re-compile only the modified shader source code, and run the application. Consequently, shader debugging and performance tuning may be carried out in a manner that is more efficient and effective relative to prior art approaches. |
| US08296735B2 |
Inter-procedural analysis of computer programs
This invention concerns inter-procedural analysis of computer programs. The need for inter-procedural analysis arises, for instance, where information is to be passed across the boundaries between functions; for example, by passing a pointer of variables to another function. The pointer needs to identify a valid memory location when used by a calling function. In one aspect the invention is a method and in another aspect the invention is a computer programmed to perform the method. The heart of the method involves the use of computational tree logic (CTL) model checking each sub-structure of the code to iteratively check alternately whether guarantees associated with the code are true, false or undetermined for each external assumption, and whether the internal assumptions are consistent with the guarantees of the caller sub-structures. |
| US08296730B2 |
Using extension methods to extend COM objects
When objects are called by a program written in a strongly-typed language using an interface written in a loosely-typed manner, incompatibilities between the programming languages can cause problems. Extension methods can simplify the interface between objects in an object model and a program written in a strongly-typed programming language by providing method overloads that accept strongly-typed parameters. Extension methods are provided that use method overloads that accept strongly-typed parameters, improving type safety by allowing the compiler to enforce type safety rather than relying on type checking at runtime. Nullable types and object initialization may be used to provide strongly-typed optional parameters. Extension methods can be used to support parameterized properties and to support class indexers, enabling query of collections of in-memory objects. |
| US08296715B2 |
Wiring design assisting apparatus, wiring design assisting method, and computer-readable information recording medium
A wiring design assisting apparatus includes an input part that has attribute information of a wiring pattern input thereto; a degradation degree process part that obtains a degradation degree in signal characteristics of a wiring pattern corresponding to attribute information that is input to the input part, based on position information of the wiring pattern corresponding to the attribute information input to the input part, position information and size information of a pattern removed area, and the degradation degree information; and an extracting process part that extracts, for re-wiring, wiring patterns that have degradation degrees equal to or more than a predetermined degree, from wiring patterns for which degradation degrees have been obtained by the degradation degree process part. |
| US08296714B2 |
System and method for checking analog circuit with digital checker
Aspects of the present invention provide a system and method for checking a portion of an analog circuit using a digital checker. The method includes establishing a target in the analog circuit, creating an analog target dummy for the target, creating a digital target dummy, binding the digital target dummy to the analog target dummy, and checking a value of the digital target dummy with a digital checker. |
| US08296712B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving the interconnection and multiplexing cost of circuit design from high level synthesis using ant colony optimization
A method and apparatus for improving the interconnection and multiplexing cost of circuit design from high level synthesis using ant colony optimization is described. In one example, a plurality of hardware components for performing an operation is represented with a data flow graph having edges and nodes. A plurality of solutions are simulated for performing the operation as hardware component and schedule combinations represented as paths on the data flow graph. For each solution, cost including a number of edges and nodes traversed on the data flow graph and an interconnection cost related to the number of different hardware components in the path is determined. A pheromone trail is associated with each path, the pheromone trail including a cost of the respective scheduling solution, and a solution is selected with the highest value pheromone trail as a hardware component and schedule combination for a circuit. |
| US08296707B2 |
Implementing spare latch placement quality determination
A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing spare latch placement quality (SLPQ) determination in a floor plan design of an integrated circuit chip. A spare latch placement quality (SLPQ) metric data function is defined and compared to a spare latch placement input with a series of calculations performed. The spare latch placement quality (SLPQ) determination is made based upon the compared SLPQ metric data function and the spare latch placement input. Then associated reports including textual and visual reports are generated responsive to the SLPQ determination. In addition, a new spare latch placement can be constructed with an algorithm responsive to the SLPQ determination. |
| US08296706B2 |
Handling two-dimensional constraints in integrated circuit layout
A computer-implemented method for handling a plurality of constraints in layout optimization for an integrated circuit (IC) layout is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes building a graph representing the plurality of constraints; marking two-dimensional constraints in the plurality of constraints; generating two-dimensional clusters including groups of the two-dimensional constraints; handling at least one of the two-dimensional clusters, the handling including finding a solution for the two-dimensional constraints in the at least one two-dimensional cluster; repeating the handling for any unprocessed two-dimensional clusters until all of the two-dimensional clusters are handled; and adopting the solution for each of the two-dimensional clusters to solve at least a portion of the plurality of constraints including the two-dimensional clusters. |
| US08296705B2 |
Code tiling scheme for deep-submicron ROM compilers
A method includes receiving instructions for designing a ROM array, generating netlists for the ROM array, generating a data file representing a physical layout of the ROM array on a semiconductor wafer, and storing the data file in a computer readable storage medium. The instructions for the ROM array define a layout for a first unit including a first bit cell coupled to a first word line, a bus that may be coupled and uncoupled to a first power supply having a first voltage level, a layout for a second unit coupled to a second word line, and a layout for a third unit having an isolation device and being configured to share a bit line contact with the second unit or another third unit. The layout for the second unit is configured to be arranged at an edge of the ROM array and includes a dummy device. |
| US08296702B2 |
Rectilinear covering method with bounded number of rectangles for designing a VLSI chip
A method for creating a rectilinear non-convex polygonal output representative of a component used to build a VLSI circuit chip from a plurality of points corresponding to a plurality of components of the chip includes: covering the plurality of points with a set of rectangles; creating a Voronoi diagram for the set of rectangles; forming a nearest neighbor tree for the Voronoi diagram; connecting a selected set of the rectangles corresponding to the nearest neighbor tree into a non-convex rectilinear polygon; and applying the non-convex rectilinear polygon to build the VLSI chip. |
| US08296699B1 |
Method and system for supporting both analog and digital signal traffic on a single hierarchical connection for mixed-signal verification
A system, method, and computer program product is disclosed for utilizing dual-value signals, such as hierarchical dual-value signals, for mixed-signal simulation. Such dual-value signals can hold both analog and digital representations of a signal and use the appropriate representations based on which block (analog or digital) for which there is an interaction. |
| US08296697B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing static analysis optimization in a design verification system
Method and apparatus for performing static analysis optimization in a design verification system is described. In one example, a description of a verification environment having constrained objects is obtained. The constrained objects are analyzed incrementally to create a data structure of nodes. Each node includes a description of variables transitively connected by constraints. At least one of the nodes reuses a description from at least one other node. The data structure is then used during logic design verification. |
| US08296696B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing simultaneous register retiming and combinational resynthesis during physical synthesis
A method for designing a system on a target device includes synthesizing the system. The system is mapped. The system is placed on the target device. Physical synthesis is performed on the system by identifying a plurality of register retiming solutions for each register in the system, performing combinational resynthesis on each of the register retiming solutions, and selecting a combinational resynthesis solution for the system. |
| US08296694B1 |
System and method for automated synthesis of circuit wrappers
Various embodiments of the present invention provide for automated synthesizing of a circuit wrapper for an integrated circuit element. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention provide computer-aided design (CAD) support for automated circuit wrapper generation, especially circuit test wrappers. Additionally, various embodiments of the invention result in optimally designed and segmented circuit wrappers that are configured for both parallel instruction mode and serial instruction mode. |
| US08296691B2 |
Methodology for improving device performance prediction from effects of active area corner rounding
A system and method for modeling a semiconductor transistor device structure having a conductive line feature of a designed length connected to a gate of a transistor device in a circuit to be modeled, the transistor including an active device (RX) area over which the gate is formed and over which the conductive line feature extends. The method includes providing an analytical model representation including a function for modeling a lithographic flare effect impacting the active device area width; and, from the modeling function, relating an effective change in active device area width (deltaW adder) as a function of a distance from a defined edge of the RX area. Then, transistor model parameter values in a transistor compact model for the device are updated to include deltaW adder values to be added to a built-in deltaW value. A netlist used in a simulation includes the deltaW adder values to more accurately describe the characteristics of the transistor device being modeled including modeling of lithographic corner rounding effect on transistor device parametrics. |
| US08296690B1 |
Method and arrangement providing for implementation granularity using implementation sets
A design hierarchy based on an implementation set abstraction of a user design for an integrated circuit design includes a plurality of nodes and a definition for each of the nodes in the plurality of nodes that describes the type of elements contained in each node and the hierarchy defined by each of the nodes. Each node can include at least one implementation element of the design and the at least one implementation element can be selected among the group including a set of logical elements, a set of placed elements, and a set of placed and routed elements. |
| US08296689B1 |
Customizing metal pattern density in die-stacking applications
Method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for designing an integrated circuit (IC) are described. In some examples, layout data describing conductive layers of the integrated circuit is obtained. The layout data is analyzed to identify through die via (TDV) areas. A metal fill pattern is created for each of the TDV areas having a maximum metal density within design rules for the integrated circuit. The metal fill pattern for each of the TDV areas is merged with the layout data. |
| US08296681B2 |
Searching a list based upon user input
An apparatus, comprising: a user output device configured to display a first plurality of items from a list of items, each item having data portions in fields; a user input device configured to enable a user to select at least one character from a plurality of selectable characters and to associate the selected at least one character with a field; and processing circuitry configured to control the user output device to display a second plurality of items, the second plurality of items being selected from the list of items and ordered, wherein the selection and ordering is in dependence upon a comparison between the selected at least one character and the data portion that each item has in the associated field. |
| US08296679B2 |
Method of learning character segments from received text, and associated handheld electronic device
An improved method of learning character segments from received text enables facilitated text input on an improved handheld electronic device. In receiving text on the handheld electronic device, the characters of the text are converted into the inputs with which the characters correspond. Then, segments and other objects are analyzed to generate a proposed character interpretation of the series of inputs. Responsive to detecting that at least a portion of the character interpretation differs from a corresponding portion of the received text, a character learning string comprising the differing characters of the received text are stored as a candidate. In response to receiving additional text on the handheld electronic device, the characters of the additional text are converted into the inputs with which the characters correspond. Then, segments and other objects are analyzed to generate another proposed character interpretation of the series of additional inputs. Responsive to detecting that at least a portion of the another character interpretation differs from a corresponding portion of the additional received text, another character learning string comprising the differing characters of the additional received text are compared with the candidate. If a set of characters in the another character learning string match characters in the candidate, the set of characters are stored as a segment. |
| US08296674B2 |
Text display apparatus, text display method and program storage medium
A scroll bar area is displayed as two divided areas, namely a first mark display area which displays a mark figure corresponding to a first mark, and a second mark display area which displays a mark figure corresponding to a second mark. A first mark figure is displayed in that area in the first mark display area which corresponds to a line which is indicated to be affixed with the first mark by mark affixing information. A second mark figure is displayed in that area in the second mark display area which corresponds to a line which is indicated to be affixed with the second mark by the mark affixing information. |
| US08296671B2 |
Enabling access to rich data by intercepting paste operations
Systems and methods for enabling access to data, including data represented using a variety of “richer” data formats, are disclosed. Such systems and methods may be useful, among a variety of cases, with applications or entities that may not typically be able to access such richer data. In at least some implementations, data copied to a clipboard and formatted using a variety of formats may be provided or accessed by a destination application as part of a paste operation even when the destination application may not natively provide the ability to access all of the data formats that might exist on a clipboard. In at least some implementations, such access may be provided without modifying or augmenting the data placed on the clipboard. |
| US08296670B2 |
Accessing a menu utilizing a drag-operation
Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for intuitively invoking a presentation action (e.g., rendering a menu) by applying a drag-operation at a top-level control button rendered at a touchscreen display are provided. Initially, aspects of a user-initiated input applied at the top-level control button are detected. These aspects may include an actuation location and a distance of a drag-movement therefrom. If a distance of the drag-movement at the touchscreen display is greater than a threshold distance in a particular radial direction from the actuation location, the user-initiated input is considered a drag-operation. Typically, a set of trigger boundaries are constructed based on system metrics to assist in disambiguating the drag-operation from a tap-type operation. If a drag-operation is identified, the presentation action is invoked; otherwise, a principle action associated with the top-level control button (e.g., manipulating content of an application) may be invoked. |
| US08296667B2 |
User interface for displaying and navigating relationships between objects graphically
Disclosed is a user interface for displaying and navigating relationships between objects. The user interface includes an object relationship map to display a first object at center of the object relationship map and a second object related to the first object adjacent to the first object with a line connecting the second object and the first object. If the second object includes a plurality of objects, the object relationship map displays each of the plurality of objects around the first object. The user interface includes a side bar to display a nature of relationship between the first object and the second object. A relationship-type control in the side bar specifies the object relationship map to display the second object related to the first object with a nature of relationship selected from the relationship-type control. A degree of separation control in the side bar specifies a number of levels of relationship to be displayed in the object relationship map. The object relationship map displays a related-objects value on the second object denoting a number of objects related to the second object. |
| US08296658B2 |
Generator for personalization of electronic devices
A graphical user interface includes a primary color palette including a first plurality of colors and a secondary color palette including a second plurality of colors. A first color is defined as a primary color and a second color is defined as a secondary color. The secondary color is different from the primary color. The graphical user interface also includes a plurality of styles, with a style defined as an initial style. The graphical user interface further includes an intensity scale ranging from a minimum intensity value to a maximum intensity value. An indicator is positioned in association with an initial intensity value. Moreover, the graphical user interface includes a display tile including an initial pattern that is displayed based on the primary color, the secondary color, and the initial style and a subsequent pattern that is modified from the initial pattern based on the initial intensity value. |
| US08296657B2 |
Random image selection without viewing duplication
Particular embodiments generally relate to randomly displaying images on a display device. In one embodiment, a list of images for display on a display device, such as a digital picture frame or television, is determined. The display device is configured to display different images in a sequential order (such as one after another). A random display method may be determined. An image in the list of images is then randomly selected based on the random display method. For example, images are randomly selected such that all images in a list of images are displayed once without duplicative display of an image. |
| US08296655B2 |
Context sensitive information management system and method
A context sensitive information management system and method for use in a system comprising a number of applications each able to display information in response to a user input and a contextual coprocessor. The method comprising the steps of: the contextual coprocessor storing a plurality of context definitions each defining information to be displayed; the user making an input to an application; the application displaying information in response to the user input; the contextual coprocessor identifying a stored context definition corresponding to a current context definition; and the contextual processor displaying the information defined by said identified stored context definition; in which the context definitions stored by the contextual coprocessor are based upon data passing between the application and the user. |
| US08296654B2 |
Automatic guide for data analysis
A system for analyzing data is disclosed. In one general aspect it includes a data analysis user interface responsive to user interaction to initiate actions on the data. An action logging interface is operative to create a logged sequence of actions as the user initiates them through the data analysis user interface. And a token-based authoring user interface responsive to user selection commands to select action-tokens corresponding to the actions logged by the action logging interface to create an authored set of actions that has an authored sequence that can be different from the logged sequence. |
| US08296653B2 |
Variable imaging asset upload and verification
The subject embodiments relate to software tools providing a simplified way for print customers to easily perform pre-press checks and editing digital assets for use in a variable information print job. The digital assets are uploaded to the appropriate storage location in a digital asset repository hosted by the print system and checked for compatibility with variable data fields. Suggested editing is also available. |
| US08296648B2 |
Method and system for displaying variable shaped products on a computer display
A computerized system, method, and computer-readable media implementing a method for defining a variable shaped document for web viewing is presented. Markup language descriptions are defined for cutlines defining a shape of an item to be produced, and for content to be displayed on the item within the boundaries of the cutlines. Markup language rules area defined that prevent display of content in areas on a display screen outside the defined shape of the item to be produced. |
| US08296644B2 |
Content sharing using access identifiers
The application concerns sharing content generated within a system for one or more application displays to be displayed on a first computing device of a first user. A second user is sent a message concerning sharing sharable content wherein the sharable content includes at least a portion of content from the one or more application displays that were generated for the first user. The message includes an access identifier and in response to the second user accepting the message, the system uses the access identifier to share with the second user said sharable content that was generated for the first user. |
| US08296637B1 |
Channel quality monitoring and method for qualifying a storage channel using an iterative decoder
Monitors, architectures, systems and methods for determining one or more quality characteristics of a storage channel. The monitor generally includes an iterative decoder configured to decode data from the storage channel and generate information relating to a quality metric of the storage channel and/or the iterative decoder, a memory configured to store a threshold value for the quality metric, and a comparator configured to compare the threshold value with a measured value of the quality metric. The monitor enables accurate determination of storage channel quality without use of conventional Reed-Solomon metrics. |
| US08296625B2 |
Storage subsystem capable of adjusting ECC settings based on monitored conditions
A storage subsystem monitors one or more conditions related to the probability of a data error occurring. Based on the monitored condition or conditions, the storage subsystem adjusts an error correction setting, and thus the quantity of ECC data used to protect data received from a host system. To enable blocks of data to be properly checked when read from memory, the storage subsystem stores ECC metadata indicating the particular error correction setting used to store particular blocks of data. The storage subsystem may be in the form of a solid-state non-volatile memory card or drive that attaches to the host system. |
| US08296623B2 |
Codes for limited magnitude asymmetric errors in flash memories
Error correction is tailored for the use of an ECC for correcting asymmetric errors with low magnitude in a data device, with minimal modifications to the conventional data device architecture. The technique permits error correction and data recovery to be performed with reduced-size error correcting code alphabets. For particular cases, the technique can reduce the problem of constructing codes for correcting limited magnitude asymmetric errors to the problem of constructing codes for symmetric errors over small alphabets. Also described are speed up techniques for reaching target data levels more quickly, using more aggressive memory programming operations. |
| US08296622B2 |
Programmable LDPC code decoder and decoding method thereof
A programmable LDPC (Low-Density Parity-Check) code decoder and decoding method thereof is disclosed. By combining at least one programmable switch and at least one memory unit to decode any quasi-cyclic-based parity check matrix, one can set the switch state of the programmable switch to dynamically adjust the size of the decoding matrix and determine the locations of 1's and 0's in the decoding matrix. The mechanism helps improving the usability and flexibility of the decoding matrix. |
| US08296620B2 |
Data devices including multiple error correction codes and methods of utilizing
A method of utilizing at least one block of data, wherein the at least one block of data includes a plurality of cells for storing data and at least one error flag bit, the method including: scanning the block of data for errors; determining the error rate of the block of data; and applying an error correction code to data being read from or written to a cell within the at least one block of data, wherein the error correction code is applied based on the error rate, wherein a weak error correction code is applied when the error rate is below an error threshold, and a strong error correction code is applied when the error rate is at or above the error threshold. |
| US08296617B2 |
Method and apparatus of HARQ process selection
A method for implementation of HARQ between a transmitting node and a receiving node in a communication network is provided. HARQ processes may be selected from a list for instantiation according to a policy that may deviate from strict first-in, first-out processing of packets. The greater flexibility that this affords may lead to improved efficiency in the use of transmission resources. |
| US08296609B2 |
System and method for service availability management
A service framework uses importance ranking information in making call decisions and/or wait-time decisions in connection with service requests. Each of the service requests has an importance ranking which reflects the importance of the information provided by the service to a task being performed. The health of a service may be controlled by permitting fewer (or more) service requests to be made to the service when the service is less (or more) healthy. The likelihood of a service request being made to the service may depend on the importance ranking of the service request. When waiting for a response, a determination whether to continue waiting may be made based on the likelihood that the service has failed and based on the importance of the information to the task being performed. |
| US08296605B2 |
Systems and methods for correcting software errors
Systems and methods consistent with the invention may include receiving an indication that a software error was detected during operation of the application program, generating an error message based on the software error, the error message including an error signature, comparing the error signature with information stored in a patch library database to identify a corresponding correction patch, and correcting, when the corresponding correction patch is identified, the software error by applying the corresponding correction patch. |
| US08296600B2 |
SVC cluster configuration node failover system and method
Methods, systems, and computer programs are provided for failover responses to configuration node failures in SVC clusters. An SVC cluster manages a plurality of storage devices and includes a plurality of SVCs interconnected via a network, each SVC acting as a separate node. A new configuration node is activated in response to configuration node failures. The new configuration node retrieves client subscription information about events occurring in storage devices managed by the SVC cluster from the storage devices. In response to events occurring in the storage device managed by the SVC cluster, the new configuration node obtains storage device event information from a storage device event monitoring unit. The new configuration node sends storage device events to clients who have subscribed to this information according to subscription information obtained. The storage device is not installed in the original configuration node. This method allows complete transparency of the configuration node failover process to clients. |
| US08296597B2 |
Computer system capable of dynamically modulating operation voltage and frequency of CPU
A computer system capable of dynamically modulating an operation voltage and an operation frequency of a CPU comprises: a CPU from which a VID1 is outputted based on a real load of the CPU; a VID converting/comparing controller capable of determining to operate in an bypass mode or a calculation mode in response to the received VID1 signal and capable of outputting a VID2 signal and a control signal; a frequency generator for generating a CPU clock with a specific frequency to the CPU in response to the control signal; and a PWM controller capable of generating the operation voltage to the CPU in response to the VID2 signal; wherein when the VID converting/comparing controller is switched to operate in the calculation mode, the VID1 signal is not equal to the VID2 signal and the specific frequency is modulated to either a higher or a lower than a normal operation frequency by the VID converting/comparing controller. |
| US08296594B2 |
Information processing apparatus capable of being instructed to power off by a command from external apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus that is capable of being instructed to power off, by a power switch or a command from an external apparatus, and is capable of executing the restart thereof under appropriate conditions. When power-off is instructed, shutdown is started. Upon completion of the shutdown, if the power switch is on, and at the same time the power-off has been instructed by the power switch of the apparatus, the restart of the apparatus is executed, whereas upon completion of the shutdown, if the power-off has been instructed by a command from the external apparatus, the restart of the apparatus is not executed. |
| US08296593B2 |
Host apparatus and information processing system using the same
In an information processing system, a host apparatus and a device are communicatively connected such that the host apparatus serves as a master and the device serves as a slave. The device is configured to establish a power-saving mode, when any command is not received from the host apparatus for a prescribed time period. A device driver is provided in the host apparatus. The device driver is configured to transit from a normal state to a suspended state when an operation command for operating the device is not received from an application running in the host apparatus for a prescribed time period, and to transmit a dummy response to the application, when an inquiry command is received from the application while the device driver is placed in the suspended state, without notifying the inquiry command to the device. |
| US08296592B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A resume signal hold circuit holds an assertion of a resume signal instructed while the circuit block is in a stand-by mode. A resume signal mask circuit is provided between the circuit block and the resume signal hold circuit, and masks the signals while the circuit block is in the stand-by mode so that no signal can be input to the circuit block. A power saving control circuit causes the resume signal hold circuit to hold the assertion of the event signal and causes the resume signal mask circuit to mask the signals while the circuit block is in a stand-by mode. The power saving control circuit also causes the resume signal hold circuit to cancel the holding of the assertion of the resume signal after the completion of the resume setting of the circuit block and cancelling of the signal masking by the resume signal mask circuit. |
| US08296589B2 |
Power supply circuit for CPU
A power supply circuit includes a PWM controller capable of providing pulse signals to a CPU, and an I/O controller electrically coupled to the PWM controller and the CPU respectively. The I/O controller is capable of receiving voltage selection signals from the CPU and outputting a control signal to the PWM controller. The PWM controller is capable of adjusting pulse signals provided to the CPU according to the control signal. |
| US08296585B2 |
Method of encrypting/decrypting the document and a safety management storage device and system method of its safety management
A method of encrypting/decrypting the document and a safety management storage device and system method of its safety management, using for the safety management of electronic documents, the said system comprising a PC or mainframe installed with common reading software and a storage device of safety management connected to the said PC/mainframe through hot-plug; when connected to the mainframe, the said storage device is enumerated as a USB CDROM device at least. The user owns the said storage device can encrypt the electronic documents by using the encryption keys to generate an encrypted document with the same file type, also can open the encrypted document by using common reading software, and then use the document according to the predetermined operation authority. By using present invention, the users and the range of using the documents will be limited through the control of the distribution of the said storage devices, thus, a document safety management system with high security and easy-use will be established, and with the advantage of easy control, low cost of investment and maintenance. |
| US08296584B2 |
Storage and retrieval of encrypted data blocks with in-line message authentication codes
Techniques are disclosed for in-line storage of message authentication codes with respective encrypted data blocks. In one aspect, a given data block is encrypted and a message authentication code is generated for the encrypted data block. A target address is determined for storage of the encrypted data block in a memory. The target address is then modified to permit in-line storage of the message authentication code with the encrypted data block in the memory, and the encrypted data block and the message authentication code are transferred to the memory for storage at the modified address. Illustrative embodiments of the techniques advantageously facilitate secure off-chip storage of data in a processing system. |
| US08296583B2 |
Physical digital media delivery
The inventions relate to the delivery, transfer of content, and return of uniquely customized physical digital media. Digital content is specifically encrypted for use on a target player associated with a specific customer account. After use, the media is returned to a receiving location where use information is read from the media. Attention is given to cost of delivery, security of content, user experience in selecting, choosing, paying for, viewing or utilizing the content, and usage information created as a result of the content being utilized, rented, purchased, loaded or deleted. |
| US08296577B2 |
Cryptographic bus architecture for the prevention of differential power analysis
An apparatus and method for preventing information leakage attacks through a polarized cryptographic bus architecture. The polarized cryptographic bus architecture randomly changes the polarity of the target bit such that the leaked information cannot be consistently averaged to yield statistical key material. Further, to increase the prevention of information leakage attacks, a set of dual rails is used to write data to a given register bit. |
| US08296569B2 |
Content protection interoperability infrastructure
Interoperability of protected content items between computing devices is facilitated by providing content items having a standard representation, and media players having support for the content item representations. The representation of the content item may be limited by a profile as to the elements it contains. The elements allowed in the content item may also be limited. |
| US08296568B2 |
Systems and methods for authenticating an electronic transaction
Systems and methods for authenticating a request between a client computer and a transaction server are provided. An application request, comprising an identity of a user originating the request, is received at an application server from the client. The application server constructs a signing key based on (i) the identity of the user making the request, (ii) a time based salt value, (iii) a secret shared between the application and transaction servers and, optionally, (iv) an identifier of the distributor or developer of the application. The signing key is embedded in an unbranded version of the application thereby branding the application. The branded application can sign a request with the signing key and submit the signed request to the transaction server with the identity of the user and the identifier of the distributor or developer of the application. |
| US08296563B2 |
Method of handling a certification request
In a certification request, a user device includes an object identifier. When a certification authority generates an identity certificate responsive to receiving the certification request, the certification authority includes the object identifier, thereby allowing improved management of the identity certificate at the user device and elsewhere. |
| US08296561B2 |
Certifying device, verifying device, verifying system, computer program and integrated circuit
An authentication system verifies an authentic computer program, certifies the authenticity itself, and verifies a certification. The authentication system includes a terminal (e.g., requesting device) and a card (e.g., verifying device). The card stores secret information to be used by the terminal, and an update program for the terminal. The card verifies authenticity of the terminal using information obtained from the terminal. When it judges that the terminal is authentic, the card outputs the secret information to the terminal. When it judges that the terminal is not authentic, the card outputs the update program. The terminal is forced to update the program when it attempts to use the secret information. |
| US08296560B2 |
Method and apparatus for restricting address resolution protocol table updates
Techniques for restricting Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) table updates to updates originating from authorized subsystems is disclosed. According to an embodiment, an instruction to update an ARP table is received. It is determined whether a command interface from which the instruction originated is authorized. If the command interface is authorized, then the ARP table is updated based on the instruction. According to an embodiment, a DHCP Server may be configured to send an instruction to update an ARP table upon receiving a DHCP message indicating a network layer address that is not bound with a data link layer address. The DHCP Server may send the instruction over an authorized command interface, or be in other ways authorized to update the ARP table. |
| US08296555B2 |
Preloader
This disclosure describes techniques and/or apparatuses for reducing the total time used to boot up a computer and load applications onto the computer. |
| US08296552B2 |
Dynamically migrating channels
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of determining a relative priority between a first agent and a second agent, and assigning the first agent to a first channel and the second agent to a second channel according to the relative priority. Depending on the currently programmed status of the channels, information stored in at least one of the channels may be dynamically migrated to another channel based on the assignments. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08296547B2 |
Loading entries into a TLB in hardware via indirect TLB entries
An enhanced mechanism for loading entries into a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) in hardware via indirect TLB entries. In one embodiment, if no direct TLB entry associated with the given virtual address is found in the TLB, the TLB is checked for an indirect TLB entry associated with the given virtual address. Each indirect TLB entry provides the real address of a page table associated with a specified range of virtual addresses and comprises an array of page table entries. If an indirect TLB entry associated with the given virtual address is found in the TLB, a computed address is generated by combining a real address field from the indirect TLB entry and bits from the given virtual address, a page table entry (PTE) is obtained by reading a word from a memory at the computed address, and the PTE is loaded into the TLB as a direct TLB entry. |
| US08296545B2 |
Storage capacity status
In one embodiment of the present invention, a memory device is disclosed to include memory organized into blocks, each block having a status associated therewith and all of the blocks of the nonvolatile memory having collectively a capacity status associated therewith and a display for showing the capacity status even when no power is being applied to the display. |
| US08296541B2 |
Memory subsystem with positional read data latency
A memory subsystem with positional read data latency that includes one or more memory modules, a memory controller and one or more memory busses is provided. The memory controller includes instructions for providing positional read data latency. The memory modules and the memory controller are interconnected via the memory busses. |
| US08296540B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting the performance of a synchronous memory system
A method and apparatus for adjusting the performance of a memory system is provided. A memory system comprises a master device and a slave device. A memory channel couples the master device to the slave device such that the slave device receives the system operating information from the master device via the memory channel. The slave device further includes tuning circuitry within the slave device such that the performance of the memory system is improved. |
| US08296539B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing wear leveling in memory
A method for performing wear leveling in a memory, and an apparatus corresponding to the method, is provided. The method includes: dividing the lifecycle of the memory which includes more than one physical blocks into at least one sampling interval; for each sampling interval, getting the first physical block by taking statistics of the degree of the wear leveling of each physical block in the memory in the current sampling interval; getting the second physical block by taking statistics of the updating times of each logical address in the current sampling interval; exchanging the logical addresses and data of the first physical block and the second physical block. |
| US08296534B1 |
Techniques for using flash-based memory in recovery processing
Described are techniques for performing recovery processing in a data storage system. A providing a flash-based memory is provided with includes cached write data that has not been destaged to a data storage device. It is determined whether said flash-based memory has a threshold amount of storage available thereon. If the flash-based memory does not have the threshold amount of storage available thereon, portions of the cache write data are destaged until said flash-based memory has a threshold amount of storage available thereon. Received data requests are processed in accordance with a first policy different from a second policy used in connection with processing received data requests if said flash-based memory has a threshold amount of storage available thereon. |
| US08296532B2 |
Write set boundary management for heterogeneous storage controllers in support of asynchronous update of secondary storage
A data storage system including at least one storage controller having a first color policy and operative to store data onto a first data storage unit at a primary site as part of a current color of the primary site, at least one storage controller having a second color policy and operative to store data onto a second data storage unit at the primary site as part of the current color, and a color control node operative to provide each of the controllers with new color information while maintaining the integrity of dependent writes across color boundaries. |
| US08296528B2 |
Methods and systems for microcode patching
Methods and systems for performing microcode patching are presented. In one embodiment, a data processing system comprises a cache memory and a processor. The cache memory comprises a plurality of cache sections. The processor sequesters one or more cache sections of the cache memory and stores processor microcode therein. In one embodiment, the processor executes the microcode in the one or more cache sections. |
| US08296522B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for shared cache usage to different partitions in a socket with sub-socket partitioning
A cache that supports sub-socket partitioning is discussed. Specifically, the cache supports different quality of service levels and victim cache line selection for a cache miss operation. The different quality of service levels allow for programmable ceiling usage and floor usage thresholds that allow for different techniques for victim cache line selection. |
| US08296518B2 |
Arithmetic processing apparatus and method
An apparatus includes a TLB storing a part of a TSB area included in a memory accessed by the apparatus. The TSB area stores an address translation pair for translating a virtual address into a physical address. The apparatus further includes a cache memory that temporarily stores the pair; a storing unit that stores a starting physical address of the pair stored in the memory unit; a calculating unit that calculates, based on the starting physical address and a virtual address to be converted, a TSB pointer used in obtaining from the TSB area a corresponding address translation pair corresponding to the virtual address to be converted; and an obtaining unit that obtains the corresponding pair from the TSB area using the TSB pointer calculated and stores the corresponding pair in the cache memory, if the corresponding pair is not retrieved from the TLB or the cache memory. |
| US08296516B2 |
Storage controller for mirroring data written to cache memory area
A first controller has a first CM area having a plurality of first sub-areas, and a second controller has a second CM area having a plurality of second sub-areas. The first controller stores first data in any of the first sub-areas, and in addition, stores a mirror of the first data (first mirror data) in any of the second sub-areas. The first controller manages a pair (an association relationship) of the storage-destination first sub-area of the first data and the storage-destination second sub-area of the first mirror data. Similarly, the second controller stores second data in any of the second sub-areas, and in addition, stores a mirror of the second data (second mirror data) in any of the first sub-areas. The second controller manages a pair (an association relationship) of the storage-destination second sub-area of the second data and the storage-destination first sub-area of the second mirror data. |
| US08296511B1 |
Method and system of providing object location metadata cookies in a federated content addressable storage system
Managing data on a federated CAS system includes determining a group of objects to be stored on a single CAS system of the federated CAS system, obtaining a cookie corresponding a particular one of the CAS systems of the federated CAS system in response to initially writing at least one object of the group of objects, where the at least one object is written to the particular one of the CAS systems, and providing the cookie in connection with writing objects of the group of objects following initially writing at least one object of the group of objects. The cookie causes the objects to be written to the particular one of the CAS systems. The cookie may be provided by at least one router that maintains the federated CAS system, which may be separate from both a processing device and the particular one of the CAS systems. |
| US08296510B2 |
Hybrid memory management
Methods and apparatus for managing data storage in hybrid memory devices utilizing single level and multi level memory cells. Logical addresses can be distributed between single level and multilevel memory cells based on a frequency of write operations performed. Initial storage of data corresponding to a logical address in memory can be determined by various methods including initially writing all data to single level memory or initially writing all data to multilevel memory. Other methods permit a host to direct logical address writes to single level or multilevel memory cells based on anticipated usage. |
| US08296509B2 |
Controller for one type of NAND flash memory for emulating another type of NAND flash memory
A method of executing an erasing instruction to erase host data from a flash memory device is provided. The method initiates with receiving from a host device an erase instruction to erase host data from an array of NAND flash memory cells grouped into separately-erasable device blocks, each device block including multiple device pages, the host data being a portion of device data that is stored in a device block. The host data is marked as erased, and a message is sent to the host device indicating that the host data has been erased. |
| US08296507B2 |
Memory management and writing method and rewritable non-volatile memory controller and storage system using the same
A memory management and writing method for managing a plurality of physical units of a memory chip is provided. The present method includes grouping the physical units into a first physical unit group and a second physical unit group, recording and calculating a first erase count of the first physical unit group and a second erase count of the second physical unit group, and calculating an erase count difference between the first erase count and the second erase count. The present method also includes determining whether the erase count difference is larger than an erase count difference threshold when a write command is received. The method further includes executing a switched writing procedure to write data corresponding to the write command into the memory chip when the erase count difference is larger than the erase count difference threshold. Thereby, the lifespan of the memory chip is effectively prolonged. |
| US08296501B2 |
Memory management method for non-volatile memory and controller using the same
A memory management method for a non-volatile memory and a controller using the same are provided. The non-volatile memory is substantially divided into a plurality of blocks. First, non-erasing information of a plurality of memory units comprising at least one block is recoded and used as a reference to establish an evaluation value. Then, whether to move data of at least one block on the memory units to another memory unit according to the evaluation value is determined. Accordingly, problems of read disturb and data retention due to excessive reading times can be resolved. |
| US08296500B2 |
Memory system and computer system
When a memory card is inserted into a computer, a memory controller sends command information stored in a memory array to the computer. Then, the computer stores the command information received from the memory card into a RAM. The computer generates a command as needed on the basis of the stored command information and sends the generated command to the memory card. When the memory card receives the command from the computer, the memory controller analyzes the received command and performs it while making reference to command analysis information. This makes it possible to reduce a load accompanying the change and addition of commands in a semiconductor memory. |
| US08296496B2 |
Main memory with non-volatile memory and DRAM
One embodiment is main memory that includes a combination of non-volatile memory (NVM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM). An operating system migrates data between the NVM and the DRAM. |
| US08296491B2 |
Host for use with dual interface card with backward and forward compatibility
Techniques are presented that allow a memory card operable according to two protocols (such as a legacy protocol and newer protocol), and having a corresponding dual interface, to be used with hosts that support the new protocol as well as having backward compatibility with legacy hosts, while preventing the use of legacy cards with hosts that support the new protocol but do not support the legacy protocol. The card that supports the new protocol has a similar form factor to the legacy card, includes an indentation. A host that supports the new, but not the legacy, type card includes a mechanical structure within the attachment slot that, based on the card indentation, can distinguish the card types and prevent the non-supported card from being attached. |
| US08296490B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of interrupt delivery at runtime in a network system
Processor affinity of an application/thread may be used to deliver an interrupt caused by the application/thread to a best processor at runtime. The processor to which the interrupt is delivered may either run the target application/thread or be located in the same socket as the processor that runs the target application/thread. The processor affinity of the application/thread may be pushed down at runtime to a network device, a chipset, a memory control hub (“MCH”), or an input/output hub (“IOH”), which will facilitate delivery of the interrupt using that affinity information. |
| US08296489B2 |
Priority control device
A priority control device comprises a clock generator for generating a clock signal, a time interval generating unit having a plurality of signal routes and each of the signal routes has a different signal passing time respectively, and a logic control unit coupled to the outputs of the signal routes. The time interval generating unit determines the timing of receiving input signals according to the clock signal. The logic control unit receives the output signals of the signal routes for generating the control signals. |
| US08296488B2 |
Automatic self-addressing method for wired network nodes
A method and system for addressing nodes in a multi-drop wired network are disclosed. In an embodiment nodes communicate via a two-way communication bus. Upon receipt of an address command, a first node assigns itself a first address, closes a switch to activate an output port of the first node to enable a second node to receive communications from the first node, and sends a second address onto the two-way communication bus. The second address is received by all previously addressed nodes, including a controller if used, as well as the second node, which is as yet unaddressed. Upon receipt of the second address, the second node repeats the process. If a node does not receive an acknowledgement that a subsequent node has addressed itself, that node deactivates its output port and terminates the network. |
| US08296486B2 |
Peripheral device enabling enhanced communication
An apparatus comprising a single memory device providing data storage, a controller for controlling data transfer to and from the data storage, and first and second bus connector plugs, wherein each plug has contacts for connecting with the power, ground, and data contacts of a port of a host system. The power and ground contacts of the first and second plugs are coupled together to provide power to the apparatus through either or both plugs. Data from either or both plugs is communicated with the controller depending upon which plugs are coupled to a port. The controller is responsible for controlling the read and write operations of the data storage. The apparatus may be any type of external memory device, such as a flash drive, or a peripheral device having a high data transfer rate, such as a digital video camera. |
| US08296484B2 |
Alphanumeric data entry apparatus and method using multicharacter keys of a keypad
A method and apparatus for predicting the desired alphanumeric character of a depressed multi-character key of a reduced-key keypad based upon the previous selection of characters. Rule trees defining the prediction associated with a depressed key based upon the previous selection of characters are dynamically built upon use to readily function with all language styles and vocabularies. Moreover, the rule trees are weighted to increase the probability of predicting the desired character and to be quickly adaptable to different users having different language styles or vocabularies. |
| US08296482B2 |
Translating requests between full speed bus and slower speed device wherein the translation logic is based on snoop result and modified cache state
Methods and apparatus related to techniques for translating requests between a full speed bus and a slower speed device are described. In one embodiment, a translation logic translates requests between a full speed bus (such as a front side bus, e.g., running relatively higher frequencies, for example at MHz levels) and a much slower speed device (such as a System On Chip (SOC) device (or SOC Device Under Test (DUT)), e.g., logic provided through emulation, which may be running at much lower frequency, for example kHz levels). Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08296480B2 |
Context execution in a media controller architecture
Described embodiments provide a media controller for processing one or more data transfer requests received from at least one host device. The media controller includes a buffer to receive data of a data transfer request from a communication link and a command parser to generate one or more contexts corresponding to the data transfer request. The one or more contexts are stored in the buffer. At least one queue of the media controller includes a regular context queue for queuing regular-priority contexts, and a high-priority context queue for queuing high-priority contexts. A context manager coordinates processing of regular-priority contexts and high-priority contexts of the at least one queue based on context boundaries, wherein, when a context is processed at a context boundary, data corresponding to the processed context is data is transferred between the communication link and at least one of the buffer and the at least one storage media. |
| US08296478B2 |
Data transfer system and data transfer method
An efficient transfer of data including a plurality of data sections is achieved. In a data transfer system including a first DMA 1142 of a channel control unit 11 and an MP 122 of a processor unit 12 that sets a transfer parameter in the first DMA 1142, while CKD format data 1400 is transferred from a cache memory 14 to a memory 113 of the channel control unit 11, the MP 122 acquires a C field 1411 from the cache memory 14 and sets a transfer parameter in the first DMA 1142 on the basis of the acquired C field 1411, the transfer parameter having attached thereto the C field 1411 and being used for transferring a K field 1412 from the cache memory 14 to the memory 113. The first DMA 1142 retrieves the C field 1411 attached to the transfer parameter, stores the C field 1411 in the memory 113, and transfers the K field from the cache memory 14 to the memory 113 according to the transfer parameter. |
| US08296477B1 |
Secure data transfer using legitimate QR codes wherein a warning message is given to the user if data transfer is malicious
User data is securely transferred from a client device to a mobile device. Data transfer activities at the client are monitored to detect a request to transfer data via a displayed code (e.g., QR code). The data being transfer are verified as being legitimate (e.g., not compromised by malware or otherwise malicious) before the transfer. Responsive to verifying that the transfer data are legitimate, a code encoding the transfer data is displayed on a display device of the client. A user of the mobile device captures the code using a digital camera or other data scanning device and decodes the code to obtain the transfer data. The mobile device may then perform an action using the transfer data, such as connecting to a website or composing an email to an address included in the transfer data. |
| US08296473B2 |
Component connector with identifying characteristic for an electronic device
A system and method for optically identifying a component coupled to an electronic device is provided. The method includes emitting light from within the device toward a surface of a component connector inserted into a receiving socket of the device. A light sensor senses the intensity, amplitude or wavelength of light reflected from a surface of the component connector. A processor of the device identifies the component based on the intensity, amplitude or wavelength of light reflected from a surface of the component connector. The processor modifies at least one setting of the electronic device in response to the identification of the component. |
| US08296468B2 |
Storage controller and controlling method therefor
A storage controller that performs user-friendly information display, simplifies updating of support information, has external storage controllers to provide sufficient input/output performance, and expands the range of external storage controllers to be supported; and a controlling method for that storage controller. The storage controller includes a code extract/convert unit for converting a first code indicating a vendor name and/or device name of an external storage controller, obtained based on inquiry data transmitted from the external storage controller, into a second code indicating a real vendor name and/or real device name of the external storage controller. The storage controller creates support information that compiles information of each model regarding whether or not it can be connected to the respective external storage controllers. Furthermore, a path control system and a timeout time can be set for the respective external storage controllers. |
| US08296465B2 |
Distributed computing bus
A distributed computing bus that provides both data transport and ambient computing power is provided. Contemplated buses comprise a network fabric of interconnected networking infrastructure nodes capable of being programmed before or after installation in the field. A fabric manager organizes the fabric into a bus topology communicatively coupling computing elements that exchange payload data using a bus protocol. Nodes within the bus topology operate on the payload data as the data passes through the node on route to its destination. |
| US08296460B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating data and program thereof
A server assigns one of a plurality of clients as a representative client to each of a plurality of block data in a round-robin manner, for example. The server transmits the block data and information indicating the representative client assigned to the block data to the plurality of clients by multicast communication. The representative client transmits a response acknowledgement to the server. When the server receives the response acknowledgement, the server transmits block data following the block data and information indicating a new representative client assigned to the following block data to the plurality of clients by multicast communication. |
| US08296457B2 |
Providing nearest neighbor point-to-point communications among compute nodes of an operational group in a global combining network of a parallel computer
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for providing nearest neighbor point-to-point communications among compute nodes of an operational group in a global combining network of a parallel computer, each compute node connected to each adjacent compute node in the global combining network through a link, that include: identifying each link in the global combining network for each compute node of the operational group; designating one of a plurality of point-to-point class routing identifiers for each link such that no compute node in the operational group is connected to two adjacent compute nodes in the operational group with links designated for the same class routing identifiers; and configuring each compute node of the operational group for point-to-point communications with each adjacent compute node in the global combining network through the link between that compute node and that adjacent compute node using that link's designated class routing identifier. |
| US08296455B2 |
Method for mitigating adverse processor loading in a personal computer implementation of a wireless local area network adapter
A personal computer's (PC) microprocessor is used to provide both the physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) processing functions required to implement a wireless local area network (WLAN) adapter. This technique uses the polling mechanism associated with the power save (PS) functionality of WLAN protocol to relieve networking stress on the host processing system. It does this while maintaining networking integrity and packet delivery. The WLAN protocol polling mechanism is used to briefly inhibit the transfer of packets from the WLAN access point (AP) during peak periods of network traffic and/or host processor loading. Because the modulation, demodulation, and MAC functions, typically implemented in dedicated hardware on existing adapters are implemented in software running on the host PC microprocessor, other host system processes and applications can interfere with these time critical functions. Conversely, latency introduced by WLAN specific processing tasks during peak periods of network traffic may cause unacceptable delays to the other processes and applications requiring microprocessor attention. In addition to its primary stated purpose of allowing WLAN mobile stations to save power, this technique will use power save polling as a method for controlling delivery of network packets when the host is heavily loaded or when peak interrupt latencies make reliable packet delivery difficult or impossible. |
| US08296451B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic data flow control using prioritization of data requests
A data center determines whether requested content is available at the data center. The content is available when the content is both present at the data center and current. When the requested content is available at the data center, the data center returns the requested content to the browser. When the requested content is locally unavailable at the data center, the requested content is retrieved from an origin server. When retrieval of the content is delayed, the request is prioritized and placed in a queue for handling by the origin server based on the priority of the request. A status page may be communicated to the browser to inform a user of the delay and provide alternate content and status information related to the request determined as a function of the request or the current state of the origin server. |
| US08296450B2 |
Delegated network management system and method of using the same
A method for providing a management function requested by a user that uses a managed device includes establishing a session on a managed device in response to a user logging into an account on the managed device, establishing a delegated management session on a management device, the delegated management session corresponding to the session on the managed device, receiving a management message on the management device, the management message being related to a management function requested by the user, and in response to the received management message, performing the management function using the management device. |
| US08296448B2 |
Internet protocol multimedia system (IMS) mobile session initiation protocol (SIP) agent
A first phone obtains an identifier of a second phone from a phone list, and sends a request for the second phone's Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) type to a remote server. The first phone receives the second phone's SIP type from the remote server, and sends a message to one or more nodes in a network, based on the received second phone's SIP type, for a SIP session between the first phone and the second phone. |
| US08296444B2 |
Medium resource reservation method, service package information obtaining method and apparatus
A medium resource reservation method, a service package information obtaining method, and a service package information obtaining apparatus are provided, which are capable of decreasing resource waste of medium resource reservation. The resource reservation method includes the following steps. A service message carrying Session Description Protocol (SDP) information is received, and the SDP information contains service package information. The service package information is parsed from the SDP information. The service package information is employed for resource reservation. The method can identify the service package, so that the service package processing efficiency is improved, and the resource waste of medium resource reservation is effectively decreased. |
| US08296443B2 |
Method of discovering operator-provided network-services using IMS
A method, a session managing node and an arrangement for providing a network-service address of at least one network-service of an IMS network (401) of a first operator to a third party service provider (403), wherein the third party service provider has no business agreement with the first operator. A first application (404) of a mobile station is communicating with a second application (405) via a first network (406), resulting in the set-up of an IMS-session, between the mobile station and the third party service provider. A network-service address of at least one network-service, provided by the IMS network of the first operator, is inserted into a SIP message of the IMS-session in a session managing node (600) of the IMS network of the first operator and delivered to the third party service provider, where it is forwarded to the second application. If required, the second application may access the one or more network-services via the first network, using the retrieved network-address. |
| US08296442B2 |
Method and apparatus for minimizing bandwidth usage between a communication server and media device
A communication server implements a method that minimizes bandwidth usage between a media device and the communication server in a communication system where separate session and floor control protocols are used. Where multiple clients have established separate sessions to access a media source at a media device and upon determining that the multiple clients are attempting to access the same media source, the communication server implements floor control logic to tie multiple floor arbiters together across the separate sessions to cause a single media stream to be sent from the media source and received at the communication server for distribution to the clients, thereby minimizing the bandwidth on the uplink between the media device and the communication server. |
| US08296441B2 |
Methods and systems for joining a real-time session of presentation layer protocol data
Methods and systems directed to joining a real-time user session of presentation layer protocol data. The methods describe a user session receiving a presentation layer protocol data stream, wherein the user session comprises a single presentation layer protocol stack. The protocol stack sending a request to a virtual channel to reinitialize. The virtual channel processing an existing request until the request to reinitialize is encountered. The protocol stack modifying the presentation layer protocol data stream to contain a marker. The systems describe a single presentation layer protocol stack. The protocol stack includes a receiver, a virtual channel, and a rollover agent. The receiver receives a presentation layer protocol data stream and receives a message initiating reinitialization. The virtual channel processes a request. The rollover agent sends to the virtual channel a request to reinitialize and modifies the presentation layer protocol data stream to contain a marker. |
| US08296438B2 |
Dynamically configuring a router to find the best DHCP server
Provided is a method for assigning a domain host configuration protocol (DHCP) server from a list of available DHCP servers based upon user selected criteria. When a network router receives a request for an IP address from a computer, or “client,” connected to a network, the request is analyzed for information related to both the client and the available DHCP servers. The analysis may be based upon a number of factors such as the number of previous requests to a particular DHCP server and the proximity of the servers to the computer requesting the IP address. Once the router determines an appropriate DHCP server for a particular IP address request, the client request is forwarded to that DHCP server. The process is completely transparent to both the requesting client and to the selected DHCP server. |
| US08296434B1 |
Providing dynamically scaling computing load balancing
Techniques are described for providing load balancing functionality among multiple computing nodes. In some situations, the provided load balancing functionality includes dynamically scaling a group of multiple computing nodes for which the load balancing is performed, such as to dynamically expand and/or shrink the quantity of computing nodes in the group based on predefined criteria. At least some of the computing nodes of a group may be part of one or more physical computer networks in one or more geographical locations under control of a user or other entity, and at least some of the dynamic scaling of the group may use one or more other computing nodes that are part of a remote computer network (e.g., a virtual computer network provided under the control of a network-accessible service). The defined criteria used for the dynamic scaling may be determined in various manners and based on various factors. |
| US08296433B2 |
Virtualization method and apparatus for integrating enterprise applications
A method and apparatus is provided for integrating an application into a network of computing resources. Applications using this integration have a virtualized access to one or more computing resources associated with the network. Virtualization is generally assured through at least one network connection between the virtual layer and the native network. Together, the virtual access is used to generate a virtual application network capable of providing the application access to the network of computing resources. The application is created into an orchestration of operations to manipulate the one or more computing resources according to a business process. As needed, the application and orchestration can be further partitioning into components to be distributed and executed over the virtual application network using the virtualized access. |
| US08296428B2 |
Mechanism to detect restricted access via internet hotspot
A wireless device automatically detects the redirection of its internet access via a wireless hotspot network. An algorithm in the device provides the flexibility to detect either or both of DNS redirection and HTTP redirection, as well as to automatically accommodate such internet redirection. The algorithm allows a wireless device user to be alerted and account for internet redirection when such internet redirection is automatically detected upon entering service via a hotspot. Alternatively, the wireless device may attempt to automatically meet the hotspot requirements and complete the internet access through the hotspot. |
| US08296427B2 |
System and method for processing user interface events
A system and method to detect and prevent non-human interaction between a client and a web server invokes an effect to change the event generation behavior at the client. Subsequent event streams from the client to the server are analyzed to determine whether the event streams contain events corresponding to expected reactions of a human operator at the client to the effect. Indications of non-human behavior may invoke more direct human testing, for example using a dynamic CAPTCHA application, or may cause a termination of the client/URL interaction. |
| US08296426B2 |
System and method for performing capacity planning for enterprise applications
A system and method for capacity planning for enterprise networks, such as identifying bottlenecks and removing or replacing the bottleneck device are provided. The device utilization for one or more network devices are measured or read from measured data. A relative load is calculated from the device utilization data and device utilization is compared to a device threshold to determine the bottleneck device. A method is also provided for determining network utilizations, network populations and a relative response times based on only limited measurable device usage data. |
| US08296423B2 |
Intelligent routing
Routing of content, including: receiving a request to access a content item from a device; determining at least one of status, location, and format of the content item; and planning a procedure to fulfill the request to access the content item, wherein the procedure includes a method and a route. |
| US08296420B2 |
Method and apparatus for constructing a DHT-based global namespace
A DHT-based global namespace (GNS) is constructed for a network system that includes network attached storage (NAS) devices, including at least one DHT-NAS device (a NAS device having DHT Functionalities) and at least one Existing-NAS device (a NAS device lacking DHT Functionalities). In a DHT Overlay Construction Phase, the DHT-NAS devices construct a DHT overlay. In an Initial Phase, the GNS is created above share folders in the Existing-NAS devices, with mapping of the share folders in the Existing-NAS devices to GNS paths distributed to a key lookup table in the DHT-NAS devices. Each mapping in the key lookup table includes a key, a GNS path, NAS type, IP address of the NAS, and the path within the NAS Share. There is no central GNS mapping table. In a Discovery Phase, the DHT-NAS devices discover the Existing-NAS devices to construct the GNS under the share folders. In a Working Phase, the DHT-NAS devices service GNS requests. |
| US08296416B2 |
Representing aggregated rich presence information
Techniques for relaying presence information of an entity to a user, wherein the entity is known to the user via one or more communications networks, are provided. At least one portion of the presence information of the entity is obtained from one or more servers associated with the one or more communications networks. An image is generated in accordance with the at least one portion of the presence information of the entity. The image summarizes the presence information of the entity. Further, the image assists the user in the selection of a communication option when contacting the entity from a plurality of communication options of the entity. |
| US08296415B2 |
Workload timing using a self-adaptive approach to information collection
A solution is proposed for implementing a self-adapting reconciliation process. Multiple user accounts are defined on different endpoints for accessing protected resources thereof; a server centralizes the definition of the user accounts on a single point of control which is then synchronized with user account definitions on the endpoints. A dynamic reconciliator, interposed between the server and the endpoints, receives any request from the server for a reconciliation process to be completed in a predefined time-frame. The reconciliator collects the required information from the endpoints and determines an optimal time pattern for the processing of the information by the server over the time-frame according to an estimated amount of information expected to be received and an estimated workload distribution of the server in the time-frame. The reconciliator transmits the information to the server according to this time pattern. |
| US08296414B1 |
Techniques for automated application discovery
Described are techniques for performing automated discovery processing in a network. A data storage system monitors transmissions sent over the network. The data storage system extracts one or more data elements from one or more messages included in the transmissions and determines at least one application executing on a component in the network in accordance with the one or more data elements. |
| US08296411B2 |
Programmatically determining an execution mode for a request dispatch utilizing historic metrics
A request dispatcher can automatically switch between processing request dispatches (e.g., include( )) in a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode. Each dispatch can be associated with a unique identification value such as a process ID or Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), historic metrics, and a ruleset. With each execution of the request dispatch, historic metrics can be collected. Metrics can include, but is not limited to, execution duration and/or execution frequency, processor load, memory usage, network input/output, number of dependent dispatches, and the like. Utilizing historic metrics, rules can be constructed for determining which mode to execute the subsequent execution of the dispatch. As such, runtime optimization of Web applications can be further improved. |
| US08296404B2 |
External processor for a distributed network access system
An external processor for a network access system having a programmable access device includes a service controller that provides at least one service for network traffic, a message processor that processes network messages for service processing by the service controller, and a programmable access device controller that programs the programmable access device in response to service controller processing. It is advantageous for the external processor to include primary and secondary service controllers for a particular service so that, if the primary service controller fails, the secondary service controller can provide the particular service for message received from the programmable access device. In preferred embodiments, the service controller further includes a reporting processor that provides an interface through which reporting messages received from the programmable access device can be communicated to the service controller and a signaling controller that transmits signals to configure network hardware to establish requested network connections. The external processor preferably further supports a service policy interface through which the service controller can request policy decisions from a possibly remote policy server. |
| US08296403B2 |
Network address allocation using a user identity
Apparatus, systems, and methods assign a permanent network address to a user identity, detect access to a network by a node associated with the user identity, generate an identifier associated with the user identity, and send the identifier to the node to enable the node to obtain replacement of a temporary network address allocated to the node, with the permanent network address. Activities may include receiving a release request from a node to release a temporary network address allocated to the node (associated with the user identity), receiving an allocation request (including the identifier) from the node to allocate a permanent network address previously assigned to the user identity, and allocating the permanent network address to the node as a replacement for the temporary network address. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08296402B2 |
Determining and downloading portions of a software application in a computer system
Determining and downloading portions of a software application in a computer system. The software application may include a plurality of portions. Which of those plurality of portions are currently present on the computer system and which of those plurality of portions are not currently present on the computer system may be determined. The portions of the software application which are not currently present on the computer system may be downloaded to the computer system. The portions of the software application which are currently present on the computer system may not be downloaded to the computer system. |
| US08296395B2 |
Obje network device service control method and system
An Obje network device service control method and system, the method including: discovering Obje components by an Obje proxy, and generating component proxies by an Obje proxy, the component proxies respectively corresponding to the Obje components; discovering the component proxies by a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) control point, and requesting by the UPnP control point a component proxy of the component proxies, which is selected by a UPnP control point, for a presentation page; generating and providing by the selected component proxy the presentation page to the UPnP control point; and controlling by the UPnP control point a transfer session between the Obje components based on the presentation page. |
| US08296387B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing shared data at a portable electronic device of a first entity
A method and apparatus for managing shared data at a portable electronic device of a first entity is provided. A message is received advising that data associated with a second entity is being shared. A request is transmitted to a server for a list of shared folders associated with the second entity, in response to an option to view shared folders associated with the second entity being selected. The list is received. An initialize command is transmitted to the server, the initialize command identifying at least one folder in the list. The data associated with the second entity is received, responsive to the transmitting the initialize command. The data is stored in association with a second entity identifier. |
| US08296383B2 |
Electronic devices with voice command and contextual data processing capabilities
An electronic device may capture a voice command from a user. The electronic device may store contextual information about the state of the electronic device when the voice command is received. The electronic device may transmit the voice command and the contextual information to computing equipment such as a desktop computer or a remote server. The computing equipment may perform a speech recognition operation on the voice command and may process the contextual information. The computing equipment may respond to the voice command. The computing equipment may also transmit information to the electronic device that allows the electronic device to respond to the voice command. |
| US08296382B2 |
Efficient use of resources in message classification
A system and method are disclosed for routing a message through a plurality of test methods. The method includes: receiving a message; applying a first test method to the message; updating a state of the message based on the first test method; and determining a second test method to be applied to the message based on the state. |
| US08296380B1 |
Social media based messaging systems and methods
A method of message distribution, the method performed in a computer system having one or more processors accessing one or more databases comprising user account records, the one or more databases being stored in at least one storage device accessible by the one or more processors, the method including receiving a first message from a sender of a first client system, retrieving a first user credential of a first social media user account and a second user credential of a second social media user account stored in the one or more databases, packaging the first message and the first user credential into a first message package and the first message and the second user credential into a second message package, transmitting the first message package to a first social media system, the first social media system automatically distributing the first message to predetermined recipients of the first social media user account, and transmitting the second message package to the first social media system, the first social media system automatically distributing the first message to predetermined recipients of the second social media user account. |
| US08296379B2 |
Handling meeting invitations and calendar system
A calendar system handles meeting invitations. Associated entries are determined in a received meeting invitation of a calendar system. A forwarded invitation is generated according to the associated entries. An association is generated between the forwarded invitation and the meeting invitation. The forwarded invitation is then sent. In this way, the calendar distributes meeting arrangements relatively independently, so that meeting invitations and forwarded invitations can be managed relatively independently. |
| US08296376B2 |
Utilizing E-mail response time statistics for more efficient and effective user communication
A method of increasing email correspondence responsiveness may include detecting a first set of email messages transmitted by a first correspondent to a second correspondent, creating a tracking record based on the responsiveness of the second correspondent to each email message of the first set of email messages, performing a first statistical analysis of the tracking record, generating a set of responsiveness metrics based on the first statistical analysis, detecting new outgoing email messages addressed to the second correspondent, and providing a user-configurable email message format for each detected outgoing message, the user-configurable email message format. According to the example embodiment, the user-configurable email message format is configured to increase effective email response time from the second correspondent and the user-configurable email message format is based on the set of responsiveness metrics. |
| US08296369B2 |
Email server with proxy caching of unique identifiers
An electronic mail (email) server has a database that stores unique identifiers (UID's) of electronic messages. A proxy obtains mappings from the database for previously existing UID's of electronic messages that have been determined from a polling operation. A cache caches the mappings of UID's and the proxy is operative for purging the cache of the previously existing UID's after polling. |
| US08296368B2 |
Method and program for providing data coherence in networks
A method of and a program for providing coherence between instances of data objects residing on distributed nodes of a non-memory-coupled network. To provide a method of and a program for providing coherence in accordance with the features set forth in the opening part of this specification, which allows coherence between, in principle, any data objects or instances of data objects, in that respect is substantially freely scalable and also does not require a central memory or server for the data objects. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, for each instance of a data object that is processed by a node, platform-independent unique metadata are generated and by means of the metadata and a coherence protocol which operates on that metadata, the metadata and thus the data objects are kept coherent. |
| US08296366B2 |
Efficient routing of real-time multimedia information
A system for efficient routing of real-time multimedia information is provided. The system efficiently routes messages containing real-time multimedia information by configuring and using multi-control unit connectors (“connectors”), which are special-purpose components optimized to route messages. A computing device may use multiple connectors to dynamically create connections with resources of the computing device or other computing devices simultaneously. An application can dynamically configure a connector to operate as client, server, or client-servers. The connector may also have a mode in which it operates, such as mixer, reflector, or selector. These modes may define how a connector is to process received messages before forwarding them. By using the various modes and roles, the system can be used to combine and efficiently route multimedia information for meaningful presentation to users of disparate computing devices. |
| US08296365B2 |
Communication system, computer program execution device, recording medium, computer program, program information supply method, and program information editing method
The communication system comprises a first access processing, which accesses a server via a network, receives program information files transmitted from said server, and records them on hard disk, a program production and output that outputs on a monitor a program that it produces by information of received program information files and information recorded on, for example, an optical disk, a system for contributed text editing, which edits, as contributed text, messages input through a controller, a second access processing, which accesses the server at least through the network and transmits contributed texts to said server and an image display, which outputs to the monitor the image data drawn to image memory and displays said image on the screen of said monitor. |
| US08296358B2 |
Method and system for journaling data updates in a distributed file system
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of processing a file system transaction in a distributed file system. The method includes receiving a transaction request from a computer, wherein the transaction request includes file data to be stored and a first segment identifier that determines a destination of the file data. The method also includes generating a first distributed journal record corresponding to the file data. The method also includes generating a first file operation request based, at least in part, on the transaction request. The method also includes sending the first file operation request to a first segment server corresponding to the first segment identifier, wherein the first segment server generates a second distributed journal record corresponding to the file data on a memory device associated with the first segment server. |
| US08296351B2 |
System and method for pushing information to a mobile device
A system for pushing information to a mobile device includes a information source, a wireless network, and a proxy content server. The information source stores information. The wireless network sends and receives transmissions to and from the mobile device. The proxy content server is coupled to information source and the wireless network and receives information from the information source. In addition, the proxy content server stores information received from the information source to one of a plurality of channels based on pre-defined information categories, and automatically transmits information from a selected channel over the wireless network to the mobile device. |
| US08296349B2 |
Discrete cosine (DCT) and inverse discrete cosine transform circuit (IDCT) that executes DCT/IDCT operations with bufferfly stages
A discrete cosine transform (DCT) and inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) circuit includes a microcode memory, a processor, and a butterfly operation circuit. The microcode memory stores multiple microcode groups corresponding to DCT/IDCT operations and each of the microcode groups includes a series of microcodes. The processor obtains one of the microcode groups corresponding to one of the DCT/IDCT operations to be performed and retrieves microcodes in the obtained microcode group in sequence. The butterfly operation circuit performs butterfly operations according to the retrieved microcodes to execute one of the DCT/IDCT operations. |
| US08296348B2 |
Encoding and decoding data arrays
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of performing a Discrete Cosine Transform (“DCT”) encoding or decoding coefficients of a data array by (1) multiplying the coefficients by a scalar value before the encoding or decoding, and then (2) dividing the encoded or decoded coefficients by the scalar value. When used in conjunction with fixed-point arithmetic, this method increases the precision of the encoded and decoded results. In addition, some embodiments provide a method of performing a two-dimensional (2D) Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform (“iDCT”). This method splits a pre-multiplication operation of the iDCT into two or more separate stages. When used in conjunction with fixed-point arithmetic, this splitting increases the precision of the decoded results of the iDCT. |
| US08296347B2 |
Use of line characterization to configure physical layered devices
A method of optimizing filter performance through monitoring channel characteristics is provided. A signal enters a channel and a receiver receives the signal. The receiver includes a FIR filter to remove near-end transmitted interference and recover a far-end desired signal. The filter has storage elements configured as a shift registers to move the signal, multipliers to multiply the signal by a filter coefficient, an intermittent summer to combine the multiplied results into a replica of an interfering signal, a final summer to remove the replica from the receiver signal to provide direct and indirect monitoring of the signal, where direct monitoring includes time or frequency monitoring, and indirect monitoring includes monitoring signal to noise ratio, error magnitude or bit error rate. The filter is optimized according to monitoring and includes reducing a dynamic range, reducing bits of precision, reducing linearity, the filter, and reallocating the filter. |
| US08296345B2 |
Microprocessor with selectively available random number generator based on self-test result
A microprocessor including a random number generator within its instruction set architecture and made selectively available to program instructions of the instruction set architecture depending upon results of a self-test of the random number generator performed is disclosed. The microprocessor also includes a self-test unit that performs the self-test in response to a reset. The microprocessor also includes an instruction translator that translates instructions of the instruction set architecture, including instructions related exclusively to operation of the random number generator. The microprocessor generates a fault defined by the instruction set architecture in response to execution of one of the plurality of instructions related exclusively to operation of the random number generator if the self-test unit previously determined the random number generator is not operating properly. |
| US08296344B2 |
Time delay and frequency offset calculation system and related methods
Time delay and frequency offset calculation systems and related methods. System implementations include modules coupled together configured to calculate a time delay and a corresponding frequency offset of a second signal delayed in time relative to a first signal with the maximum value of a magnitude of a delay optimization function. Implementations of a method for calculating a time delay and frequency offset calculate the maximum value of the delay optimization function by generating the cross-correlation of one or more adjacent discrete Fourier transformed blocks corresponding to the first signal and second signal, respectively, of two or more discrete Fourier transformed blocks. The maximum value of the delay optimization function is then identified. Implementations of the method may compare the identified maximum value of the magnitude of the delay optimization function with a threshold to determine whether to continue processing for additional adjacent discrete Fourier transformed blocks. |
| US08296343B2 |
Optimization of temporal and spatial data processing
Disclosed is a system and program for processing temporal data. A spatial query is received specifying a mapping function that identifies a set of temporal values for one or more objects. Geographic positions are automatically extracted from each set of temporal values for each of the one or more objects. Point objects are generated from the geographic positions. One or more spatial objects are generated from the point objects. |
| US08296342B2 |
Fingerprinting a database
A method comprising fingerprinting, by the at least one processor, a first copy of a database with a fingerprint. The fingerprint has at least one part in common with another fingerprint used in another copy of the database, and at least one part unique to the first copy of the database. The fingerprinting comprises swapping attributes between multiple records in the first copy of the database. |
| US08296340B2 |
Managing files using layout storage objects
Managing file objects in a data storage system includes providing a plurality of metadata servers, each metadata server having information for only a subset of file objects in the storage system, each subset for each of the metadata servers being less than a total number of file objects for the system and includes providing at least one metadata location server, where an entity accessing a specific file object of the system determines which of the metadata servers contains data for the specific file object by first accessing the at least one metadata location server. Information for the subset of file objects may include a table having file identifiers and metadata location information. The metadata location information may point to data storage for a metadata object for a file. |
| US08296339B2 |
Disk image optimization
Incremental optimizations and modifications to a disk image can be made after the initial generation of the disk image. In the case of video games, publishers who have access only to a final game image can use the invention to make small improvements to the game disc image without the original game assets and without incurring the cost of generating an entirely new disc image. A mapping data structure represents physical locations of data on disk. The mapping data structure is modified with an editor, and the resulting modified layout is tested using an emulator that emulates interaction between a computer readable medium with the modified layout and computer hardware. |
| US08296335B2 |
Method for advertising information
Methods for advertising information include: displaying user-selectable category and geographic vicinity information at a port; and, at a database that is not at the same location as the port; responding to user input at the port to display, at the port, advertising information that is associated with a user-selected category and geographic vicinity. Methods for updating advertising information in a database include: storing advertising information about a plurality of places in the database; updating the advertising information from a first port connected to the database through the Internet; and responding, at the database, to user inputs at a second port connected to the database through the Internet, to display updated advertising information at the second port. Advertisements can be tagged to items of interest and displayed. |
| US08296333B2 |
System and method for electronically managing medical data files
A network server arrangement including a processor with a machine readable storage encoded with software for execution by the processor. The network server arrangement is responsive to requests to access a medical record of an individual and generates summary medical record data including summary information having a plurality of data elements associated with the individual, at least one of the data elements conveying medical information about the individual, and a pointers component including at least one pointer pointing to a network location containing importable medical information in connection with the individual that is not contained in the summary information component. The pointer includes a machine readable address part for processing by the client, allowing the client to import the medical information from the network location, and a label part for displaying to a user the nature of the medical information residing at the network location. |
| US08296331B2 |
Implementation of stream algebra over class instances
Creating and executing a distributed stream processing operator graph based on a query. The operator graph includes movable stream algebra operators for processing events received from high volume data streams. The operators are partially compiled and distributed to computing devices for completion of the compilation and subsequent execution. During execution, the operators maintain minimal state information associated with received events via an expiration time assigned to each of the event instances. Additional events are generated and aggregated by the operators for communication to a service responsible for the query. |
| US08296330B2 |
Hierarchical classification
The hierarchical approach may start at the bottom of the hierarchy. As it moves up the hierarchy, knowledge from children and cousins is used to classify items at the parent. In addition, knowledge of improper classifications at a low level are raised to a higher level to create new rules to better identify mistaken classifications at a higher level. Once the top of the hierarchy is reached, a top down approach is used to further refine the classification of items. |
| US08296329B1 |
Controller with heuristic bundle optimizer for data center migration or other type of transition
In an information management system, a controller implements a heuristic bundle optimizer to facilitate a migration or other type of transition of at least a portion of a data center from a first configuration to a second configuration. The controller identifies a plurality of component bundling scenarios each specifying a separation of a given set of components associated with the first and second configurations into bundles for transitioning on a per-bundle basis from the first configuration to the second configuration. The controller also evaluates the component bundling scenarios, and determines an optimal one of the component bundling scenarios. The portion of the data center is then transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration with the components being transitioned in the bundles specified by the optimal component bundling scenario. |
| US08296320B1 |
Method and system for storing clients' access permissions in a cache
A storage server maintains a number of datasets (e.g., exported file systems or other resources). For each dataset, certain clients are allowed to have access (e.g., read access, write access, root access, etc.) and certain other clients are not allowed to have access. Access permission information is maintained to specify which clients are allowed to have access and what kind of access. A method and system are introduced to use a radix tree to store access permission information in a cache, therefore allowing the storage server to quickly retrieve access information relevant to a particular client. One advantage of using radix tree to maintain access permission information is that radix tree is very efficient at storing hierarchical information, such as IP addresses. Radix tree is also very efficient at representing subnets in particular. |
| US08296315B2 |
Earmarking media documents
A media object being played by a user may be marked by creating a mark object comprising the playback time when the mark was created. The time may be used to reference metadata with information about the media object at the time referenced. The metadata may be used to launch web searches corresponding to elements of the media at the time in question, for example, a back up singer at a point in a music track or the name of a resort in a movie. The searches may be performed from media player or the mark object may be transferred to a networked computer for performing the searches. The technique is equally applicable to portable media players, software or firmware media players on computers, or set top boxes. |
| US08296314B2 |
Interactively pausing the broadcast stream displayed, graphical generation of telestrator data queries designates the location of the object in the portion of the transmitted still image frame
Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an interactive information retrieval system that includes a user interface allowing users to graphically generate information queries for objects of interest found in various media, such as television, video, and print. The invention can allow users to designate objects of interest within a television or video display and receive information related to the objects of interest. The invention can also allow users to generate queries designating objects of interest within a graphical image using a GUI. |
| US08296312B1 |
Search and update of attributes in file systems
Example embodiments provide various techniques for fast and efficient search of attributes stored in data structures. The attributes are organized following a hierarchical structure of the file system and, in an example, the attributes are stored in a data structure where the hierarchical structure is maintained. As a result, a search within such data structure may follow one or more paths along the hierarchical structure of the file system. Attributes associated with directories and files outside of the path can be excluded from the search. Example embodiments also provide various techniques for updating signatures associated with the attributes. In an example, updates to the signatures can be made incrementally. For example, signatures can be updated when the attributes change. |
| US08296311B2 |
Solution search for software support
A search middleware may be used to receive search requests regarding a software incident associated with a software application. The search requests may be populated with attribute values determined based on context data associated with the software application and collected in association with the software incident. The search requests may be dispatched to a subset of a plurality of solution repositories, even if the solution repositories have different interfaces and/or search technologies. The resulting solution documents retrieved from the solution repositories may be compiled for presentation on a solution search interface. |
| US08296310B1 |
Unified management of time related information
Unified management of time related information presents a user with a single interface by which the data in different ERP systems can be browsed and modified. Each of the ERP systems can contain data specific to a data group such as the address data group in a human resources ERP system, sales data in a sales ERP system, and project data in a project planning ERP system. A view management module obtains records from the ERP systems. The view manager also obtains journaling information that can be kept in the ERP systems or kept separately. The view manager creates a history view and data group views that can be presented to a user. The user interacts with the presentation to sort, browse, analyze, and edit the view and data. Data changed in a data group view can be forwarded to produce changes in the ERP and journaling systems. |
| US08296305B2 |
Rules and method for improving image search relevance through games
An application conforming to a set of rules is described for improving the accuracy of results provided by image search engines through identifying images as true positive hits, true negatives, false positive hits, and false negatives. The set of rules comprise: (1) causing players to associate given images with given metadata; (2) associating a player with a skill level; (3) utilizing measures of accuracy and time; (4) causing players to select a few images from a relatively large pool of images; and (5) testing player tolerance. An application that conforms to these rules tests the relevancy of images to given metadata tags. The application provides information that is the basis for adjusting the metadata associated with the tested images so as to improve the relevancy of image search results lists that include these images. |
| US08296304B2 |
Method, system, and program for handling redirects in a search engine
Disclosed is a method, system, and program for handling redirects in documents. At least one equivalence class that includes documents that are connected through a redirect. Cycles for each equivalence class are detected, wherein documents in a cycle are marked so that they are not indexed. Incomplete chains for each equivalence class are detected, wherein documents in an incomplete chain are marked so that they are not indexed. A representative for each equivalence class is selected. |
| US08296303B2 |
Intelligent event query publish and subscribe system
Indexing and routing to event data is described. Event data is assigned an identifier that identifies the data type and the contents of event data within an enterprise system. The event data may be real-time event data. With the identifier, a source of the event data is determined, and the source can be queried for the event data in real-time. The identifier is indexed along with other event data identifiers. Based on the location of the event data, the system sends out a query toward the data source to obtain the information, but also to route the query to the data source, rather than attempting to pull data towards the query source and process it at the query source. |
| US08296302B2 |
Method and system for extending content
The present invention provides a method and system for extending content based on the semantic meaning of content. It divides content into multiple content regions and finds words and/or phrases that are semantically relevant to the current content region and appends these words and/or phrases to the current content region as extended content. The extended content matches semantically with the original content in such a seamless way that users may think it is a part of the content. |
| US08296299B2 |
Geography bricks for de-identification of healthcare data
Techniques of the described subject matter employ a break down algorithm in which a population of individuals is broken down into segments that have a greater number of individuals than a threshold minimum. Information on aggregated individuals may then be used to accomplish a variety of tasks, such as consumer purchasing preferences, market data analysis, sales force allocation, etc., without revealing the specific identity of any individuals or permitting others to determine, from the data, the identity of any individuals. |
| US08296297B2 |
Content analysis and correlation
A content analysis and correlation service system can include a summary manager service for generating content correlation summaries, wherein the generated content correlation summaries are based on discovered content and analyzed content based on the discovered content. The system can include a content search manager service for generating the discovered content based on search criteria and correlation criteria and a semantic analysis service for generating the analyzed content based on the discovered content. The system can also include a data store for storing the generated content correlation summaries and a notification service for providing notifications based on the generated content correlation summaries. |
| US08296294B2 |
Method and system for unified searching across and within multiple documents
A user-interface system and method for searching among multiple documents and searching for subsections within individual documents using a single search interface on an input-constrained user device having a screen and a keypad. |
| US08296293B2 |
Agent rank
The present invention provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for searching and ranking linked information sources. The techniques include receiving multiple content items from a corpus of content items; receiving digital signatures each made by one of multiple agents, each digital signature associating one of the agents with one or more of the content items; and assigning a score to a first agent of the multiple agents, wherein the score is based upon the content items associated with the first agent by the digital signatures. |
| US08296290B2 |
System and method for propagating classification decisions
A system and method for propagating classification decisions is provided. Text marked within one or more unclassified documents that is determined to be responsive to a predetermined issue is received from a user. The unclassified documents are selected from a corpus. A search query is generated from the responsive text. Same result documents are identified by applying inclusive search parameters to the query, applying the search query to the corpus, and identifying the documents that satisfy the query. Similar result documents are identified by adjusting a breadth of the query by applying less inclusive search parameters and identifying documents from the corpus that satisfy the query. A responsive classification code is automatically assigned to each same result document for classification as responsive documents. The similar documents are provided to the user. A responsive classification decision is received from the user for classification as the responsive documents. |
| US08296287B1 |
Dynamic sourcing
Dynamic sourcing, in which a data request that is associated with a query is received and a parameter of data needed for satisfaction of the query is identified. Parameter information defining data available in at least one cube stored in a cache is accessed and the parameter is compared with the parameter information. Based on comparison results, it is determined whether one or more cubes in the cache include sufficient data to satisfy the query. In response to a determination that one or more cubes include sufficient data to satisfy the query, a response to the data request is generated by executing the query against the one or more cubes. In response to a determination that the cubes do not include sufficient data to satisfy the query, a response to the data request is generated by executing at least a portion of the query against a database system. |
| US08296282B2 |
Creation of a virtual community
In order to facilitate creation of a community without member-specific registration, one or more sibling identifiers with corresponding units to be distributed to other persons are allocated to a subscriber and the one or more sibling identifiers is associated with the subscriber's identifier. The subscriber may then give a unit to his/her friend and when the friend uses the unit, or more precisely a sibling identifier the unit relates to, the system will recognize that the subscriber and the friend belong to the same community on the basis of the association formed when sibling identifiers were allocated. |
| US08296277B2 |
Method and apparatus to automatically receive and/or transmit contents
A method and apparatus to automatically receive and/or transmit contents in which desired contents are automatically downloaded and streamed by using a rich site summary (RSS) function. The method includes receiving sample contents corresponding to previously set search conditions by connecting to a content server that has been previously linked with the content player when a web network is connected; notifying that the contents are updated when the sample contents are completely received; and receiving original contents corresponding to the sample contents in accordance with the selection of a user when the contents are completely updated. |
| US08296266B2 |
Computer implemented method for integrating services in a calendar application via web services
A system and method to integrate a service in a calendar application. A service integration module and a calendar application may be installed on a client computing device. The service integration module may have read and write access to the calendar application of the client computing device and may submit a service request to a remote service. The service request may be a call of a first web service interface of the service and may initiate the execution of the service which may generate a result. The service integration module may receive the result. The service integration module may process the result, which may include extracting data required for specifying an event in an electronic calendar of the calendar application. The service integration module may create, delete, or modify an event in the electronic calendar of the calendar application. |
| US08296265B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing applications for data recovery using storage based journaling
Disclosed is a method to synchronize the state of an application and an application's objects with data stored on the storage system. The storage system provides API's to create special data, called a marker journal, and stores it on a journal volume. The marker contains application information, e.g. file name, operation on the file, timestamp, etc. Since the journal volume contains markers as well as any changed data in the chronological order, IO activities to the storage system and application activities can be synchronized. |
| US08296264B1 |
Method and system for file-level continuous data protection
Continuous data protection is performed as two parallel processes: creating an initial backup by copying a data as a file/directory from the storage device into the backup storage, and copying the data to be written to the data storage as a part of a file/directory into the incremental backup. Alternatively, it can be performed as one process: copying the data to be written to the data storage as a part of a file/directory on the storage. A write command to a file system driver is intercepted and redirected to the backup, and the data is written to the incremental backup. If the write command is also directed to a not yet backed up data (a file/directory), the identified data is copied from the storage device to intermediate storage. The write command is executed on the file/directory from the storage device, and the file/directory is copied from the intermediate storage. |
| US08296260B2 |
System and method for managing data deduplication of storage systems utilizing persistent consistency point images
A system and method for managing data deduplication of a storage system utilizing persistent consistency point images (PCPIs). Once a target PCPI of a data transfer is generated, a backup management module of the storage system alerts a data deduplication module to begin deduplication of the data contained within the target PCPI. Once the deduplication procedure has been completed, the active file system of the storage system has been deduplicated, however, the target PCPI remains un-deduplicated. In response, the backup management module generates and exports a revised target PCPI. The previous target PCPI may then be deleted, thereby transitioning the exported PCPI's image of the state of the file system to a deduplicated state. |
| US08296259B1 |
Methods and systems for inventory management
The present invention relates to inventory management solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for inventorying items over wireless and data networks, using digital imaging, positioning, and data terminals. The user experience in performing inventory management is simplified and enhanced over existing methods. |
| US08296255B1 |
Method and apparatus for automatically classifying an unknown site to improve internet browsing control
A method and apparatus for automatically classifying an unknown web site to improve internet browsing control is described. In one embodiment, a method for classifying an unknown web site to control internet browsing comprising processing web site control data associated with at least one user that requested access to an unknown web site, wherein the web site control data comprises a web browsing behavior history and applying at least one metric to the web browsing behavior history to classify the unknown website. |
| US08296254B2 |
Data flow analyzing apparatus, data flow analyzing method and data flow analyzing program
A data flow analyzing apparatus includes an analysis rule storage which stores analysis rules having definitions of data types, a data flow analyzer which performs data flow analysis on an analysis target program as a target of analysis by using the analysis rules stored in the analysis rule storage to thereby output unsafe data-including procedures as detected points, an analysis rule candidate generator which generates candidates of analysis rules based on the detected points, and an analysis rule candidate output which outputs the analysis rule candidates generated by the analysis rule candidate generator to a predetermined output. |
| US08296252B2 |
Process and apparatus for evaluating operational risks for aiding in vehicular maintenance decisions
The invention relates to a method and devices for evaluating operational risks in order to aid in the decisions concerning maintenance operations on vehicles during scheduled utilization of the vehicle. Scheduled utilization comprises at least one utilization period. After the degradation of at least one of the components of the vehicle has been analyzed (130), the functional consequences, for the vehicle, of the analyzed degradation are evaluated (125) according to the scheduled utilization of the vehicle. An operational index of the vehicle is then determined (110) for the utilization periods according to the evaluated functional consequences. |
| US08296250B2 |
Comprehensive identity protection system
A system and method for protecting identity fraud are disclosed. A system includes a detection subsystem to identify applications and/or accounts at risk of identity fraud, and a disposition subsystem to process data provided by the detection system and to determine whether identity fraud exists in the applications and/or accounts. According to an implementation, one or more neural network models are defined, each neural network model being configured to handle a class of cases related to the subject and a specific data configuration describing a case of the class. The one or more neural network models are run to generate data requests about the subject's identity, and the data requests are passed to a detection system that monitor transactions associated with the subject. Additional data associated with the transactions is requested until a threshold certainty is achieved or until available data or models are exhausted. |
| US08296245B2 |
Method and system for creation and validation of anonymous digital credentials
A method and system for providing an online reputation of a client participating in one or more online forums. The method includes providing a unique client identifier associated with the client. In addition, a plurality of forum identifiers is provided for a plurality of online forums within which the client is participating, wherein each online forum is associated with a corresponding user profile. A plurality of unique verification codes is provided that is based on the plurality of forum identifiers and the client identifier. A plurality of verification sequences is provided for purposes of verifying a plurality of user profiles of the client associated with the plurality of online forums, wherein each of the plurality of verification sequences includes a corresponding verification code. Verification of a plurality of credentials associated with the plurality of user profiles is performed. A request is received that includes a corresponding verification sequence from a verifying entity for an online reputation of the client. The request is made in association with a first online forum within which the client is participating. A verified credential of a user profile that is associated with a second online forum is provided without revealing a user identity of the client that is associated with the second online forum. |
| US08296240B2 |
Digital rights management dongle
A dongle for digital rights management protection, in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology, includes a digital right management engine and an encryption/decryption engine. The digital rights management engine is adapted to port digital rights management rules of a source of content to digital rights management rules enforced by the digital rights management engine. The encryption/decryption engine is adapted to re-encrypting the source of content into a managed copy of the content, wherein the managed copy of the content is locked to the dongle. |
| US08296238B2 |
Shared royalty platform for content royalty management
Systems and methods for the dynamic processing of royalties are disclosed. Sales records are processed on a transaction basis rather than in batch mode. This process also allows correction of information retroactively, rather than delaying the entire processing of the information. One embodiment includes a system comprising a message broker in communication with a plurality of clients and services, a state machine, a processor and a time manager. The message broker interacts with the processor to execute a common service based on events produced by the state machine. Another embodiment includes a method comprising providing a rate matrix, receiving a sales record from a database and calculating a royalty payment using the sales record and the rate matrix. |
| US08296237B2 |
Recording system, fee calculation device, and content distribution method
An information service system works to record or print out, at a fee, information contents downloaded from Web servers, information received from facsimiles and information carried on portable storage mediums. The system includes a recording part which records, duplicates and prints out the image of digitized information, an information accumulating part which accumulates information by making relation with users, a user authenticating part which receives user authentication information and authenticates the legitimacy of the user, a fee calculating part which calculates the fee for information recording, a payment reception part which receives the payment of fee by the user, and a management part which manages the charging data and payment data. The recording part records the supplied information only after authentication of user legitimacy and payment of fee by the user. Based on the authentication of user legitimacy and the management of payment of individual users, the recording part can be used commonly among multiple users and the charged information recording service can be run easily. |
| US08296235B2 |
System and method for cashback funding
In an example embodiment, a system is provided for a cashback funding of an account. The system comprises a transaction receiving module to receive a request to process a transaction amount, wherein the transaction amount is funded by a debit card. The system further comprises a transaction authorization module to make a pre-authorization request to the debit card, wherein the pre-authorization request exceeds the transaction amount by a predetermined value and is to receive an approval for the pre-authorization request. The system further comprises a cashback funding module to offer a cashback amount in excess of the transaction amount but less than the predetermined value. In response to an acceptance of the cashback offer by a user, the cashback funding module is to make an authorization request for the total amount, and in response to an approval of the authorization, is to fund the account with the funds in excess of the transaction. |
| US08296231B2 |
Network accessible funds transfer system
A network-accessible funds transfer system is disclosed that is capable of controlling a funds transfer transaction in which a funds transfer service collects funds from a payer and transfers collected funds to a payee. In one embodiment, the funds transfer service uses credit card information specified by the payer via the service's user interface to collect funds from the payer (through interactions with a third party fulfillment service), and uses bank account information specified by the payee via the service's user interface to transfer collected funds to a bank account of the payee. |
| US08296225B2 |
Time-efficient and deterministic adaptive score calibration techniques for maintaining a predefined score distribution
A system and method for maintaining a pre-defined score distribution for financial transactions are disclosed. A number of memory spaces are defined for a memory structure. Transaction data for the financial transactions is received by the system. Each of the financial transactions is scored based on the transaction data to generate a batch of scores for the financial transactions. A score range is divided into k bins, where each of the k bins representing one memory space of the memory spaces of the memory structure. The batch of scores are aggregated by storing a count of each score of the batch of scores in an associated memory space of the plurality of memory spaces, and a percentile is computed for each score in the batch of scores based on a set of values associated with the count of each score. Each new financial transaction is scored to generate a new score, and a new percentile is assigned to the new score according to the set of values. The percentile of the new score is translated to a calibration score with fixed percentile characteristics according to a fixed reference curve. |
| US08296223B2 |
System and method for processing duplicative electronic check reversal files
Processing duplicate items in image cash letter (“ICL”) reversal files for efficient handling. A duplicate item processing module can receive ICL reversal files comprising items representing duplicate electronic checks. The duplicate item processing module can determine whether the processing entity erroneously presented the item more than once. The duplicate item processing module can also determine whether the depositing institution erroneously deposited the item more than once for processing. Based on the determination of the source of the error, the duplicate item processing module can make a correction in its own records and/or forward the ICL reversal file with the duplicate item to the receiving institution. |
| US08296222B2 |
System and method for assigning responsibility for trade order execution
An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for a sponsoring organization to: (1) utilize a rules-based computer system to capture trade orders from sub-advisors (money management firms) in order to implement a pre trade compliance review process, thereby enabling the sponsoring organization to prevent the execution of trade orders by a sub advisor that violates securities laws and/or account restrictions; and (2) determine and assign, based on expected market impact of a trade order to buy or sell securities, whether responsibility (discretion over the decisions related to how, when and with whom a trade order is executed) for executing the trade order is assigned to the money management firm for an investment portfolio or to the sponsoring organization of that portfolio. Trade orders are categorized in real-time as “high touch” (significant effort and market impact) or “low touch” (insignificant effort and market impact). |
| US08296220B2 |
Quote and order entry interface
A graphical user interface centralizes Level I quote information in the center of a circular display while Level II (or regional) data appears in peripheral bands layered on the outside of the Level I information. The interface is also split into two main sections, a “bid” quote information section and an “ask” quote information section. The bid quote information appears on the left of the interface while the ask quote information appears on the right side of the interface. Through clicking in any one of the peripheral bands, an order can be placed at that price point. |
| US08296218B2 |
Method and system for providing an automated auction for internalization and complex orders in a hybrid trading system
A method of providing an automated auction for internalization for the purchase or sale of securities or derivatives in an exchange is disclosed. The method may include receiving an order at an electronic trade engine, disseminating a request for price message to at least one user in response to receiving the order, receiving a one-sided response message representative of a participant-type in response to the request for price message, selecting an allocation algorithm from a plurality of allocation algorithms, initiating the selected allocation algorithm and allocating the order according to the participant-type upon termination of the selected auction. The system may include an electronic trading engine configured to disseminate an auction message in response to an order, a database of allocation algorithms, and a trade processor for initiating an auction according the one of the allocation algorithms and terminating the auction upon defined early termination events. |
| US08296216B2 |
Directed order processing for automated market system
An electronic market for trading of securities includes a plurality of client stations for entering quotes for securities and a server process that receives quotes from the clients, aggregates the quotes and causes a total of all aggregated quotes to be displayed for a plurality of price levels on the client systems. The market uses a graphical user that depicts aggregated quotes in an aggregate window a plurality of price levels of a product traded in the market. The market also includes processes to handle lock/cross market conditions, match-off of order flow and provides a central quote/order collector that interfaces to disparate order delivery systems to minimize dual liability of market makers. |
| US08296215B1 |
Trading system with elfs and umpires
Price setting for a security occurs by automatically engaging in a price discovery procedure before responding to a request for a current buy or sell price of the security to provide an automatically discovered price that is better than a book price. The book price is the best price in an order book including orders to buy or sell specified quantities of the security at respective prices, the lowest sell order price of the booked orders being the book sell price, the highest buy order price of the booked orders being the book buy order price. The price discovery procedure includes providing the book buy or sell price to at least one entity registered to participate in the price discovery procedure. The entity automatically provides an improved price relative to the book price based on a predetermined strategy that is determined independently of the strategies for other entities. The temporal duration of the price discovery procedure can be predetermined or based on an amount of activity occurring during the price discovery procedure. |
| US08296209B2 |
Method for managing buyer transactions and settlements using communication network between computers, and method for relaying information following buyer consumption trends to the buyer
Described herein are methods and apparatus for the processing of electronic invoices. A server for processing invoices communicates with computing systems such as a supplier system (used by a supplier), a buyer system (used by a buyer), and finance systems (which manage bank accounts of the supplier and buyer). The server communicates with the supplier system and the buyer system regarding an electronic invoice that relates to a transaction between the supplier and the buyer, and that includes an identification code. When the buyer has approved the electronic invoice, the supplier system and/or the server is able to settle the invoice using the identification code. |
| US08296208B2 |
Method and system for processing data related to a life insurance policy having an accelerated benefit
Disclosed is a novel insurance product that provides an accelerated death benefit to the insured individual. The insurance product contains a lifeaccess accelerated benefit feature that allows the insured individual to file a claim and receive benefits under a life insurance product if the insured individual becomes chronically or terminally ill. |
| US08296207B2 |
Backward/forward trading contracts based on REIT-based pure property return indexes
The present disclosure is directed to a method of approximating prices in a private property market. First, REIT return data is compiled from each REIT of a plurality of REITs at a predetermined frequency. Then, the REIT return data is processed according to exposures to each of a plurality of target characteristics to obtain coefficients reflecting each REIT's weight in an index. Then, an index is generated according to the REITs, the obtained coefficients, and the weights. Finally, a second index is derived from the generated index that approximates prices in the private property market. |
| US08296206B1 |
Method and system for providing intelligent targeted budgeting using financial transaction data from similarly situated individuals
A method and system for providing intelligent targeted budget analysis and recommendations based on financial data from similarly situated individuals whereby financial data associated with multiple individuals is obtained and analyzed to identify financial profile elements associated with each individual. Data indicating the financial profile elements associated with the each of the individuals is stored in a financial profile database. The financial data associated with a given individual is then also obtained and analyzed to identify financial profile elements associated with the given individual. The financial profile elements associated with the given individual are then used to search the financial profile database to find one or more individuals that are financial peers of the given individual. The financial data associated with the identified one or more financial peers of the given individual is then analyzed, aggregated, averaged, and/or otherwise processed, to provide the given individual one or more budget recommendations. |
| US08296205B2 |
Connecting decisions through customer transaction profiles
An apparatus and method for developing financial risk decisions for a customer associated with a number of different financial services/channels are disclosed. A hierarchy of relationships among the financial services/channels is generated. Transactional behaviors of the customer related to each of the financial services/channels is summarized, using one or more analytical approaches executed on the hierarchy of relationships, to generate a customer level transactional behavior summary. A customer profile associated with the customer is generated which includes the transactional behavior summary and aggregated information on recent financial transactions associated with each of the financial services/channels. A score for a risk decision can be generated for one or more specific services/channels, based on the customer profile. |
| US08296203B2 |
System and method for legal billing in a networked environment
A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed in which a network-based e-commerce environment includes billing a client at a periodic flat rate for a pre-defined scope of legal advice in pre-defined areas of legal services and offering the client, as part of the periodic flat rate, an alternative billing option of participating in a litigation defense program having a graduated fee structure based on an outcome of a litigation. In other embodiments, a network-based e-commerce environment includes offering the client participation in an accrual of credits at a predetermined multiplier of the periodic flat rate paid whereby such credits are accrued over time and may be redeemed to offset legal fees otherwise payable. |
| US08296201B2 |
Electronic device used to record expenditures
A non-internet accessible, lightweight, compact expenditure recording electronic device comprising a housing having a front face and an opposing rear face, a processor located within the housing for processing data associated with a single financial account, a memory for storing data associated with the single financial account with the memory in electronic communication with the processor, a screen attached to the housing at the front face with the screen coupled to be operable by the processor to display data of the single financial account to a user of the device, a plurality of input keys disposed on the front face of the housing for inputting data to the memory and track changes to the data for the single financial account, and a communication port disposed on the housing and configured to connect to the memory. |
| US08296197B2 |
Centralized management of maintenance and materials for commercial aircraft fleets with information feedback to customer
Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time. |
| US08296195B2 |
Broadcast programming data capture
A portable device is used to capture, in real time, data sufficient to identify a product or service promoted, or a music track played, on a broadcast medium such as radio or television. The capture device can be a standalone implementation, or an application program executable on a personal communication device such as a cell phone or Blackberry. The capture device communicates the captured data to a remote server via a selected wired or wireless channel, or the internet, and the server provides services to support the user in responding to the radio or television broadcast item that corresponds to the captured data. |
| US08296189B2 |
Method for monetizing internet news sites and blogs
A computer-implemented system for monetizing internet content, the computer comprising a processor for executing computer executable instructions. The system includes an internet content provider providing by the computer executable instructions online information and an online comment section associated with the online information. The online comment section is capable of having posted thereto reader comments in a free default format or a fee-paid distinctive format. |
| US08296186B2 |
System and method for determining locations for placement of printed promotional material at point-of-purchase on a retail structure
A system and method of determining point-of-purchase placement locations for printed promotional materials on a retail structure includes loading, by a processing device from a database, data representative of a retail structure; determining a plurality of advertisement placement locations on the retail structure; determining a point-of-placement priority value for each of the plurality of advertisement placement locations; receiving an advertising campaign comprising data representing a plurality of advertising campaign items, each item including an associated item priority value; determining a location on the retail structure for each of the advertising campaign items based upon the item priority values and the point-of-placement priority values; and providing a report to an operator of the retail structure indicating where each of the advertising campaign items is to be displayed on the retail structure. |
| US08296185B2 |
Non-intrusive media linked and embedded information delivery
A method for information delivery is disclosed. The method includes directing the display of a multimedia presentation in a first screen segment. The multimedia presentation is associated with a reference tag descriptive of an aspect thereof. An information link corresponding to the reference tag in a second screen segment is generated. The information link is contextually related to the multimedia presentation in accordance with the reference tag. Thereafter, a selection input of the information link is received from one of the viewers while mitigating obstruction of the displaying of the multimedia presentation. The selected information link and the identity of the viewer are associated as a marker. |
| US08296181B1 |
Method and system for offsetting printing costs in a system for targeted data delivery
A system and method for offsetting printing costs. Specifically, the method includes collecting user information about a user and generating a user profile based on the user information. The user profile is stored such that the user profile is used to achieve delivery of data that is targeted to the user based on the user profile without requiring a release of user information in the user profile. At least one offer for the delivery of data is presented to the user. The data is targeted to the user based on the user profile. Thereafter, the method determines that an item of the data presented to the user has been printed. An incentive is received for printing the item. |
| US08296179B1 |
Targeted advertisement placement based on explicit and implicit criteria matching
A targeted advertisement placement system allows an advertiser to place an ad in front of an audience based on specific interests of the users in that audience, and based on the advertiser's own specific interests in users who should view the ad. The ad placement system collects information about a population of users and a population of advertisers to create profiles that can include both explicit and implicit criteria defining the user's/advertiser's interest. The explicit criteria can be explicitly provided to the ad placement system, can be extracted from documents provided by the user and/or the advertiser, etc. The implicit criteria include information learned by the system about the interests of both advertisers and users based on preferences implicitly expressed when providing feedback on search results. Using these criteria collected from advertisers and users to build profiles, the system can compare the profiles for matches to determine the best audience before which to place an advertisement. |
| US08296174B2 |
Method and apparatus for network-based sales force
A method and apparatus for network-based sales force automation are provided that meet objectives of increasing sales and marketing efficiency and efficiency of technical and customer support by providing multi-dimensional displays of transactional information to users. Transactional information of deals, contacts, accounts, and leads is provided over the Internet using a Web browser. The information of related transactions is electronically linked, and the transactional information is electronically searchable using custom profiles. The transactional information is accessed and shared among host organization members according to a hierarchy and predefined territories. A Radar Screen Opportunity Display (RSOD) may be selected on which deal objects are displayed that represent the stages in a sales pipeline of corresponding deals. New business information may be selected, wherein automatic notification is provided of new information and changed information relating to transactions, wherein the new business information comprises information on at least one monitored customer Web site. A communication capability is provided that comprises electronic mail, facsimile, telephones, and paging devices, wherein communication is automatically established using transactional information. |
| US08296173B2 |
Method and apparatus for network-based sales force management
A method and apparatus for network-based sales force automation are provided that meet objectives of increasing sales and marketing efficiency and efficiency of technical and customer support by providing multi-dimensional displays of transactional information to users. Transactional information of deals, contacts, accounts, and leads is provided over the Internet using a Web browser. The information of related transactions is electronically linked, and the transactional information is electronically searchable using custom profiles. The transactional information is accessed and shared among host organization members according to a hierarchy and predefined territories. A Radar Screen Opportunity Display (RSOD) may be selected on which deal objects are displayed that represent the stages in a sales pipeline of corresponding deals. New business information may be selected, wherein automatic notification is provided of new information and changed information relating to transactions, wherein the new business information comprises information on at least one monitored customer Web site. A communication capability is provided that comprises electronic mail, facsimile, telephones, and paging devices, wherein communication is automatically established using transactional information. |
| US08296172B2 |
Method and system for determining audience response to a sensory stimulus
The present invention is directed to a method and system for measuring the biologically based responses of an audience to a presentation that provides sensory stimulating experience and determining a measure of the level and pattern of engagement of that audience to the presentation. In particular, the invention is directed to a method and system for measuring one or more biologically based responses of one or more persons being exposed to the presentation in order to determine the moment-to-moment pattern and overall level of engagement. Further, the invention can be used to determine whether the presentation or the content in the presentation is more effective in a population relative to other presentations (or content) and other populations and to help identify elements of the presentation that contribute to the high level of engagement and the effectiveness and success of the presentation for that population. |
| US08296170B2 |
Process management system and method
A business process or project management system provides for creation of a project or process definition which includes all activities required to complete the process as well as any dependencies, conditions, and deadlines for each activity, and participants designated to carry out the activities. Once the process is started, activities are carried out in turn when the dependencies and conditions are met, and the system updates when any activities are complete so that any activities dependent on completed activities can be started. A reporting module creates status reports for each activity which are displayed to a user such as an administrator on a user interface. Stored information on previous instances of an activity are used to predict when an activity is likely to be late and to provide alerts to users prior to starting the activity. |
| US08296169B2 |
Computer method and apparatus for indicating performance of assets and revisions held in a repository
Computer method and apparatus managing engineering product revisions. A repository holds one or more assets. For each asset, the repository holds respective revisions of the asset. A revision manager tracks changes of state of assets of the repository. Each change of state of a given asset results in a respective revision of the given asset. The revision manager provides a project view illustrating changes of state of assets and including performance indicators corresponding to respective changes of state of assets held in the repository. The performance indicators may be color coded and may be based on a changeable metric. The revision manager provides in the project view an indication of each change in metric. Plural performance indicators for a set of assets may be presented in the project view as a graphical series. |
| US08296167B2 |
Process certification management
A system certifying a business process includes a business process associated with a user, and a process certification manager for associating a certification status with the business process and for communicating a certification request to the user. The process certification manager receives messages from the user and modifies the certification status in response. The process certification manager displays the business process and its associated certification status. The business process may include a number of subprocesses each associated with a different users. The process certification manager associates a certification status with each of the subprocesses and communicates a certification request to each of the users, and modifies the certification status of the subprocesses in response to messages from the users. The process certification manager displays the business process and its associated certification status in a first view and the subprocesses and their associated approval statuses in a second view. |
| US08296162B1 |
Systems, devices, and methods for providing healthcare information
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method that can comprise, for a predetermined user, automatically determining a score for each resource from a plurality of predetermined resources based on the user's weighting of predetermined factors associated with the resources and an objective score for each factor for each resource, ranking the scored resources, and/or providing an identity of a best matched resource for the user. |
| US08296161B2 |
Method and system for wealth management
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for wealth management. These mechanisms and methods for wealth management can enable embodiments to provide a multi-tenant database that stores information about clients of the tenants. In a multi-tenant database, a system for managing financial accounts is established, which may be useful for a tenant that is a financial analyst or that employs financial analysts. The multi-tenant database may include a calendar application that automatically includes the team members associated with the event being scheduled in a list of invitees, and the multi-tenant database may also includes relationship groups, such that information about related individuals (whom may have separate accounts) are automatically associated with one another. The ability of embodiments that provide relationship groups and teams can enable efficiently gathering information about related parties and efficiently inviting that interested parties to an event. |
| US08296155B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding a signal
An apparatus for decoding a signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which the audio signal can be controlled in a manner of changing/giving spatial characteristics (e.g., listener's virtual position, virtual position of a specific source) of the audio signal. The present invention includes receiving an object parameter; extracting object information by parsing the received object parameter; generating a control parameter using the extracted object information and control information including at least one of user control information, default control information, device control information, and device information; and, generating a rendering parameter determining a position and level of an object in an output signal using the object parameter and the control parameter. |
| US08296154B2 |
Emphasis of short-duration transient speech features
A sound processor including a microphone (1), a pre-amplifier (2), a bank of N parallel filters (3), means for detecting short-duration transitions in the envelope signal of each filter channel, and means for applying gain to the outputs of these filter channels in which the gain is related to a function of the second-order derivative of the slow-varying envelope signal in each filter channel, to assist in perception of low-intensity sort-duration speech features in said signal. |
| US08296153B2 |
Computerized information presentation methods
Methods for providing information useful to a user of a remote computerized apparatus. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving via a network link a digitized speech input relating to an organization or entity which a user wishes to locate; based at least in part on the input, identifying a location associated with the organization or entity; and selecting and causing provision of a graphical or visual representation of the location via the network link, the graphical or visual representation of the location also comprising a graphical or visual representation of the surroundings of the organization or entity. |
| US08296152B2 |
System and method for automatic distribution of conversation topics
A method and system for distributing to a destination a notification of a topic being discussed by two participants of a voice call. Terms are extracted from an audio stream generated during the voice call. A topic is determined based on the extracted terms. A topic notification identifying the topic and at least one of the two participants is sent to a destination. A recipient of the notification may indicate a desire to join the voice call. Upon approval by one of the participants, the recipient may be joined to the voice call. |
| US08296149B2 |
Systems and methods for inputting graphical data into a graphical input field
A system (20) for inputting graphical data into a graphical input field includes a graphical input device (22) for inputting the graphical data into the graphical input field, and a processor-executable voice-form module (28) responsive to an initial presentation of graphical data to the graphical input device. The voice-form module (28) causes a determination of whether the inputting of the graphical data into the graphical input field is complete. A method for inputting graphical data into a graphical input field includes initiating an input of graphical data via a graphical input device into the graphical input field, and actuating a voice-form module in response to initiating the input of graphical data into the graphical input field. |
| US08296147B2 |
Interactive voice controlled project management system
A method for facilitating project management includes identifying a user, identifying a project management access level for the user, dynamically generating a voice dialog based on the identified project management access level, dynamically generating grammars associated with the voice dialog based on the identified project management access level, and serving the voice dialog to the user. The method further includes receiving a voice request from the user corresponding to a generated grammar; retrieving project management information associated with the received voice request; dynamically generating a responsive voice dialog including the retrieved project management information; dynamically generating responsive grammars associated with the responsive voice dialog; and serving the responsive voice dialog to the user. |
| US08296145B2 |
Voice dialing using a rejection reference
A voice dialing method includes the steps of receiving an utterance from a user, decoding the utterance to identify a recognition result for the utterance, and communicating to the user the recognition result. If an indication is received from the user that the communicated recognition result is incorrect, then it is added to a rejection reference. Then, when the user repeats the misunderstood utterance, the rejection reference can be used to eliminate the incorrect recognition result as a potential subsequent recognition result. The method can be used for single or multiple digits or digit strings. |
| US08296141B2 |
System and method for discriminative pronunciation modeling for voice search
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for speech recognition. The method includes receiving speech utterances, assigning a pronunciation weight to each unit of speech in the speech utterances, each respective pronunciation weight being normalized at a unit of speech level to sum to 1, for each received speech utterance, optimizing the pronunciation weight by (1) identifying word and phone alignments and corresponding likelihood scores, and (2) discriminatively adapting the pronunciation weight to minimize classification errors, and recognizing additional received speech utterances using the optimized pronunciation weights. A unit of speech can be a sentence, a word, a context-dependent phone, a context-independent phone, or a syllable. The method can further include discriminatively adapting pronunciation weights based on an objective function. The objective function can be maximum mutual information (MMI), maximum likelihood (MLE) training, minimum classification error (MCE) training, or other functions known to those of skill in the art. Speech utterances can be names. The speech utterances can be received as part of a multimodal search or input. The step of discriminatively adapting pronunciation weights can further include stochastically modeling pronunciations. |
| US08296137B2 |
Method and apparatus for coding and decoding amplitude of partial
Provided are a method and apparatus for coding and decoding an amplitude of partials, in which a step phenomenon can be prevented in the result of coding the amplitude of continuation partial partials in a parametric codec, thereby improving reproduced sound quality. The method of coding the amplitude of partials includes obtaining an inversely quantized amplitude of partials of a previous frame, determining a quantization level based on a function for the inversely quantized amplitude of the partials of the previous frame, and quantizing an amplitude of partials of a current frame based on the determined quantization level. |
| US08296134B2 |
Audio encoding apparatus and spectrum modifying method
A spectrum modifying method and the like wherein the efficiencies of the signal estimation and prediction can be improved and the spectrum can be more efficiently encoded. According to this method, the pitch period is calculated from an original signal, which serves as a reference signal, and then a basic pitch frequency (f0) is calculated. Thereafter, the spectrum of a target signal, which is a target of spectrum modification, is divided into a plurality of partitions. It is specified here that the width of each partition be the basic pitch frequency. Then, the spectra of bands are interleaved such that a plurality of peaks having similar amplitudes are unified into a group. The basic pitch frequency is used as an interleave pitch. |
| US08296133B2 |
Voice activity decision base on zero crossing rate and spectral sub-band energy
A voice activity detection method and apparatus, and an electronic device are provided. The method includes: obtaining a time domain parameter and a frequency domain parameter from an audio frame; obtaining a first distance between the time domain parameter and a long-term sliding mean of the time domain parameter in a history background noise frame, and obtaining a second distance between the frequency domain parameter and a long-term sliding mean of the frequency domain parameter in the history background noise frame; and judging whether the audio frame is a foreground voice frame or a background noise frame according to the first distance, the second distance and a set of decision inequalities based on the first distance and the second distance. The above technical solutions enable the judgment criterion to have an adaptive adjustment capability, thus improving the performance of the voice activity detection. |
| US08296132B2 |
Apparatus and method for comfort noise generation
The disclosure provides a method for noise generation, including: determining an initial value of a reconstructed parameter; determining a random value range based on the initial value of the reconstructed parameter; taking a value in the random value range randomly as a reconstructed noise parameter; and generating noise by using the reconstructed noise parameter. The disclosure also provides an apparatus for noise generation. |
| US08296131B2 |
Method and apparatus of providing a quality measure for an output voice signal generated to reproduce an input voice signal
A method of providing a quality measure for an output voice signal generated to reproduce an input voice signal, the method comprising: partitioning the input and output signals into frames; for each frame of the input signal, determining a disturbance relative to each of a plurality of frames of the output signal; determining a subset of the determined disturbances comprising one disturbance for each input frame such that a sum of the disturbances in the subset set is a minimum; and using the set of disturbances to provide the measure of quality. |
| US08296128B2 |
Handheld electronic device and method employing logical proximity of characters in spell checking
An improved handheld electronic device and associated method employing an improved spell checking routine enable proposed spelling corrections having a close logical proximity to an active input to be output at a position of preference for easy selection by the user. By way of example, a base character and the various accented forms thereof can be said to have a logical proximity to one another that is closer than their logical proximity to any character having a different base character, whether additionally having a diacritical element or not. |
| US08296125B2 |
Translating source locale input string to target locale output string
A dictionary mapping source locale strings to target locale strings is constructed. A tree is constructed from the dictionary. The tree has nodes including a start node, end nodes, and string nodes. The nodes form node chains of the tree that correspond to the source locale strings. Each node chain links a collection of the nodes from the start node to a string node. Each node other than the start node has a parent node and corresponds to a character of the source locale strings. Each node other than the end nodes has one or more child nodes. Each string node ends a node chain, and corresponds to a mapping within the dictionary of a source locale string to a target locale string. An input string having the source locale is processed against the tree to generate an output string having the target locale. |
| US08296124B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting incorrectly translated text in a document
A system that detects incorrectly translated text in a document. During operation, the system determines a target language for the document. The system then identifies one or more terms in the document that are invalid terms for the language. Next, the system analyzes correlations between these invalid terms, and, based on these correlations, determines whether one or more of the invalid terms comprise incorrectly translated text. |
| US08296123B2 |
Encoding and adaptive, scalable accessing of distributed models
Systems, methods, and apparatus for accessing distributed models in automated machine processing, including using large language models in machine translation, speech recognition and other applications. |
| US08296122B2 |
External connection interface emulation apparatus and method for mobile terminal
An external connection interface emulation method and apparatus of a mobile terminal for exploiting the mobile terminal as a network adaptor of another terminal are provided. The external connection interface emulation apparatus includes a network modem for supporting communication through the mobile communication system; and a controller, which configures the network modem for operating the mobile terminal as an external network adaptor of another terminal or a communication device as it is, according to an input signal. The external connection interface emulation apparatus and method establish a communication link between a WiBro modem and a USB port at the software level making it possible to use the mobile phone as an external modem regardless of whether the WiBro modem and the USB port are compatible or not. |
| US08296120B2 |
FPGA simulated annealing accelerator
Iterative repair problems are generally solved using a combinatorial search method such as simulated annealing are addressed with a FPGA-based coarse-grain pipelined architecture to accelerate a simulated annealing based iterative repair-type event scheduling application. Over 99% of the work done by any simulated annealing algorithm is the repeated execution of three high-level steps: (1) generating, (2) evaluating, and (3) determining the acceptability of a new problem solution. A pipelined processor is designed to take advantage of these steps. |
| US08296118B1 |
Automated linearization analysis
A method and apparatus automatically determines equilibrium operating conditions of a system model. The automated method enables users of block diagram models of dynamic systems to utilize simulation to define operating conditions for linearization. The automated method further allows users to generate operating conditions during simulation instead of explicitly specifying them by hand or using trim analysis. In accordance with one example, the method of generating a linear time invariant model includes providing a system model. A user specifies at least one event at which a linearization analysis should be performed. A simulation of the system model is executed. The electronic device automatically performs the linearization analysis upon occurrence of the at least one event as the simulation is running. Output results are generated of the linearization analysis to form the linear time invariant model. |
| US08296115B2 |
Methods and systems for designing and/or selecting drilling equipment using predictions of rotary drill bit walk
Methods and systems may be provided simulating forming a wide variety of directional wellbores including wellbores with variable tilt rates and/or relatively constant tilt rates. The methods and systems may also be used to simulate forming a wellbore in subterranean formations having a combination of soft, medium and hard formation materials, multiple layers of formation materials and relatively hard stringers disposed throughout one or more layers of formation material. Values of bit walk rate from such simulations may be used to design and/or select drilling equipment for use in forming a directional wellbore. |
| US08296108B2 |
Time series data analyzer, and a computer-readable recording medium recording a time series data analysis program
A time series data analyzer includes a segment condition input section, an analysis condition input section, and an optimum condition deriving section for analyzing all segments based on the segment conditions and analysis conditions inputted in the respective input sections, under all analysis conditions by a maximum entropy method and a nonlinear least squares method. The time series data analyzer derives the optimum segment length and the optimum lag value in correspondence to selected results, and an analysis execution section executes analysis by the maximum entropy method by setting the optimum analysis conditions derived as described above. The trending of the spectrum of electroencephalogram data is used as an indicator of the state of the subject based on the findings that the spectrum of electroencephalogram data is an exponential spectrum and the gradient changes depending on the state of the subject. |
| US08296105B2 |
Remote diagnostic and repair system
A system for remotely diagnosing and repairing a computer controlled asset, includes an access point connected to a computer controlled asset thereby allowing electronic access to the computer system of the computer controlled asset. A service center remotely connected to the access point provides diagnostic review and repair of the computer controlled asset. An interface linking the access point to the service center allows the service center to communicate with the computer controlled asset via the access point. |
| US08296104B2 |
Rule-based engine for gathering diagnostic data
An infrastructure is provided for gathering diagnostic data that is relevant to an error or other conditions detected in a monitored system. A diagnosability framework is provided that automates the gathering of relevant diagnostic data upon occurrence of the condition in the monitored system. In one embodiment, context data is determined for the condition detected in the monitored system. A rule-based engine is provided that is configured to automatically determine one or more actions to be performed for the condition detected in the monitored system based on the determined context data. The actions may include performing tasks that gather diagnostic data that is relevant to the detected condition, store the gathered diagnostic data in a repository, recommend one or more diagnostic actions to a user, and other diagnostic related actions. |
| US08296103B2 |
Noise and vibration diagnosis device for vehicle and control method thereof
A noise and vibration diagnosis device and control method thereof may include a measuring sensor configured to be attached at a predetermined position of a vehicle to measure noise and vibration thereof, a signal input portion to which the noise and vibration signal that is generated from the measuring sensor is inputted, and a control portion configured to receive the signal that is transferred from the signal input portion and compare it with a predetermined reference value to output a replacement signal by which it is determined whether the component on which the measuring device is attached is to be replaced or not in accordance with the comparison result. |
| US08296101B1 |
Systems and methods for evaluating environmental aspects of shipping systems
According to various embodiments, package evaluation systems and methods are provided for evaluating the sustainability of packaging used in the shipment of goods. In particular, the package evaluation systems and methods are configured for performing package evaluations and managing and providing access to data resulting from package evaluations. The package evaluations are designed to assess, among other things, the ability of sample packages to prevent damage to their contents, the volumetric efficiency of sample packages, and the sustainability of the materials used to construct sample packages. In addition, the systems and methods are further configured for assigning a certification to an entity associated with the evaluated packages based on the results of the evaluation. |
| US08296100B2 |
System and method for well surveillance and management
A method and system is provided for managing well assets. The method includes the steps of determining “first tier” statuses corresponding to pre-defined well attributes, mapping the first tier statuses to one or more well performance classifications, determining “second tier” statuses corresponding to the well classifications, and combining the second tier statuses to determine an overall well surveillance status. The method and corresponding system can be used to manage wells by exception, to readily identify “under-performing” wells, and to prioritize actions to be taken by well operators. |
| US08296097B2 |
Unmoldability determination apparatus, computer readable medium, and unmoldability determination method
An unmoldability determination apparatus includes: a normal line calculation unit that calculates a normal line extending from a point on the surfaces of a three-dimensional shape of a molded product; an opposite direction component determination unit that determines whether the normal line calculated on each surface has a directional component opposite to a mold release direction of a mold of the molded product; a reach determination unit that determines whether there is another surface on the molded product which either a line extending from a projection surface in the mold release direction or a line opposite to the mold release direction reaches; and an unmoldability determination unit that, when there is another surface which both lines extending from the projection surface reach, determines the projection surface to be unreleasable from the mold by moving the mold in the mold release direction, thus determining the projection surface to be unmoldable. |
| US08296095B2 |
Electronic device and method for controlling state of components therein according to angle between cover and main body thereof
An electronic device includes a cover, a main body, a plurality of components, each has an on working state and an off working state respectively corresponding to an angle range, an angle measuring apparatus, a presetting unit to preset a relationship between the on and of working states of each component and corresponding angle ranges; a memory for storing the relationship as a table, an angle measuring unit to detect current angle value between the main body and the cover; a state determining unit to determine the angle range which the detected current angle value is in; a determining unit to determine whether a current working state of the components is same as the determined working state; and an updating unit to record the determined working state as an updated working state when they are not same. |
| US08296094B2 |
Analysis of parallel manipulators
A method of determining the positions and orientations of the base (8) and platform (10) of a parallel manipulator using an iterative calculation in which successive iterations calculate estimates of said positions and orientations, each estimate being determined from the previous estimate using an inverse of a derivative of an error function (F), that function also being used to determine error values for each estimate, wherein if the error values are deemed unacceptable a new derivative is calculated and the iteration is repeated, whereas if the error values are deemed acceptable the same derivative is used in a subsequent iteration. Thus the derivative need not be re-calculate for each iteration, whereby the process can operate more rapidly, e.g. in real time. |
| US08296093B2 |
Semiconductor device with thermal fault detection
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip including an active area. A temperature sensor arrangement provides a measurement signal dependent on the temperature in or close to the active area. An evaluation circuit is configured to compare the measurement signal with a first threshold and to signal an over-temperature when the measurement signal exceeds the first threshold. The evaluation circuit is also configured to count the number of exceedances of the first threshold and to signal when a maximum number of exceedances is reached. |
| US08296091B2 |
System and process for calibrating pyrometers in thermal processing chambers
A method and system for calibrating temperature measurement devices, such as pyrometers, in thermal processing chambers are disclosed. According to the present invention, the system includes a calibrating light source that emits light energy onto a substrate contained in the thermal processing chamber. A light detector then detects the amount of light that is being transmitted through the substrate. The amount of detected light energy is then used to calibrate a temperature measurement device that is used in the system. |
| US08296088B2 |
Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials
Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof. |