| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08308075B2 |
Systems for the control and use of fluids and particles
To mix immiscible materials at low pressure, the materials are applied from separate inputs of a fixture to separate channels where they are permitted to flow to and spread over surfaces or edges at selected thicknesses. On the surfaces or edges the materials are each subject to flowing air that forms small particles or drops even though the materials may be viscous. The particles or drops are mixed together and may be applied to a combustion device or spray device or any other device utilizing the mixture. |
| US08308071B2 |
RFID tag and manufacturing method thereof
An RFID tag includes an inlet on which an antenna pattern serving as an antenna for communication and an IC chip electrically connected to the antenna pattern are mounted. The RFID tag also includes an exterior body that encloses the inlet from outside and a hollow space that is formed by the inlet and the exterior body and that is filled with gas or a gel material. |
| US08308066B2 |
Method for forming optically encoded thin films and particles with grey scale spectra
The invention concerns a method of making a thin film and/or particle having a grey scale code embedded in its physical structure by refractive index changes between different regions of the thin film or particle, as well as thin films and particles made by the method. In a preferred method for encoding a thin film, a semiconductor or insulator substrate is etched to form a thin film including pores. The etching conditions are controlled to vary porosity in the thin film according to a pattern that will generate an optical signature in the reflectivity spectrum in response to illumination such that the optical signature will including a grey scale code. The etching waveform is formed by the addition of at least two separate sine components in accordance with the following equations (1)An=(Anmax−Anmin)/2; (2) kn=frequency=1/period; (3) yn=An[sin(knt−Φ)+1]+Anmin (4) ycomp=[y1+ . . . +yn]/n wherein equation (1) defines the amplitude of sine component n, which results in the spectral peak height, or grey scale of a bit; Equation (2) defines the frequency of the each sine component, which results in the spectral position of a peak, or identification of a bit (1st bit, 2nd bit, etc. . . );. Equation (3) defines sine component n and Equation (4) defines the composite waveform used to drive the electrochemical etch. The film can be removed and diced into particles. |
| US08308064B2 |
Barcode evaluation method and barcode evaluation apparatus
A barcode evaluation method for receiving an input image, performing an evaluation along a scanning direction upon the input image, and generating a barcode evaluation data includes: deriving at least one first luminance group in the input image according to a luminance threshold; documenting a plurality of characteristic values corresponding to the at least one luminance group, respectively; referring to a plurality of characteristic values of at least one specific first luminance group within the first luminance group to determine a distribution direction, and determining whether the specific first luminance group belongs to a barcode; and utilizing a processing element to generate the barcode evaluation data according to the input image, the distribution direction and the scanning direction. |
| US08308063B2 |
Securing payment data
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or arrangement that can limit access to sensitive information by means of encryption. In particular, data obtained from a payment instrument at, e.g., a Point-Of-Sale (POS) location can be encrypted at an early stage such that a POS (or another) application does not have access to the data in an unencrypted form and/or does not have access to a means for decrypting the data. For example, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) arrangement can be employed such that a back-end payment processor can define encryption algorithms, associate itself with a public key, and maintain a private key for decryption. The public key can be delivered to the POS location and employed for data encryption, and, moreover, the PKI can be regulated by the more trusted parties. |
| US08308061B2 |
Card including account number with value amount
Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide a method of participating in prepaid programs through retail systems without the need to first upgrade their POS capabilities to participate, and allow for a merchant (retailer) to participate in proof of concept programs to determine if prepaid is a viable solution for their retail business model. |
| US08308052B2 |
Thermal gradient reflow for forming columnar grain structures for solder bumps
A method includes heating a package structure including a first work piece and a second work piece to melt a plurality of solder bumps between the first and the second work pieces; and after the step of heating, allowing the plurality of solder bumps to solidify. During the step of solidifying, a first side of the package structure is maintained at a first temperature higher than a melting temperature of the plurality of solder bumps by using a heating source. During the step of solidifying, a second side of the package structure is maintained at a second temperature lower than the melting temperature by using a cooling source, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. |
| US08308046B2 |
Interlocking buttress material retention system
A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post. |
| US08308045B2 |
Annular adhesive structure
An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a circular surgical stapler having an anvil assembly with an anvil shaft and an anvil, the circular surgical stapler further having a tubular body portion with an annular knife and a body portion shaft selectively attachable to the anvil shaft; and a seal structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue including a hub configured to engage attachment structure on at least one of the anvil shaft and the body portion shaft. The attachment structure is positioned so that the seal structure is located between the intestinal sections of tissue when the circular surgical stapler is disposed within the intestinal sections of tissue. |
| US08308043B2 |
Recognition of interchangeable component of a device
A device and a method are provided for determining a characteristic of an interchangeable component of a surgical instrument. An electrically conductive material having a measurable strength measurable by a hall effect sensor is coupled to the component. In another embodiment, a plurality of conductive materials are arranged to form a binary code representing a corresponding of the interchangeable component. The number and/or strength of the magnets measurable by the sensors may be dynamically altered such that the status of the surgical instrument is determinable. |
| US08308040B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument with an articulatable end effector
A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled. |
| US08308039B2 |
Clamping mechanism for an auto hammer
An auto hammer having a housing, a grip portion and a striking device. The striking device includes a striking rod for striking a nail or other element using a straight reciprocating motion. The striking device has an associated clamping mechanism for clamping the nail or other element. The clamping mechanism has a driving portion, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. The first and second clamping portions are moved between a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the element is held between the first and second clamping portions. A first slot and a second slot are arranged on the first and second clamping portions respectively. The driving portion is arranged in both the first and second slots and moves along the first and second slots. |
| US08308038B2 |
Part clamp and nailing machine
A part clamp is temporarily held in a short cylindrical portion provided on a contact arm of a nailing machine and is nailed to a building body or the like by the nailing machine. The part clamp is provided with a base portion having a through hole at its center for inserting a nail therethrough, and an engaging portions for engaging with the short cylindrical portion. When the part clamp is pushed in the axial direction of an injection port of the nailing machine, the part clamp is temporarily held in the short cylindrical portion. The load to push the part clamp to engage with the short cylindrical portion is lower than the load to push the contact arm to slide along the injection port. |
| US08308031B2 |
Container
A container having a receptacle and a cover is disclosed. The receptacle includes a generally rectangular base portion, a continuous sidewall portion, and a collar. The sidewall portion includes a lower end and an upper end. The lower end of the sidewall portion is coupled to the base portion and the upper end defines an opening. The collar extends around the sidewall portion proximate the upper end. The cover is coupled to the receptacle and includes a top portion, a skirt, a flap, and a tear strip. The skirt extends downwardly from the periphery of the top portion. The flap is hingeably coupled to the top portion proximate a corner of the closure and is moveable between an open position in which access is provided to the opening in the receptacle and a closed position in which the opening in the receptacle is closed. The flap includes a closing apparatus to releasably retain the flap in the closed position. The tear strip is removable and is coupled to the flap and the skirt. The tear strip substantially prevents the flap from being moved into the open position until the tear strip is removed. |
| US08308026B2 |
Method and apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects
An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts. |
| US08308023B2 |
Product dispensing system with directional flexing container
A product dispensing system including a container having multiple walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including a pre-formed flex line, and a dispenser including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the frame including a stop positioned proximate the rear end and a support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, and an opening tool positioned to open the container as the container is moved along the support deck into engagement with the stop, wherein the engagement between the stop and the container effects a flexing of the container along the pre-formed flex line. |
| US08308018B2 |
Stackable and collapsible container
Structures, methods, and systems associated with a stackable and collapsible container are provided. One structure includes a stackable and collapsible container having at least four non-collapsible, load bearing vertical support members attached to vertical walls of the container and capable of supporting the weight of other containers. A top surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. A bottom surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. The top and the bottom surfaces of the container can be fixedly positioned in a number of collapsed states. |
| US08308017B2 |
Composite material with fibers with different stiffness for optimum stress usage
A pressure vessel is provided including a liner forming a cavity and having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a composite wrap including a plurality of composite layers disposed adjacent to the outer surface. The composite wrap has a desired strain modulus gradient across a thickness of the composite wrap. Also provided is a method for producing the pressure vessel. |
| US08308014B2 |
Fuel cap of internal combustion device
A fuel cap of an internal combustion device includes a fuel cap body, a restraining element, a resilient element, and a positioning element. The slide block of the restraining element is normally resiliently pressed by the resilient element and therefore protrudes from the outer periphery of the main body portion of the fuel cap body. The fuel cap body can be inserted into a fuel tank when the engaging blocks of the fuel cap body are aligned with the gaps of the fuel tank, and the fuel cap body is subsequently secured when the slide block is engaged in a positioning notch formed on the outer projecting wall of the fuel tank. By pushing the pushing plate of the restraining element inward, the slide block is retracted into the slide groove of the fuel cap body to allow removal of the fuel cap body from the fuel tank opening. |
| US08308012B2 |
Fastening clip and package using the same
A fastening clip includes a main body defining a through hole, a flange radially extending from the main body, a first clipping member hinged on the main body, a latching mechanism extending from the clipping member and including a first latching portion, and a second clipping member hinged on the main body and including a second latching portion. The clip has a first position, in which the first and second clipping members can extend out of the main body, and a second position, in which the first and second clipping members are received in the main body. |
| US08308010B2 |
Tamper evident, child resistant container
A molded plastic container/closure combination providing a tamper evident feature, a child resistant feature and a removal facilitation feature. The closure has radially extending bayonets extending from the outer skirt which fit into horizontal slots in a beam molded integrally with the sidewall of the container. Rotation of the closure in one direction brings the bayonets into the slots for locking purposes. Rotation in the opposite direction unlocks the closure and continued rotation lifts the closure relative to the container to facilitate removal. A resiliently mounted release tab must be depressed before unlocking rotation is permitted. A latch prevents depression of the release tab until anchors on the sides of the latch are fractured. Serrations acting between the tab and the bayonets provide an audible indication of rotation. |
| US08308003B2 |
Seal for a container
A seal for a container for comestibles, especially potable liquids, and in particular for use for sealing polyester containers such as bottles, which is suitable for passage through a PET recycling process, comprises a metal foil layer, a foam layer and a plastics film layer as well as a heat sealable layer below the foil. The foam is selected for its density and thickness so is to confer upon the seal a high buoyancy. The adhesion a between the foam and the foil is increased compared to currently available products, in order to prevent de-lamination between the foil and the foam during the recycling process. |
| US08307998B2 |
Method and apparatus for marketing greeting cards in display fixtures
A greeting card display includes an upper tier and a lower tier positioned below the upper tier. The upper and lower tiers include multiple rows of pockets for displaying greeting cards. Some of the pockets of the upper tier and the bottom tier, typically the pockets in each of the bottom rows, present greeting cards in a full-facing manner to display all or substantially all of the full face of each greeting card. The upper tier can include a card highlighter, positioned along one of the rows, configured with pockets to present and highlight cards placed therein. Shadowboxes capable of displaying a greeting card in a full-facing manner can be positioned above the upper tier on the display and are designed to attract the attention of the consumer. A display panel, designed to evoke emotions associated with greeting cards in the shadowboxes, can be positioned between one or more of the shadowboxes. |
| US08307996B2 |
Frame with cable management
A cable management frame assembly comprising a collapsible frame chassis and a plurality of positionally configurable cable management fixtures that can be affixed to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware such screws, nuts or bolts. A panel mount allows patch panels and equipment to be mounted to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware. |
| US08307994B2 |
Surface charge enabled nanoporous semi-permeable membrane for desalination
A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided. |
| US08307991B2 |
Hollow fiber membrane module
This invention provides a hollow fiber membrane module which can reduce pressure loss in discharging water within a module and can reduce operating power. A hollow fiber membrane bundle is disposed within a cylindrical case having in its side face an opening part for the inflow/outflow of water, and the end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is bonded at an axially outer position with respect to the opening for the inflow/outflow of water. A distribution holes is provided axially inward of the opening for the inflow/outflow of water and so as to surround the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and grooves and/or corrugated protrusions are provided on the inner face of the distribution cylinder so as to be in communication with each other among the distribution holes. |
| US08307990B2 |
Filter module designed to limit zones of stagnation for a liquid
The invention provides a filter module comprising an outer casing provided at each end with a respective support plate for supporting at least one filter element for obtaining a filtrate that is recovered via an outlet passage provided in the vicinity of each support plate. According to the invention, each support plate is extended at right angles by an assembly skirt for assembling to the casing. |
| US08307984B1 |
Packaging insert for retaining an article within an exterior box
A packaging container including a packaging insert suspending an article within an exterior box. The packaging insert is formed as a top portion overlying a bottom portion, each including a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels, corresponding top and bottom side panels being affixed together face-to-face such as with adhesive at manufacturing time, and corresponding top and bottom end panels being affixed together face-to-face at packaging time. The bottom end panels include bottom end panel extensions which trap the top end panels against the bottom end panels, and which include lock tabs engaging the bottom panel. The mated side panels are angled e.g. downward and the mated end panels are angled e.g. upward, to provide stand-off within an exterior box, protecting the packaged article. The top and/or bottom panels include break control means such as slotted holes, which control where each panel breaks when stressed around the packaged article by closure of the packaging insert. The article is further protected by angled regions formed as the panels break around the thickness of the article while the side and end panels are affixed face-to-face. |
| US08307982B1 |
Cake container cover-base connection
A cake container having a base (14) and a transparent cover (16) lying over the base, both being constructed of heat-formed plastic sheets, with peripheries of the base and cover securely latched together in a way that avoids sudden movement during unlatching. The base has a largely vertical peripheral wall (24) forming a plurality of dimples (26), and the cover has a lower peripheral wall (30) with a plurality of dimple-receiving regions (32). Each dimple-receiving region includes a chimney (52) that receives a dimple until the dimple lies at the top portion (60) of the chimney. The cover then can be turned so the dimple enters a dimple-receiving cavity (54) that prevents the cover from moving up off the base until the cover is turned back. The cover has a plurality of vertical ribs (172, 173, 174) forming wide panels (182) and forming narrow panels (180) between the wide panels. Stickers (124) adhere to peripheries of the cover and base to show the customer that there has been no tampering. |
| US08307980B1 |
Bit socket bracket assembly
A bit socket bracket assembly has a main frame, a track frame, multiple bit socket brackets and a burglarproof unit. The main frame is made of plastic. The track frame is made of metal and is securely mounted on the main frame. The bit socket brackets are slidably connected with the track frame. The burglarproof unit is connected with each bit socket bracket. Because the main frame and the track frame are two separate members, the track frame can be made of metal. Accordingly, the structural strength of the bit socket bracket assembly is enhanced. Moreover, signs formed on the track frame do not easily wear off. |
| US08307978B2 |
Knotless endostitch package
A suture loading package including a body portion including a securement structure for one or more lengths of suture such that the one or more lengths of suture can be stored prior to use. The suture loading package is configured and adapted to facilitate transferring each of the lengths of suture to a suture loading mechanism. |
| US08307970B2 |
Dual housing clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle
A clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch assembly including a first housing comprising a first clutch, a first clutch actuator and a second housing having the first clutch actuator at least partially disposed therein so that said first clutch actuator selectively engages the first clutch. |
| US08307966B2 |
Beverage container holders for wheeled luggage and carts
A beverage holder for use with luggage having a pair of upwardly extending spaced-apart rails with a handle extending therebetween includes a beverage support member, a pair of spaced-apart elongated arms, and a pair of clips. The beverage support member has an open top and a bottom with an outer wall extending therebetween. The beverage support member is configured to receive a beverage container through the open top and hold the received beverage container. The arms extend upwardly away from the open top. A proximal end of each arm attached to the beverage support member. Each clip is at a distal end of each respective arm. The clips are configured to removably attach to the luggage handle. When attached, the clips are pivotable about the handle to maintain the beverage container in a substantially level position regardless of whether the luggage is in a tilted or a non-tilted position. |
| US08307963B1 |
Air-bag suspension system
A suspension system for a motorcycle, comprising a motorcycle main frame, a swing arm pivotally mounted to the motorcycle main frame about a pivot axis, and an air-bag suspension system. The air-bag suspension system includes at least one air-bag constructed of an elastomeric material. The air-bag is housed within a housing assembly and is secured at one end to a piston located within the housing assembly and at its other end to an upper plate or end cap of the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to a shock absorber, and the shock absorber is attached at its forward end to the cross member plate of the motorcycle main frame and is pivotally attached at its rearward end to the lower transverse cross member of the swing arm. |
| US08307959B2 |
Electrically-operated shaft brake with manual positive lock and rotary release and automatic reset feature
A device (20) has an electrically-operated brake (37) and a manually-operated auxiliary brake (27). The electrically-operated brake includes a coil (70), a core (68), an armature (69), and an alternating series of friction pads (74) and brake disks (75), that are arranged to be compressed between the housing and the armature. The shaft brake (27) includes a collar (22) mounted on the housing for combined axial and rotative movement relative thereto, a first interlock portion (106, 110) mounted on the shaft (24), an annular member (84) surrounding the shaft and having a second interlock portion (85) and a spring (124) urging the member to move toward the shaft. The collar (22) is adapted to be selectively moved relative to the housing between a first portion at which the first (106, 110) and second (85) interlock portions are physically engaged with one another, and a second position at which the first (106, 110) and second (85) interlock portions are physically separated from one another. The shaft (24) may include a first and second shaft portions (25, 26), and a cam mechanism (125, 126) that automatically releases the braking mechanism when the shaft portions (25, 26) are rotated relative to one another, and that automatically re-engages the braking mechanism when the two shaft portions (25, 26) are moved back to their initial null position. |
| US08307957B2 |
Disk brake with guard screen
A disk brake for a vehicle having a bracket which is fixed with respect to the vehicle and on which brake linings and at least one brake caliper are mounted so as to be movable in an axial direction is disclosed. The bracket and the brake caliper engage around at least one brake disk, and the brake caliper includes a housing limb with at least one actuating device, a further housing limb with at least one housing finger, and a housing bridge. A spring arrangement which generates an elastic preload between the brake caliper and the bracket is provided in such a way that the preload is aligned substantially perpendicular to a movement direction of the brake caliper. The spring arrangement comprises a spring element and a protective panel. |
| US08307955B2 |
Mechanical release of release holding mechanism for hand brake
A hand brake mechanism having a mechanism to disengage a release lever disposed within a clutch and release assembly at the beginning of the brake application cycle. This mechanism includes a holding pawl having a force transmitting member which cooperates with a force receiving member disposed within the release lever to effect rotational motion onto the release lever at the beginning of the brake application cycle. At least one spring is provided to substantially complete rotational motion of the release lever. |
| US08307952B2 |
Elevator system with multiple cars in a hoistway
An elevator system (20) includes multiple elevator cars (22, 32) within a hoistway (26). Counterweights (24, 34) are associated with the respective elevator cars (22, 32) by load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, different roping ratios are used for the load bearing members (40, 50). In some examples, the lengths of the load bearing members (40, 50) are selected to allow contact between the counterweights (24, 34) within the hoistway (26) and prevent contact between the elevator cars (22, 32). The difference in car and counterweight separation distances is greater than a stroke of a counterweight buffer plus an expected dynamic jump of the elevator cars. A disclosed example includes passages (80) through a portion of at least one of the elevator cars (22) for accommodating the load bearing member (50) of another elevator car (32) located beneath the elevator car (22) with the passages (80). |
| US08307950B1 |
Sound barrier wall
A monolithically fabricated sound absorbing structural precast concrete noise barrier panel comprising a sound absorbing layer of specialized raw materials. The raw materials include wood particles as well as granulated rubber. |
| US08307946B1 |
Firearm suppressor with multiple gas flow paths
A firearm suppressor for mounting on a firearm to suppress sound emanating from the firearm when fired may comprise a housing defining an interior and a baffle insert positioned in the interior of the housing. The baffle insert may have at least two baffle wall portions dividing the interior of the housing into at least three baffle chambers, with the baffle wall portions being spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction of the insert. The baffle insert may define a central longitudinal passage for a projectile fired from the firearm to pass through the insert. The baffle insert may define a convoluted passage for combustion gases to pass through the insert, with the convoluted passage being distinct from the longitudinal passage. The convoluted passage may be in communication with the central longitudinal passage and may be defined by at least one auxiliary hole extending through the baffle wall portions. |
| US08307940B2 |
Electric power steering assembly
An improved structure for a rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a ball nut having an outer surface; a bearing assembly fixedly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member; and a damper disposed on an outer race of the bearing assembly. The damper includes a pair of dampers disposed on the outer race of the bearing assembly, each of the dampers including at least a first member formed from a first rigid material and a second member formed from a second damping material. |
| US08307933B2 |
Radiator mounting for a motorcycle
A motorcycle including at least two wheels. The at least two wheels include a front wheel and a rear wheel, the rear wheel defining a rotational axis. The motorcycle includes an engine for driving at least one of the wheels. A radiator assembly includes a radiator configured to receive coolant from the engine and dissipate heat from the coolant. The radiator assembly further includes an inlet guide configured to direct air toward the radiator. The inlet guide has an inlet opening positioned closer to the rear wheel than the front wheel. At least a portion of the inlet opening is positioned below the rotational axis of the rear wheel. |
| US08307925B2 |
Hybrid power driving system and the driving method
The present invention provides a hybrid power driving system comprising: a first subsystem designed to input/output power; a second subsystem designed to input/output power; a driving shaft designed to receive power from the first subsystem and/or the second subsystem or output power to the first subsystem and/or the second subsystem; and a tri-stated overrunning clutch designed to connect the first subsystem and the second subsystem, wherein the tri-stated overrunning clutch may be in an overrun state, an engaged state, or a disengaged state. The first subsystem and the second subsystem can comprise an engine, a motor, and a clutch, etc., respectively. In such a hybrid power driving system, when the tri-stated overrunning clutch is in the engaged state, the first subsystem and the second subsystem are coupled to each other and work together. When the tri-stated overrunning clutch is in the disengaged state, the first subsystem and the second subsystem can work separately without any interference to each other. Therefore, the structure is simple and the control is convenient. |
| US08307924B2 |
Hybrid power output system
The present invention discloses a hybrid power output system for outputting the power to the wheel driving shaft, comprising an engine, a first motor, a second motor, a battery, a first clutch, a second clutch and a third clutch, wherein: the first motor and the second motor are connected electrically with the battery; the engine is connected to the first motor via the first clutch; the first motor is connected to a wheel driving shaft via the second clutch; the second motor is connected to the wheel driving shaft via the third clutch; the second clutch and the third clutch are arranged between the first motor and second motor. This hybrid power output system is compact in structure, can increase the power efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption, and can realize multiple drive modes. |
| US08307923B2 |
Mobile platform
A mobile platform including a body, hybrid leg-wheels and driving mechanisms is provided. The hybrid leg-wheels are disposed around the body for carrying the body moving on a working surface. The driving mechanisms are disposed between the corresponding hybrid leg-wheels and the body. Each driving mechanism includes a driving axle connecting the corresponding hybrid leg-wheels and the body. Each driving mechanism provides the corresponding hybrid leg-wheel a rotational degree of freedom and a translational degree of freedom, wherein the rotational degree of freedom and the translational degree of freedom are driven independently. The rotational degree of freedom allows the hybrid leg-wheels rotating along an axis of the driving axle, and the translational degree of freedom allows the hybrid leg-wheels translating relative to the driving axle, wherein the rotational direction is substantially perpendicular to the translational direction. |
| US08307916B1 |
Controlling fluid loss in oil and gas wells
A product, system and method for controlling fluid loss in oil wells, including lost circulation while drilling wells. A load of fluid control pods is pumped down the drill string into the target formation using water, drilling mud or another suitable delivery fluid. Each pod comprises a discrete mass of swelling agent with a frictional surface. Preferably, the pod comprises superabsorbent granules inside a fabric sack that is deformable and elastic and provides the frictional surface. After the pods have time to swell and become compressed against each other in the voids, drilling or other procedures may be continued. The size and frictional surface of the pods facilitates stable positioning of the pods in the voids of the formation, minimizes the total amount of swelling agent required, and reduces the tendency of the pods to become dislodged. |
| US08307913B2 |
Drilling system with drill string valves
A method to control borehole fluid flow includes detecting a drilling condition and operating at least one valve in the drill string to place an exterior of the drill string in fluid communication with an interior of the drill string in response to detecting the drilling condition. |
| US08307912B2 |
Tool
Disclosed is a tool (5) comprising a cam track (A) and cam follower (B), wherein the cam track (A) comprises a first cam track wall (15) and the cam follower (B) comprises a first cam follower wall (15), and the first cam track wall (10) and first cam follower wall (15) face one another. The cam track (A) further comprises a second cam track wall (30) and the cam follower (B) comprise a second cam follower wall (35), and the second cam track wall (30) and second cam follower wall (35) face one another. The first and second cam track wall (10, 30) are disposed so as to face one another. The first and second cam follower wall are disposed so as to oppose one another, e.g. back to back. The first/second cam track wall (10, 30) comprise a first/second cam track wave (20, 40). The second cam follower wall (15, 35) comprise a first/second cam follower wave (25, 45). |
| US08307909B1 |
Conservation tillage implement, system and method
A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may have a coil spring with a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy, is particularly resistant to plugging, and can be operated at high speeds and/or in standing water. |
| US08307906B2 |
Apparatus and method for automatic conversion of sprinkler system
Apparatus and method for converting a fire suppression system from a single interlock electric or double interlock electro-pneumatic system to a single interlock pneumatic system which draws no electrical power. A pneumatic actuator is in fluid communication with a pressurized piping network and a control valve controlling flow of fire suppressant to the network. The pneumatic actuator is isolated from the piping network by a check valve and a latching solenoid valve. In the event of a power failure the latching solenoid valve is opened, placing the pneumatic actuator in fluid communication with the piping network. Electrical power is drawn only to change the state of the latching solenoid valve, it otherwise draws no power. When the latching solenoid valve is open the pneumatic actuator controls actuation of the control valve, and triggers the control valve when there is a pressure change in the piping network indicative of a fire. |
| US08307904B2 |
System and method for maintaining position of a wellbore servicing device within a wellbore
A method of maintaining a location of a wellbore servicing device includes connecting a pressure activated hold-down tool (PAHT) to the wellbore servicing device, delivering the wellbore servicing device and the PAHT into a wellbore, selectively increasing a curvature of the PAHT in response to a change in a fluid pressure, and engaging the PAHT with a feature of a wellbore to prevent longitudinal movement of the wellbore servicing device. A PAHT has pressure actuated elements that selectively provide an unactuated state in which the PAHT lies substantially along a longitudinal axis and the pressure actuated elements selectively lie increasingly deviated from the longitudinal axis in response to a change in pressure applied to the PAHT. At least one of the pressure actuated elements has a tooth configured for selective resistive engagement with a feature of the wellbore. |
| US08307900B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing laser operations downhole
The disclosure, in on aspect, provides a method for performing a laser operation in a wellbore that includes displacing a wellbore fluid with a laser-compatible medium proximate a location in the wellbore where a work is desired to be performed; positioning a laser head proximate the laser-compatible medium; and passing a laser beam via the laser-compatible medium to the location for performing the laser operation. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a laser apparatus for performing a laser operation at a worksite having a fluid that includes a laser power unit that supplies laser energy to a laser head placed proximate the worksite; a fluid displacement unit that displaces at least a portion of the fluid adjacent the worksite with a laser-compatible medium; and a controller that operates the laser head to pass the laser beam to the worksite through the laser-compatible medium. In another aspect, the disclosure provides an imager associated with the laser apparatus that provides images of the worksite. |
| US08307899B2 |
Methods of plugging and abandoning a well using compositions comprising cement kiln dust and pumicite
The present invention is directed to plug-and-abandon operations that use plugging compositions comprising cement kiln dust, pumicite, and/or lime. An embodiment includes a method of plugging a well bore for abandonment comprising: placing a plugging composition in the well bore, the plugging composition comprising: cement kiln dust in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, pumicite in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, 0% to about 24% of Portland cement by weight of cementitious components, and water; and allowing the plugging composition to set and form a plug. |
| US08307895B2 |
Imaging apparatus and methods of making and using same
A method and apparatus for imaging objects present in a wellbore is provided. The method and apparatus use a plurality of actuatable members which can be axially displaced to form an image of the object and use an actuatable member displacement sensor to detect the displacement of the actuatable members. |
| US08307887B2 |
Pressurized vapor cycle liquid distillation
Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient. |
| US08307881B2 |
Casting molds for use in directional solidification processes and methods of making
Casting molds suitable for directional solidification processes using a liquid cooling bath include a graded facecoat structure on a mold body. The graded facecoat structure includes an innermost layer and a delamination layer, wherein the delamination layer fractures upon cooling of the molten metal so as to separate the mold body from the innermost layer, which remains in contact with or in close proximity to the metal being cast. Also disclosed are directional solidification processes. |
| US08307879B2 |
Window covering having a winding function
A window covering includes a mounting unit, a shading unit, and a winding unit. The mounting unit includes a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The shading unit includes a rotating axle, a curtain member fixed at one end to the rotating axle and which is wound on and unwound from the rotating axle, a first rotating member, and a second rotating member. The first rotating member and the second rotating member are fixed to the rotating axle and extend respectively through the first fixing member and the second fixing member to support rotation of the rotating axle therebetween. The winding unit is mounted to the first fixing member and includes a spring reel secured to the first rotating member to rotate therewith, an auxiliary wheel, and a spring wound around the auxiliary wheel and which is fixed at one end to the spring reel. |
| US08307878B2 |
Noise dampening motor drive system for retractable covering for architectural openings
A motor-drive system for retractable covering having a headrail with a horizontally disposed roller supporting a top edge of a flexible fabric material includes an electric motor mounted within a housing and interconnected to the roller to selectively rotate the roller in opposite directions while minimizing noise created from vibrations within the system. This system includes motor mounts within the housing which separate and absorb vibrations of the motor within the housing and a drive disk of a moderately soft material, which is firm enough to transfer torque from the motor to the roller while being soft enough to absorb vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted from the motor to the roller. An interconnect mounting the drive disk to the drive shaft of the motor is also made of a third relatively soft material, which is harder than the drive disk to more ably transmit torque but soft enough so as not to unduly transmit noise. |
| US08307874B1 |
Tire changing method and machine with angularly positionable drive axis
Methods and machines for changing tires on a wheel rim are disclosed. The machine includes a drive shaft having a drive axis that can positioned at different angles for convenience of the machine operator to mount a variety of differently-sized wheel rims to the drive shaft without undue lifting and handling of the wheel rims. |
| US08307867B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread including sipe having wide portions located alternately on both side walls
An object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tire capable of ensuring both of the ice braking performance and the ice turning performance while increasing the dry steering stability performance. To achieve the above object, a sipe extending in a width direction of the tire is formed a land portion, the sipe having: pluralities of wide portions each having an inclined plane that begins from the tread surface of a road surface, and terminates in the half way of a sipe wall while inclining so that a sipe width decreases toward the groove bottom of the sipe, and a pair of side faces connecting the inclined plane and the sipe wall therebetween, wherein the pluralities of wide portions are located alternately on both sipe walls along a longitudinal direction of the sipe. |
| US08307864B2 |
Systems and methods for vacuum sealing
A valve assembly for vacuum sealing a collapsible storage bag including a first valve part and a second valve part. The first valve part being inserted into the second valve part with a wall of the bag in between, causing the wall of the bag to break and/or puncture. A valve sealing mechanism to control the air flow from within the bag through the first and second valve part and out the bag. |
| US08307862B2 |
Bag loader
The bag opening assembly (8) of an automatic bag loader includes a pair of contra-rotating air-pervious endless belts (9, 10). Opposing pinch portions (24, 25) of the belts are provided for grasping opposing sides (5a, 5b) of the hag (1) therebetween and working flights of each belt are opposingly orientated and diverge from the pinch portions. A partial vacuum is drawn in a space (41, 42) adjacent each working flight (38, 39), formed in a shoe (36, 37) which supports the thereby separate the sides to open the bag while it is advanced between the diverging working flights. At least on of the rotary members (26, 27) is displaceable and an actuator (40) is connected thereto to press the pinch portions together to grasp the sides of the unopened bag and to separate the pinch portions to release the opened bag. |
| US08307861B2 |
Processes and systems for transferring particulate substances from containers
Preferred processes are provided for unloading a particulate substance from a container using a cover system comprising a cover and a wand extending through the cover. The processes can include installing the cover system on the container so that the cover mates with the container and the wand extends into the particulate substance, connecting a pipe or a hose to the wand, and drawing the particulate substance through the wand and the pipe or hose. |
| US08307855B2 |
Fluid pressure spike suppression device
Systems and apparatus for suppressing/controlling pressure spikes in a fluid pipe system are described. In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling pressure spikes in a fluid pipe system includes, for example, a fluid pressure spike suppression pipe (“damper pipe”) portion with multiple openings for connecting to at least two network pipes in a fluid system pipe network. The damper pipe has a diameter that is larger than respective diameters of the network pipes within which fluid pressure spikes are to be suppressed. First and second openings for connecting to the network pipes are respectively positioned at proximal and distal ends of the damper pipe. The first opening in the damper pipe is for fluid ingress into the damper pipe via a first pipe network pipe. The second opening in the damper pipe is for fluid egress out of the damper pipe and into a second network pipe. |
| US08307854B1 |
Fluid delivery substrates for building removable standard fluid delivery sticks
A fluid delivery system that includes flow substrates and manifolds that minimize the number of fluid conduit ports and seals needed to build standardized fluid delivery sticks. Each flow substrate has a component attachment surface with one or more component conduit ports and an associated plurality of fastener apertures. Some flow substrates incorporate a transverse manifold connection conduit port on a surface opposite the component attachment surface. Fastener apertures associated with the transverse manifold connection conduit port are accessible adjacent to installed fluid handling components. Transverse connection between fluid delivery sticks use a welded assembly of fluid conduits to provide a transverse connecting lower layer which is sealingly retained by fasteners inserted from above through apertures associated with the transverse manifold connection conduit port. Flow substrates for each fluid delivery stick are fastened to a standardized bracket and each fluid delivery stick arrangement can be assembled and tested as an integrated subassembly. |
| US08307850B2 |
Air intake device for engine
An air intake device for an engine is provided that includes a bypass (20) connected to an air intake path (2) while bypassing a throttle valve (5), and a bypass valve (V) for controlling the degree of opening of the bypass (20), the bypass valve (V) being formed from a tubular valve chamber (15) having its interior opening on the upstream side of the bypass (20) and having an inner face with a metering hole (16) opening toward the downstream side of the bypass (20), and a valve body (25) slidably but non-rotatably fitted into the valve chamber (15) and opening and closing the metering hole (16), wherein an inner face (A) of the valve chamber (15) on which the metering hole (16) opens and an outer face (B1) of the valve body (25) opposing the inner face (A) and covering the metering hole (16) are formed in the same shape so as to enable them to be in intimate contact with each other, and other inner (A) and outer faces (B2) of the valve chamber (15) and the valve body (25) are formed so that there is a gap (g) therebetween. This enables the valve body to be reliably in intimate contact with the inner side face of the valve chamber on which the metering hole opens while guaranteeing smooth sliding of the valve body in the valve chamber in the bypass, thus preventing leaked air from flowing into the metering hole. |
| US08307845B2 |
Flow rate controller
A flow rate controller detects a clogged state of an orifice to prevent errors during flow rate measurement. The flow rate controller includes a differential pressure flow meter, with an orifice disposed between a pair of pressure sensors, that converts a pressure difference detected by the two pressure sensors into a flow rate, a flow-rate adjusting valve whose degree of opening is controlled such that the difference between a measured flow rate value and a preset flow rate value falls within a predetermined range, and a control unit that controls the degree of opening of the flow-rate adjusting valve upon receiving the pressure values detected by the pressure sensors. The control unit compares the preset flow rate value and the measured flow rate value and determines that there is a clog fault when a flow rate difference, as compared with a predetermined value, continues for a predetermined time period. |
| US08307844B2 |
Baffled tank for a vehicle
A tank for transporting liquids is equipped with a variable volume system. The system provides for the ability to define a variable maximum fluid volume capacity of the tank. The tank is mounted to a vehicle for transport. In one embodiment, the tank is a water tank for use in dispensing water in a working area in order to control dust. |
| US08307843B2 |
Temperature-controlled pressure regulators
Temperature-controlled pressure regulators are described. An example temperature-controlled pressure regulator described herein includes a regulator body having an inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet via a first passageway. A heat block is disposed within the regulator body and receives at least a portion of the first passageway. The heat block is to provide heat to the process fluid as the process fluid flows through the heat block via the first passageway, which separates the process fluid from the heat block. |
| US08307841B2 |
Valve for inflatable objects
A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a diaphragm. The support member and diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of the diaphragm under a bias in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position. |
| US08307839B2 |
Dishwasher with a latent heat accumulator
A cleaning appliance is provided for cleaning washware, which cleaning appliance is designed to subject the washware to the action of at least one cleaning fluid in at least one cleaning chamber. The cleaning appliance has a suction-removal apparatus for removing damp air from the cleaning chamber by suction, and at least one heat recovery device. The heat recovery device is designed to draw heat from the damp air and to feed it back to the cleaning appliance by means of a first cooling fluid. The cleaning appliance has a cooling-fluid line with at least one recirculation path and at least one heat accumulator path with at least one latent heat accumulator. The cleaning appliance is designed to conduct the first cooling fluid to the cleaning chamber and/or into a fluid tank via the recirculation path in at least one operating state after said cooling fluid has flowed through the heat recovery device. The cleaning appliance is also designed to feed the first cooling fluid to the latent heat accumulator by means of the heat accumulator path in at least one standby mode. |
| US08307836B2 |
Adjustable applicator
The present invention generally is an adjustable applicator employed for application of a cosmetic or a care product such as for application of mascara, coloring strands of hair, for dental flossing or for applying pharmaceuticals or cleaning agents. The invention discloses an adjustable applicator comprising an applicator element having a bore, a filament wherein the filament is housed inside the bore of the applicator element and a clasping means wherein the applicator element angularly deforms when a force is applied on the clasping means. Also disclosed is a device for packaging and dispensing a substance comprising said adjustable applicator. |
| US08307833B2 |
Ashtray assembly
An ashtray assembly for temporarily storing and containing rubbish, such as the ash and butts of cigarettes and cigars. In one aspect, the ashtray assembly can include a base assembly and an insert assembly. The base assembly can comprise a flexible body. The flexible body can include a storage container adapted to receive the rubbish. The flexible body can be made of a flexible material, such as a silicon-containing polymer, such that the flexible body can be manufactured by a molding process. Because the flexible body can be a silicon-container polymer, it may discolor when a lit end of a cigarette makes contact with the base assembly. The insert assembly can comprise an extinguishing member adapted to extinguish cigarettes, cigars, or both. The extinguishing member is preferably made of a generally non-marking and rigid material. The insert assembly can provide structural integrity and can be removably secured within the base assembly. |
| US08307830B2 |
Endotracheal cuff and technique for using the same
A multi-layer inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. The outer layer and the inner layer of the balloon cuff may have different material properties that may enhance a cuff's mechanical pressure seal by reducing wrinkles or folds that may form against a patient's tracheal walls. |
| US08307826B1 |
Method of providing breathable humidified oxygen gas to a patient
A method of providing a source of breathable humidified oxygen gas. A membrane oxygen humidifier is provided that includes at least one water permeable membrane and an enclosure. The at least one water permeable membrane has a first membrane side and a second membrane side that are in communication through the water permeable membrane. The enclosure extends over the second membrane side and wherein the enclosure has an air inlet port and an air outlet port. A first gas containing oxygen is directed past the first membrane side. The second gas is directed past the second membrane side with a fan. The first gas is humidified by transferring moisture through the at least one water permeable membrane from the second gas to the first gas. |
| US08307825B1 |
Membrane oxygen humidifier
A membrane oxygen humidifier including at least one water permeable membrane, an enclosure having an air inlet port and an air outlet port and a fan. The at least one water permeable membrane extends through the enclosure. The fan is positioned proximate at least one of the air inlet port and the air outlet port. |
| US08307823B2 |
Breathing aid
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, breathing aid is provided. The breathing aid includes a middle portion that defines a breathing aperture that provides air flow out of the mouth of the user. An incisor is defined on the top of the middle portion and sized to receive the upper incisors teeth of the user. The location of the incisor aperture along the middle portion providing proper placement of the breathing aid in the user's mouth. An inside end of the middle portion is provided at an angle. A pair of wing-like protrusions extend sideward from the middle portion, the protrusions sized to extend outwardly beyond the sides of a user's mouth in order to prevent the breathing aid from entering the mouth. |
| US08307820B2 |
Systems and methods of generating energy from solar radiation
A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid. |
| US08307815B2 |
Crankcase ventilation filter assembly
A filter assembly (100) comprises a housing (200) and a filter cartridge (300) that incorporates crankcase pressure-regulating components. The cartridge (300) includes an end cap (330), a plunger (340), and a spring (350). When the filter cartridge (300) is installed in the housing (200), the plunger (340) interacts with a podium (224), in response to crankcase pressure, to allow or block fluid communication with the inlet chamber (111). |
| US08307813B2 |
Heating device for liquid fuels and the like
A heating device, which is designed as a heater for liquid fuels, has a housing component and a heating element embedded in the housing component. The heating element is designed as a self-regulating heating element, so that protection against overheating is ensured. |
| US08307809B2 |
Engine assembly including cam cover mounted fuel rail
An engine assembly may include a cylinder head, a cam cover and a fuel rail assembly. The cylinder head may define intake and exhaust ports and the cam cover may be fixed to the cylinder head. The fuel rail assembly may include a fuel rail, a bracket assembly and a fuel injector. The bracket assembly may be fixed to the fuel rail and may include a fastener and an isolation member. The fastener may be engaged with the cam cover and may secure the fuel rail thereto. The isolation member may be located between the fuel rail and the cam cover to isolate vibration therebetween. The fuel injector may be in communication with the fuel rail and may extend into a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head at a location between the intake and exhaust ports. |
| US08307803B2 |
Work machine
A work machine to which a cassette gas cylinder is detachably attached is disclosed. The cassette gas cylinder is accommodated inside a gas cylinder case. The gas cylinder case for accommodating the cassette gas cylinder is detachably attached to the work machine so that the gas cylinder case wherein the cassette gas cylinder is accommodated can be transported together with the cylinder. |
| US08307801B2 |
Combination to support and rotatably drive mass
A combination for use in supporting and rotatably driving a mass is disclosed. The combination may have a power source. The combination may also have a flywheel, which may be configured to connect with and rotatably drive the mass. The flywheel may have a flywheel end, which may have a plurality of flywheel protrusions. Additionally, the combination may have a bearing, which may be situated at least partially within the power source. The bearing may be configured to support and at least partially house the flywheel. In addition, the combination may have a crankshaft, which may be shaped to connect with and rotatably drive the flywheel. The crankshaft may have a crankshaft end, which may have a plurality of crankshaft protrusions. The plurality of crankshaft protrusions may be shaped to mesh with the plurality of flywheel protrusions. |
| US08307798B2 |
Internal combustion engine with a crankshaft and at least one cylinder head as well as a motor vehicle with such an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft as well as at least one cylinder head, which can be traversed by flow at least approximately in the crankshaft axial direction from an inlet duct to an outlet duct and which has valves for opening and closing the ducts. Two camshafts actuate the valves, and each of the camshafts is assigned an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The two camshafts are arranged at least approximately parallel to the crankshaft. A motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, can be provided with such an internal combustion engine. |
| US08307794B2 |
Internal combustion engine valve drive switching device
In an internal combustion engine valve drive switching device with a switching unit, the switching unit includes an implementation unit for implementing a first switching process based on at least one signal and thereafter, to implement a second switching process independently of an electronic evaluation. |
| US08307793B2 |
Internal combustion engine with two intake valves per cylinder which are actuated hydraulically and have differentiated return springs
An internal combustion engine comprises at least two intake valves per cylinder, each of them provided with respective spring return means which push the valve towards a closed position. The intake valves of each cylinder are controlled by a single cam of an engine camshaft, through a single tappet actuated by said cam and through a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system comprises a master cylinder having a piston positively connected to said tappet and two hydraulic actuators respectively associated to the two intake valves and which are both hydraulically connected to a common pressure chamber of said master cylinder. The return spring means associated to the intake valves of one and the same engine cylinder have predetermined loadS and/or rigidities which are different from each other, in such a way that said intake valves have different lift profiles, so as to cause a swirl motion of the air fed into the engine cylinder, which allows to improve the air-fuel mixing. |
| US08307789B2 |
Retractable leash support
The retractable leash support includes a bracket mounted on a rotatable platform the rotatable platform being mountable to any fixed structure. The bracket has two extension tubes spaced for receiving the grip portion of a typical retractable pet leash, the extension tubes also being adapted to accommodate a plate having complementary tubes that fit over the extension tubes to secure the pet leash between the bracket and plate. The extension tubes and complementary tubes of the plate have holes that can be aligned. Pins are inserted into the aligned holes to lock the pet leash grip securely in the leash support. |
| US08307787B2 |
Disposable pet cleaning bag
A single use and disposable pet cleaning bag that is coated on the inside with a dry shampoo or a water-activated shampoo or pre-moistened with a wet shampoo on the inside or throughout the bag. The caretaker places the bag around the pet and massages the shampoo into the coat of the animal, allowing for a much easier method of cleaning pets while providing a safer, more relaxing experience for the animal. When the cleaning is complete, the caretaker removes the bag which contains the dirt and hair that is shed by the animal and discards the bag, eliminating the required cleanup of the bathing area. |
| US08307785B2 |
Method and system for monitoring and reducing ruminant methane production
A method and system for reducing methane emissions by ruminants. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method includes using the gas analyzer to determine levels of carbon dioxide and methane and operating a data analyzing station to determine a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and modify the type or amount of nutrient supplement for the ruminant for a next feeding to control methane production or achieve an animal production goal, such as by operating a hopper with supplement compartments. The unit can be monitored remotely and controlled through an Internet connection. |
| US08307784B2 |
Method of injecting a treatment substance into eggs and the corresponding injection head
An injection method for injecting a substance into eggs, and an injection head for implementing said method. The method generally includes piercing the shell and at least the shell membrane of an egg by moving a needle, and then injecting the treatment substance via said needle, said piercing step comprising a first movement of the needle to pierce the shell with a first penetration force and then a second movement of the needle to pierce at least the shell membrane with a second penetration force lower than the first penetration force. |
| US08307777B2 |
Bookmarks including ribbon holding features and related methods
A bookmark can include a ribbon attached to a rigid body. The bookmark can include a resilient biasing member that assists in achieving a desired orientation of the rigid body relative to a book when the bookmark is coupled with the book. |
| US08307776B2 |
Smart bookmark
A position-identifying bookmark for identifying a reader's position on a page comprises at least one string, and first and second sheets. The first sheet has first and second planar sides, re-adherable adhesive on at least a portion of one of the first and second planar sides, and an aperture passing through the first sheet for connecting to the at least one string. The second sheet has first and second planar sides, re-adherable adhesive on at least a portion of one of the first and second planar sides, and an aperture passing through the second sheet for connecting to the at least one string. |
| US08307775B2 |
Impact detector and packaging container
An impact detector includes a circular weight, a case containing the weight, in which a transition path for the weight is formed, a planar elastic member extending in the case with a first end oriented in a direction in which the weight move upon an impact in a first direction, a fixing member fixing the planar member to the case. The planar elastic member includes a folded portion disposed on a second end of the planar elastic member, and a first arm and a second arm both extending from the folded portion. An end portion of the first arm holds the weight at an initial position, and the first arm deforms to release the weight upon the impact in the first direction. The fixing member includes a sandwiching portion sandwiching the folded portion and a contact portion in contact with both the first arm and the second arm. |
| US08307774B2 |
Rowing boat footrest assembly
A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, a foot-rudder control member, a footrest member and a positioning structure. The foot-rudder control member pivotally coupled to the base. The foot-rudder control member includes a rudder control attachment. The footrest member is supported on the foot-rudder control member. The footrest member includes a shoe attachment. The positioning structure is operatively coupled between the base and the foot-rudder control member. The positioning structure includes a contact member and a setting member. The contact member is movably provided to one of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The contact member is biased into contact with the other of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The setting member is adjustably arranged to change an urging force on the contact member. |
| US08307766B2 |
Drag effect trajectory enhanced projectile
A projectile includes a cartridge and a hollow bullet. A propellant fills the cartridge and the hollow bullet to increase the velocity of the bullet when fired. The hollow bullet has a flattened leading end and an annular ring is secured to the flattened leading end in the center of the flat region. The flattened leading end and the annular ring move a center of pressure forwardly so that a center of pressure is forward of a center of gravity of the bullet when the bullet is in flight. In a second embodiment, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slits is formed in a trailing end of the hollow bullet, creating a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart fins that flare radially outwardly upon impact with a soft target. |
| US08307764B2 |
Printing sleeve
A printing assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a first channel and the outer surface defines a port fluidly connected to the first channel. The inner surface is configured for lateral movement along a nonporous surface in response to a first flow of pressurized air being directed into the first channel from the port. The inner surface is also configured to fixedly mate with the nonporous surface in response to removal of the flow. |
| US08307763B2 |
Can crusher
The can crusher is a device capable of crushing aluminum and steel cans. The device incorporates a wheeled base that supports thereon an assembly that includes a container for housing the cans and mechanisms for crushing the cans. The crushing mechanisms include a hydraulic jack, a sliding crank system, extension springs, a single-phase, geared motor, a movable plate and a pressure gauge. |
| US08307760B2 |
Device for roasting fowl
A device for roasting fowl includes a base pan shaped to have a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface; an insert extending vertically from the first support surface of the base pan for mounting the fowl; wherein the first supporting surface of the base pan rests in a cooking apparatus to allow for roasting of the fowl in a vertical manner, and the second supporting surface of the base pan rests in the cooking apparatus to allow for roasting of the fowl in a horizontal manner. |
| US08307759B2 |
Extending filter basket
The present invention is a fryer basket or roaster basket constructed with fine wire mesh to prevent food particles from remaining in the fryer oil once the fried food is removed. The fryer basket is preferably constructed of stainless steel, but other materials could be used including but not limited to copper, brass, glass, fiberglass or the like. |
| US08307756B1 |
Time-to-clean-filter indicator system for a popcorn popping machine and method
An indicator system for use with a popcorn popping machine providing a sensory perceptible signal to a user that ventilation filters should be cleaned. The indicator system may automatically track an interval based on a prior filter cleaning or usage of the popcorn popping machine. |
| US08307752B2 |
Piston hydraulic motor
A hydraulic motor having pistons, some of which are in a working phase and some are in a non-working phase, whereby the pistons are adapted to rotate the piston hydraulic motor's shaft or casing. To the piston hydraulic motor there are at least two working pressure medium channels, whereby the piston hydraulic motor can be connected for full volume or partial volume. In full volume, all the pistons in the working phase can be brought into the working phase in the motor by a pump's working pressure, whereas in the case of partial volume flow only some pistons can be brought into the working phase by the working pressure. The piston hydraulic motor comprises an actuator, which can close one of the piston hydraulic motor's pressurized inlet channels when the pressure in the other pressure medium channel falls below a certain critical value. |
| US08307750B2 |
Gas operated rifle with bolt carrier and receiver assembly
A gas operated autoloading firearm having an improved bolt carrier. The gas piston system may include a barrel defining a longitudinally-extending bullet pathway, a gas block defining a piston bore, a passageway fluidly connecting the bore with the bullet pathway for diverting combustion gas to the bore upon discharging the firearm, and a piston slidably disposed in the bore for reciprocating movement. The piston actuates a reciprocating bolt assembly including a bolt carrier slidably received in a receiver. The bolt carrier includes supporting and guiding surfaces configured to reduce receiver wear and bolt carrier drag. |
| US08307748B2 |
Multi-range camouflage design and method
Designs and methods are provided for a multi-range camouflage. In one exemplary embodiment, the camouflage comprises an array of tiles creating a micro camouflage pattern discernable at a first distance. The camouflage design further comprises a macro camouflage pattern discernable at a second distance that is substantially greater than the first distance. The macro camouflage pattern is inherent in the arrangement of tiles forming the micro camouflage pattern, and based on a predefined source image. |
| US08307747B2 |
Self-engaging non-reciprocating charging handle
A non-reciprocating, self-engaging charging handle is disclosed. It comprises a spring biased forward latch mounted upon a sliding body with a protruding handle. The spring bias causes the latch to positively engage the firearm's bolt carrier group when the handle is brought forward into contact therewith. A secondary latching system secures the charging handle to the upper receiver when not in use and disengages automatically when and only when a user desires to operate the handle. |
| US08307743B2 |
Adjustable structure for a hand tool
An adjustable structure for a hand tool includes a handle, a shank connected with the handle, and an adjusting device mounted on the handle. The handle has a chamber defined therein and two protrusions extending therefrom. The shank has at least two clamping grooves annularly defined therein. The adjusting device includes a rotary element, two slidable elements and two springs. The rotary element has a through hole defined therein, such that the shank passes through the through hole. Two sliding channels are defined in the rotary element. Each sliding channel receives one slidable element and one spring. Each slidable element has a clamping surface formed thereon for engaging with the clamping groove. Each slidable element has an abutting slot defined therein and receiving the protrusion. The shank is adjustable by moving the desired clamping groove to selectively engage with the two slidable elements. |
| US08307739B2 |
Methods for forming earth-boring tools having pockets for receiving cutting elements
Methods of forming cutting element pockets in earth-boring tools may include forming a first recess and a second recess. A filler material is disposed in the second recess to the form at least a portion of a back surface of the pocket. Methods of forming cutting element pockets in earth-boring tools may include orienting a rotating cutter generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a cutting element pocket to be formed in a body of an earth-boring tool and machining the cutting element pocket in the earth-boring tool. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include forming a body comprising at least one blade and forming at least one cutting element pocket in the at least one blade. |
| US08307729B2 |
Dual clutch transmission with modifiable gear speeds and use of the transmission for at least two transmission variations
A modifiable dual clutch transmission is suggested allowing to be manufactured as two transmission variations having an interdependence of fixed wheels and loose wheels that remains at the same position for both variations while the loose wheels belonging to this interdependence are provided with different diameters for providing different transmission ratios. At least one of the loose wheels in that interdependence is correlated to a different forward gear in one transmission variation compared to the other transmission variation. In both transmission variations the loose wheels relating to the respective interdependences are correlated only to even numbered forward gears or to odd numbered forward gears, preserving the advantage of the dual clutch transmission to shift between two adjacent forward gears without interruption in the tractive power. |
| US08307728B1 |
Rear end gear box with offset input shaft for racing cars
A rear end gear box for a racing car has the swivel coupler and the bearing rotatably supporting the swivel coupler mounted within the rear end housing so that oil within the rear end housing will lubricate the swivel coupler and its bearing. The input shaft delivering rotational power from the engine is offset to the right of the driven shaft mounted within the rear end housing so that the center of gravity of the rear end is shifted to the left of the car centerline to increase stability of the car in turns. The recessed swivel coupler has an extended operating life due to increase stability and rigidity provided by the support from the housing structure. The cover for the back end of the rear end structure where the transfer gears are located is provided with an O-ring to facilitate a quick change of the transfer gears. |
| US08307727B2 |
Reciprocating and rotating type power transforming apparatus
Provided is a reciprocating rotary power transforming apparatus that can simplify its structure, reduce loss of friction energy occurring from motion transformation, and perform transformation between a reciprocating rotary motion and a uni-directional rotary motion. The reciprocating rotary power transforming apparatus includes a reciprocating rotary axis performing a reciprocating rotary motion, a uni-directional rotary axis performing a unidirectional rotary motion, a housing being disposed so that the reciprocating rotary axis and the uni-directional rotary axis may be orthogonal to each other on the same plane and being supported to un-restrict its rotation, and a motion transforming unit being connected to the reciprocating rotary axis and being constructed to perform transformation between the reciprocating rotary motion and the uni-directional rotary motion by a conical rotary motion and a twisting motion when power is transferred to the reciprocating rotary axis or to the uni-directional rotary axis. |
| US08307725B2 |
System for obtaining information relating to a pipe, and associated method
The invention proposes a system for obtaining information relating to a pipe (4) conveying a flow of fluid (28), and/or relating to the fluid. This system comprises a module (1;30) comprising means (10) of acquiring data, subsequent analysis of which makes it possible to obtain information relating to the pipe and/or the fluid, and means (11) of storing the data which said data acquisition means acquire, the self-contained module being arranged to be pushed by the fluid flow after being introduced into the pipe. It also comprises a mechanical link (2) which is connected to the self-contained module and accessible from outside the pipe. |
| US08307722B2 |
Method of detecting dispensed quantity, and liquid suction monitoring dispensing apparatus
There are provided a method of detecting dispensed quantity in which without the need of detecting a surface of liquid accommodated in a container, a liquid quantity can be detected only by measuring pressure change; and a relevant liquid suction monitoring dispensing apparatus. There is provided a method of detecting dispensed quantity for detection of the quantity of liquid suctioned and discharged by a dispensing apparatus including a pipette tip, a liquid suctioning/discharging mechanism for the pipette tip, a pressure sensor capable of detecting the pressure within the pipette tip, and a lifting and lowering mechanism for the pipette tip, which method comprises: an insertion step for inserting a distal end of the pipette tip down to the deepest zone of a container accommodating liquid to be measured; a suction pressure measuring step for without moving of the pipette tip, while suctioning the liquid into the pipette tip at a predetermined suctioning rate, measuring any pressure change during the suctioning; and a suction detecting step for on the basis of pressure change measured, determining the state of suction. Further, there is provided a liquid suction monitoring dispensing apparatus capable of practicing this method. |
| US08307721B2 |
Flexible pipette tips
Described herein are pipette tips that include rigid axial projections circumferentially disposed around the exterior surface of a relatively more compliant annular member. The rigid, axial projections may enable improved, and often optimal, sealing engagement with a dispensing device by (i) allowing deformation of the annular member between the projections, and (ii) restraining overall deformation of the annular member. Pipette tip embodiments described herein readily form a desired seal with a dispensing device, and permit ejection after use without modification to the dispensing device. |
| US08307719B2 |
Apparatus for measuring volume- or mass-flow of a medium in a pipeline
An apparatus for measuring volume- or mass-flow of a medium in a pipeline. The apparatus includes: a measuring tube, through which medium flows in the direction of the measuring tube axis, wherein the measuring tube has, in stream direction of the medium, a first end region and a second end region; a magnet system, which a produces a magnetic field passing through the measuring tube essentially transversely to the measuring tube axis; at least one measuring electrode coupled with the medium and arranged in a region of the measuring tube lying essentially perpendicular to the magnetic field; and a control/evaluation unit, which delivers information concerning volume- or mass-flow of the medium in the measuring tube on the basis of a measurement voltage induced in the at least one measuring electrode. In order to keep costs for the magneto-inductive flow measuring device low, the measuring tube is embodied as one-piece and the first end region and the second end region of the measuring tube are flared. |
| US08307717B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing an insulation material to a surface and testing thereof
A method and apparatus for installing an insulation material to a surface by inserting a nozzle and a neck of a welding gun through a channel in an insulation material, positioning the insulation material on the surface to be insulated using the welding gun, firmly pushing the welding gun into the channel of the insulation material until the nozzle of the welding gun, an anchor embedded in the insulation material and the surface are in contact, welding the anchor of the insulation material to the surface with the welding gun, and removing the nozzle and the neck of the welding gun from the channel in the insulation material. A method and apparatus for testing the integrity of a weld between an anchored insulation material, a surface and a nozzle of a welding gun. A special tool for testing the integrity of the weld between the anchored insulation material and a surface. |
| US08307714B1 |
Dual port pressure sensor
A dual port pressure sensor has a lead frame having a flag having a first opening and a second opening. The lead frame has a flag having a first opening and a second opening. An encapsulant holds the lead frame. The encapsulant is over a top of the flag and a bottom of the flag is uncovered by the encapsulant. A first opening in the encapsulant is aligned with and larger than the first opening in the flag, and a second opening in the encapsulant is aligned with the second opening in the flag. A pressure sensor transducer is attached to the bottom of the flag and covers the first opening in the flag and provides an electrically detectable correlation to a pressure differential based on a first pressure received on its top side and a second pressure received on its bottom side. An integrated circuit is attached to the bottom of the flag and is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. A lid forming an enclosure with the bottom of the flag. The pressure sensor transducer receives the first pressure through the first opening in the encapsulant and the first opening in the flag and the second pressure through the second opening in the encapsulant, the second opening in the flag, and the enclosure. |
| US08307713B2 |
Low pass filter semiconductor structures for use in transducers for measuring low dynamic pressures in the presence of high static pressures
A semiconductor filter is provided to operate in conjunction with a differential pressure transducer. The filter receives a high and very low frequency static pressure attendant with a high frequency low dynamic pressure at one end, the filter operates to filter said high frequency dynamic pressure to provide only the static pressure at the other filter end. A differential transducer receives both dynamic and static pressure at one input port and receives said filtered static pressure at the other port where said transducer provides an output solely indicative of dynamic pressure. The filter in one embodiment has a series of etched channels directed from an input end to an output end. The channels are etched pores of extremely small diameter and operate to attenuate or filter the dynamic pressure. In another embodiment, a spiral tubular groove is found between a silicon wafer and a glass cover wafer, an input port of the groove receives both the static and dynamic pressure with an output port of the groove providing only static pressure. The groove filters attenuate dynamic pressure to enable the differential transducer to provide an output only indicative of dynamic pressure by cancellation of the static pressure. |
| US08307712B2 |
Pressure gage with magnetically coupled diaphragm
A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm. |
| US08307709B2 |
Acceleration sensor having a frame and transverse web
An acceleration sensor having a substrate, a first web that is connected to the substrate, and a seismic mass that is fashioned as a frame and is made up of four side frames, the first side frame and the third side frame being situated opposite one another, the second side frame and the fourth side frame being situated opposite one another, the second side frame and the first web being connected via a first spring element, stationary electrodes being provided inside the frame that are connected to the substrate, movable electrodes being provided that are connected to the first side frame and/or to the third side frame, the frame having a first transverse web that is connected to the first side frame and to the third side frame. |
| US08307705B2 |
Laser hydrography
Method for laser hydrography in which at least one laser beam is emitted from a known location and in a known direction onto the surface of a body of water and through the water onto the bottom of the body of water and measurement points of the water surface and the water bottom in a coordinate system are determined from transit-time measurements of the reflections of the laser beam at the water surface and water bottom, wherein the local inclination of the water surface at an entry point of the laser beam into the body of water is determined from at least three measurement points of the water surface, wherein a local entry angle of the laser beam into the body of water is determined from the local inclination and the known direction of the laser beam, and wherein the measurement point of the water bottom is created as a function of the laser beam direction, the local inclination, and the optical refraction due to the corresponding local entry angle of the laser beam. |
| US08307698B2 |
Vibrating wire viscometers
Vibrating wire viscometers are disclosed. An example vibrating wire viscometer includes first and second electrically conductive tubes, where the first tube is at least partially inserted into the second tube, and where the first and second tubes are coupled via an electrically insulating bonding agent. The example viscometer further includes first and second electrically conductive pins inserted into respective ones of the first and second tubes, and an electrically conductive wire fastened to the first and second pins to vibrate in a downhole fluid to determine a viscosity of the downhole fluid. |
| US08307695B2 |
Cetane number estimation method
A cetane number estimation method is provided in which: the preliminary injection is preformed multiple times at different compression end temperatures with a fuel tank (26) containing fuel having a predetermined cetane number, and an engine torque increase caused by each preliminary injection is calculated and the relation between the compression end temperatures at the respective preliminary injections and the engine torque increases caused by the respective preliminary injections is determined; the compression end temperature and the engine torque increase at a predetermined reference point on the relation are recorded as a basic compression eng temperature and a basic engine toque increase; the preliminary injection is performed at the basic compression end temperature and an engine torque increase caused by this preliminary injection is calculated; and the cetane number of fuel is estimated based on the relation between the calculated engine torque increase and the basic engine torque increase. |
| US08307694B1 |
Hypervelocity impact detection method and system for determining impact location in a detection surface
A hypervelocity impact detection method and system for determining the precise impact location in a detection surface, of impacts such as ballistic missile intercepts, micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD) or other shock events, utilizes a gridless detection surface capable of propagating radio frequency (RF) impact detection signals responsive to receiving hypervelocity impacts from objects, and multiple sensors on the detection surface that directly measure radio frequency RF emissions generated by the hypervelocity impacts on the surface, and a time of arrival (TOA) position measurement technique for determining the precise impact location in the detection surface. |
| US08307690B2 |
Hand-tool system for installing blind fasteners
A tool for setting blind fasteners is disclosed. A stem of a fastener is engaged by a pulling head and its sleeve is also engaged by the pulling head. In an initial stage, a pump piston compresses fluid in a hydraulic pump, affecting movement of a drawbar and piston in relation to a stationary adaptor connected to the tool, pulling the stem in relation to the sleeve at a fast rate per pump. As the pulling force increases, pressure in the pump triggers a logic system to shift the tool into a high pressure mode, decreasing the effort to complete fastener installation. The logic system resets after each squeeze of the lever, minimizing the number of pumps necessary to complete the installation while keeping effort at a comfortable level. An adjustable pressure relief valve allows the fluid to return to the reservoir chamber, returning the tool to its initial condition. |
| US08307688B2 |
Process for producing seamless stainless steel pipe
A process for producing seamless pipes which comprises conducting a piercing rolling step, a elongating rolling step using a mandrel bar, and a sizing rolling step and subsequently conducting a product heat treatment. In the process, when the carbon-equivalent weight, namely the sum of the weight of graphite in the lubricant and the carbon content in the organic binder, per unit area of the lubricant adhering to the mandrel bar surface in the above-mentioned step of elongating rolling is expressed by C (g/m2) or the maximum extent of carburization in the inner surface of the pipe to be heat-treated but prior to the heat treatment is expressed by ΔC (% by mass), the heating temperature for the pipe to be heat-treated is expressed by T (° C.), and the time during which a decarburizing gas is blown into the inside of the pipe to be heat-treated is expressed by t1 or t2 (seconds), and further, the blowing time calculated taking into account the wall thickness reduction in the step of cold working is expressed by t3 or t4 (seconds), a predetermined relation is satisfied and the actual decarburizing gas blowing time in the heat treatment is longer than the time t1, t2, t3 or t4 (seconds), whereby seamless stainless steel pipes reduced in carburized layer formation can be produced even when the carbon adhesion to the pipe inner surface is caused in, for example, mandrel mill rolling. |
| US08307683B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing coil spring
An apparatus for manufacturing a coil spring. In the apparatus, a body is provided and a pair of machining units are disposed on the body to oppose each other at one end thereof. In each of the machining units, a mandrel is disposed in an upper central part of the body. The mandrel is rotatably configured to wind a coil spring material around an outer circumference thereof. A first motor is disposed at the other end of the machining unit to provide a driving force for rotating the mandrel. Also, a guide roller part is disposed movable along a length direction of the mandrel to guide the coil spring material to be wound around the mandrel. Two coil spring materials produced from a furnace are wound around the mandrels, respectively to produce two coil springs through one process. |
| US08307682B2 |
Pipe chamfering device
A pipe chamfering device for chamfering an opening of a metal pipe has a secured member, a sliding member mounted on the secured member, and a chamfer cutting tool apron mounted on the sliding member. The secured member is secured onto a rotating plate, and a dovetail block is formed on a front side of the secured member. The sliding member has a dovetail slot on a rear side mounted correspondingly with and sliding along the dovetail block of the secured member. The sliding member has an axial aperture, and an axial rod is disposed in the axial aperture. A front end of the axial rod extends from a front side of the sliding member and is connected to a roller. The chamfer cutting tool apron has a chamfer cutting tool, and the chamfer cutting tool apron is mounted on the strip slot of the sliding member. The chamfer cutting tool is able to be driven by the rotating plate and is capable of forming a weld root with an even thickness at an opening of a non-circular pipe. |
| US08307680B2 |
Coated steel strips, methods of making the same, methods of using the same, stamping blanks prepared from the same, stamped products prepared from the same, and articles of manufacture which contain such a stamped product
Coated steel having a well defined and uniform thickness is useful and advantageous for preparing products by hot stamping. Products prepared by hot stamping such a steel are particularly advantageous when subjected to a subsequent spot welding step. |
| US08307671B2 |
Purification of gases in synthesis gas production process
A modified purifier process, includes supplying a first stream of a feed gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen in a mol ratio of about 2:1, and also containing methane and argon, then cryogenically separating the feed gas into the following: f) a second stream of synthesis gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen in a mol ratio of about 3:1, g) waste gas containing principally nitrogen, and also containing some hydrogen and all of the methane supplied in the first stream, and splitting the waste gas into: h) a third stream of hydrogen/nitrogen gas i) a fourth stream of high concentrated nitrogen j) a fifth stream of methane rich gas, to be used as fuel. The combined second and third streams typically are passed to an ammonia synthesis process. |
| US08307668B2 |
Air conditioner
When during a heating operation the value calculated by an oil amount calculation section (51) is equal to or above a predetermined value, a frequency control section (52) of a controller (50) increases the operating frequency of a compressor (21) in order to recover refrigerating machine oil in a refrigerant circuit (R). |
| US08307667B2 |
Method and system for remote acquisition of refrigerated vehicle data via telematics
A method or apparatus of accessing data includes detecting at least one parameter of a component of a refrigerated container and providing data relating to the at least one parameter to a transmitting computer located on the refrigerated container. The method or apparatus can further include transferring the data from the transmitting computer to a first remote computer located at an off-site location and transferring the data from the first remote computer to a second remote computer located at another off-site location. |
| US08307663B2 |
Vapor compression circuit and method including a thermoelectric device
A fluid compression circuit may include a compression mechanism, a volume, a heat exchanger, a fluid conduit, a thermoelectric device, and a heat-transfer device. The compression mechanism includes first and second members cooperating to form a fluid pocket. The volume receives discharge fluid from the fluid pocket. The heat exchanger is in communication with the volume. The fluid conduit is connected to at least one of the volume and the heat exchanger. The thermoelectric device may include a first side in heat-transfer relation with a member at least partially defining the volume and a second side in heat-transfer relation with ambient air and cooperating with the first side to define a temperature gradient generating electrical current in the thermoelectric device. The heat-transfer device may receive electrical current generated by the thermoelectric device and may be in heat-transfer relation with at least one of the heat exchanger and the fluid conduit. |
| US08307657B2 |
Combustor liner cooling system
A system, in one embodiment, includes a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes a combustor that includes a hollow annular wall having a combustor liner. The turbine engine also includes first flow path in a first direction through the hollow annular wall. The turbine engine further includes a second flow path in a second direction that is opposite the first direction through the hollow annular wall. The second flow path may include one or more film holes configured to supply a cooling film to a downstream end portion of the combustor liner. |
| US08307653B2 |
Combined catalysts for the combustion of fuel in gas turbines
A catalytic oxidation module for a catalytic combustor of a gas turbine engine is provided. The catalytic oxidation module comprises a plurality of spaced apart catalytic elements for receiving a fuel-air mixture over a surface of the catalytic elements. The plurality of catalytic elements includes at least one primary catalytic element comprising a monometallic catalyst and secondary catalytic elements adjacent the primary catalytic element comprising a multi-component catalyst. Ignition of the monometallic catalyst of the primary catalytic element is effective to rapidly increase a temperature within the catalytic oxidation module to a degree sufficient to ignite the multi-component catalyst. |
| US08307649B2 |
Arrangement of a two stage turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine
Arrangement of a two stage turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine including an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, including a low-pressure turbocharger, a high-pressure turbocharger and a bypass duct in flow communication with an outlet of the low-pressure compressor, an inlet of the high-pressure compressor, an outlet of the high-pressure compressor and an inlet of the intake manifold. The bypass duct includes a first bypass valve for opening and closing the bypass duct. The first bypass valve and the high-pressure compressor are accommodated within a common housing. |
| US08307647B2 |
Internal combustion engine arrangement with EGR drain system
An internal combustion engine arrangement includes an EGR circuit connecting a exhaust circuit to an intake circuit to incorporate a portion of exhaust gases in the intake gases, at least one turbine located, and a dedicated drain conduit which connects the EGR circuit to the exhaust circuit. The EGR circuit includes at least one low position point and the dedicated drain conduit permanently connects the low position point of the EGR circuit to the exhaust circuit upstream of the turbine. |
| US08307646B2 |
System using supplemental compressor for EGR
A system for driving an EGR stream for an engine includes an exhaust gas turbine, a main compressor and a supplemental EGR compressor. The turbine drives the main compressor to pressurize intake air and drives the supplemental EGR compressor to pressurize an EGR exhaust gas stream to be introduced into the intake air system. A supplemental EGR compressor takes suction of exhaust gas downstream from the turbine. A three-way valve proportions exhaust gas between the engine exhaust gas discharge conduit and the suction of the supplemental EGR compressor. The turbine drives a shaft and the main compressor and the supplemental EGR compressor are driven by having corresponding compressor wheels fixed onto the common shaft. |
| US08307644B2 |
Control device and control method for internal combustion engine
A cylinder of an internal combustion engine is provided with a turbo-side exhaust valve that opens and closes an exhaust port that communicates with a turbo-side exhaust passageway that leads to a turbine inlet opening of a turbo-supercharger, a bypass-side exhaust valve that opens and closes an exhaust port that communicates with a bypass-side exhaust passageway that bypasses the turbine, a first intake valve disposed opposite to the turbo-side exhaust valve, and a second intake valve disposed opposite to the bypass-side exhaust valve. At the time of engine startup and/or the time of low engine load, the turbo-side exhaust valve and the first intake valve are stopped in the closed state. |
| US08307642B2 |
Hydraulic motor using buoyant and gravitational forces to generate kinetic energy
A motor mounted on a structural support with a pivot at its center line which comprises a cylindrical vessel for holding a fluid in a closed system and in which a buoyant cylinder containing a lighter fluid is allowed to free float so that a continuous chain attached to each end of the buoyant cylinder may be used to transfer energy to a energy storage unit, a crank or a generator. A weighted piston that operates in a pressure tank which force a compressed gas against the piston through pre-sequenced automatic activated valves to force the piston to rise a re determined distance, causing the motor to become top heavy and rotate 180 degrees by gravity and relocks in place to repeat the cycle. |
| US08307638B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine
An object of the invention is to recover the capability of an exhaust gas purification apparatus provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine with improved reliability. According to the invention there are provided recovery control execution unit for executing a recovery control in which the temperature of the exhaust gas purification apparatus is raised by supply of reducing agent to a precatalyst to thereby recover the capability of the exhaust gas purification apparatus and prohibition range setting unit for setting a recovery control prohibition range that is an operation range of the internal combustion engine in which execution of the recovery control by the recovery control execution unit is prohibited. The higher the degree of deterioration of the precatalyst is, the higher the maximum values of the engine torque and the engine revolution number in the recovery control prohibition range are set to be. |
| US08307637B2 |
Device for purifying exhaust gases of a vehicle by selective catalytic reduction including a heated piping
A device for purifying exhaust gases of a vehicle by selective catalytic reduction including a heated piping. The heated piping comprises a fluid conveying pipe including a thermoplastic elastomer, a heating element arranged inside the conveying pipe, and an anti-abrasive layer. Preferably, the conveying pipe is made of a polyolefinic matrix based thermoplastic elastomer in which it is intimately dispersed a dynamically vulcanized and EPDM based elastomeric phase. |
| US08307636B2 |
Addition valve control method and addition valve controller
To suppress clogging of an injection nozzle that supplies fuel to an exhaust passage of an engine, a controller executes intermittent addition of fuel from the injection nozzle. In executing the intermittent addition, the controller calculates a particulate discharge amount within the exhaust passage based on the engine operation state, and multiplies the exhaust gas temperature by the intake air rate to calculate the exhaust energy. Then, based on the particulate discharge amount and the exhaust energy, the controller calculates the amount of fuel to be added. |
| US08307635B2 |
Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine
An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine that includes a NOx catalyst device which has a reducing material holding ability for holding reducing material and can reduce NOx by using the reducing material; and an electronic control unit that includes program logic, which when executed, determines whether or not a difference between a target amount of reducing material held by the NOx catalyst device and a current amount of reducing material held by the NOx catalyst device is larger than a set amount; and performs a first control or a second control. |
| US08307634B2 |
Exhaust arrangement for a vehicle exhaust line
This exhaust arrangement for an exhaust line having an exhaust gas treatment device and a liquid injection device located upstream of the exhaust gas treatment device includes a single moving element incorporating a throttling member having a solid closing surface and, operatively connected to the throttling member, a turbulence generating member and an actuator for controlling the position of the moving element between a first position wherein the moving element is in a retracted position and creates a minimum back pressure in the exhaust line and a second position wherein the moving element is in an extended position and creates a maximum back pressure, or selectively in at least one intermediate position wherein the moving element is in a turbulence generating position wherein the turbulence generating member intrudes at least partially into the exhaust line and creates turbulences within the flow of exhaust gases. |
| US08307628B2 |
Rear fan case for a gas turbine engine
A rear fan case for a gas turbine engine includes a main body and a discrete joining arrangement mounted on the outside of the main body towards its rear end. The joining arrangement provides a substantially radial groove around the main body, which can receive a joining blade on a thrust reverser unit to form a joint between the rear fan case and the thrust reverser unit. The joining arrangement may be made of metal while the main body is made of composite material. Features may be provided to ensure proper alignment and location of the joining arrangement. |
| US08307625B2 |
Cellulose-based filament for tire cord, a bundle comprising the same, a twisted yarn comprising the same, and a tire cord comprising the same
Disclosed are a cellulose-based filament for a tire cord, a bundle including the same, a twisted yarn including the same, and a tire cord including the same. The cellulose-based filament is suitable for use in a tire cord has advantages in that strength deterioration due to twisting is remarkably low and elongation is improved, and thus the fatigue resistance is good. |
| US08307624B2 |
Helical toothed rope
A helical toothed rope includes a rope body including a first resin coating and a linear body including a second resin coating. The linear body is wound around the outer surface of the rope body, and the second resin coating is fusion-bonded to the first resin coating. |
| US08307621B2 |
Device and method for the provision of cut rovings and machine for the reinforcement of a semi-finished textile product
The present invention relates to a device and a method for providing cut-to-length rovings having a defined length from an endless roving, in particular in the aviation and aerospace sector, and also to a machine with a device of this type. The device comprises a loop shape setting arrangement, a loop bracing arrangement and a cutting arrangement. An endless roving can be braced by means of the loop bracing arrangement onto the loop shape setting arrangement, thus forming a loop which can be cut to length by means of the cutting arrangement in order to produce the cut-to-length roving. |
| US08307618B2 |
Packaging apparatus
A packaging apparatus includes a conveyance unit having first and second position control plates. The first position control plate is arranged to selectively move forward or backward so as to obstruct or pass the group of packaged objects conveyed on the conveyance unit. When positions of the packaged objects are adjusted, the second position control plate is arranged to move from a downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate, rotate in a direction toward the first position control plate. or move from the downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate and simultaneously rotate in the direction toward the first position control plate. A subsequent process step delivery unit is arranged to deliver the group of packaged objects after the positions thereof are adjusted by the first and second position control plates, to a subsequent process device. |
| US08307615B2 |
Quick-change tooling system
A quick-change tooling system includes a plurality of pickers each configured to pick specific items, and a plurality of magazines each configured to hold a stack of the items. A pick and place machine includes a carriage for moving the pickers between a picking location adjacent the magazine and a placing location. The carriage includes a quick-release clamp assembly that allows pickers for different items to be changed quickly and without the use of tools. The magazines and product support plates upon which items are also configured to be changed without the use of tools. |
| US08307613B2 |
Equipment and method for packaging multiple packets of cigarettes
A method of sleeving two or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The method can include feeding successive packages of smoking articles to a plurality of bundling pocket guides each configured to receive two or more packages. A first package can be placed into one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides. A second package can be placed into the one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides containing the first package such that the first and second packages are adjacent to one another within the bundling pocket guide to form a bundle of packages. Successive bundles of packages can be fed to a sleeve folding station. The bundle of packages can be moved against a blank of sleeve material into a folding pocket. The blank of sleeve material can be folded around the bundle of packages to form a sleeve around the bundle of packages. |
| US08307606B1 |
Integrated photovoltaic rooftop modules
Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame. |
| US08307605B2 |
Dome kit, structure and method
A new and useful Dome Kit, dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system is provided. The Dome Kit and method are used to form a dome shaped structural system comprising a compression ring, a lower ring that is larger than the compression ring and spaced below the compression ring, and a plurality of ribs connected with the compression ring. The lower ring, the compression ring, lower ring and connected ribs form a dome shaped structural system; i.e. a structural system with a dome shaped appearance. New and useful structure is provided for coupling the ribs to the compression ring and to the lower ring. Such structure is particularly useful when the ribs are formed of metal (e.g. steel). |
| US08307604B2 |
Underground utility vault replacement system
An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive. |
| US08307599B2 |
Molded shingles with moisture guards for fasteners and with shingle alignment features
A molded synthetic polymer based shingle is provided as is a roof made up of underlying and overlying of courses of such shingles. The shingles are generally rigid and are provided with upwardly protruding moisture guards on the upper surfaces of their headlap portions, for guarding against wind-blown moisture entering fastener locations at which fasteners are used to attach shingles to a roof. The moisture guards may be of various configurations and by either completely or incompletely surround the fastener locations. Shields having recesses for receiving moisture guards therein, or other downward projections, may be provided at under surface locations of the shingles in cooperative engagement for further protection against moisture penetration and for facilitating alignment of shingles relative to other shingles. |
| US08307598B2 |
Insulating wall system for a building structure
The present invention concerns an insulating wall system for a building structure, wherein the wall system comprises a first wall having an exterior surface with insulation material attached to the exterior surface of the first wall by elongated fastening members extending through at least one wall member of a second wall and the insulation material and being fixed to the first wall, wherein the elongated fastening members are mounted substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface of the first wall and that the elongated fastening members are mounted pre-stressed with a predetermined amount of tension so that frictional forces between the insulation material and the exterior surface of the first wall and the inner surface of the second wall, respectively, are established. A wall system according to the invention includes fewer components and may provide an improved insulation as the components constituting thermal bridging may be reduced. |
| US08307596B2 |
Key for connection of muntin or window pane spacer bars
A key member or key for joining muntin or spacer bars in a dual pane window include an insertion end for frictional engagement in the open ended passage of a spacer bar and a projection end comprised of axially extending, spaced prongs that include teeth or serrations that enable interlocking with projecting prongs of a like key member. |
| US08307593B2 |
Tower with adapter section
A tower is provided having a foundation, at least one concrete tower section located above the foundation and one or more upper tower sections. An adapter section is located between the concrete tower section and one of the upper tower sections. The adapter section is connected to one of the upper tower sections by a fastening system and to the foundation by a plurality of tensioning cables, which are configured to induce a compressive force on the concrete tower section. The fastening system and the plurality of tensioning cables are substantially vertically aligned so that tower loads are transmitted from the upper tower sections to the plurality of tensioning cables. |
| US08307592B2 |
Assembly for pipe finishing work
An assembly for a pipe finishing work includes a support bracket supported on side walls, facing each other, of a pair of studs separated from each other and having a guide rail formed long in a direction crossing the pair of studs, a panel member penetrated by a pipe arranged between the pair of studs and having a finishing member coupled thereto to close a gap between the pair of studs in a state in which the penetrating pipe is exposed outside, and a guide rib installed at the guide rail to be capable of sliding with the panel member along the guide rail to position align the panel member with respect to the pipe. |
| US08307590B2 |
Rooftop access system
A roof access system mounted on a roof having a roof support member, said device being adapted for use with an internal component and an external component. The device includes an enclosure and an access panel providing resealable access to a central aperture located through said enclosure, a channel extending from said aperture to the underlying roof support member and being adapted for receiving tubing extending from said internal component to said connection point. A second tubing section extends from the external component to said connection point, said internal component being in communication with said external component. |
| US08307587B2 |
Water drainage device
A construct for making a drainage device for a basement waterproofing system is made from a sheet of waterproof material with two generally parallel sides. A series of longitudinal slots is provided parallel to one of the sides, and a series of tabs that fit in the slots is provided along the other side. The bottom surface is scored to provide a series of fold lines to facilitate folding the construct into a rectangular tubular shape, with the tabs fitting into the slots to hold the shape. Perforations are provided in the device to allow water to flow easily through three of the sides of the device when folded to its rectangular tubular shape. A portion of the device may be folded upward to cover the lower portion of a building wall, or a separate piece may be used to bridge the gap between the device and the wall. |
| US08307586B2 |
Shock suppressor
A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base and a connecting device. The second base is parallel to the first base. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first base and second base to connect the first and second bases and has a universal connector. The first base abuts against the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in multiple directions. The second base abuts against the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a unidirection. |
| US08307583B2 |
Truss assembly including truss hold-down connectors
A truss assembly including truss hold-down connectors for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto. |
| US08307577B2 |
Multi-functional protective weapon cover
A cover for a weapon. The cover comprises a cover body having an open first end and an open second end. The open second end fits around a front end of the weapon's body where a barrel slides into the body of the weapon and the open first end fits around a back end of the weapon leaving the barrel exposed. A top surface of the cover body includes a top opening and an upper flap affixed to the cover body covering the top opening. The cover body also has a first and second lateral side and a belt feed opening on one of the lateral sides of the cover body. |
| US08307575B1 |
Precision rifle chassis system
A rifle assembly includes a central chassis having a vertically aligned opening and a pair of slots extending from the sidewalls into the opening. An action has a pair of projections engageable with the at slots in the chassis and is removably securable within the chassis. The action is insertable into and removable from above the chassis, with the action axis at an angle to the chassis axis, to engage the respective action and chassis slot and projection. The action is rotatable with respect to the chassis upon engagement of the respective action and chassis slot and projection to align the axes of the action and chassis and lock the action to the chassis against rotation and removal. A resilient material is disposed between the chassis and action to load the action to the chassis with a force in excess of recoil force of the action. |
| US08307574B2 |
Eccentric helical rotary lock
A fully stabilized excavator tooth attachment. An excavator tooth includes a nose-receiving pocket bounded by an inner end, upper and lower, and opposing side walls, the end wall having a nose-engaging interface surface formed orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tooth, at least one of the side walls having a fastener opening formed therethrough, and each of the upper and lower walls having two spaced apart nose-engaging interface surfaces formed thereon substantially parallel to each other. Another excavator tooth includes side walls having generally planar nose-engaging interface surfaces formed therein, one surface resisting rotation of the tooth about the longitudinal axis in one direction, and another interface surface resisting rotation of the tooth in an opposite direction. An attachment system includes a fastener configured for releasably securing the tooth on the nose, the fastener having a thread which is eccentric relative to a body of the fastener. |
| US08307573B2 |
Rotary snow tiller for grooming ski slopes
A rotary snow tiller for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, and which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; and a shaft which is rotated with respect to the frame about a first axis crosswise to the traveling direction, and is fitted with tools, each of which extends along a second axis crosswise to the first axis, and is selectively adjustable about the second axis with respect to the first axis. |
| US08307560B2 |
Shaped fit sizing system
A revolutionary, new sizing and fitting system for jeans is based on the concept of shape, not size. This sizing and fitting system is organized around some basic body shapes categories: e.g., slight curve (straighter figure, flatter fanny), demi curve (evenly proportioned hip and seat) and bold curve (smaller waist, larger seat). To use the system, the consumer finds their shape using a shape measuring tool. The shape measuring tool calculates a shape category based on a differential of two measurements in the seat area. With this shape category information, the consumer can easily locate a pair of form-fitting jeans. The sizing and fitting system is also applicable to pants, shorts, skirts, and other clothing where form fit is desirable in the seat and hip area. |
| US08307559B2 |
Bush cutter blade and bush cutter
A bush cutter includes two types of cutting blades which differ completely in characteristics used to cut grasses and the like. One cutting blade is a resin string blade wound around a reel installed on a base plate, and the other is a metal blade installed in such a way as to protrude outward from the base plate. The bush cutter also includes a string guide which guides the resin blade to extend outwardly at less than a 90 degree angle from the reel as it projects from the base plate. |
| US08307555B2 |
Closable knife with opening mechanism
A knife includes a handle and a blade coupled to the handle so as to be movable between an open position in which the blade extends from the handle, and a closed position, in which the blade is received within the handle. A detent mechanism is configured to resist movement of the blade from the closed position toward the open position while less than a threshold bias is applied to the blade toward the open position, but to release the blade to move toward the open position when at least the threshold bias is applied to the blade toward the open position. The threshold bias is of such a degree that, when the blade is released by the detent mechanism, sufficient energy is imparted by the bias to the blade to carry the blade from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08307552B1 |
Heatable shaving accessory
A shaving accessory for use with a blade razor of the type having a shaving head and an elongate handle. The accessory includes a slotted cylindrical heat-retaining mass which is adjustably attachable to the handle of the razor by means of a spring arm and clip so that the mass can be brought into an active position proximate to the shaving head where it will contact the skin during the shaving process. |
| US08307549B2 |
Method of making an electrical circuit
A layer of transparent conductive material is disposed on a surface of a substrate. Further layers of conductive material are deposited on the layer of transparent conductive material or on an opposite surface of the substrate. The layers are selectively etched to yield a layout of pads for mounting electrical components and conductive traces forming an electrical circuit. |
| US08307547B1 |
Method of manufacturing a circuit board with light emitting diodes
A method of manufacturing a circuit board (PCB) with light emitting diodes includes a channel through the PCB to define first and second sides diametrically opposed from each other, a plurality of first legs from the first side towards the second side, and a plurality of second legs from the second side towards the first side, and alternating across the PCB from the first side to the second side the plurality of legs. The channel thus runs along top and bottom edges defined between a pair of adjacent first and second legs. Bridges are provided along the channel physically connecting the first side to the second legs, and/or connecting the second side to the first legs, and/or connecting between the first and second legs. Lastly, LEDs are populated along the sides and legs. |
| US08307532B2 |
Tubular structure for fixing particulate matter detection device
A tubular structure for fixing a particulate matter detection device including a tubular first holding tube having a fixing structure portion at a first end; and a tubular second holding tube having one end fixed to a second end so that the second holding tube is coaxial with the first holding tube. The particulate matter detection device is prolonged in one direction and having a detecting portion for particulate matter, with a takeout portion of a wiring line disposed in the tubular structure so that the detecting portion projects to the outside from the first end and so that the takeout portion is positioned in the second holding tube, and with the particulate matter detection device fixed to a pipe by the fixing structure portion so that the detecting portion is positioned in the pipe. |
| US08307531B2 |
Apparatus and method of manufacturing bodily fluid test strip
There is a dry test strip holder having a test port and a retainer defining a well about the test port, and a sheet of test strip material. A test element that is 50% or less greater than the size of the test port is cut from the sheet using a die and punch. The punch drives the test element through a channel in the die while the cone-shaped outer surface of the die spreads the retainer, allowing the test element to drop into the well. A cap is snapped over the retainer to capture the test element. |
| US08307529B2 |
Plug removal method and apparatus
A tool for removing plugs from recesses obviates the need for a twist of the wrist in engaging a plug for removal. A plunger is carried by a housing and is supported for reciprocal axial motion between extended and retracted positions relative to the housing. A shaft of the plunger includes a first threaded section that is engaged in a nut carried by the housing and has threads pitched to allow relative axial motion to be converted to relative rotation between shaft and housing. A second threaded section of the plunger shaft is configured to tap into a plug in response to shaft rotation in a tapping direction, and has a shallower thread pitch than the first threaded section. |
| US08307528B2 |
Low clearance machined part mating system
A device, system, and method for generating low clearance slidably mated parts. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a measurement device having a non-contact micrometer capable of coincidentally indicating opposing edge data, rotational and linear air bearing slides, and a holding device. The non-contact micrometer allows for measurement of a plurality of parameters of a first part including the diameter and the difference between an edge of the first part and a reference point. The coincidental measurements are used to determine the size and geometric errors associated with the first part after suitable error elimination. In an exemplary system, a processing machine may be instructed by the measurement device to remove material from a second part so that the first part and the second part when mated together have a very low clearance tolerance level, e.g., as little as 0.00005 inches or less. |
| US08307525B2 |
Hand-operated rivet setting tool
A hand-operated rivet setting tool, having an upper handle, a lower handle, a housing which is connected to the lower handle at its first end and houses a pump assembly and a flexible reservoir, the pump assembly, connected to a flexible reservoir, the front assembly for setting a rivet, having a nose tube connected to a hydraulic cylinder of the pump assembly, a lever assembly, wherein the lever assembly and at least one of the handles are operationally connected to the pump assembly, wherein the pump assembly is sufficiently designed to advance the hydraulic cylinder with the nose tube to set the rivet when the lever of the lever assembly is in a first position, and wherein the pump assembly is sufficiently designed to open a passage for oil to return into the flexible reservoir and the hydraulic cylinder with the nose tube to retrieve toward the housing when the lever of the lever assembly is in a second position. |
| US08307524B2 |
Weatherstrip insertion apparatus and method
Weatherstripping is inserted in an extrusion on-line with an extruder which provides the extrusion as it moves towards a station. The extrusion at such station is pulled and cut into sections from which frames of windows are fabricated by fabricators, thereby avoiding the need for insertion of the weatherstrip into the sections offline by the window fabricator. The insertion apparatus includes rollers and an insertion wheel which inserts the weatherstrip into a slot on one side of the extrusion. Rotation of the rollers is coupled to the insertion wheel by a transmission so that the weatherstripping is driven at the same or greater lineal speed than the speed at which the extrusion moves towards the pulling and cutting station, thereby assuring that the weatherstrip reaches the cutter in the cutting station simultaneously with or ahead of the extrusion at the cutter and is not pulled back, which would be the case if the insertion wheel was not rotationally coupled to the rollers and moved at a slower speed than the extrusion due to friction which retards the rotation of the wheel. The sections are filled with weatherstripping along their entire length to facilitate the use thereof by the fabricator in providing components of the frames of the windows being fabricated. |
| US08307519B2 |
Memorialization casket
A casket having provision for displaying a photograph, the photograph having a pair of opposite side edges, comprises a casket shell adapted to receive the remains of a deceased and having a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, and a bottom wall, a casket cap closable on the casket shell, the cap including a dish assembly mounted to an underside thereof, the dish assembly including a cap panel, the cap panel including at least one pair of opposed retention members sized and configured to receive and retain the pair of opposite side edges of the photograph for display of the photograph when the cap is in an open position. |
| US08307517B2 |
Slide lock for joining two ends of a textile ribbon
A slide lock for joining two ends of a textile ribbon, including an external sleeve having a cavity; and a locking part having at least one tip and mounted in the cavity of the external sleeve; wherein the external sleeve has an opening with stops for the locking part and an opening allowing the insertion of the locking part, locking portions for cooperating with the stops to retain the locking part in the cavity are further provided in the external sleeve. |
| US08307515B2 |
Handle shell for clipping into a cutout section in a thin wall
The description relates to a handle shell to be installed in an opening in a thin wall such as a sheet-metal door leaf, a side wall of a sheet-metal cabinet, or the like, with a flange part, fastening elements proceeding from or being received in the flange part for fastening the flange part to the thin wall, and with a shell part. According to the invention, the flange part and shell part are two separate structural component parts, the flange part has a first flange supported on the edge of the opening in the thin wall, and the shell part of the handle shell has another flange which is enclosed in such a way by the first flange part after being installed that it extends between the thin wall and the first flange part. |
| US08307505B2 |
Rotation control device for rotation body
A rotation control device is configured so that a spring force of a torsion coil spring holds an attitude of a rotation body at a pre-advancement position corresponding to a post-return position (a), and a post-advancement position corresponding to a pre-return position (b), respectively. The rotation control device includes a first rotation part supporting one end of the torsion coil spring and supported on a fixed body so as to rotate as the rotation body rotates, and a second rotation part rotatably supported on the fixed body at a first rotation part side and supporting the other end of the torsion coil spring. When the first rotation part rotates, the second rotation part rotates together with the first rotation part. A wound portion of the torsion coil spring is most elastically deformed when the rotation body is at an intermediate position (c) between the position (a) and the position (b). |
| US08307503B1 |
Slow closing hinge apparatus
A self-closing hinge comprises a stationary assembly comprising a hollow cylindrical tube having a first end and a second end having a clutch stationary assembly secured thereto. The hinge further includes a first torsional spring positioned within said tube and secured at the first end thereof, and has a pin secured at a second end of said first torsional spring whereby said spring biases said pin in a first direction and whereby said pin rotates to engage said clutch assembly at a at least one point. A rotating intermediate tube assembly comprises a generally hollow cylinder having a first end positioned over said stationary assembly, and a second end having a clutch rotating assembly, whereby said pin of said torsional spring engages said clutch rotating assembly at a point. The invention further comprise an exterior tube assembly comprising a generally hollow cylinder having a first open end positioned over said intermediate tube assembly and a second closed end, and a second torsional spring positioned between and secured to said intermediate tube assembly and said exterior tube assembly. |
| US08307501B2 |
Spring hinge between a bow and a bow cheek of a pair of spectacles
A spring hinge between a bow (2) and a bow cheek (1) of a pair of spectacles is described, having a cheek-side hinge part (3), which forms a bearing fork (6), having a bow-side hinge part (4), which is mounted so it is rotatable in the bearing fork (6) by a hinge axis (5), and having a U-shaped sliding part (9), which supports the bow-side hinge part (4), and which is guided so it is displaceable in a recess (10) of a bow-side housing (11) in the bow longitudinal direction and receives a coiled spring (15) between its two legs (14), which is supported on one side on a web (16), which connects the two legs (14) of the U-shaped sliding part (9), and on the other side on a buttress (17), which engages through a through opening (19), which runs coaxially to the coiled spring (15), in the bow-side hinge part (4) in a nut thread (18) of the housing (11), which is coaxial to the coiled spring (15). In order to allow a largely concealed hinge configuration, it is proposed that the cheek-side hinge part (4) forms an insert, which is inserted into a laterally closed receptacle pocket (7) of the bow cheek (1), and the bow cheek (1) having the insert exposes a passage for the buttress (17), which is coaxial to the coiled spring (15), in the angled bow position. |
| US08307499B2 |
Hanger for window drape and slide assembly including hanger
A hanger includes an elongated member having a rod with a plurality of positioning portions spaced in a vertical direction. An engaging portion is formed on a bottom of the rod for engaging with an engagement portion. A coupling block includes a connecting head. The coupling block further includes a body and a resilient plate that are located below the connecting head. The body and the resilient plate together define a passageway having an opening in a lower end thereof. The rod is slideable in the passageway in the vertical direction. The resilient plate includes a free end having a hook that is spaced from the body. At least a portion of the hook extends into the passageway. The hook is releasably engaged with a selected one of the positioning portions. The resilient plate is operable to disengage the hook from the positioning portions. |
| US08307493B2 |
Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the special feature that the longitudinal groove has a closed circumference, wherein the connecting device is connected to the wiper blade. |
| US08307491B1 |
Whisk wiper
A whisk wiper 30, a device having a flexible central portion defining a plurality of intersecting slits 32 angularly disposed in an asterisk type pattern, for mounting onto a whisk 46 having angularly disposed loops 44. It is pulled down over the loops 44, each loop 44 guided through a slit 32. To clean off mixture 50 stuck to the whisk 46 the whisk wiper 30 is simply pulled off, the opposed edges of each slit 32 functioning as squeegees, wiping the loops 44 clean, the removed mixture 50 collected on the top side of the whisk wiper 30 so it can be then returned to the mixing bowl 52. Additionally the whisk wiper 30 is a splash guard, support to hang the whisk 46 on the edge of a mixing bowl 52, keeps the whisk's loops 44 up off the surface when the whisk 46 is set down and the outer edge 40 can be used to wipe out the mixing bowl 52. |
| US08307489B1 |
Towel assembly
A towel assembly for suspension from a golf push cart handle, the towel assembly including an absorbent fabric sheet having an upper end, a lower end, a lateral side, an oppositely lateral side, a rearward surface, and a forward surface; a vertical fold extending the fabric sheet's lateral side forwardly and oppositely laterally; a horizontal fold extending the fabric sheet's upper end forwardly and downwardly; snap fasteners connected operatively to the fabric sheet, the snap fasteners being adapted for, upon positioning the golf push cart handle beneath the horizontal fold, alternatively enveloping the golf push cart handle for the towel suspension, and releasing the golf push cart handle; and embroidered logo indicia positioned upon the fabric sheet's rearward surface. |
| US08307486B2 |
Air vent dust scrubber
An assembly used to scrape clean a vent pattern with a blade and catch or the scrapings. |
| US08307484B2 |
Method and apparatus for operation of pool cleaner with integral chlorine generator
An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water. An electrochemical cell manual mounting system permits the cell to be secured in place for operation and manually removed for maintenance, repair or replacement by the user without special tools or training. |
| US08307480B2 |
Enclosure for items susceptible to infestation by certain organisms
An enclosure for preventing certain organisms from escaping from an item susceptible to infestation into the surrounded environment and for preventing certain organisms from entering the item susceptible to infestation from the surrounding environment. The enclosure is defined by a flexible sheet material defining an interior space. The enclosure comprises a slit-like opening formed in the flexible sheet material through which an item susceptible to infestation can be inserted into the interior space defined by the enclosure. |
| US08307469B1 |
Removable floor sink drain lock
Improved floor sink drain screen locks having expandable means for sealingly engaging the walls of a floor sink drain, yet being readily collapsible for quick and easy removal when desired. |
| US08307467B2 |
Toilet device with indicator
Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has an indicator to advise the consumer when replacement of user serviceable parts, such as the water treatment concentrate and the air treatment concentrate, is needed. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air. |
| US08307466B2 |
Eye protection device comprising a soft sponge with vinyl coating insert member
The invention discloses sponge coated with vinyl on the surface of the sponge as used in connection with eyewear for use in sports and the like; and more particularly to eyewear that utilizes inner removable sealing member, commonly referred as cup, that incorporates sponge coated with vinyl on the surface of the sponge. |
| US08307465B2 |
Garment pocket for carrying an object in a concealed state
A garment pocket configured to carry, in a concealed and readily-accessible state, a handgun or other object is disclosed. The garment pocket is configured to be folded to yield and maintain at least one additional configuration. The garment pocket can be folded to assume and maintain either a first folded configuration, or a second folded configuration. The garment pocket in the first folded configuration is suitable for carrying, in an ergonomic position, a handgun having, for example, a medium-to-long barrel portion, whereas the garment pocket in the second folded configuration is suitable for carrying, in an ergonomic position, a handgun having, for example, a relatively short barrel portion. |
| US08307463B2 |
Hands-free pumping and nursing bra or tank
This invention relates generally to a bra or tank that has three layers on the chest that allow the wearer to comfortably breast feed or pump milk hands-free. Specifically, the tank or bra has three detachable layers over the breast where the outer layer is a solid layer, the inner layer has two openings over the nipple that are equipped to receive the funnels of a breast pumping apparatus and hold them to the breast without the wearer holding them, and an inner layer that has a large opening for the breast so that the wearer may breast feed an infant. |
| US08312561B2 |
Device and method for the micromechanical positioning and handling of an object
The invention relates to a device and a method for the micromechanical positioning and handling of an object. The aim of the invention is to provide a device and an associated method for the micromechanical positioning and handling of objects by means of which the scanning speed can be increased and the positional accuracy be improved so that real time images or video rate images (ca. 25 images per second) having a lateral and vertical resolution in the nanometer range can be achieved. According to the invention, a monolithic component, preferably made of silicon, comprises a support element, an object carrier, a plurality of guide elements and elements for transmitting the movement, the preferably piezoresistive drive elements and the preferably piezoresistive position detectors being integrated into said monolithic component; Said micromechanical positioning device can be used, for example, in scanning probe microscopy and in nanopositioning and nanomanipulation technology. |
| US08312558B2 |
System and method of managing protected video content
A method of managing protected video content is presented that includes inspecting a packet stream received from a subscriber broadband interface, where the packet stream includes video content. The method also includes generating a signature based on the video content and comparing the generated signature with a stored signature corresponding to protected video content. In a particular embodiment, the method can include storing data indicating that the protected video content has been re-distributed from the subscriber broadband interface when the generated signature matches the stored signature. |
| US08312557B2 |
Secure storage device for transfer of data
Described herein are methods and devices of securing data. For example, a method of securing data comprises receiving, by a secure storage device, unsecure data from a source. The secure storage device is removably attached to the source. The method further comprises securing the unsecure data within the secure storage device by performing digital processing related to the unsecure data to create secure data. The secure storage device is responsive to the same protocol as an unsecure storage device and as a result the secure storage device is transparent to the source. The source responds to the secure storage device as if it were an unsecure storage device. |
| US08312556B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing program updating identification information via E-mail
An information processing apparatus includes a use restriction unit that restricts use of the information processing apparatus based on identification information stored in an identification information storage unit, and a controller. The controller is operable to update the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit, send the updated identification information to a preset mail address, by an E-mail, receive an E-mail, determine whether the received E-mail is an E-mail replying to the sent E-mail, and control the identification information storage unit to store identification information included in the received E-mail as new identification information if the received E-mail is determined to be the E-mail replying to the sent E-mail. |
| US08312555B2 |
Device, system and method for service delivery with anti-emulation mechanism
A method for service delivery to a client, in which the client selects a service, and establishes a connection with a system server to which it sends an identity associated with the client and an identifier of the service. The system server verifies that the client is authorized to access to the service and that the client is non-emulated. If this is verified, the service is provided to the client. In a preferred embodiment, the service is scrambled content and the system server provides a descrambling key to the client, and instructs a content server to provide the scrambled content to the client. Also claimed are a device, a system, and a system server. |
| US08312551B2 |
Low level sequence as an anti-tamper Mechanism
A method is provided for tamper detection of a transmitted signal. The method is comprised of generating a first digital data signal having a first data rate. The method is also comprised of generating a second digital data signal having a second data rate. The method is further comprised of concurrently transmitting the first digital data signal at a first carrier frequency using a first modulation format and the second digital data signal at a second carrier frequency using a second modulation format. The method includes selecting the second carrier frequency and a bandwidth of the second digital data signal so that the second digital data signal is contained within a frequency spectrum defined by a bandwidth of the first digital data signal. The method also includes verifying an integrity of the first digital data signal at a remote receiver based on defection at the remote receiver of the second digital data signal. A system (100) is also provided for generating a tamper-protected transmitted signal. |
| US08312549B2 |
Practical threat analysis
The following subject matter provides a computer-implemented method and system for calculation of cost-effectiveness of countermeasures in mitigating the threats on a system through calculating risk of threats. The calculation is run on a model of assets, threats, vulnerabilities and countermeasures and enables the production of easy to understand reports and action item lists showing the financial value of threat risks and countermeasures priorities and cost-effectiveness. |
| US08312544B2 |
Method and apparatus for limiting denial of service attack by limiting traffic for hosts
A method for controlling a denial of service attack involves receiving a plurality of packets from a network, identifying an attacking host based on a severity level of the denial of service attack from the network, wherein the attacking host is identified by an identifying attack characteristic associated with one of the plurality of packets associated with the attacking host, analyzing each of the plurality of packets by a classifier to determine to which of a plurality of temporary data structures each of the plurality of packet is forwarded, forwarding each of the plurality of packets associated with the identifying attack characteristic to one of the plurality of temporary data structures matching the severity level of the denial of service attack as determined by the classifier, requesting a number of packets from the one of the plurality of temporary data structures matching the severity level by the virtual serialization queue, and forwarding the number of packets to the virtual serialization queue. |
| US08312542B2 |
Network intrusion detection using MDL compress for deep packet inspection
A network intrusion detection system and method that includes a grammar inference engine. A grammar-based Minimum Description Length (MDL) compression algorithm is used to determine an attack based on closeness of fit to one or more compression models. The network intrusion detection system and method can determine zero day attacks. |
| US08312538B2 |
Site check method
A site check method is provided that enables a user to check, when the user accesses a predetermined site, whether the site is legitimate or not. The method includes a first display step in which, when the user accesses a first server managing the site from a first information terminal, the first server has the first information terminal display predetermined check information. The method further includes a second display step in which, when the user accesses a second server from a second information terminal, the second server has the second information terminal display the check information. |
| US08312533B2 |
Virtual local area network switching device and associated computer system and method
A virtual local area network switching device and an associated computer system and method are provided to permit operation in accordance with a plurality of different security classifications. The computer system includes a computer, a virtual local area network switching device and a plurality of peripheral units having different security classifications. The virtual local area network switching device may include a computing device that includes the plurality of ports and that is configured to control communications with the peripheral units in accordance with the respective security classifications. The virtual local area network switching device may also include a memory device configured to store information associating the plurality of the ports with the security classification of the respective peripheral unit. The memory device may also store information associating each port with both a logical address and a physical address of the respective peripheral units. |
| US08312531B2 |
Communicating via a wireless gateway device and SSL
Systems (and corresponding methodologies) of deploying an enhanced access point (or an integrated router/access point) with embedded secure socket layer (SSL) tunneling capabilities are provided. The innovation enables users to initiate or prompt secure SSL tunnels between a wireless computer or device (and browser session) and the wireless gateway device (WGD). In particular, off-the-shelf web browser applications can be used to effect secure communication between a wireless mobile device and a SWAT-(Secure Wireless Application Tunnel-) equipped access point. |
| US08312521B2 |
Biometric authenticaton system and method with vulnerability verification
A biometric authentication device has a threat of an attack of pretending to be someone else by such as forgery. The present invention supports a service provider to appropriately decide the level of such threat.A vulnerability verification server 150 is provided in the system, and the vulnerability of each biometric product is centrally managed. A service provider 130 sends the information that specifies the device in which a client terminal 110 executes the biometric authentication to the vulnerability verification server 150, and receives the vulnerability information. The service provider 130 decides whether the service can be provided or not to the client terminal 110 using the vulnerability information that was received. |
| US08312518B1 |
Island of trust in a service-oriented environment
The present invention is directed to establishing an island of trust using credentials issued by a manufacturer or service provider and protecting the credentials by embedding them in application code. |
| US08312516B1 |
Security permissions with dynamic definition
Deriving permissions is disclosed. A request is received from a requestor to perform a database system transaction. One or more permissions associated with the requestor are determined by deriving the one or more permissions based at least in part on database data. |
| US08312512B2 |
Secure file transfer method
An on-board telecommunication system, partitioned into a secure area and a non secure area, including at least a first telecommunication equipment unit in the secure area, a second telecommunication equipment unit in the non secure area, and a first one-way link from the first to the second equipment. The first equipment unit is configured to transmit data on the first link according to a first protocol. The system further includes a second link from the second to the first equipment unit, in accordance with a second protocol, the first two layers of which are distinct of those of the first protocol, the second equipment configured to transmit data on the second link as messages in accordance with the first protocol and encapsulated in frames in accordance with the second protocol. |
| US08312509B2 |
High integrity firmware
Provided are a techniques for determining whether tagged memory is available. In response to determining that tagged memory is available, it is determined whether an Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) system is implemented. In response to determining that the EFI system is implemented, object descriptors for EFI runtime code and data are allocated and one or more call points from non-tagged memory to tagged memory are provided for use at runtime. |
| US08312508B2 |
Information processing apparatus, operation permission generating method, operation permission generation determining method, operation permission generating program product and computer-readable recording medium, and generation permission determining program product and computer-readable recording medium
In an information processing apparatus for generating an operation permission specifying an application subject for a permission determination of an operation based on a subject of the operation, a resource to be a subject for the operation, and a type of the operation, an operation permission managing part manages the operation permission, and an operation permission generating part generates the operation permission for each combination of one or more categories of the subject, one or more categories of the resource, and one or more types of the operation, which are indicated as the application subject of the operation permission in a generation request, in response to the generation request of the operation permission, and a duplication detecting part detects a duplication of the application subject with an existing operation permission registered in the operation permission data managing part, with respect to the operation permission for each combination. |
| US08312499B2 |
Tunneling information in compressed audio and/or video bit streams
A method for conveying private or enhancement information in a compressed bit stream comprising the steps of (A) generating a compressed bit stream in response to a first data stream and a plurality of encoding choices and (B) controlling the encoding choices in response to a second data stream comprising one or both of the private information and the enhancement information. |
| US08312498B2 |
Digital broadcast reception apparatus, information content printing method in the apparatus, print apparatus communicating with the apparatus, and control method thereof
A digital television (101) which allows the user to view a digital broadcast program receives a digital broadcast signal, and outputs it on the display screen. The digital television sequentially stores print information of the broadcast program in response to a predetermined output instruction during viewing of the broadcast program. The digital television transmits the stored print information to a printer in response to a print start instruction after the predetermined output instruction. In this way, the digital television sequentially saves print data of the broadcast program that the user is viewing, allows the user to select required data later, and can print the selected data all together. |
| US08312497B2 |
Closed-captioning universal resource locator (URL) capture system and method
A method includes receiving at a set-top box a broadcast signal including closed-captioning content. The closed-captioning content includes subtitles related to the broadcast signal and uniform resource locator (URL) data. The URL data is extracted from the closed-captioning content. The URL data is stored in a memory of the set-top box. |
| US08312494B2 |
Presenting a continuous programming sequence at a client terminal
A method and system of presenting a continuous programming sequence at a client terminal, e.g., a set top box. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: defining a programming sequence at a server; and the server instructing the client terminal associated with the programming sequence to retrieve a first program item specified in the programming sequence from a specified location. |
| US08312493B2 |
Providing program restart functionality in a digital video network
A technique for providing program restart functionality in a digital video network involves receiving requests from different end-user devices to restart a program and servicing the program restart requests from the different end-user devices via a single broadcast stream. In an embodiment, program restart requests that are received within an established time interval, referred to as an aggregation interval, are serviced by the same broadcast stream. Additionally, during the aggregation interval and before the program restart begins, personalized content can be provided to the end-user devices via, for example, unicasting. Once the aggregation interval is over, all of the unicast streams are switched over to the same broadcast stream and the program broadcast is restarted. In an embodiment, a switch buffer is provided just before the restarted broadcast stream in order to ensure a smooth transition from each of the multiple unicast streams to the restarted broadcast stream. |
| US08312492B2 |
Systems and methods of providing modified media content
A method and system of providing media content is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving media content from a content source at a set-top box device. The media content includes video data having a first playback rate and audio data having the first playback rate. The method further includes transforming the audio data via a non-linear transformation to produce modified audio data having a second playback rate, modifying the video data to produce modified video data having the second playback rate, and synchronizing the modified audio data and the modified video data to produce modified media content having the second playback rate. A network-based media content storage device and associated logic to provide adjusted rate audio content are also disclosed. |
| US08312489B2 |
CM searching method and apparatus, and CM-appendant information supplying method and apparatus
Inquiry about information on a CM can be made based on a feature of that CM, and a server can be inquired about a CM which meets a condition such as keyword, thereby permitting the user to view his desired CM. Detecting a commercial message from a television broadcast, calculating a feature of the detected commercial message and accepting input information appendant to the commercial message, a CM information server creates a data base in which the calculated commercial-message feature and commercial message-appendant information are associated with each other. In response to a request for a commercial message search in which a keyword sent from the user via a network is taken as a key, the CM information server searches the data base for a commercial-message feature and sends the commercial-message feature detected in the data base to the user via the network. The user calculates a feature of the commercial message detected in the television broadcast to select a commercial message whose feature is coincident with the commercial-message feature sent from the CM information server. Also, in response to a request for commercial message-appendant information sent from the user via the network, the CM information server searches the data base on the basis of the commercial-message feature as a key to read commercial message-appendant information whose feature is coincident with the feature detected in the data base and sends it to the user via the network. |
| US08312488B2 |
Method and system for fast channel change in a communication device
A stream request is generated based on the stream address of a corresponding program selected from an electronic program guide that associates programs with corresponding IP multicast stream addresses by a subscriber/user device. The stream request is sent from the subscriber device to a broadband device, which compares the address in the request to available stream information listed in a content guide. The content guide contains information for all multicast streams that are available from a CMTS to the broadband device over DS channels of the current MAC domain. The broadband device locks to the stream that corresponds to the request, including tuning to a different DS channel if necessary. The broadband device may request another MAC domain if the stream is not available from the current one. After locking to a desired stream, the broadband device informs the CMTS so that it can adjust content guide user counts. |
| US08312486B1 |
Interactive product placement system and method therefor
A method for presenting advertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby the commercial product is placed in the video production as an element of the video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the video production to select the product. Information is then displayed about the selected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selected product. |
| US08312484B1 |
Systems and methods for blocking selected commercials
Systems and methods for blocking inappropriate or undesired media content. Commercials are reviewed and assigned ratings or other attributes. Metadata including one or more flags identifying a commercial's rating or other attribute is embedded or inserted into media guidance application data for the commercial or for the media content during which the commercial is to be displayed. The media guidance application data is then sent to a viewer's equipment. The equipment receives the media guidance application data, parses the data for the metadata, and then determines if the commercial can be displayed based on parental control restrictions set by a user. |
| US08312480B2 |
System and method for incorporating web services in a web site
To facilitate client access to web services, a server may be configured to package or bundle a function call for a web service with associated information. This information may include parameters for the function call and/or software code that can facilitate the function call. The software code may be configured to format user input for use as parameters of the function call, to prompt the user for parameters, to control the display of the web services received in response to execution of the function call, or to otherwise facilitate use of the function call. The resulting function call package may be distributed to multiple clients. |
| US08312478B1 |
System and method for using virtual machine for driver installation sandbox
A method, system and computer program product for providing driver functionality in computing system includes installing an operating system on the computing system; forming a plurality of isolated sandboxes running on the computing system under control of the operating system; during an attempt to install a driver, installing driver stub in the operating system; installing the driver in one of the isolated sandboxes, wherein the driver directly uses at least part of system resources; using a gateway between the driver stub and the installed driver to provide an interface for transmitting requests from the driver stub to driver. |
| US08312474B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for applying timed operations to non-timed functions
An encapsulation module encapsulates a function in a timed method adapter. A caller calls the timed method adapter in place of the function. The timed method adapter calls a set invoker. The set invoker saves an argument, calls an invoke thread, and returns to the timed method adapter. The invoke thread invokes the function and passes the function an object and the argument. The timed method adapter further waits for an execution result from the function and monitors for an expiration of a timeout. If the function returns the execution result before expiration of the timeout, the timed method adapter returns the execution result to the caller. If the timeout expires before the function returns the execution result, the timed method adapter directs the invoke thread to cancel the function and returns a timeout exception to the caller. |
| US08312469B2 |
Implicit interaction of portal application components
The present invention relates to the field of network portals and in particular to a method and system for exchanging data between components of one or more composite applications implemented on a portal server, wherein the components are programmed independently from each other. An embodiment of the invention includes: automatically intercepting I/O data being input or output respectively to or from the components or a browser; extracting data objects from the I/O data; determining for a source component, which of the data objects match input requirements of which other potential target components; selecting matching data objects for a matching target component; and transferring the matching data objects to the matching target component. |
| US08312468B2 |
Methods and apparatus for fast context switching in a virtualized system
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for fast context switching in a virtualized system. In the disclosed system, a globally unique application-space identifier is associated with each guest application. No two applications share the same application-space identifier, even if the two applications reside in different virtual machines. Domain identifiers are used to ensure that a guest's mappings are only active when that guest is executing. A unique domain identifier is associated with each virtual machine, and all translation lookaside buffer entries thereby mapping the guest's kernel pages with that domain value. All other mappings are tagged with a predefined domain such as zero. In addition, a virtual memory management unit may be configured to support two virtual page table pointers and a configurable boundary between a virtual user page table and a virtual kernel page table. In such an instance, the two virtual page table pointers are presented to a guest operating system, and two physical page table pointers are associated with the two virtual page table pointers. |
| US08312463B2 |
Resource management in computing scenarios
This patent application pertains to urgency-based resource management in computing scenarios. One implementation can identify processes competing for resources on a system. The implementation can evaluate an urgency of individual competing processes. The implementation can also objectively allocate the resources among the competing processes in a manner that reduces a total of the urgencies of the competing processes. |
| US08312461B2 |
System and method for discovering and protecting allocated resources in a shared virtualized I/O device
A system includes a virtualized I/O device coupled to one or more processing units. The virtualized I/O device includes a storage for storing a resource discovery table, and programmed I/O (PIO) configuration registers corresponding to hardware resources. A system processor may allocate the plurality of hardware resources to one or more functions, and to populate each entry of the resource discovery table for each function. The processing units may execute one or more processes. Given processing units may further execute OS instructions to allocate space for an I/O mapping of a PIO configuration space in a system memory, and to assign a function to a respective process. Processing units may execute a device driver instance associated with a given process to discover allocated resources by requesting access to the resource discovery table. The virtualized I/O device protects the resources by checking access requests against the resource discovery table. |
| US08312460B1 |
Allocating computer resources to workloads using utilization based probability distributions
A computer system allocates computer resources to workloads by generated plural requests per combination of workload and allocation period from probability distributions generated at least in part from utilization data. |
| US08312450B2 |
Widgetizing a web-based application
Method and system for widgetizing a web-based application are provided. An example system comprises a widgetizer trigger and a definition module. The widgetizer trigger may be configured to receive at a server computer system, from a web browser application running at a client computer system, a request to widgetize a web-based computer application to permit the computer application to be run as a desktop widget at the client computer system. The definition module may be configured to provide to the client computer application, in response to the request to widgetize, a definition file associated with the computer application, the definition file comprising a reference link to the computer application, the reference link including one or more parameters, the one or more parameters to instruct the computer application to generate output in a format suitable for use by a widget engine provided at the client computer system. |
| US08312448B2 |
Configuration to order software deployment and management
In a configuration-to-order (CTO) software provisioning system, software upgrade/downgrade support, software running change support, and software file server management are provided in part using microcode typically stored on a user computer BIOS. |
| US08312447B2 |
Managing updates using compiler and linker information
Generating a next build version of a software application using information generated during a previous build version at the compiler and linker levels. The information describes the structure and build decisions applied during creation of the previous build version. Generation of the current build version is modified based on the information to minimize the binary differences between the builds. In some embodiments, a linker arranges the contents during the previous build in anticipation of the current build. Further, the linker pads the previous build with unused address space to minimize relocation of the contents of the build. |
| US08312444B2 |
Method for optimizing memory modules for user-specific environments
A method for altering and preferably optimizing the performance of system memory of a computer system. The method includes identifying the motherboard and the memory module of the computer system, and then searching multiple SPD update files associated with multiple motherboards and containing data corresponding to physical and operational characteristics of multiple memory modules. From these SPD update files, a compatible SPD update file is identified that is compatible with the motherboard and contains data corresponding to physical and operational characteristics of the memory module. Thereafter, a software utility is used to erase pre-existing SPD data stored on the SPD circuit device and then write and verify installation of the data of the compatible SPD update file on the SPD circuit device. New SPD settings for the memory module are then enabled based on the data of the compatible SPD update file. |
| US08312437B2 |
Structured search in source code
Architecture allows a programmer to answer questions about the source code the programmer is authoring, questions that cannot be answered by other means. A searching mechanism is provided over a much more structured presentation of the source code. The architecture utilizes components that provide an intimate knowledge about the structure of the text, namely, the source code of some particular programming language. The search mechanism employs an abstract syntax tree representation of the code over which the search is conducted. The program source code (as edited by the programmer) is transformed into the abstract syntax tree to embody the structure of the program. If the syntax tree is provided in XML, for example, an XML search mechanism such as Xpath can be utilized to perform the actual searching. This tree is then queried, allowing richer searching criteria to be expressed (by virtue of the structured format of the tree). |
| US08312436B2 |
Automated software testing system
A system and method for testing an application includes modules capable of reading data from one or more data tables and providing the data as input to the application. The input data is correlated by test case, so that each module may provide different input data for each test case. The system also includes a controller that executes the modules. The controller is capable of determining an execution order for the modules by reading a flow table. The flow table correlates each test case with one or more modules, and further correlates each module within the test case with an execution order. The system may read results that the application generates in response to the input data, and correlate the results with the test case and module in a results table. The results table may also contain expected results, and the system may compare the actual results with the expected results to determine whether the application is functioning properly. |
| US08312432B2 |
Method of adjusting timing difference between pre-corrected source program and post-corrected source program, compiler and information processor
A method of adjusting a control timing accompanying a program correction of a machine language program executed by an information processor includes preparing a first machine language program obtained by compiling a first source program and generating a second intermediate language program from a second source program, the second source program being corrected from the first source program. Then, the method computes a first number of clock cycles, that is a number of clock cycles to execute a first machine language program obtained by compiling the first source program and computes a second number of clock cycles, that is a number of clock cycles to execute a second machine language program obtained by compiling the second source program, using the second intermediate language program, the second intermediate language program including an instruction that is uniquely correlated with a machine language instruction of the second machine language program. |
| US08312430B2 |
Guarding code check-in with test case execution results
A mechanism for providing a source code control system that employs test case execution results to mandate that software code have a specific level of quality for check-in to a central repository. A request to check-in a modified copy of a source code file to a repository is received, wherein the modified copy comprises changes to the source code file located in the repository. The modified copy of the source code file is placed in a quality check pending state in the repository. Responsive to an occurrence of a specific event or expiration of a set time period, applicable regression test cases are executed against the changes in the modified copy. A determination is made as to whether the regression test cases are successful. If the regression test cases are successful, the changes in the modified copy are committed to the source code file located in the repository. |
| US08312428B2 |
Method to recognize GUI object in globablized environment
A method and apparatus for identifying GUI widgets of software are provided, comprising: during runtime of the software, determining a GUI window object and an ID thereof; determining all GUI widgets or all GUI widgets belonging to a same type in the GUI window object; partitioning the display area of the GUI window object into a plurality of areas such that each of the GUI widgets is uniquely contained in one area; specifying a unique ID for each area containing a GUI widget; and, identifying a GUI widget using the ID of the GUI window object and the ID of the area where the GUI widget resides, or the ID of the GUI window object, the ID of the type to which the GUI widget belongs and the ID of the area where the GUI widget resides, as the ID property of the GUI widget. |
| US08312417B2 |
Using dynamic call graphs for creating state machines
A method and system capable of creating UML protocol state machine for classes and interfaces of a software, by instrumenting the software to obtain a call graph comprising classes and interfaces and respective values associated with class variables and interface variables; identifying particular classes and interfaces in the call graph; identifying call patterns from the call graph to generate a protocol state machine. |
| US08312416B2 |
Software model business process variant types
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, to realize a software model are described. Process components are defined that characterize software implementing respective and distinct business processes and additionally define at least one process agent that enables communications between a business object associated with the corresponding process component and a business object associated with any other process component. Business Process Variant Types are also defined that associate one or more of the process agents for the corresponding process component so that selection of a process variant type causes the associated one or more process agents to be activated. |
| US08312409B1 |
Multi-threaded deterministic router
A method is described that includes: determining that nets of the circuit design comprise overlap, where the overlap indicates that at least two of the nets of the circuit design use a same routing resource; dividing the nets with overlap among a plurality of buckets, where for each bucket, a net of the bucket does not overlap any other net in the bucket; sequentially processing each bucket by unrouting and rerouting, via at least one processor, nets in the bucket; and storing routing information specifying routes for nets of the circuit design. |
| US08312407B2 |
Integration of open space/dummy metal at CAD for physical debug of new silicon
An access pad is used to provide access to a functional block of an integrated circuit (IC) device. The access pad is formed using dummy metal in an open space in a metallization level that is between a top metallization level and a base level on which the functional block is formed in the IC device. The access pad at the metallization level provides a contact to access an underlying circuit of the functional block so that the functional integrity of the functional block of the IC device can be verified during probing. |
| US08312405B1 |
Method of placing input/output blocks on an integrated circuit device
A method of placing input/output blocks on an integrated circuit device is described. The method may comprise receiving a circuit design having a plurality of input/output blocks to be placed at input/output sites of the integrated circuit device; modifying, for each input/output block of the circuit design, an input/output standard for the input/output block to include bus information; assigning, for each input/output block of the circuit design, an input/output site for the input/output block; and generating an input/output placement for the input/output blocks of the circuit design. A computer product is also disclosed. |
| US08312404B2 |
Multi-segments modeling bond wire interconnects with 2D simulations in high speed, high density wire bond packages
A method for modeling bond wires in an IC package for predicting noise effects generated by electromagnetic coupling in complex bond wire configurations. A look-up table of equivalent LC circuit models for the bond wires is generated that accurately predicts the effects of the bond wire circuitry of a signal transmission system. Switch and mirror techniques are applied to reduce the bond wire configurations necessary to simulate. The method includes: setting parameters related to the IC package layout of groups of bond wires; sub-dividing each group of bond wires into regions, each including a portion of the bond wire or its corresponding pad, and generating dissection planes for the regions consisting of the bond wires; performing a 3D simulation on the regions consisting of the corresponding pads, and a 2D simulation for each dissection plane; constructing equivalent circuit models for groups of bond wires and corresponding pads based on the 3D and 2D simulations results; inputting the equivalent circuit models into a circuit simulator to measure the noise effects; and modifying the layout geometry to meet noise targets. |
| US08312403B2 |
Method of achieving convergence of hold time error, device and program therefor
A method that achieves convergence of a hold time error in a relatively easy way without causing a setup time error even when the hold time error occurs in a large circuit, a device and a computer-readable storage medium storing a program therefor are provided. Group a first error path and a second error path in error paths which a hold time error occurs if there is a sharing path that shares its start point with the first error path and also shares its end point with the second error path, and insert a delay element without causing a setup time error per the grouped error paths. Convergence of a hold time error can be achieved without taking into account of a node that is not included in the group and there is no worry about causing a setup time error in a path that is not included in the group. |
| US08312401B2 |
Method for smart defect screen and sample
A method for smart defect review is disclosed. The method includes pre-processing a design layout into a plurality of layout based pattern groups, dividing the design layout into a plurality of cells, overlapping the cells belong to the same layout based pattern groups, extracting a plurality of defect data of all defects on a wafer, constructing a plurality of layout based defect composite pattern groups, executing layout pattern match to obtain each individual layout based defect composite pattern group, performing some defect sample selection rules to each layout based defect composite pattern group, sorting the layout based defect composite pattern groups into different defect types, obtaining a defect image file by reviewing different sample number of defect image from each layout based defect composite pattern group, and generating a defect pattern library or a defect yield prediction by performing a defect yield diagnosis to the defect image file. |
| US08312400B2 |
Verification supporting system
A verification target register to be verified is specified from a configuration of a verification target circuit, and patterns requiring verification are extracted as a coverage standard with regard to the specified verification target register. When the patterns are extracted, a DIRW matrix is prepared to indicate possibly occurring state transitions among four states Declare, Initialize, Read, and Write in the register included in the verification target circuit, and used to decide two coverage standards, a matrix coverage standard and an implementation coverage standard. |
| US08312397B2 |
Method for generating layout pattern of semiconductor device and layout pattern generating apparatus
In a layout pattern generating method, a specific rework cell used for edition is specified among rework cells and fill cells which are arranged in a semiconductor chip area and a specific pattern of a predetermined shape is generated in a wiring layer for the specific rework cell. A dummy wiring pattern is arranged in at least a part of the wiring layer of and the fill cell and un-specific rework cells among the rework cell other than the specific rework cell. The specific pattern is deleted from the wiring layer for the specifying rework cell. A wiring pattern is arranged in the wiring layer for the specific rework cell by wiring the specific rework cell as a logic cell. |
| US08312395B2 |
Automatic identification of systematic repeating defects in semiconductor production
A method includes capturing an image of the pattern using one or more scans across a surface of the partially completed wafer. The method includes processing information associated with the captured image of the pattern in a first format (e.g., pixel domain) into a second format, e.g., transform domain. The method includes determining defect information associated with the image of the pattern in the second format and processing the defect information (e.g., wafer identification, product identification, layer information, x-y die scanned) to identify at least one defect associated with a spatial location of a repeating pattern on the partially completed wafer provided by a reticle. The method includes identifying the reticle associated with the defect and a stepper associated with the reticle having the defect and ceasing operation of the stepper. The damaged reticle is replaced, and the process resumes using a replaced reticle. |
| US08312392B2 |
User interface gestures and methods for providing file sharing functionality
Methods and devices provide a gesture activated file sharing functionality enabling users to share files with other nearby computing devices. The file sharing functionality may include establishing wireless links with nearby devices and determine their relative locations. The computing device may detect a file sharing gesture and transmit files to or request files from a nearby device in response to the gesture. Base on gesture parameters, e.g., direction, speed and shape, and computing device attitude parameters, e.g., tilt angle and pointing direction, the computing device may identify a targeted device to which a file may be transmitted. The computing device may request user verification of the identified device and send a request to transmit files to the targeted device. The computing devices may transmit files using networks and addresses provided over the device-to-device communication links. |
| US08312391B2 |
Touch screen device and operating method thereof
A touch screen device and operating method thereof are provided. The touch screen device includes a screen including a display configured to display images thereon and a detector configured to detect a user touch and movement thereof, a storage device configured to store image information corresponding to the movement, and a controller configured to retrieve and display an image corresponding to the detected drag. The image may include at least one of a trace image representing a moving trajectory, an icon image, or a text image. |
| US08312388B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer readable medium
According to an aspect of the invention, an information processing apparatus includes an operation acquisition module, a thumbnail image creating module, and a thumbnail image storing control module. The operation acquisition module acquires an operation to an electronic file displayed on a display device, the operation to be acquired by the operation acquisition module being set previously. The thumbnail image creating module creates a thumbnail image corresponding to the acquired operation. The thumbnail image storing control module controls the thumbnail image so as to store the thumbnail image associated with specifying information by which the electronic file is specified. |
| US08312387B2 |
Target element zoom
Various embodiments provide a target element zoom component that is configured to perform a focal point zoom operation on a target element using an appropriate zoom factor. In at least some embodiments, the target element zoom component receives a request to perform a zoom operation at a focal point of a target element in a page displayed in a display area. In at least some embodiments, the request is received via two-finger tap input on a screen of a touch enabled device. The target element zoom component then determines an appropriate zoom factor for the zoom operation. Responsive to determining the appropriate zoom factor, the target element zoom component performs the zoom operation on the page using the appropriate zoom factor so that the target element remains within the display area with the focal point retained. |
| US08312379B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for editing using an interface
Methods, computer program products, and systems for editing using an interface for selecting and presenting editing tools are described. An input document is received for editing. A strategy for editing the document is identified. Editing tools are selected to edit the document, and the selected editing tools are presented. |
| US08312372B2 |
Method for confirming touch input
A system and method for confirming touch input with a touch-sensitive display that includes detecting contact with a touch-sensitive display at coordinates corresponding with a control. An animated rendering on the touch-sensitive display is displayed, and an action is performed at a conclusion of the animated rendering if contact with the touch-sensitive display at the coordinates corresponding with the control is detected throughout a time period extending from initiation to the conclusion of the animated rendering. |
| US08312369B2 |
Information display apparatus, method, and recording medium for saving and displaying note information in association with contextual information
An apparatus includes a context information extracting part that monitors a state of the apparatus and extracts context information indicative of the state; a note information saving part that saves note information in association with context information when the note information for displaying is registered; a context information similarity evaluating part that determines, for each piece of the note information, similarity between the context information extracted by the context information extracting part at a certain point in time and context information which is associated with note information saved by the note information saving part; and a note information display part that displays the note information saved in the note information saving part in a display mode in accordance with the determined similarity of the note information. |
| US08312366B2 |
Displaying multiple row and column header areas in a summary table
A data analysis program receives a selection of data fields defining multiple row header areas and/or multiple column header areas for display in a summary table. Data is read from a data source containing values for the data fields and transformed into summary level data for building the summary table. A display is rendered in the summary table for each of the multiple row header areas and column header areas defined, with the row header areas being displayed vertically adjacent to one another and the column header areas being displayed horizontally adjacent to one another. |
| US08312363B2 |
Residue generation
In one embodiment, circuitry is provided to generate a residue based at least in part upon operations and a data stream generated based at least in part upon a packet. The operations may include at least one iteration of at least one reduction operation including (a) multiplying a first value with at least one portion of the data stream, and (b) producing a reduction by adding at least one other portion of the data stream to a result of the multiplying. The operations may include at least one other reduction operation including (c) producing another result by multiplying with a second value at least one portion of another stream based at least in part upon the reduction, (d) producing a third value by adding at least one other portion of the another stream to the another result, and (e) producing the residue by performing a Barrett reduction based at least in part upon the third value. |
| US08312359B2 |
Branch-metric calibration using varying bandwidth values
In one embodiment, a signal processing receiver has a branch-metric calibration (BMC) unit that receives (i) sets of four hard-decision bits from a channel detector and (ii) a noise estimate. The BMC unit has two or more update blocks (e.g., tap-weight update and/or bias-compensation blocks) that generate updated parameters used by a branch-metric unit of the channel detector to improve channel detection. The two or more update blocks generate the updated parameters based on (i) the sets of four hard-decision bits, (ii) the noise estimate, and (iii) bandwidth values. The bandwidth values for at least two of the two or more update blocks are selected such that they are different from one another. Selecting different bandwidth values may reduce the bit-error rate for the receiver over the bit-error rate that may be achieved by selecting the bandwidth values to be the same as one another. |
| US08312348B2 |
Error correcting device and error correcting method
An error correcting device for correcting erroneous data included in data read out from a nonvolatile memory includes a determining unit that determines whether the data read out from the nonvolatile memory include an error beyond an error correcting capability of the error correcting device. When the determining unit has determined that an error beyond the error correcting capability exists, the error correcting device does not perform the correction of the error. |
| US08312345B1 |
Forward error correcting code encoder apparatus
In an error correcting code encoder apparatus, a first processor generates a first subset of codeword symbols based on original symbols. The first processor includes a first serial input to receive a first subset of the original symbols. A second processor generates a second subset of the codeword symbols based on the original symbols. The second processor includes a second serial input to receive a second subset of the original symbols. |
| US08312343B2 |
Systems and methods for re-using decoding parity in a detector circuit
Various approaches related to systems and methods for reusing decoding parity. |
| US08312342B2 |
Reconfigurable minimum operator
In one embodiment, a reconfigurable minimum operator has two five-bit non-reconfigurable minimum operators and is selectively configurable to operate in a five- or ten-bit mode. In five-bit mode, the first non-reconfigurable minimum operator determines whether a first five-bit message is less than a second five-bit message, and the second non-reconfigurable minimum operator determines whether a third five-bit message is less than a fourth five-bit message. In ten-bit mode, the first non-reconfigurable minimum operator determines whether a first half of a first ten-bit message is less than a first half of a second ten-bit message, and the second non-reconfigurable minimum operator determines whether a second half of the first ten-bit message is less than a second half of the second ten-bit message. The reconfigurable minimum operator determines whether the first ten-bit message is less than the second ten-bit message based on the comparisons of the first and second non-reconfigurable minimum operators. |
| US08312339B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for controlling automatic repeat request (ARQ) reset in broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for controlling an Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) reset in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus includes an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) sender for receiving one or more data from a transmitter, a controller for determining whether the data is received in order and a memory for constituting selective reset information according to a result of the determining. The method includes receiving one or more data from a transmitter, determining whether the data is received in order and constituting selective reset information according to a result of the checking. Hence, the performance degradation can be prevented by shortening the TCP timeout and the break time (the time of no traffic transmission). |
| US08312335B2 |
Method and apparatus for correcting errors in a multiple subcarriers communication system using multiple antennas
A method for correcting errors in a multiple antenna system based on a plurality of sub-carriers and a transmitting/receiving apparatus supporting the same are disclosed. The method includes determining a phase shift based precoding matrix phase shifted at a predetermined phase angle, initially transmitting each sub-carrier symbol to a receiver in a packet unit by using the phase shift based precoding matrix, reconstructing the phase shift based precoding matrix to reduce a spatial multiplexing rate if a negative reception acknowledgement (NACK) is received from the receiver, and retransmitting the initially transmitted sub-carrier symbol by using the reconstructed phase shift based precoding matrix or by changing the phase shift based precoding matrix using offset information fed back from the receiver or random offset information. |
| US08312333B2 |
Substrate processing system and data retrieval method
An operation terminal, which includes an operation terminal, when connected to a group administration apparatus for administering a plurality of substrate processing apparatuses for processing substrates, generates a data acquisition request format that sets forth retrieval conditions and types of display items classified in individual tables for the substrate processing apparatuses, and then transmits it to the group administration apparatus. |
| US08312330B2 |
System and method for testing wireless devices
A system for testing a communication device includes a testing module, a measurement module, and a control module. The testing module transmits one or more first test signals based on a first test sequence. The measurement module acquires test data by receiving one or more second test signals that are based on the one or more first test signals. The control module initiates the first test sequence in response to receiving a start test signal from an analysis system. The control module transfers the test data to the analysis system in response to a transfer data request. The control module initiates a second test sequence while the analysis system is analyzing the test data. The testing module generates and transmits one or more third test signals based on the second sequence when the second test sequence has been initiated. |
| US08312328B2 |
Data transmission apparatus with information skew and redundant control information and method
Apparatus and methods provide at least redundant control information such as control symbols and control data over respective channels, such as differential lanes, and skew at least the redundant control information in time between the plurality of transmission circuits. Non-control information such as video and/or audio data may also be skewed. Corresponding receiver circuits and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08312323B2 |
Systems and methods for remote monitoring in a computer network and reporting a failed migration operation without accessing the data being moved
Systems and methods for providing automated problem reporting in elements used in conjunction with computer networks are disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of elements that perform data migration operations and a reporting manager or monitor agent which monitors the elements and data migration operations. Upon detection of hardware or software problems, the reporting manager or monitor agent automatically communicates with elements affected by the problem to gather selected hardware, software, and configuration information, analyzes the information to determine causes of the problem, and issues a problem report containing at least a portion of the selected information. The problem report is communicated to a remote monitor that does not possess access privileges to the elements, allowing automated, remote monitoring of the elements without compromising security of the computer network or elements. |
| US08312320B2 |
Intelligent field oil and gas field data acquisition, delivery, control, and retention based apparatus, program product and related methods
An apparatus, program product, and methods for data management, are provided. An exemplary apparatus includes one or more PDHMS surface units each having a serial interface to provide a continuous real-time data stream of captured data, a data storage medium for storing collected downhole process data during a downstream communication link failure, a controller configured to cause the PDHMS surface unit to store recovery data during the downstream communication failure, and a broadband interface to provide recovery file transmission of recovery data stored during the downstream communication link failure. The apparatus can also include a RTU configured to collect the continuous real-time data collected by the PDHMS surface unit and to transmit the collected data to a SCADA system, which can function as a time synchronization master for the RTU and PDHMS surface units, and which can forward the collected data to other systems. |
| US08312312B2 |
Data storage system using multiple communication protocols
A controller transmits a second protocol command to a target from among one or more switch devices. The second protocol command is a command which conforms to a second protocol type in which a connection established for transmitting a command to the target is broken during processing of the command by the target, and is defined as a command corresponding to a first protocol command, which is a command conforming to a first protocol type in which the connection remains established during processing of the command by the target. |
| US08312305B2 |
Power management for systems on a chip
A system for controlling a multitasking microprocessor system includes an interconnect, a plurality of processing units connected to the interconnect forming a single-source, single-sink flow network, wherein the plurality of processing units pass data between one another from the single-source to the single-sink, and a monitor connected to the interconnect for monitoring a portion of a resource consumed by each of the plurality of processing units and for controlling the plurality of processing units according to a predetermined budget for the resource to control a data overflow condition, wherein the monitor controls performance and power modes of the plurality of processing units. |
| US08312303B2 |
Power supply system for CPU where an old generation CPU conforms to a second standard and a new generation CPU conforms to a first standard
A power supply system for CPU is disclosed. The CPU includes a plurality of dynamic voltage identification (VID) pins, and the power supply standard of the CPU conforms to a first standard. The power supply system includes a dynamic VID signal line set and a core voltage controller. The VID signal line set is coupled to the VID pins of the CPU. The core voltage controller conforms to a second standard and is coupled to a partial line set of the dynamic VID signal line set. The core voltage controller determines a core voltage to be output to the CPU according to the partial line set to conform to the first standard. |
| US08312299B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic power management control using serial bus management protocols
An apparatus for on-demand power management includes an I/O serial communication master device, peripheral devices that communicate with the master device along the serial bus, and a power manager that buffers the peripheral devices from the serial communication master. The power manager also manages voltage regulation and clock sources to the peripheral devices, with the ability of placing the peripheral devices in an inactive state, or in any number of active states as a means to conserve energy. In some embodiments, the I/O serial communications master acts as if the peripheral devices are always in the highest activity state, and the power manager manages the communications to and from the peripheral devices and the power management of the peripheral devices to minimize energy consumption and reduce system latency. |
| US08312296B2 |
System and method for recovering from an interrupted encryption and decryption operation performed on a volume
Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with traditional approaches to encryption and decryption of data are provided. An information handling system may include a processor, a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, and a computer-readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor. The computer-readable medium may have instructions stored thereon, the instructions configured to, when executed by the processor: (i) periodically store, during an encryption or decryption operation performed on the computer-readable medium, one or more variables indicative of an encryption status of a volume of the computer-readable medium; (ii) determine, based on the one or more variables, whether the volume is in a partially encrypted or decrypted state; and (iii) in response to a determination that the volume is in a partially encrypted or decrypted state, boot from the volume and continue the encryption or decryption operation. |
| US08312293B2 |
Processing data stored in external storage device
An external storage device connectable to an information processing apparatus is provided. The storage device includes: an input/output interface via which data is exchanged with an information processing apparatus; a first storage region where data associated with first and second validity periods is stored; and a second storage region where a control program is stored. While the first validity period is used when the external storage device is connected to one information processing apparatus, the second validity period is used when the external storage device is connected to another information processing apparatus. The control program causes a processor to execute the steps of: establishing connection of the external storage device to an information processing apparatus; identifying any one of the validity periods as a validity period to be used for the data; and executing predetermined security protection processing on the data in accordance with the identified validity period. |
| US08312292B2 |
Input output access controller
A device for high-assurance processing is disclosed. A processing circuit uses an access controller to assure that the processing circuit operates properly. The processing circuit runs software programs and is programmable. The access controller is programmable, but not programmable by the processing circuit. Peripherals or segments of the address space of the processing circuit is regulated. In a particular state, the peripherals that are available are regulated by the access controller. In some embodiments, the transition from state-to-state can also be regulated by the access controller. |
| US08312288B2 |
Secure PIN character retrieval and setting using PIN offset masking
Securely disclosing a personal identification number (“PIN”) associated with a financial account to an account holder and receiving a new PIN from the account holder. A PIN reveal application can interact with a hardware security module (“HSM”) using a PIN offset masking process and randomly generated account data to reveal the PIN to the account holder one or more PIN characters at a time. A PIN set application also can interact the HSM using a PIN offset masking process and randomly generated account data to receive a new PIN for the account one or more PIN characters at a time. In each of the PIN reveal and PIN setting processes, less than the entirety of the PIN is stored in an unencrypted format outside of the HSM only. |
| US08312283B2 |
Accelerated signature verification on an elliptic curve
A public key encryption system exchanges information between a pair of correspondents. The recipient performs computations on the received data to recover the transmitted data or verify the identity of the sender. The data transferred includes supplementary information that relates to intermediate steps in the computations performed by the recipient. |
| US08312281B2 |
Computer system incorporating a target and symbol data sensing arrangement
A computer system includes a printer configured to print invisible coded data tags on print media. Each data tag includes a target and a dot arrangement representing a value. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the targets and wirelessly transmit sensed data associated with the dot arrangements. A relay is configured to receive the transmitted data. One or more servers are interfaced to the relay, and are configured to process the received data from the relay and to perform an action based upon the processed data. |
| US08312277B2 |
Method and system for secure communication between computers
Method, system and computer program for exchanging data between a client computer and a storage device are described, in which the storage device may send a long-term DH-component to an intermediate server. The client computer may send a first short-term DH-component to the storage device through the intermediate server that adds a communication expiration time. The storage device may send a second short-term DH-component to the client computer. The client computer and the storage device may calculate a symmetric key from the long-term component and from both short-term DH-components to exchange data and may delete the short-term DH-components upon reaching the expiration time. |
| US08312270B1 |
DHCP-based security policy enforcement system
A plug-in module of a DHCP server enforces a security policy of a computer network. The module receives a request to provide an IP address for an end-user computer. A blacklist database is consulted to determine if the computer is not in compliance with the policy. If not compliant, the module returns to the computer a special IP address, a special default gateway and a lease time; the special IP address places the computer in a restricted network segment of the network where it cannot send network packets to other computers. If compliant, the computer receives an IP address and a lease time. The first time an IP address is requested a probe is triggered to determine if the computer is compliant using software not present on the computer. A cleanup service located in the restricted segment remove malware and updates software. Lease times increase after each successful request of an IP address. |
| US08312269B2 |
Challenge and response access control providing data security in data storage devices
Techniques for securing data stored on a data storage device are provided. The data storage device encrypts the data using a bulk encryption key and stores the bulk encryption key in non-volatile memory in an encrypted format. The data storage device generates a challenge and response pair, wraps a secret key with the response to generate a wrapped secret key, and stores the challenge and the wrapped secret key in the non-volatile memory. The data storage device authenticates a host by reading the challenge and the wrapped secret key from the non-volatile memory, erasing the challenge and the wrapped secret key from the non-volatile memory, sending the challenge to the host, receiving the response from the host, and unwrapping the wrapped secret key using the response from the host to regenerate the secret key. |
| US08312268B2 |
Virtual machine
The present invention is directed to various systems and/or methods relating to a software platform that provides for authentication of a requestor. Preferably, this authentication happens before there is an opportunity for any resource intensive request to harm operation of the system. Preferably, a reliability level is based on authentication so that the amount and/or type of resource access is controlled based, at least in part, on the authentication information. Preferably, heap usage is controlled by this reliability level. Preferably, the software platform is a virtual machine, preferably the Java Virtual Machine. |
| US08312259B1 |
System and method for booting a computer from backup
A system, method and computer program product for booting a computer system from the backup and working with the backup as if it were a normal storage device, including loading an initialization application to run in a single thread mode and that identifies a storage media with the backup that includes boot blocks; installing and activating a handler of a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) interrupt module, for intercepting boot loader requests to the storage media, and for redirecting them to the backup; creating a bitmap of the data blocks stored in the backup and of a writable data storage device to which new data will be written; initiating the BIOS to load and execute the boot blocks from the backup; transferring control to a routine defined by a boot record stored in the backup's boot blocks; installing and activating an I/O filter for intercepting the requests to the writable data storage device, and after a write request is received, the I/O filter writes a corresponding data block to the writable data storage, and marks this data block in the bitmap to indicate that this block is stored on the writable storage device; after a read request is received, the I/O filter checks the bitmap to see if this data block was not changed, and redirects the read request to the backup to read the data block, and if the requested data block was changed and written to the writeable data storage device, then the I/O filter redirects the read request to the written blocks on the writeable data storage device. |
| US08312257B2 |
System and method for performing hardware resource assignment in a large-scaled system
A resource assignment system includes a driver on an option ROM mounted on a PCI device, to perform hardware resources assignment under a Pre-Boot environment; and an OS driver to perform the hardware resource assignment under an OS environment. A BIOS includes a resource management table showing a range of an I/O space to be assigned to a bridge device in a layer higher than that of the PCI device which requests the I/O space; and an ACPI table used to notify a hardware configuration and data to use an extended I/O space to the OS. The resource management table includes a Pre-Boot table in which assignment of a first granularity to a Legacy-I/O space for a Pre-Boot environment is defined; and an OS table in which assignment of a second granularity to the extended I/O space for an OS environment is defined. |
| US08312256B2 |
Display of a basic input/output system (BIOS) productivity display
Example embodiments relate to a machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions executable by a processor of a computing device including a display device. The machine-readable storage medium may include instructions that access a stored indication upon boot-up of the computing device using a Basic Input Output System (BIOS). In addition, the machine-readable storage medium may include instructions that determine, using the stored indication, whether an operating system (OS) of the computing device exited properly, and instructions that display a BIOS productivity display using the display device when it is determined that the computing device exited properly. Still further, the machine-readable storage medium may include instructions that permit the OS to display a recovery display when it is determined that the OS did not exit properly. |
| US08312253B2 |
Data processor device having trace capabilities and method
In response to determining an event has occurred, information is stored at a trace buffer of an integrated circuit. When the trace buffer is full, execution of instructions at a CPU is halted to allow the trace buffer information to be accessed at an external interface to the integrated circuit device. The CPU is continually halted as the trace buffer is filled to facilitate retrieving all information written to the trace buffer. |
| US08312250B2 |
Dynamic storage of cache data for solid state disks
Described embodiments provide a media controller that determines the size of a cache of data being transferred between a host device and one or more sectors of a storage device. The one or more sectors are segmented into a plurality of chunks, and each chunk corresponds to at least one sector. The contents of the cache are managed in a cache hash table. At startup of the media controller, a buffer layer module of the media controller initializes the cache in a buffer of the media controller. During operation of the media controller, the buffer layer module determines a number of chunks allocated to the cache. Based on the number of chunks allocated to the cache, the buffer layer module updates the size of the of the cache hash table. |
| US08312242B2 |
Tracking memory space in a storage system
One embodiment is a method that uses a hierarchical bitmap tree in a storage system to store where available and unavailable memory space exists. Bitmap blocks are retrieved from the hierarchical bitmap tree to locate the available memory space. |
| US08312240B2 |
Memory system having a plurality of types of memory chips and a memory controller for controlling the memory chips
A memory controller converts controller output signals output from a controller into memory input signals according to the operation specifications of memory chips to operate, and outputs the resultant to the memory chips through a common bus. The memory controller also receives memory output signals output from the memory chips through the common bus, and converts the received signals into controller input signals receivable to the controller. This allows the single memory controller to access the plurality of types of memory chips. As a result, the memory controller can be reduced in chip size, lowering the cost of the memory system. |
| US08312239B2 |
Cache management for increasing performance of high-availability multi-core systems
An apparatus and method for improving performance in high-availability systems are disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, pages of memory of a primary system that are to be shadowed are initially copied to a backup system's memory, as well as to a cache in the primary system. A duplication manager process maintains the cache in an intelligent manner that significantly reduces the overhead required to keep the backup system in sync with the primary system, as well as the cache size needed to achieve a given level of performance. Advantageously, the duplication manager is executed on a different processor core than the application process executing transactions, further improving performance. |
| US08312238B2 |
Microcomputer and method for controlling memory access
A microcomputer includes a CPU, a protection information storage configured to store memory protection information specifying an access permission or prohibited state to a memory space by a program executed by the CPU, a memory access control apparatus configured to determine whether or not to allow a memory access request from the CPU according to the memory protection information and a reset apparatus configured to invalidate the memory protection information stored in the protection information storage according to a reset request signal output from the CPU. |
| US08312237B2 |
Automated relocation of in-use multi-site protected data storage
Methods of providing access to data are presented. The method includes providing a storage grid which includes a source chain of storage nodes and a target chain of storage nodes, the source chain including a primary source node and a secondary source node which operates as a data mirror of the primary source node, and the target chain including a primary target node and a secondary target node which operates as a data mirror of the primary target node. The method also includes initially storing data on the source chain, the primary source node of the source chain maintaining a primary source copy of the data, and the secondary source node of the source chain maintaining a secondary source copy of the data. The method further includes relocating the data from the source chain to the target chain, the primary target node of the target chain maintaining a primary target copy of the data, and the secondary target node of the target chain maintaining a secondary target copy of the data, access to the data being continuously provided from the storage grid to an external device before, during, and after relocation of the data from the source chain to the target chain. |
| US08312234B2 |
Storage system configured from plurality of storage modules and method for switching coupling configuration of storage modules
There are a loose coupling and a tight coupling as the coupling configurations for a first module and a second module. The loose coupling is a coupling configuration in which the first and second modules are coupled together by way of a front-end path, and the first module is not able to access a second storage resource. The tight coupling is a coupling configuration in which the first and second modules are coupled together by way of a back-end path, and the first module is able to access the second storage resource. A switch from the loose coupling to the tight coupling is performed using the following processing flow without the first and second modules being partitioned into respectively independent storage modules. Specifically, first, the first and second modules are coupled together by way of the back-end path, and next, the first module merges information denoted by second management information from the second storage resource with first management information via the back-end path. |
| US08312220B2 |
Mode-based castout destination selection
In response to a data request of a first of a plurality of processing units, the first processing unit selects a victim cache line to be castout from the lower level cache of the first processing unit and determines whether a mode is set. If not, the first processing unit issues on the interconnect fabric an LCO command identifying the victim cache line and indicating that a lower level cache is the intended destination. If the mode is set, the first processing unit issues a castout command with an alternative intended destination. In response to a coherence response to the LCO command indicating success of the LCO command, the first processing unit removes the victim cache line from its lower level cache, and the victim cache line is held elsewhere in the data processing system. The mode can be set to inhibit castouts to system memory, for example, for testing. |
| US08312211B2 |
Disk array apparatus, method for application of control firmware, and controlling unit for controlling application of control firmware
A disk array apparatus with a number of storage units aims at application of new control firmware to the storage units. The disk array apparatus includes a controlling unit controlling the storage units, which controlling unit includes a storing section storing control firmware to be applied; a monitoring section for monitoring a state of access to each storage unit to which the control firmware is to be applied; and an application instructing section instructing, on the basis of the result of the monitoring by the monitoring section, each the first storage unit to apply the first control firmware. In response to the instructing by the application instructing section, the control firmware is applied to each the storage unit. |
| US08312210B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for storing and retrieving compressed data
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for storing and retrieving compressed data. A compression module compresses a data file organized in logical tracks. A ratio module determines a track compression ratio. The track compression ratio is a ratio of an integer value n to one. A destage module destages a single directory entry for the data file to a directory. The directory entry points to a zeroth track on a hard disk drive. The destage module further destages the data file sequentially to tracks of the hard disk drive from the zeroth track with n logical tracks of the data file stored on one physical track of the hard disk drive. A stage module stages a kth logical track from a physical track of the hard disk drive. The physical track is specified by an integer value of k divided by n. |
| US08312206B2 |
Memory module and memory module system
A memory module and a memory module system are provided. The memory module system includes a plurality of memory modules each module comprising a plurality of memory blocks and a plurality of corresponding routers each storing a channel identification (ID) and a module ID corresponding to one or more memory blocks; and a controller configured to access the memory modules. During initialization, the controller reads and stores the channel ID and the module ID from each of the routers. The controller outputs a channel ID and a module ID that correspond to one or more memory blocks to be accessed. |
| US08312203B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and method of controlling a semiconductor storage device by allocating a physical block composed of plural pages to a group of logical addresses
In a semiconductor storage device, a memory controller divides each of blocks in each of chips into a first page set composed of pages and a second page set composed of pages, divides a logical address space into groups, and divides each group into lines. Block units are created each of which is obtained by assembling a predetermined number of blocks from the blocks in each chip. A predetermined number of block units from the block units are managed as standard block units, and the other block units are managed as spare block units. Each standard block unit is made to correspond to one group. The corresponding group data is stored in the pages in the first page set in each block constituting the standard block unit, and unwritten pages for recording update data for the group data are provided to be included in the second page set. |
| US08312200B2 |
Processor chip including a plurality of cache elements connected to a plurality of processor cores
Programming of modules which can be reprogrammed during operation is described. Partitioning of code sequences is also described. |
| US08312198B2 |
Technique for communicating interrupts in a computer system
A technique to enable efficient interrupt communication within a computer system. In one embodiment, an advanced programmable interrupt controller (APlC) is interfaced via a set of bits within an APIC interface register using various interface instructions or operations, without using memory-mapped input/output (MMIO). |
| US08312197B2 |
Method of routing an interrupt signal directly to a virtual processing unit in a system with one or more physical processing units
The present disclosure relates to a method of processing an interrupt comprising a peripheral unit sending an interrupt, the interrupt being intended for a virtual unit executed by a processing unit, transmitting the interrupt to an interrupt control unit coupled to a processing unit, and the interrupt control unit storing the interrupt in an interrupt register. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the interrupt is transmitted to the interrupt control unit in association with an identifier of the virtual unit receiving the interrupt, the interrupt register in which the interrupt belonging to a set of registers is stored comprising one interrupt register per virtual unit likely to be executed by the processing unit, the interrupt being transmitted to the processing unit if the virtual unit receiving the interrupt is being executed by the processing unit. |
| US08312195B2 |
Managing interrupts using a preferred binding between a device generating interrupts and a CPU
A method and system for binding interrupts to central processing units (CPUs). An interrupt controller receives an interrupt that is generated by a device coupled to the computer system. The interrupt controller identifies a preferred CPU associated with the device based on a predetermined binding. If the preferred CPU is currently available, the interrupt is sent to the preferred CPU. If the preferred CPU is not currently available, the interrupt is sent to another CPU in the computer system that is currently available. |
| US08312187B2 |
Input/output device including a mechanism for transaction layer packet processing in multiple processor systems
An I/O device includes a host interface coupled to a plurality of hardware resources. The host interface includes a transaction layer packet (TLP) processing unit that may receive and process a plurality of transaction layer packets sent by a plurality of processing units. Each processing unit may correspond to a respective root complex. The TLP processing unit may identify a transaction type and a processing unit corresponding to each transaction layer packet and store each transaction layer packet within a storage according to the transaction type and the processing unit. The TLP processing unit may select one or more transaction layer packets from the storage for process scheduling based upon a set of fairness criteria using an arbitration scheme. The TLP processing unit may further select and dispatch transaction layer packets for processing by downstream application hardware based upon additional criteria. |
| US08312186B2 |
Storage subsystem
The correspondence of the respective ports and the respective microprocessors is dynamically changed based on the load of the respective microprocessors. When an open port MP including a plurality of ports connected to a host computer receives an I/O request from the host computer via a port, it specifies an MPPK to become the transfer destination of the I/O request, and transfers the I/O request to the specified MPPK. Each MP belonging to the MPPK that received the I/O request selects either an exclusive mode where a single MP exclusively performs the processing of the I/O request, or a share mode where two or more MPs share the processing of the I/O request. Each MP selects the exclusive mode or the share mode corresponding to when load information concerning the ports shows a low load or high load condition, respectively, and executes the I/O processing accordingly. |
| US08312184B2 |
Peripheral device usable without installing driver in computer beforehand
The storage unit of a peripheral device has a first storage area and a second storage area. The first storage area stores a plurality of control programs corresponding to a plurality of operating systems of different types. The second storage area is a storage area which is recognized by an information processing apparatus as an external storage device and in which at least one control program is replicated from the first storage area. The information processing apparatus reads out the control program from the second storage recognized by it as the external storage device, and executes the program. The information processing apparatus thus controls the peripheral device. |
| US08312182B2 |
Data processing system having a channel adapter shared by multiple operating systems
Data processing arrangements including a channel adaptor shared by a plurality of operating systems (OS's) for data transmission/reception, coupled to the PCI bus on a PCI bus side of the channel adapter, and including only one connecting port on an input/output (I/O) side of the channel adaptor. An input/output process is executed between each OS and the channel adaptor by using input/output process control data specifying I/O data each having an identifier. Configuration information is provided, defining the identifier of the input/output process control data which is usable by each respective OS. The channel adaptor can process a plurality of input/output process control data; and each OS uses the input/output process control data corresponding to a usable identifier and defined in the configuration information, and thereby, a plurality of OS's control input/output process control data have different identifiers relative to the channel adaptor to execute the input/output process. |
| US08312175B2 |
Virtual machine access to storage via a multi-queue IO storage adapter with optimized cache affinity and PCPU load balancing
A method is provided for use in a system that includes a host machine that includes multiple physical CPUs (PCPUs) and at least two cache nodes that are shared by different sets of the PCPUs, comprising: creating in a memory device multiple sets of lanes each lane set associated with a respective PCPU set; tracking levels of processing activity of the PCPUs of each PCPU set; using an MSIX vector value to associate lanes with PCPUs; receiving a IO request from any given PCPU from among the multiple PCPUs; and assigning the IO request to a respective lane based at least in part upon the PCPU set associated with the lane and PCPU processing activity levels. |
| US08312165B2 |
System and method for handling electronic mail mismatches
A system and method for handling e-mail address mismatches between the address contained within a user's certificate or certificate chain, and the account address actually being used is disclosed. In order to resolve address mismatches a canonical or generic domain name or user name may, for example, be used as a lifelong address of a user that is contained in the user's certificate. Upon detection of an address mismatch, the system and method disclosed herein may automatically re-check the certificate or search for a certificate containing the canonical or generic domain name and/or user name to attempt to resolve the mismatch. This mismatch resolution is preferably transparent to the user and occurs automatically. The canonical or generic domain and/or user names that are available to the device may be typically controlled by IT policy that is in place on the system for the device. While this system is suitable for any type of electronic messaging system, it has particular applicability to systems that use mobile wireless communication devices with electronic messaging capability. |
| US08312163B1 |
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for adjusting the quality level of data transmitted between a local computer and a remote computer
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for transmitting data between a local computer and a remote computer are provided. An amount of data capable of being transmitted per frame from the local computer to the remote computer is determined. An amount of data associated with a current frame of data to be transmitted to the remote computer is also determined. A quality level for the data to be transmitted to the remote computer is then selected such that the amount of the data to be transmitted to the remote computer is less than or equal to the amount of data capable of being transmitted per frame to the remote computer. |
| US08312161B2 |
Method and apparatus for instant playback of a movie title
Techniques for fragmenting a file or a collection of media data are disclosed. According one aspect of the techniques, a file pertaining to a title is fragmented into a header and several tails or segments. The header is a continuous portion of the file while the segments are respective parts of the remaining portion of the file. The header is seeded substantially in all boxes, and none, one or more of the segments are distributed in each of the boxes in service. When a title is ordered, the header is instantly played back while the segments, if not locally available, are continuously fetched respectively from other boxes that have the segments. |
| US08312159B2 |
Methodology for fast file transfer protocol
A methodology is provided for transferring a file from a first entity to a second entity over a network. The methodology may include receiving a first one of a plurality of blocks at the second entity, receiving a second one of said plurality of blocks at the second entity, receiving a last one of the plurality of blocks at the second entity, and assembling the first one of the plurality of blocks and the second one of the plurality of blocks into a single file at the second entity after receiving the last one of the plurality of blocks. |
| US08312157B2 |
Implicit authentication
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and system for implicitly authenticating a user to access controlled resources. The system receives a request to access the controlled resources. The system then determines a user behavior score based on a user behavior model, and recent contextual data about the user. The user behavior score facilitates identifying a level of consistency between one or more recent user events and a past user behavior pattern. The recent contextual data, which comprise a plurality of data streams, are collected from one or more user devices without prompting the user to perform an action explicitly associated with authentication. The plurality of data streams provide basis for determining the user behavior score, but a data stream alone provides insufficient basis for the determination of the user behavior score. The system also provides the user behavior score to an access controller of the controlled resource. |
| US08312153B2 |
Intelligent auto-dialer
The present invention describes an automatic dialer for determining relative rankings of network access numbers from within a group of available network access numbers known as an available NAN list, and for facilitating selection of a network access number to use for a connection from a client device to a data network. Various factors are considered in determining the rankings of the network access numbers. The factors include connection costs, quality of connection. |
| US08312147B2 |
Many-to-one mapping of host identities
A computer-implemented method includes sending, from a first node to a second node, an initiator message to open a connection between the first node and the second node, receiving, at the first node, a responder message sent from the second node, in which the responder message comprises a responder certificate, converting the responder certificate to a responder canonical identifier, comparing the responder canonical identifier to a stored canonical identifier, and establishing the connection between the first node and the second node over a pre-existing session corresponding to the stored canonical identifier, when the responder canonical identifier matches the stored canonical identifier. |
| US08312145B2 |
Traffic engineering and bandwidth management of bundled links
Traffic engineering and bandwidth management of bundled links may, at times, require the selection of one of a plurality of component links in a bundled link to use in admitting a connection requiring admission. While performing the selection it may be determined that more than one of the component links has the resources required to admit the connection. An admission policy may then be selected from among a plurality of admission policies. Based on the selected admission policy, a particular component link may then be selected. Such bandwidth management, based on admission policies, may be seen to be well suited to balancing and component link recovery in traffic engineered, connection-oriented MPLS networks. |
| US08312144B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for exchanging services in a distributed system
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for exchanging services in a distributed system. A communication module receives an advertisement of service capabilities for a service provider. The communication module further receives a registration of service requirements for a service consumer. A match module determines if the advertisement service capabilities match the registration service requirements. A configuration module configures the service provider to supply the service requirements of the service consumer if the advertisement service capabilities match the registration service requirements. An establishment module establishes a service relationship between the service provider and the service consumer. The service provider provides the service requirements of the service consumer. |
| US08312139B2 |
Traffic flow inference based on link loads and gravity measures
Traffic flow between each pair of nodes in a network are determined based on loads measured at each link and based on gravity measures. The gravity measures correspond to a likelihood of the node being a source or a sink of traffic and may be assigned based on characteristics associated with each node, such as the demographics of the region in which the node is located, prior sinking and sourcing statistics, and so on. The gravity measures are used to generate an objective function for solving a system of linear equations, rather than as criteria that must be satisfied in the solution. The measured link loads are allocated among the traffic flows between nodes to at least a given allocation efficiency criteria by solving a system of linear equations with an objective of minimizing a difference between the assigned gravities and the resultant gravities corresponding to the determined flows. |
| US08312133B2 |
Image distribution system and the control method therefor
An image distribution system, which is connected via a network with a client for displaying an image picked up by an image sensing unit of a server, judges a communication status of the network. In addition, in accordance with a result of the judgment, the image distribution system changes a user interface for selecting a function request command for the image sensing unit of the imaging apparatus. |
| US08312131B2 |
Method and apparatus for linking multimedia content rendered via multiple devices
A method for delivering requested media content is provided. A requested media object requested by a user device is received, the requested media object including media of at least a first type. A first new media object is created, the first new media object having at least some of the media of the requested media object of the first type. A second new media object is created, the second new media object having at least some of the media of the requested media object of a second type, if any. At least one user interface mechanism is inserted into the second new media object, the at least one user interface mechanism corresponding to media of the requested media object of the first type included in the first new media object. The second new media object is delivered to the user device, and the first new media object is delivered to a secondary device separate from the user device. A first new media object indicator is caused to be generated in response to activation of the at least one user interface mechanism via the user device, the first new media object indicator indicating to a user media of the first new media object rendered on the secondary device. |
| US08312124B2 |
Fixed form data management server apparatus and fixed form document creating system
The present invention provides a fixed form data managing server apparatus that automatically checks whether the version of the fixed form data included in document data created on a PC is the latest version and that transmits the check result to the PC. Prior to printing of the created document data by an image forming apparatus, the PC transmits the version information of the fixed form data included in the document data through the printing server apparatus. The fixed form data managing server apparatus that has received the version information determines whether the version information is the latest version information and, when the apparatus determines that the version information is not the latest one, transmits control information to stop the printing of the document data to the PC. |
| US08312117B1 |
Dialog recovery in a distributed computer system
A distributed computer system comprises an enterprise server and a network server. The distributed computer system utilizes a distributed transmission control protocol (TCP) to establish an off-loaded dialog through the network server. If the off-loaded dialog is interrupted by, e.g., failure of the hosting network server, dialog recovery is performed to move the off-loaded dialog. |
| US08312115B2 |
Network booting apparatus and method
An operating system deployment arrangement provides a database connected to a network for use in monitoring the boot status of machines connected to sub-networks of the network. A workstation connected to a sub-network is adapted to act as a server for a pre-installation environment to machines newly connecting to the sub-network or at the same geographical location. The workstation carries a program for detecting boot initiation messages broadcast on the sub-network and for progressing booting of newly connecting machines in accordance with boot action data held by the database. In particular, the workstation also sends a software agent and operating system deployment processes to a newly connected machine and the agent takes over progression of the booting process from the workstation. The data held in the database for any one machine is updated as booting progresses. Flexibility is provided both in administration of the boot action data held in the database and by means of user interaction software loaded to a newly connected machine in the course of booting. |
| US08312114B2 |
Method and system for accessing network compatible devices utilizing internet-based beacon technology
A system and method for accessing a network compatible device utilizing an Internet based beacon technology. A compatible host application can be installed on a client device and registered with a network by providing a user credential and a qualifying descriptor. The network compatible device can be configured to have access with the network in order to extract the information associated with the user accessing the compatible device. A list of users with the matching qualifying descriptor can then be displayed at a user interface associated with the compatible device. Upon authentication, the compatible device and the compatible host application installed on the client device can be connected and the network address associated with the compatible device and the client device can be accessed. |
| US08312113B2 |
Managing shell configurations to dynamically control user computing environments
A method for managing a user's computing environment on their computer or workstation. The method includes storing a set of files in a memory device accessible via a communications network. Each file includes data such as environment variable values defining a particular computing environment. The method includes providing an environment management engine in a user's home directory of a computer. A shell runs in the computer device to invoke and run a computing environment management engine within the shell. The engine generates a computing environment in the computer based on the computing environment definition in one of the files that is chosen based on a user-provided or otherwise determined job state (e.g., the user is working on a project or a portion of a project that is associated with a job state). The computing environment includes versions of software applications, path variables, and alias definitions. |
| US08312112B2 |
Systems and methods for automatically locating web-based social network members
Systems and methods for automatically locating web-based social network members are provided. According to one embodiment, contact content including an associated GPS identifier and status for web-based social network members located at or near the same location automatically appears on a GPS-enabled device. A further exemplary system includes a GPS-enabled device configured to receive a GPS identifier and a status representing a location and a current state for a web-based social network member, a processing module that associates the received GPS-identifier and the received status, and a communications module that sends the associated GPS-identifier and status to a server comprising a web-based social network database. Contact content in a web-based social network database record in the web-based social network database is updated to include the associated GPS identifier and status for the web-based social network member. |
| US08312107B2 |
Rate sensitive packet transfer mechanism over a peer-to-peer network
An apparatus, method and system to improve data transfer across a communications network by employing an acknowledgment independent equalized data packet transfer mechanism on a peer-to-peer basis. The present disclosure teaches how many computers can send data to many other computers, with particularity on a peer-to-peer basis when desired, without requiring acknowledgements of safe receipt by the receiving computer. By aggregating several computers to send data in a collection to a requesting computer, transfer rates may be increased. Further, by not requiring acknowledgment of receipt from the receiving computer, and by treating all data packets with equal utility, the present disclosure teaches a mechanism that reduces file transfer administration bandwidth, increases file transfer scalability on demand, and increases overall network transfer efficiency. |
| US08312103B2 |
Periodic balanced communication node and server assignment
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for controlling the allocation of system nodes to a variable number of communication servers in an Advanced Metering System (AMS). An Orchestration Manager is provided through which all requests for end-device communications are routed. The Orchestration Manager periodically rebalances node assignments to reallocate nodes among communication servers in order to maintain data collection efficiency and in order to redistribute end devices from a failed communication server, or to otherwise adjust for the addition of a newly activated communication server. |
| US08312100B2 |
Managing orphaned requests in a multi-server environment
A request server automatically detects, in response to initialization of the request server, if there are previous generations of requests outstanding for the request server, and if so, immunizes itself against those requests. The request server starts one or more threads that are designed to gather messages associated with requests from previous incarnations of the server and handles those messages without affecting the requestors. While the request server is immunized from earlier generations of requests, the request server is capable of processing new requests. |
| US08312096B2 |
Priority inbox notifications and synchronization for mobile messaging application
At a client device with a display and in a method for displaying messages at the client device, the client device receives message information from a server system, the message information representing a set of messages. In accordance with a determination that the set of messages include one or more unread priority messages, where priority messages are messages that satisfy predefined message importance criteria, the device presents a new mail notification. In accordance with a determination that the set of messages do not include any unread priority messages, the device foregoes presenting a new mail notification. |
| US08312095B2 |
Tracking interactive text-message communications
Methods, program products and systems are provided for selectively synchronizing and tracking networked or internet communication message items. An interactive communication application presents a message entry interface enabling a user to select a discrete question for tracking, creating tracking thread. The message is presented by visually distinguishing the tracked question from a remainder of message items, and the thread is updated in response to a reply message comprising a linked answer. A secondary tracking display interface presents thread pluralities and enables a user to select and resend an unanswered question or an unacknowledged answer. An answer may be automatically or explicitly linked to a question. Selecting or linking a question or answer may be effected through a cursor routine or special text string inputs, and the special text string inputs may be user defined. |
| US08312093B2 |
E-mail messaging system and method for enhanced rich media delivery
A multi-user e-mail messaging system is described that is interfaced through the Internet and includes a first user group sharing a first server, which first server is interfaced to the Internet. In this system, after an e-mail message has been originated by an originating user of the first user group, the e-mail message is directed onto an e-mail enhancement path, and additional content is added to the e-mail message using the e-mail enhancement path to produce an enhanced e-mail message. Thereafter, the enhanced e-mail message from the e-mail enhancement path to the intended recipient. In one feature, the path taken by an incoming e-mail message is different from an outgoing path taken by an e-mail message sent from the first user group. The outgoing path defined to the intended recipient includes the enhancement path. |
| US08312091B2 |
Methods and systems for organizing meetings
A conference organizer uses conference software to define a conference and to store conference information on the organizer's computer system. The stored conference information includes a list of attendees, and a personal proxy mailbox for each attendee. Each attendee has a wireless device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The organizer's computer system includes a wireless communication station that can communicate in wireless fashion with the wireless devices of the attendees at the conference. During the conference, an attendee uses his/her wireless device to access the conference information, select another attendee or a group of attendee from the list of attendees, and send the selected attendee or attendees a message. The message can be conveyed to and stored in the personal proxy mailbox or mailboxes of the selected attendee or attendees. The use of personal proxy mailboxes allows attendees to send messages to one another and to receive messages from one another without divulging their primary email addresses. |
| US08312088B2 |
Device identifier selection
Systems and methods of device identifier selection are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method includes, at a hub device having a plurality of ports including a first port, a second port, and a third port, receiving a first message from a host device. The first message including a broadcast indicator. The method also includes, in response to determining that the first message requests enumeration, emulating a ring communication topology by serially propagating messages including an enumeration indicator to a first device via the first port and to a second device via the second port. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first message does not request enumeration, selectively sending the first message to the first device substantially concurrently with sending the first message to the second device. Emulating the ring communication topology enables the hub device to provide a first distinctive identifier value of the first device and a second distinctive identifier value of the second device to the host device. |
| US08312083B2 |
System and method for sharing search result using messenger
Disclose is a method and system for sharing search result using messenger. A messenger client generates search request information and receives web page data corresponding to the search request information. A search server receives the search request information from the messenger client and performs a search for one or more keywords included in the search request information to transmit search result page data to the messenger client. When the search result page is transmitted from the search server, a layer coupled to a conversation window is formed to display the search result page and allow users to share the information on web page corresponding to the search results when requested. |
| US08312078B2 |
Data transfer system and data transfer method
A data transfer system includes: a local unit (LU) that transmits data from the USB device connected to a local computer (LC) to a remote computer (RC); and a remote unit (RU) that acquires the data from LC and transfers the data to an application. LU includes: a unit that receives the data from the USB device to store the data in a memory, and notifies the USB device about the reception: and a unit that reads non-transferred data, converts the data to a network format, and transfers the data to RC when the amount of non-transferred data stored in the memory is equal to or greater than a threshold. RU includes: a unit that receives the data from LC and stores the data in a memory: and a unit that reads the unread data in the memory and transmits the data in an application format. |
| US08312077B2 |
Client apparatus for updating data
A client apparatus receives first data from a server and later receives second data from the same server in response to a refresh invocation. The client apparatus parses the received data to generate logical structures representing the data and then compares the logical structures using a tree walking algorithm. Where a difference is found between the first data and second data, the first data is updated using the second data and rendered at the client apparatus. |
| US08312075B1 |
System, method and computer program product for reconstructing data received by a computer in a manner that is independent of the computer
A data reconstruction system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, one of a plurality of computers receiving data over a network is identified. In addition, the data received by the computer is reconstructed in a manner that is independent of the computer. |
| US08312072B2 |
Universal Galois field multiplier
An apparatus including a multiplier circuit and a multiplexing circuit. The multiplier circuit may be configured to multiply a first multiplicand and a second multiplicand based on a programmable base value and generate a plurality of intermediate values, each intermediate value representing a result of the multiplication reduced by a respective irreducible polynomial. The multiplexing circuit may be configured to generate an output in response to the plurality of intermediate values received from the multiplier circuit and the programmable base value. |
| US08312060B2 |
Methods and apparatus for accessing process control data
Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture for accessing process control data involve loading a client object and communicating a data access request from the client object to a real object configured to communicate with a server. The real object then communicates a query to the server based on the data access request and obtains process control data from the server in response to the query. The process control data is then mapped from a first data layout associated with a server schema to a second data layout associated with a client schema. The mapped process control data is then communicated to an application. |
| US08312047B2 |
Application update system, method and computer program product
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for storing documents that are being tracked in an on-demand service. These mechanisms and methods for storing documents in an on-demand service can enable embodiments to provide the sharing of documents and the storing of the documents in association with a tag. The ability of embodiments to provide the sharing of documents and the storing can enable an efficient searching for a shared document. In an embodiment, the shared document is categorized upon being stored. |
| US08312045B2 |
Configuration data content for a clustered system having multiple instances
A property sheet system and method for managing and organizing configuration information for components contained within a clustered environment. The property sheet system includes a user interface to display contents of a property sheet data structure. The property sheet data structure includes a plurality of entries, each entry associated with a non-modifiable parameter and optionally a modifiable parameter. The user interface enables a user to modify a selected modifiable parameter associated with the property sheet data structure. Once the selected modifiable parameter has been modified, the modified parameter is stored independently with respect to the non-modifiable parameters in the property sheet data structure. |
| US08312044B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus includes a creation unit and a registration unit. The creation unit acquires first limited use information which is associated with a designated object and stored in an object storage unit from the object storage unit in accordance with an instruction to specify the designated object, and creates second limited use information containing information indicated by the acquired first limited use information and described in a different form from the acquired first limited use information. The registration unit registers the second limited use information created by the creation unit in a second limited use storage unit. |
| US08312042B2 |
Automatic routing of search results
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for providing search results automatically to a user of a computing device. A spoken input provided by a user to a computing device is received. The spoken input is transmitted to a computer server system that is remote from the computing device. Search result information that is responsive to the spoken input is receiving by the computing device and in response to the transmitted spoken input. An alert is provided to the user that the device will connect the user to a target of the search result information if the user does not intervene to stop the connecting of the user. The user is connected to the target of the search result information based on a determination that the user has not intervened to stop the connecting of the user. |
| US08312041B2 |
Resource description framework network construction device and method using an ontology schema having class dictionary and mining rule
RDF network construction device and method using an ontology schema having class dictionaries and mining rules. The RDF network construction device includes an ontology schema storing module, a class managing module, a mining rule managing module, a mining pattern creating module, and an RDF triple creating module. |
| US08312039B2 |
System and method for structured search
A system and method for structured search of information, including but not limited to, search for goods and services in e-commerce and mobile e-commerce, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of heterogeneously structured data sources, a plurality of query objects that represent queries to the data sources and that are independent of the structure of the data sources, and a user interface configured to query the plurality of query objects. |
| US08312033B1 |
Systems and methods for providing an integrated identifier
Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods to streamline the mechanism by which data users access differently regulated data through the use of one or more integrated identifiers. The integrated identifiers lessen or eliminate the need to separately maintain one set of identifiers for regulated data and another set for non-regulated data. The methods and systems may be applicable in various credit and healthcare contexts where regulations over data use are prevalent. In one or more embodiments, a data user receives a unique integrated identifier for each of the data user's current or prospective customers, and the integrated identifiers can be used to persistently identify and track the customers over time and across applications that access regulated and/or non-regulated data. In the healthcare context, a healthcare provider may utilize a patient ID as the integrated identifier. To protect privacy, the integrated identifier may not include social security numbers or birthdates. |
| US08312032B2 |
Dictionary suggestions for partial user entries
In accordance with some embodiments, a server receives a partial search query from a client device that is located remotely from the server, and predicts from the partial search query a set of predicted complete queries relevant to the partial search query, where the predicted complete queries comprise previously submitted complete queries submitted by a community of users. The partial search query and the set of predicted complete queries are in the same language. In addition, the server obtains translations of at least a subset of the set of predicted complete queries, where the translations are in a different language from the set of predicted complete queries, and conveys both the set of predicted complete queries and the corresponding translations to the client device. |
| US08312026B2 |
Compressing massive relational data
A relational dependency transform is introduced as a way to exploit information redundancy in conditioning data in a relational database for better compressibility. An optimum relational dependency transform of the relational database is first computed. Fields of the relational database are then sorted topologically based on a weighted, directed graph having nodes representing predictor and predictee fields. For each predictee field in the topological order, a transformed field is then computed via the relationship between predictor and predictee in the optimum relational dependency transform. |
| US08312022B2 |
Search engine optimization
Topic-centric, dynamically-created web pages are compiled from links to multimedia content elements. Keywords are identified within the content elements and used to identify a set of topics related to the content elements. A query string comprising the keywords is executed against the content elements and in response to a request to display information about a topic the query string associated with the topic is executed against the collection of multimedia content elements to identify content elements related to the topic. A dynamically-created web page is displayed that includes computer-executable links to the set of related multimedia content elements. |
| US08312021B2 |
Generalized latent semantic analysis
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that builds an association tensor (such as a matrix) to facilitate document and word-level processing operations. During operation, the system uses terms from a collection of documents to build an association tensor, which contains values representing pair-wise similarities between terms in the collection of documents. During this process, if a given value in the association tensor is calculated based on an insufficient number of samples, the system determines a corresponding value from a reference document collection, and then substitutes the corresponding value for the given value in the association tensor. After the association tensor is obtained, a dimensionality reduction method is applied to compute a low-dimensional vector space representation for the vocabulary terms. Document vectors are computed as linear combinations of term vectors. |
| US08312013B1 |
On-demand service system, method and computer program product for linking a custom share row cause to a sharing record associated with a custom object
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for linking a custom share row cause to a sharing record associated with a custom object in an on-demand service. These mechanisms and methods for linking custom share row causes to sharing records associated with an instance of a custom object in an on-demand service can enable a user or code executed by a user to share a custom object record with one or more users and to specify a custom row cause in that sharing record. The ability of embodiments to link custom share row causes to sharing records may allow users of such on-demand services to utilize custom row causes to determine why a sharing record was added and to identify the source of a sharing record. |
| US08312010B1 |
Local business ranking using mapping information
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for ranking local businesses. One or more signals indicating one or more actions related to a plurality of business listings are received. The business listings are ranked based on the signals. A search query is received, and in response to the search query, one or more of the business listings are presented in an order based at least on the ranking. |
| US08312009B1 |
Obtaining user preferences for query results
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that obtains user preferences for query results. First, in response to a query, the system presents a ranked list of query results to a user. The system then receives a request from the user to change the position of a query result in the ranked list of query results. Based on the change in position of the query result, the system infers at least one preference of the user between the query result and other query results in the ranked list. |
| US08312004B2 |
Online ranking protocol
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for exchanging information in accordance with a protocol. In one aspect, signals reporting user actions related to resources and ranking data ranking the resources based on the signals are exchanged in accordance with a protocol. The protocol defines types of user actions that can be reported by the signals, a format for specifying values for one or more of a set of predefined parameters for qualifying the user actions, a format for specifying one or more subscriber-specific parameters relating to the resources or the user actions, and a format for identifying resources to which the user actions are related using a namespace defined by the subscriber. |
| US08312003B2 |
Computer method and apparatus for collaborative web searches
Computer method and apparatus for collaborative web search operate in an intranet with non-existent or defective link structure. A search engine produces an initial search result list in response to a user query. A list optimizer reranks pages on the initial list based on implicit user recommendation or endorsement of pages. A last click heuristic defines user endorsement of a page. To form the final result list, the list optimizer scores each page according to reranking, a textual match (or information retrieval score) of the page with the query and an adjustment value. |
| US08312002B2 |
Selection of advertisements to present on a web page or other destination based on search activities of users who selected the destination
A tracking system passively tracks and records searches conducted by actual search engine users. The recorded data for each search event preferably includes the search query submitted, the search engine used, the search result item (e.g., web page) selected, the position (e.g., page number) of this item, and the user's IP address. The collected data is aggregated and analyzed to generate data regarding the search queries used to locate and access particular destinations (e.g., web pages and sites). This data may be used for various purposes, such as (1) to generate reports showing, e.g., how users reach a particular destination from different search engines and geographic locations, (2) to select content to display on a destination page, such that the content is relevant to search queries commonly used to locate that page, and (3) to update the database of one search engine to reflect searches conducted on other search engines. |
| US08312000B1 |
Generating an integrated execution plan for multiple database requests
For a given pool of database requests, a database system generates an integrated execution plan for multiple ones of the database requests in the pool. The database system determines whether to execute the integrated execution plan or individual execution plans corresponding to the respective multiple database queries. The determining is based on one or more criteria including performance goals corresponding to the respective multiple database requests. |
| US08311999B2 |
System and method for knowledge research
Knowledge research and mapping system and method automatically construct a knowledge research map representing the researched topics, their inter-relationships, and related responses retrieved through the processing of, for example, a natural language or Boolean query that is automatically submitted via a knowledge search tool to a database. |
| US08311996B2 |
Generating content to satisfy underserved search queries
Generating content to satisfy search engines queries is described. A knowledge base including a plurality of prior search queries for a search engine and corresponding prior search results provided by the search engine is accessed and a plurality of underserved search queries are identified, wherein each of the underserved search queries comprises a search query pattern having a below threshold number of search results. Each of the underserved search queries are heuristically related to one another. The plurality of underserved search queries are aggregated into a taxonomy category having a set of associated attributes, the attributes descriptive of the plurality of underserved search queries. Targeted content is generated based on the attributes, wherein the targeted content is tailored satisfy the underserved search queries. |
| US08311991B2 |
Creation of highly available pseudo-clone standby servers for rapid failover provisioning
Near clones for a set of targeted computing systems are provided by determining a highest common denominator set of components among the computing systems, producing a pseudo-clone configuration definition, and realizing one or more pseudo-clone computing systems as partially configured backups for the targeted computing systems. Upon a planned failover, actual failure, or quarantine action on a targeted computing system, a difference configuration is determined to complete the provisioning of the pseudo-clone system to serve as a replacement system for the failed or quarantined system. Failure predictions can be used to implement the pseudo-clone just prior to an expected first failure of any of the targeted systems. The system can also interface to an on-demand provisioning management system to effect automated workflows to realize pseudo-clones and replacement systems automatically, as needed. |
| US08311989B1 |
Query logging in a multi-database system
Query processing statistics are logged in a multi-database system containing a plurality of system databases. A plurality of query log entries generated using information regarding the execution of a plurality of queries are temporarily stored in a database query log (DBQL). The information is received from a plurality of system databases. Each query log entry is generated using information regarding execution of one query by the plurality of system databases. Each query log entry includes a field identifying a system database that was the source of the information in that entry. An express request is created upon occurrence of a triggering event. The express request contains a subset of the query log entries temporarily stored in the DBQL cache. The created express request is transmitted to a plurality of system databases and the contents of the transmitted express request are stored in each of plurality of system databases to which it was transmitted. |
| US08311987B2 |
Data staging system and method
A data staging system comprises an inbound staging area, data conversion logic, and a graphical user interface. The inbound staging area is configured to receive data records from a data sending computer system, including being configured to receive different versions of the same record. The inbound staging area stores the different versions of the same record pending further processing. The data conversion logic is configured to perform the further processing. The further processing reduces the number of different versions of the same record. The graphical user interface logic is configured to generate a display showing the records in the inbound staging area. |
| US08311981B2 |
Conflict management during data object synchronization between client and server
A client stores client metadata entries corresponding to a plurality of data objects. During a first phase of a synchronization process, the client sends one or more client metadata entries to a server. Each client metadata entry sent corresponds to a data object for which at least one metadata parameter has changed since a prior execution of the synchronization process. During a second phase of the synchronization process, the client receives from the server one or more server metadata entries, each having at least one parameter that has changed since a prior execution of the synchronization process. The client identifies any received server metadata entry that conflicts with a corresponding client metadata entry, requests a user to select from among a predefined set of conflict resolutions to resolve the conflict, and the performs an action in accordance with the conflict resolution selected by the user. |
| US08311978B2 |
Computer enabled methods to inhibit file and volume name copying and to circumvent same
Provided here is a copy protection method and apparatus to confuse currently available personal computer software (and other content) copying packages by use of unexpected (“illegal”) special characters in the volume (or directory) name for the software or other content or data subject to being copied. This method can be used alone or with a broad range of other known copy protection technologies such as RipGuard (available from Macrovision Corp.). Also provided here is a method and apparatus to defeat the confusion method, thereby allowing copying of such copy protected software. |
| US08311976B2 |
Management apparatus, recording medium recording an information generation program, and information generating method
A management apparatus generates leaf page information including one or more records. The management apparatus generates root page information including falsification check information for checking falsification of child page information in position of a child of root page information or a record in position of a child of the root page information, and a serial number of the child page information in the position of the child of the root page information. The management apparatus also generates node page information including falsification check information for checking falsification of child page information in position of a child of node page information or a record in position of a child of the node page information positioned between the root page information and the leaf page information, and a serial number of the child page information in the position of the child of the node page information. The management apparatus stores the root page information, the node page information, and the leaf page information in the tree structure. |
| US08311975B1 |
Data warehouse with a domain fact table
A data warehouse includes a plurality of master data tables. The master data tables include surrogate identifiers. Each surrogate identifier (SID) identifies a master data table domain inside a master data table from the plurality of master data tables. A plurality of dimension tables use the surrogate identifiers to link to the master data table domains within the master data tables. A fact table stores dimension identifiers (DIM IDs) that provide links to the dimension tables. A domain fact table stores aggregated data aggregated from data stored in the master data tables. The aggregated data is accessible from the domain fact table using surrogate identifiers, without using DIM IDs stored in the fact table. |
| US08311972B2 |
Method of building a data integration environment
A method of building a data integration environment is provided. According to one embodiment of the invention as applied to a computer network, the method comprising: identifying the data integration environment and the policies that apply to it 200, negotiating with the environment 202, and generating a new interface rule set enabling information to be passed in dependence thereon between the system which is made part of the integration environment and the integration environment. The method can be usefully applied in UAV networks, robot networks as well as in networks of fixed sensors. The invention finds utility in various important applications such as in network-enabled capability and in rapid integration of systems. |
| US08311971B2 |
Batching method
A method for decision aiding in batching of items of varying weight, size, or shape into packs of fixed weight and item count, said method characterized by controlling the average weight of items used, by rejecting selected portion of the available pool of items, according to calculated ‘Optimal Usage Curve’, wherein the ‘Optimal Usage Curve’ represents the ‘overweight of batches’ as a function of the ‘ratio of items used’, the ‘overweight of batches’ represents the average batch weight while the ‘ratio of items used’ is the number of items used in the batching process over the total number of items in the pool of items. |
| US08311968B2 |
Apparatus and methods for isolating and reviewing data from multiple sources
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are disclosed for isolating and reviewing data. The data is provided via a data source, and subsequently a rule may be provided, as well as a metaphor, to a user for perception of said metaphor via a user interface. |
| US08311964B1 |
Progressive sampling for deduplication indexing
A system and method for efficiently reducing a number of duplicate blocks of stored data. A file server both removes duplicate data and prevents duplicate data from being stored in the shared storage. A sampling rate may be used to determine which fingerprints, or hash values, are stored in an index. The sampling rate may be modified in response to changes in characteristics of the system, such as a change in the shared storage size, a change in a utilization of the shared storage, a change in the size of the storage unit, and reaching a threshold corresponding to utilization of the index. Also, a small cache may be maintained for holding fingerprint and pointer pair values prefetched from the shared storage. Each prefetched pair may be associated with data corresponding to a previous hit in the index. The association may be related to spatial locality, temporal locality, or otherwise. |
| US08311960B1 |
Interactive semi-supervised machine learning for classification
The invention is a system and method for teaching and using a computer to apply a genetic algorithm in order to generate rules for classifying data objects, such as documents. By permitting periodic human intervention during and/or after the initial training stage, the invention improves upon existing methods that merely automate data classification. Using an initial “training set” of data objects, the system develops a set of rules to apply on future data objects. To improve efficacy over time, rules may be periodically amended by a user during the initial training stage or after rules have been generated. In this fashion, classification rules may evolve, thereby improving the accuracy and speed of the classification process. Classification rules are also presented in a human-readable format, thereby improving the transparency of the classification process and facilitating the interaction between the system and the administrator. |
| US08311957B2 |
Method and system for developing a classification tool
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a computer implemented method of developing a classifier. The method includes obtaining a set of training data comprising labeled cases. The method also includes training a classifier based, at least in part, on the training data. The method also includes applying the classifier to a plurality of unlabeled cases to generate classification scores for each of the unlabeled cases, wherein each classification score corresponds with an instance of a corresponding case. Furthermore, the classification score corresponding to a first instance in a case is computed based, at least in part, on a value of a case-centric feature corresponding to the first instance, wherein the value of the case-centric feature is based, at least in part, on characteristics of the first instance and a second instance in the case. |
| US08311952B1 |
Electronic shipping notifications
A broker facilitates customer purchases from merchants. Shippers ship shipments containing the purchases from merchants to the customers. A shipper identifies a shipment using a shipment identifier. The broker uses the shipment identifier to obtain the status information for the shipment from the shipper. The broker analyzes the status information in combination with other information to calculate an estimate of the time that the shipment will arrive at the customer's address. The broker sends an electronic message, such as an email or text message, to the customer prior to the estimated shipment arrival time to inform the customer of the impending arrival. The customer can thus arrange for someone to be at the shipping address to receive the shipment at the estimated arrival time. |
| US08311951B2 |
Computer-implemented personal information manager method and system
A computer system for managing personal information. The computer system includes a dedicated computer configured to receive and store personal information transmitted by a user computer to monitor the use of the dedicated computer by a monitored individual to obtain an activity or inactivity status, and to automatically and electronically transmit an inactivity notification to the monitored individual based on the occurrence of an inactivity status to obtain a response to the inactivity notification. The computer system also includes a mortality tracking computer configured to receive mortality information based on a mortality database having one or more records and to search the mortality database records for a unique identifier of the monitored individual to obtain a mortality search result based on a lack of response to the inactivity notification. |
| US08311947B2 |
Online service syndication
Embodiments described herein are directed to syndicating an online service to at least one syndication partner of a syndicator. In one embodiment, a computer system determines that a syndication relationship has been established between a syndicator and a syndication partner, where the syndication relationship is established to provide syndicated services to syndication partners and clients. The computer system indicates which services provided by the syndicator are available for syndication to the syndication partner and which type of usage information the partner is to provide in order to use the syndicator's services. The computer system receives usage information from the syndication partner specifying which services are to be syndicated and specifying parameters for those services indicating operating parameters specific to the use of the syndicated services. Based on the received usage information, the computer system provides the service to the syndication partner in the manner indicated by the received usage information. |
| US08311945B2 |
System and method for processing checks and check transactions
A method of processing paper checks that divides into two independent paths the processing of a data file representing a check and the digital image of the check. The data files and image files are separated both in time and in space, with the data files being used to promptly initiate the transfer of funds to and from appropriate accounts, while the paper checks, at a remote location and typically lagging in time, are scanned to create digital image files and deposited as an image or substitute check if deemed ACH ineligible. The method provides for the comparison of data files to image files, based on MICR information, to find any unmatching or mismatched items for exception processing and a process to manage ACH-ineligible items as an image or substitute check. |
| US08311941B2 |
Purchasing alert methods and apparatus
Systems and techniques for receiving transaction information at an authentication system. The transaction information may be processed using different rule sets, based on the financial instrument used for the transaction (for example, a particular credit card, debit card, bank account, brokerage account, and the like). One or more alerts may be generated and communicated to the user. The alerts may be formatted based on user device configuration information, such as a cell phone type, email type, and the like. |
| US08311936B2 |
Credit score and scorecard development
Share of Wallet (“SOW”) is a modeling approach that utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a consumers spending capability, tradeline history including balance transfers, and balance information. These outputs can be appended to data profiles of customers and prospects and can be utilized to support decisions involving prospecting, new applicant evaluation, and customer management across the lifecycle. The outputs can be used as attributes to consider in developing a credit bureau scorecard. |
| US08311933B2 |
Hedge fund risk management
A computerized method and system for managing risk associated with a Hedge Fund is disclosed. Information relating to Hedge Funds is gathered and stored as data in preparation for a risk inquiry search relating to a Hedge Fund. Documents and sources of information can also be stored. A subscriber, such as a Financial Institution, can submit a Hedge Fund descriptor for which a risk inquiry search can be performed. The risk assessment or inquiry search can include data retrieved resultant to augmented retrieval methods. Scrubbed data as well as augmented data can be transmitted from a risk management clearinghouse to a subscriber or to a proprietary risk system utilized by a subscriber, such as a risk management system maintained in-house. Risk inquiry searches can be automated and made a part of standard operating procedure for any transaction conducted by the subscriber in which a Hedge Fund is involved. |
| US08311928B2 |
Fuel offering and purchase management system
The present disclosure is directed towards apparatuses, systems and methods to facilitate the pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity fuel to a Customer. In one embodiment, the disclosure teaches a Fuel Offer Generator that facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers can buy these fuel offers such that they may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels (e.g., they may be set to strike prices). The Fuel Offer Generator also can establish a Premium Price that will be part of the fuel offer. The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. While the Fuel Offer Generator may place various constraints on redemption, it will determine which metrics are relevant to pricing the fuel offering and then employ those determined metrics to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. |
| US08311927B2 |
System and method for anonymously matching products or services with a consumer
A system and method for anonymously matching products or services with a consumer, based on the consumers true consumption behavior. Each consumer is represented by a unique true behavior derived consumption profile, and a private repository of such true consumption profiles is provided where each profile is anonymous. A repository of consumption objects such as vendors' products and services is also provided. The system correlates parameters of the consumer's true consumption profile with parameters of the consumption object's profiles to find the best matches and presents the consumer's with a list of best to worst matches for a desired products. At all time the consumer's true identity remains confidential, alleviating the privacy concerns of a lot a consumers. |
| US08311926B1 |
Montage for automated market system
A graphical user interface for an electronic market for trading products includes an aggregation window which displays additional aggregate quotes for a plurality of price levels of a product traded in the market. A trading system includes client station for entering quotes for securities. The clients have graphical user interfaces at which quotes can be entered and displayed at multiple price levels. The system handles a quote size that is displayable and attributable to a specific market participant, a reserve quote size that is neither displayable nor attributable to a specific market participant, and an additional aggregate quote size that is displayable but not attributable to a specific market participant. |
| US08311925B2 |
Online purchasing system supporting sellers with affordability screening
A method of comparing financing options to facilitate the purchase and finance of products offered for sale. The method may include receiving personal or credit information relating to the potential buyer, to identify a plurality of financing options that may be used to finance the purchase of the product. These financing options may then be delivered for display to the buyer. |
| US08311924B2 |
System and method for providing income payments to an investor
In at least one embodiment computerized methods and corresponding systems for providing guaranteed income payments to an investor are provided that include the step or steps of: receiving information from the investor representing at least a current age of the investor, a desired income start date, a desired income payment amount, and a premium payment amount; receiving a premium payment from the investor and placing the premium payment into a first investment sleeve; and automatically transferring using at least one computing device, during a waiting period and according to a predefined event, a portion of the premium payment from the first investment sleeve to a second investment sleeve, wherein the portion of the premium payment transferred calculated by the at least one computing device as a function of a time remaining in the waiting period and the desired income amount. |
| US08311923B2 |
System and method for analyzing analyst recommendations on a single stock basis
A system and method for measuring and creating a score for the performance of one or more contributor recommendations on a single stock. According to one embodiment, the score may be derived via a payoff function that depends on a variety of factors. For example, the factors may include one or more of: i) the performance of the stock; ii) the performance of a selected benchmark; iii) the recommendation of the contributor for the stock; and/or iv) other factors. According to one embodiment the payoff function may be designed such that certain desired characteristics are satisfied. |
| US08311915B2 |
Detail-in-context lenses for interacting with objects in digital image presentations
Methods for initiating an electronic shopping transaction, for initiating a control operation for a user-selectable video game character, for emphasizing an advertisement in a computer generated display, and for presenting multiple GUIs in desktop user interfaces using detail-in-context graphical distortions. The method for initiating an electronic shopping transaction, for a user-selectable item presented in a computer generated original image on a display, comprising: receiving a selection signal for the item from a user; distorting the original image to produce a distorted region for the item to provide the user with detailed information for the item; and, receiving a purchase signal for the item from the user. |
| US08311912B2 |
Method for determining premiums for representation and warranty insurance for mortgage loans
An insurance program for entities in the mortgage industry that provides coverage for financial loss as a result of material inaccuracies in the financial information provided by or on behalf of the borrower. The insurance program preferably includes the initial insurance application and establishment of an insurance agreement, periodic issuing of individual insurance coverages for particular loans handled by the lender, training and consulting on improved controls for lenders, maintaining an ineligible database of entities and a database of loan information, and handling of claims. The periodic issuing of individual insurance coverages includes receiving production information from the lender and determining the premium for the production information based at least in part on the insurance agreement. In at least one embodiment, the periodic issuing of individual insurance coverages includes scrubbing production information against databases as part of determining which loans on which to calculate the premium. The insurance program also includes a methodology for lender processing of new mortgage applications. |
| US08311909B2 |
Methods and systems for case budgeting and expense reduction
A method and system for managing legal fees and minimizing costs of an organization involves periodically receiving case budget information consisting at least in part of identification, billing rate, and hours for each person projected to work on a legal project for the organization. The case budget information is received by internal counsel for the organization from external counsel via entry of the information on a template provided by internal counsel and uploaded to an internal matter management system of the organization if approved by internal counsel. At the end of each billing cycle, current bill data from external counsel is also uploaded to the internal matter management system of the organization, and the current bill data is compared with the case budget information. A report is generated flagging any discrepancies between the current bill data and the case budget information. |
| US08311907B2 |
System and method for detecting fraudulent transactions
Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a system and method for detecting related transactions, e.g., fraudulent transactions by for example associating transactions and creating lists of related transactions. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08311905B1 |
Computerized system and method for automated demand-based parts delivery
A computerized automated demand-based parts delivery management system and method is disclosed. Parts for use in a production facility are received at a warehouse and housed in storage inventory areas such as trailers parked in a yard. Data about the parts in storage inventory areas and their locations as well as an inventory of parts in the warehouse are stored in a database. A “demand pegging” operation is performed by viewing current delivery inventory levels within the warehouse and applying them to production demand data to determine when parts will be depleted from delivery inventory areas. The operation further identifies storage inventory areas that have the needed parts. Process times for transporting parts between locations are considered in determining task times for transporting parts from storage inventory areas to delivery inventory areas so parts are replenished in advance of the deplete time determined by the demand pegging operation. |
| US08311904B2 |
Architectural design for intra-company stock transfer application software
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing intra-company stock transfer of physical inventory. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service operations, each implemented for a respective process component. The process components include a Supply and Demand Matching process, a Customer Requirement Processing process component, a Logistics Execution Control process component, a Site Logistics Processing process component, an Outbound Delivery Processing process component, an Inbound Delivery Processing process component, an Inventory Processing process component, a Production and Site Logistics Auxiliaries process component and a Freight Documents Processing process component. |
| US08311900B1 |
Providing separate views for items
Disclosed are various embodiments for providing separate views for items. A network page providing a summary view of at least a portion of a pool of items is encoded in a computing resource for rendering by a client computing device. A window superimposed over at least a portion of the summary view is rendered by the client computing device. The window provides a separate view for examination of one item from the pool of items, and the window facilitates a serial examination of the pool of items. |
| US08311898B2 |
Dynamic two-way auction method and system
The present invention discloses a method for dynamic two-way auction, applicable for auctioning participating goods, comprising: (1) setting, by a server. The descriptive information, possible search conditions and the relations which associate each search condition with the descriptive information of all participating goods are set up and stored on the server side; (2) sending, by a buyer terminal and/or a seller terminal, a search request which includes a search condition to the server; (3) parsing, by the server, the search request to obtain the search condition, determining whether a definition of a relation which associates the search condition with the descriptive information has been recorded, and performing step (4) if the relation has not been recorded; (4) defining, by the server, a relation which associates the search condition with the descriptive information of some participating goods. |
| US08311897B2 |
System and method of processing service product orders
The disclosure is generally directed to a system and method of processing a service product order. The method includes receiving a service product package defining a service product offering from a service delivery platform. The method also includes receiving an order for the service product offering from a subscriber having a subscriber account. The method further includes associating a subscriber identity with the order and providing the subscriber identity and the order to the service delivery platform. The method also includes providing provisioning data to the service delivery platform and delivering, via the service delivery platform, a video item corresponding to the service product package. The method includes communicating a billing activation event from an order management system to a billing system, the billing system to create or modify a bill corresponding to the subscriber account and providing an order completion notification to the subscriber. |
| US08311896B2 |
Multiple criteria buying and selling model
A system and method for aggregating demand is provided. At least one seller may sponsor a deal room to aggregate selling goods/services from a plurality of buyers. The demand aggregation system can include a dashboard for allowing the at least one seller to set up DealRooms, price curves, offers, products, customers, and/or customer groups, for example. The dashboard can include a plurality of wizards for configuring such information. The demand aggregation system can also include seller displays for notifying buyers of changes in prices relative to ship dates and times of order. The demand aggregation system can also include a predictive modeling and reporting function. An algorithm is employed to utilize product information to post a probability chart on a product price point. |
| US08311895B1 |
Real-time return processing
Techniques and systems provide real-time return processing before a retailer receives a returned item, such as during a return process where the retailer (seller) and customer (buyer) are separated from one another (e.g., electronic commerce, etc.). The retailer may collect information about the order and items to be returned from the remotely located customer. The retailer may optionally confirm an identity of the customer such as by verifying the original payment type and/or payment instrument number. The customer may provide collateral in exchange for the real-time return of a refund or an exchange. The retailer may then provide shipping details, calculate the refund (if applicable), and finalize processing. If the retailer does not receive the item in the allotted time for the return (e.g., for ground transport, etc.), then the retailer may charge the customer a value of the item using the collateral. |
| US08311894B2 |
Method and apparatus for interactive and synchronous display session
A system for interactively displaying and distributing information. The information may relate to consumer products, any type of article of commerce, marketing and advertising layouts, floor plans, planograms or any other type of information that is capable of being illustrated graphically. A consumer engages in an Interactive Information Session with an attendant, such a help desk attendant. During the Interactive Information Session, the attendant and consumer see synchronized displays of images or animations of the information, which may be manipulated by either one of them. The attendant and the user can communicate interactively by voice or text during at least part of the Interactive Information Session. In another embodiment, two or more users of a system according to the invention can collaboratively design a product, marketing or advertising layouts, planograms, floor plans or other graphical information in an Interactive Design Session. During the session one of the users controls the design at any time. Different users may have control at different times. The users can engage in interactive voice or text communications during at least part of the Interactive Design Session. |
| US08311893B2 |
System and method for providing information on selected topics to interested users
There are disclosed systems and methods which provide for an inter-action between unrelated databases such that information provided to a first database by a first provider can be pushed from the first database to a user based, at least in part, on data provided by that user to a second database unrelated to the first database. This then allows a user to have information pushed to him/her based upon information previously obtained from that user or about that user. In one embodiment, the user enters his/her information into one or more databases and the entered information forms the basis for information to be pushed to that user from any database even if the pushed information resides in a non-related database. In another embodiment, the data required from a provider is determined based upon data gathered from other providers for similar items. In some situations certain data is gathered without active participation from the provider. |
| US08311891B2 |
System for separating and distributing pharmacy order processing for medication payments
An information system and method that provides the ability to reroute portions of prescription order work between a plurality of organizational units in order to leverage capacity, expertise, or other resources to increase network efficiency. |
| US08311887B2 |
Methods, devices and systems for real-time instant presence with advertisement (RIPA)
Methods, devices and systems for Real-time Instant Presence with Advertisement (RIPA) using an instant messaging topology with wireless technology to instantly setup and update of presence information of an instant messaging user. The invention provides location information of a business and other business information to a wireless instant messaging user/customer of the business, and obviates the need for the users/customer to manually enter presence information of the business. The invention further provides methods for promotion, advertising and network marketing of a business using presence information sent to instant messaging users and instantly propagated through instant messaging address lists. |
| US08311886B2 |
System for display advertising optimization with uncertain supply
An advertisement impression distribution system includes a data processing system operable to generate an allocation plan for serving advertisement impressions. The allocation plan allocates a first portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy guaranteed demand and a second portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy non-guaranteed demand. The data processing system includes an optimizer, the optimizer to establish a relationship between the first portion of advertisement impressions and the second portion of advertisement impressions. The relationship defines a range of possible proportions of allocation of the first portion of advertisement impressions and the second portion of advertisement impressions. The optimizer generates a solution in accordance with an uncertain supply of advertisement impressions, in which a projected supply of advertisement impressions is determined with a model from the uncertain supply of advertisement impressions. The data processing system outputs the allocation plan including the solution to control serving of the advertisement impressions in determined proportions. |
| US08311875B1 |
Content item location arrangement
One or more content items associated with a content property are identified, each of the one or more content items associated with one or more performance measures. A rank score is determined for each of the one or more content items. One or more locations are identified for display proximate to the one or more content items based on the rank score for each of the one or more content items, and one or more other content items are provided for display in each of the one or more content item locations. |
| US08311873B2 |
Application risk framework
A risk framework is described for computing application risks. A risk value associated with each of one or more products included in an application may be determined. The risk value associated with each of the products may be classified as declining software risk, not-permitted software risk, declining hardware risk, and not-permitted hardware risk and may be weighted and summed to produce a technical risk score. A business criticality score may be computed based on how critical the application is to a business. The technical risk score and the business criticality score may be weighted and summed to produce a composite risk score. Based on one or more of the scores, planning may be conducted and strategies may be formulated to mitigate risk. |
| US08311868B2 |
Business analysis system and method
To readily understand contents of business operations without burdening an operator, this invention provides a business analysis method including: obtaining information on operations of a user with respect to software programs selected by the user among the plurality of software programs operated by a computer; estimating one business content that is executed by the computer in each of time spans based on a combination of exploited identification information of the plurality of software programs. |
| US08311865B2 |
Generating a resource allocation action plan
Systems and techniques are provided for resource allocation planning. A future supply of resources and a future demand for resources may be identified for one or more future time periods and/or for one or more resource categories. The identified supply and the identified demand may then be combined to calculate gross gaps and surpluses in supply and demand for each of the future time periods and/or each of the resource categories. One or more resource allocation adjustments for addressing the gross gaps and surpluses in supply and demand may be received, and net gaps and surpluses for each future time period and or each resource category from the gross gaps and surpluses and the one or more received resource allocation adjustments. |
| US08311864B2 |
Energy and entropy assessment of a business entity
Embodiments of the present invention provide an energy and entropy analysis of a business entity. Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for calculating a metric indicative of a business entity's strategic health at a specific point in time, comprising obtaining a measurement of energy, obtaining a measurement of entropy, identifying at least one linkage between the energy measurement and the entropy measurement, and calculating a metric indicative of the business entity's current strategic health at the specific point in time. |
| US08311862B2 |
Organizational design approach to transition cost assessment for business transformation
A method for facilitating in assessing transitional costs in business transformations using a computer-aided organizational design system is provided. The method comprises creating a first organization design model representative of the current organizational design state of an organization using a graphical tool. The method further comprises changing the first organization design model into a second organization design model representative of the organizational design state of the organization after the business transformation. The method further comprises generating a report identifying the transition cost factors and the transition cost of moving from the first organization design model to the second organization design model, wherein the transition cost is determined based on predetermined calculation algorithms or heuristics. |
| US08311855B2 |
Gathering, storing, and retrieving summary electronic healthcare record information from healthcare providers
The system and method of the invention describes a unique approach to gathering patient treatment information in summary form from a universe of health care providers, each using any form of patient information management; converting that information to pointers that can be searched by a healthcare provider before or during treatment to determine if further information needs to be acquired from the original provider; and a variety of methods to provide access to detailed healthcare treatment and diagnosis information from the original healthcare provider through an access and display method provided by the healthcare provider housing the records, if available. The system and method envisages one or more providers of repository services, each offering various ways for healthcare providers to update and maintain summary information, and each providing for continual exchange of information among them to ensure complete access to all available information. |
| US08311851B2 |
Genetic data analysis and database tools
A computerized tool and method for delivery of pharmacogenetic and pharmacological information, comprising a core system having algorithms and databases for storing, collating, accessing, cross-referencing, and interpreting genetic and pharmacologic data, with a graphical user interface for a client network of providers of laboratory genetic testing services to access the core services under contract. The system includes “paypoints” in support of improved business models. Included are mechanisms for ‘pass through’ third party and insurance reimbursement for interpretive reports, insurance reimbursement for on-line access to pharmacogenetic information at the point of care, tools for market segmentation, and a conversion tool for capturing new subscribers. Also disclosed are tools and predictive algorithms for preventing drug-drug and drug-gene adverse drug reactions. |
| US08311849B2 |
Systems and methods for risk stratification of patient populations
A statistical processing system includes a server operably configured with program instructions implementing a plurality of statistical models to at least one of (a) predict a health outcome based on questionnaire responses, (b) assist a patient's choice of therapeutic modality based on questionnaire responses, and (c) assess a health risk or status based on questionnaire responses. Also provided is a research agency communicating with the server and contracted to provide the statistical models using a visual interface communicated by the server. The server is configured to analyze requests received from users relating to a plurality of said statistical models to reduce redundancy in requests for patient data. |
| US08311848B2 |
Electronic medical record creation and retrieval system
An electronic medical record system enables organic growth of medical conditions or choices linked to predefined human body systems or an anatomical image. These choices are used as blue print launchers that form sentences/paragraphs as a user interacts with the choice lists. The choice lists can include a set of control variables that can be selected to create a medical history of a patient in the form of one or more visit notes. The medical history of the patient is formed by user selection of some of the control variables for insertion into fillable data entry locations in the sentences/paragraphs. The sentences/paragraphs are in the form of blue prints which are available generically to be populated with patient specific information to form customized blue prints for a particular patient. Multiple data perspectives in the electronic medical record system allows relatively easy and simultaneous collection of the complex medical data to produce medical visit notes or letters during a patient office visit. |
| US08311841B2 |
Encoding device, decoding device, and system thereof utilizing band expansion information
A decoding device (30a) comprises a narrow-band decoding unit (31) operable to reproduce a PCM signal (P1) from a narrow-band bit stream included in a wide-band bit stream (S0), a wide-band decoding unit (32) operable to reproduce a PCM signal (P2) having a frequency band which is wider than that of the PCM signal (P1) reproduced by the narrow-band decoding unit (31) from the narrow-band bit stream and a band expanding bit stream included in the wide band bit stream (S0) and a selecting unit (34) operable to select either the PCM signal (P1) reproduced by the narrow-band decoding unit (31) or the PCM signal (P2) reproduced by the wide-band decoding unit (32), and to output the selected sound digital signal. |
| US08311840B2 |
Frequency extension of harmonic signals
A system and methods are provided for extending the frequency bandwidth of a harmonic signal. Harmonic content of a band-limited signal is extended to frequencies outside the signal's passband by performing a non-linear transformation on the complex spectrum of the band-limited signal in the frequency domain. The non-linear transformation may be accomplishes by a linear convolution of the complex spectrum with itself. A system for extending the frequency bandwidth of a harmonic signal includes a signal processor with a forward transform module for transforming a time domain signal into the frequency domain, a non-linear transform module for performing the non-linear transformation on the complex spectrum of the harmonic signal, and a reverse transform module for transforming the extended spectrum of the harmonic signal back into the time domain. |
| US08311839B2 |
Device and method for selective image display in response to detected voice characteristics
An image display device includes a display unit, a storage unit, a voice receiving unit and a processing unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of image data, a plurality of voice data and a plurality of image files, wherein each of the image data is corresponding to one of the voice data respectively. The voice receiving unit receives a current voice. The processing unit judges whether the current voice is similar to one of the voice data, so as to determine one image data corresponding to the current voice. When the current voice is similar to one of the voice data, the processing unit determines whether each of the image files contains the image data corresponding to the current voice and then displays the image file(s), which contain the image data corresponding to the current voice, on the display unit. |
| US08311836B2 |
Dynamic help including available speech commands from content contained within speech grammars
A method for providing help to voice-enabled applications, including multimodal applications, can include a step of identifying at least one speech grammar associated with a voice-enabled application. Help fields can be defined within the speech grammar. The help fields can include available speech commands for the voice enabled application. When the speech grammar is activated for use by the voice-enabled application, the available speech commands can be presented to a user of the voice-enabled application. The presented speech commands can be obtained from the help fields. |
| US08311832B2 |
Hybrid-captioning system
A hybrid-captioning system for editing captions for spoken utterances within video includes an editor-type caption-editing subsystem, a line-based caption-editing subsystem, and a mechanism. The editor-type subsystem is that in which captions are edited for spoken utterances within the video on a groups-of-line basis without respect to particular lines of the captions and without respect to temporal positioning of the captions in relation to the spoken utterances. The line-based subsystem is that in which captions are edited for spoken utterances within the video on a line-by-line basis with respect to particular lines of the captions and with respect to temporal positioning of the captions in relation to the spoken utterances. For each section of spoken utterances within the video, the mechanism is to select the editor-type or the line-based subsystem to provide captions for the section of spoken utterances in accordance with a predetermined criteria. |
| US08311829B2 |
Multimodal disambiguation of speech recognition
The present invention provides a speech recognition system combined with one or more alternate input modalities to ensure efficient and accurate text input. The speech recognition system achieves less than perfect accuracy due to limited processing power, environmental noise, and/or natural variations in speaking style. The alternate input modalities use disambiguation or recognition engines to compensate for reduced keyboards, sloppy input, and/or natural variations in writing style. The ambiguity remaining in the speech recognition process is mostly orthogonal to the ambiguity inherent in the alternate input modality, such that the combination of the two modalities resolves the recognition errors efficiently and accurately. The invention is especially well suited for mobile devices with limited space for keyboards or touch-screen input. |
| US08311819B2 |
System for detecting speech with background voice estimates and noise estimates
A system detects a speech segment that may include unvoiced, fully voiced, or mixed voice content. The system includes a digital converter that converts a time-varying input signal into a digital-domain signal. A window function passes signals within a programmed aural frequency range while substantially blocking signals above and below the programmed aural frequency range when multiplied by an output of the digital converter. A frequency converter converts the signals passing within the programmed aural frequency range into a plurality of frequency bins. A background voice detector estimates the strength of a background speech segment relative to the noise of selected portions of the aural spectrum. A noise estimator estimates a maximum distribution of noise to an average of an acoustic noise power of some of the plurality of frequency bins. A voice detector compares the strength of a desired speech segment to a criterion based on an output of the background voice detector and an output of the noise estimator. |
| US08311818B2 |
Transform coder and transform coding method
A transform coding apparatus includes an input scale factor calculating section that calculates an input scale factor having a predetermined number of scale factors associated with an input spectrum as an element, and a codebook that stores a plurality of scale factor candidates having a predetermined number of elements and outputs one scale factor candidate. The transform coding apparatus also includes an error calculating section that calculates an error on a per element basis, a weighted error calculating section that determines a weight on a per element basis and calculates a sum of products of the error and the weight to calculate a weighted error, and a searching section that searches for a scale factor candidate that minimizes the weighted error in the codebook. |
| US08311810B2 |
Reduced delay spatial coding and decoding apparatus and teleconferencing system
The delay in a multi-channel audio coding apparatus and a multi-channel audio decoding apparatus is reduced. The audio coding apparatus includes: a downmix signal generating unit that generates, in a time domain, a first downmix signal that is one of a 1-channel audio signal and a 2-channel audio signal from an input multi-channel audio signal; a downmix signal coding unit that codes the first downmix signal; a first t-f converting unit that converts the input multi-channel audio signal into a multi-channel audio signal in a frequency domain; and a spatial information calculating unit that generates spatial information for generating a multi-channel audio signal from a downmix signal. |
| US08311806B2 |
Data detection in a sequence of tokens using decision tree reductions
An apparatus for processing a sequence of tokens to detect predetermined data, wherein each said token has a token type, and the predetermined data has a structure that comprises a predetermined sequence of token types, including at least one optional token type. The apparatus comprises a processor arranged to: provide a tree for detecting the predetermined data, the tree comprising a plurality of states, each said state being linked with at least one other state by a respective condition, the arrangement of linked states forming a plurality of paths; and compare the token types of the sequence of tokens to respective conditions in the tree to match the sequence of tokens to one or more paths in the tree, wherein the predetermined data can be detected without using an epsilon reduction to take account of said at least one optional token type. |
| US08311805B2 |
Automatic dynamic contextual data entry completion system
A method, performed in a character entry system, for interrelating character strings so that an incomplete input character string can be completed by selection of a presented character string involves computing relationship scores for individual character strings in the system from documents present in the character entry system, in response to inputting of a string of individual characters that exceeds a specified threshold, identifying at least one selectable character string from among contextual associations that can complete the input character string in context based upon an overall ranking score computed as a function of at least two other scores, and providing the identified at least one selectable character string to a user for selection. |
| US08311802B2 |
Text creating and editing method and computer-readable storage medium with dynamic data loading
Embodiments consistent with the invention include a method of creating a document on a computing device and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: receiving input text in the computing device to initiate a document creation process, the computing device including a first portion of font data for a first language, the first portion including less than all of the font data for the first language; based on the input text, determining whether the first portion is sufficient to create the document on the computing device; loading a second portion of the font data to the computing device from a data storage location if the first portion is not sufficient; and creating the document using at least one of the first portion and the second portion. |
| US08311801B2 |
Technology for supporting modification of messages displayed by program
A method, system and computer program product for improving the efficiency of changing or modifying a message displayed by a program. A memory unit stores a message read and displayed by the execution of a program, associating it with a language in which the message is written. An execution unit reads from the memory unit and displays the message corresponding to a language set by a user by executing the program. An editing unit edits the message stored in the memory unit and stores the edited message into the memory unit, associating it with a different language from that of the unedited message. A setting unit changes the language of the message displayed by the execution unit, where the execution unit reads from the memory unit and displays the message corresponding to the language changed by the setting unit thereby displaying the edited message instead of the unedited message. |
| US08311797B2 |
Viewing system that supports multiple electronic document types
A method of interpreting electronic documents, e.g., an interactive technical manual, provides an interpreter responsive to at least one global navigational input data of a client user in order to generate a displayable output. The displayable output is generated from informational input and a contextual status. The method of interpretation includes a base semantics module and any number of extended semantics modules, a symbol table, and an output module. A plurality of global navigational data are received at the interpreter, which associates and processes the informational data received with the contextual status and outputs displayable data which is renderable by the display system into a current view. A system and computer medium are also disclosed. |
| US08311783B2 |
Method for the generation of a set of conflicts for model-based system diagnostics, and corresponding diagnostic method
A method for the generation of a set of conflicts for model-based system diagnostics is described, with which system a plurality of sensors is associated for the observation of variables indicative of operation conditions.The method starts from generating a complete set of Analytical Redundancy Relations (ARRs) in implicit form and, for each diagnosis instance: it performs a system simulation, computing the expected values for a first subset of Analytical Redundancy Relations (D-ARRs) including the relations involving only one system observation variable; it compares the expected and observed values of the system observation variables to identify the inconsistent variables, i.e. the unsatisfied redundancy relations, indicating a fault in at least one system component; and, when discrepancies are detected, it checks the consistency of each relation belonging to a second subset of Analytical Redundancy Relations (I-ARR), comprising relations involving a plurality of system observation variables, at least one of which exhibits discrepancies between expected and observed values; therefore identifying the support set of the unsatisfied Redundancy Relations as set of system conflicts. |
| US08311781B2 |
Selectively reducing the number of cell evaluations in a hardware simulation
An electrical circuit comprising a plurality of cells can be simulated to produce simulation results by sorting cells between active status cells and inactive status cells and reducing the processing of simulation results from inactive cells to thereby save simulation time. |
| US08311779B2 |
Multipoint geostatistics method using branch runlength compression and local grid transformation
A multipoint geostatistics computer-implemented method for modeling of discrete properties, comprising acquiring by a computer software program a training image made from at least one dimensional array of discrete property values, the values depicting the spatial relationship and variability considered to be typical of a n-dimensional surface to be modeled; constructing a search tree, the tree representing the probability of occurrence of combinations of values of a discrete property value, the construction being performed by counting these occurrences in the training image. The non-branching sequences of the search tree are compressed to what essentially amounts to a single node, by keeping only the relevant information the sequences contain. |
| US08311778B2 |
Industrial process control transmitter with multiple sensors
An industrial process control transmitter includes a first input configured to couple to a first sensor, and a second input configured to couple to a second sensor. Measurement circuitry is configured to couple to the first and second sensors and provide an output related to a sensed process variable. A multiplexer is configured to selectively couple the first and second sensors to the measurement circuitry. An equalizer circuit is coupled to the first and second sensors and configured to equalize a voltage potential between the first sensor and the measurement circuitry. |
| US08311777B2 |
Coke oven wall surface evaluation apparatus, coke oven wall surface repair supporting apparatus, coke oven wall surface evaluation method, coke oven wall surface repair supporting method and computer program
An oven wall three-dimensional profile data (701) representing concave and convex amounts on all over oven walls (14R, 14L) at a right side and left side of a coking chamber (11) is generated by using image signals obtained by a wall surface observation apparatus (200). A resistance index “k” in which a resistance received by pushed coke (15) resulting from a rising gradient existing on the oven wall (14) is indexed is asked by using the oven wall three-dimensional profile data (701). It can be verified that there is a correlation between this resistance index “k” and a pushing load. Accordingly, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate a state of the oven wall (14) affecting on the pushing load. |
| US08311771B2 |
Inspection method of SOI wafer
An inspection method of an SOI wafer in which profiles P1 and P2 are calculated in the SOI wafer to be inspected and in an SOI wafer having a film thickness of the SOI layer thicker or thinner than that of the SOI wafer to be inspected, respectively; a profile P3 of a difference between P1 and P2, or a profile P4 of a change ratio of P1 and P2 is calculated; light having the wavelength band selected on the basis of a maximum peak wavelength within the calculated profiles P3 or P4 is irradiated to the surface of the SOI wafer to be inspected, to detect the reflected-light from the SOI wafer; and a place of a peak generated by an increase in reflection intensity of the detected reflected-light is found, as the defect caused by the change in the film thickness of the SOI layer. |
| US08311770B2 |
Portable monitoring devices and methods of operating same
An activity monitoring system, in one aspect, comprises a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body; a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect motion of a user and to generate data representative thereof; an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to detect a change in altitude of the user and to generate data which is representative thereof; and processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to calculate a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the motion data and change in altitude data. The system also includes a display to output data of a badge and/or metric wherein such badge and/or metric describes the number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user. |
| US08311764B1 |
System and method for approximating ambient temperature
A method and computer program product for determining an internal temperature of a computing device, a power consumption factor for the computing device, and an airflow factor for the computing device. An approximated ambient air temperature is generated based upon the internal temperature, power consumption factor, and the airflow factor. |
| US08311763B2 |
System and method of compensating for device mounting and thermal transfer errors
A method of compensating a temperature measurement of a thermal device in a user environment as a function of a thermal transfer of the thermal device in a temperature measurement system. The method includes inputting thermal transfer parameters associated with heat transfer characteristics of the thermal device stored by a thermal transfer indicia. The method further includes measuring a signal of the thermal device during the temperature measurement and compensating the measured thermal device signal as a function of the thermal transfer function based on one of a plurality of predetermined specific thermal environments and one of a plurality of predetermined specific thermal errors associated with the thermal device. |
| US08311760B2 |
Method for determining, section after section, a parameter-dependent correction value approximation course and sensor arrangement
An embodiment of a method for a determination, section after section, of a parameter-dependent correction value approximation course includes determining a first measurement signal value with a first parameter value associated with a sensor arrangement when the first parameter value fullfils a predetermined condition or a trigger condition is fulfilled, changing the first parameter value to obtain a second parameter value, determining a second signal value with the second parameter value and determining a second partial section of the correction value approximation course for a second parameter range based on a functional connection describing the second partial section, the first parameter value, the second parameter value, the first measurement signal value, the second measurement signal value and an initial correction value. |
| US08311757B2 |
Miniaturized smart self-calibration electronic pointing method and system
An innovative configuration of Miniaturized Smart Self-calibration EPD for mortar applications, as the azimuth/heading and elevation measurement device. This innovative EPD configuration uses only two FOGs or DTG and accelerometers and it is self-contained. This leads to a new EPD implementation that produces a small and light device with lower cost and adequate accuracy for the small dismounted mortar applications. |
| US08311754B2 |
Power monitoring and analysis system for identifying and tracking individual electrical devices
Methods and mechanisms for processing a plurality of electrical parameters of a common alternating current service that supplies power for multiple electrical devices. In an embodiment, an instance data structure is identified based on a data set which is generated from samples of an alternating current service, the instance data structure corresponding to an on-off cycle of an electrical device. Based on the instance data structure, a contribution by the on-off cycle is subtracted from the data set to determine a residual data set. In another embodiment, the residual data set is processed to determine whether the residual data set includes a contribution by an on-off cycle of another electrical device. |
| US08311752B1 |
Method and apparatus to quantify mast clamp current probe effective loss on pole-mast antenna
A method for quantifying the effective loss of a mast-clamp-current-probe (MCCP) antenna comprising the following steps: providing a vector network analyzer (VNA) having first and second ports (Ports 1 and 2 respectively); coupling a transmit monopole antenna to Port 1 via a first transmission line; coupling a receive antenna to Port 2 via a second transmission line; determining the S-parameters of the two coupled antennas; calculating the power at the receive antenna (Pr); converting the transmit antenna to the MCCP antenna by shorting the transmit antenna to ground and clamping a current probe around the transmit antenna; determining the S′-parameters of the MCCP antenna and the receive antenna; calculating the power at the receive antenna (Pr′) when coupled to the MCCP antenna; and quantifying the effective loss of the MCCP antenna as the difference Pr−Pr′. |
| US08311750B2 |
Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for providing patient-specific cardiovascular information using a web site. The system may include at least one computer system configured to allow a remote user to access a web site, receive patient-specific data regarding at least a portion of a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to determine information regarding a blood flow characteristic within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model and a physiological condition of the patient, and communicate display information regarding a first three-dimensional simulation of at least the portion of the anatomical structure of the patient to the remote user using the web site. The three-dimensional simulation may include the determined information. |
| US08311749B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US08311744B2 |
Use of chemically and geologically consistent constraints for obtaining elemental chemistry downhole
A method for estimating a lithotype of an earth formation, the method includes: obtaining at least two different energy spectra of radiation received from the earth formation using the logging tool, each energy spectrum having at least one of a natural gamma-ray spectrum, a fast neutron-induced inelastic spectrum, and a thermal neutron induced capture spectrum; establishing at least one geochemically-based constraint related to elemental spectral yields to be determined; determining the elemental spectral yields from the at least two different energy spectra by decomposing the at least two different energy spectra over weighted sum of monoelemental standards wherein at least one weight is constrained by the at least one geochemically-based constraint and each weight represents a proportion of one monoelemental standard; converting the elemental spectral yields to elemental concentrations; and using a classifier to receive the elemental concentrations as input and to provide a lithotype as output. |
| US08311742B2 |
Estimating photospheric velocities for space-weather prediction
A computer-implemented method for accurately estimating plasma velocities on the photosphere based on magnetic field data from vector magnetograms. Spatial and temporal derivatives of the magnetic field components are computed and a structure tensor containing terms that specifically include the horizontal magnetic field components is constructed. The structure tensor is convolved with a window function and a least-squares solution based on the convolved structure tensor is found. The solution includes the plasma velocities in the horizontal and vertical directions at the center of the window. |
| US08311738B2 |
Boom-mounted machine locating system
A locating system for a machine having a boom is disclosed. The locating system has a first GPS unit and a second GPS unit. The first GPS unit is located on the boom. |
| US08311737B2 |
Automated prioritization of map objects
Automatic map generation is enabled by assigning priorities to each city in a list of cities under consideration for display on a map. A mapping engine determines a reference count for each city, indicating how frequently the city appears in one or more corpora of documents. Based on the reference count, and optionally upon other data such as population and political importance, a priority score is assigned to each city. Each city is then assigned to one of a plurality of categories according to the city's priority score. A map is then generated including cities from a specified highest number of categories. In one embodiment, cities from a higher-scored category are presented in a more significant way, e.g., in capital letters, bold type, etc., than are those in the next-highest scored category. |
| US08311733B2 |
Interactive key frame image mapping system and method
Provided is a computer system and method for providing key frame image mapping. A method includes collecting one or more images of a predetermined area on the map of a physical location; and organizing the one or more images on the map as a function of a time, location, and/or image history parameter. A computer system includes a mapping module including a data store configurable to organize one or more images according to locations on a map and a table. The table can associate metadata for images with a time line, an image history and/or a location. The association can enable an instantiation of a time-related image from images at locations of the map. The mapping module enables a personalized iconographic map of a physical location illustrating icons associated with a catalog of images that are incorporated with the time line. The time line can be associated with a trip taken to an area in a map such that scrolling the time line automatically causes images associated with that time appear as well as the location on the map wherein the picture was taken. |
| US08311732B2 |
Navigation communication with self-identifying elements
A navigation device includes a communication subsystem and a navigation subsystem. The communication subsystem communicates with a remote navigation database via a gateway using variable-size data payloads. Each variable-size data payload is accompanied by a content-identifier and a size-identifier. The navigation subsystem determines a current position of the navigation device and encodes the current position of the navigation device as one or more position payloads that are sent from the communication subsystem to the remote navigation database via the gateway. Each position payload is sent with an accompanying content-identifier and size-identifier. |
| US08311723B2 |
Pressure energy conversion systems
The present disclosure relates generally a fuel injector configured to inject fuel into a combustion chamber. The fuel injector includes a body having a base portion opposite a nozzle portion, wherein the base portion is configured to receive the fuel into the body, and the nozzle portion is configured to be positioned adjacent to the combustion chamber. The fuel injector also includes a valve assembly carried by the base portion of the body. The valve assembly may have a first valve coupled to a first actuator and a second valve coupled to a second actuator. The fuel injector further includes an igniter carried by the nozzle portion of the body and configured to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. |
| US08311722B2 |
Driver-based control system and method to improve fuel economy
The technology described herein provides an active driver control system. Additionally, in various example embodiments, this technology provides methods for optimizing fuel economy (or energy consumption) through active compensation of driver controlled inputs. The active compensation functionality is used to moderate ‘sweet spot’ vehicle response with driver desired performance. In particular, the active compensation functionality can be used to smooth the vehicle response and attenuate undesired frequency content from the driver input. One of the benefits to this technology is that it assists all drivers in achieving better fuel economy in real world driving. Another benefit is that active compensation of driver controlled inputs can mitigate some of the negative effects of more aggressive driving styles. In addition to active compensation functionality, the technology described herein is also capable of generating a Green Driver Index which is derived by quantifying the driver's control ability and normalizing the result against desired fuel economy and performance targets. |
| US08311720B2 |
Lost target function for adaptive cruise control
An adaptive cruise control including a lost target function. The adaptive cruise control is operable in at least one of three modes: a normal mode, a following mode, and a lost target mode. In the normal mode, a user-set speed is maintained by the user vehicle. In the following mode, the adaptive cruise control detects a slower moving target vehicle and maintains a particular distance behind the target vehicle. In the lost target mode, the adaptive cruise control recognizes that a target vehicle is no longer detected and zeroes the acceleration of the user vehicle for a particular delay time. After expiration of the delay time, driver override, or detecting a target vehicle again, the cruise control exits the lost target mode. |
| US08311718B2 |
Negative wheel slip control systems and methods
An engine control system comprises a derivative module and a slip remediation module. The derivative module determines a mathematical derivative of a driven wheel speed of a vehicle. The slip remediation module, when the mathematical derivative is more negative than a predetermined deceleration, at least one of disables regenerative braking being performed by one or more electric motors, increases an axle torque request, and unlocks a torque converter. |
| US08311717B2 |
Drive line operation method
A method of operating a vehicle drive train, whereby the drive train comprises a drive unit, a transmission, and an all-wheel splitter having an automatically operating clutch, positioned between the transmission and the output. The clutch is operated in a continuous slip mode and in such a way that the all-wheel splitter splits the transmission output torque for variable torque distribution to driven axles. The splitting of the output torque to the driven axles is performed by a control unit, implemented into the all-wheel drive strategy, so that the output torque, less a predetermined nominal torque, is transferred to a first axle, and the nominal torque is transferred to a second axle. When defined operating conditions are met, a limiting of the torque, set by the drive unit, and/or the nominal torque, set by the all-wheel strategy, occurs to avoid a thermal overloading of the clutch of the all-wheel splitter. |
| US08311716B2 |
Control apparatus for shift range changeover device
A control apparatus for a shift range changeover device determines temporary abnormality, when a detection output of a rotation position of a motor continues to be abnormal for a first abnormality determination period. The control apparatus further determines persistent abnormality and performs predetermined failsafe processing, when the detection output further continues to be abnormal for a second abnormality period following the first abnormality period. If the temporary abnormality is determined within a feedback control permission period, motor feedback control is prohibited to control the shift range to the neutral range. If the temporary abnormality is determined after the feedback control permission period, the same control operation as before the temporary abnormality is performed. |
| US08311712B2 |
Method for the operation of a drivetrain
A method of operating of a drivetrain, having at least a drive motor and an automatic transmission with at least five shift elements, to improve a shift speed such that during a first upshift or a first downshift, at least one required shift element is prepared such that, when a synchronization point is reached, the successive upshift or the successive downshift can be immediately carried out. The method comprises the steps of requiring, at most, two of the at least five shift elements be disengaged and a remainder of the shift elements be disengaged for each gear for transferring one of torque and force; and one of increasing and decreasing a torque of the drive motor, relative to a torque of the drive motor derived from a driver's wish, during one of the first upshift or downshift and the successive upshift or downshift to assist with an overlapped implementation of the successive upshifts or the successive downshifts. |
| US08311709B2 |
Implement initiated control of tractor power take-off (PTO)
A control system for managing the operation of a tractor PTO using input conditions occurring in a connected baler. Baler conditions such as tailgate position, crop pickup position, bale wrapper status, and driveline torque are sensed in the baler, and communicated to an implement-mounted controller whereupon control signals are initiated and communicated to a tractor-mounted controller to manage operation of the tractor's PTO. Safety may be maintained through the use of operator acknowledgements in order to prevent unexpected engagement of the PTO and a manual override capability allows an operator to suspend automated operation at any time. |
| US08311702B2 |
Health state management device and health state management system
A health state management device manages information on a state of health of a driver of transportation equipment. An authentication portion authenticates the driver, and a health state judgment portion measures blood component data of the driver authenticated by the authentication portion. The health state judgment portion judges the state of health of the driver using the blood component data. A decision portion decides whether or not to permit operation of the transportation equipment based on a judgment result of the health state judgment portion, and a storage portion stores the judgment result of the health state judgment portion and a decision result of the decision portion in association with driver identification information of the driver. |
| US08311700B2 |
Control apparatus for vehicle
In a microcomputer, a signal processing device computes a control signal, such as an accelerator position, a throttle position, based on a sensor output signal, such as an output signal of an accelerator position sensor, an output signal of a throttle position sensor. A torque control device executes a torque control operation to coincide an actual torque with a requested torque based on the control signal. Furthermore, a torque monitor device determines whether a torque increase abnormality exists based on the control signal. A signal abnormality diagnosis device determines whether an operational abnormality of the signal processing device exists based on a relationship between the sensor output signal and the control signal. A monitor IC monitors operational states of the torque monitor device and of the signal abnormality diagnosis device and determines whether an operational abnormality of the torque monitor device or of the signal abnormality diagnosis device exists. |
| US08311697B2 |
Impact assessment system and method for determining emergent criticality
An impact assessment system and method for determining emerging criticality in a complex system is provided. The impact assessment system includes a component dependency model and an emergent criticality analyzer. The component dependency model describes the relationships between components in the system and their underlying dependency and criticality relationships. The impact assessment system receives component failure data from the complex system and uses the component dependency model and emergent criticality analyzer to determine the impact of the component failure on the criticality of remaining components in the system. The impact assessment system is thus able to determine how component failures in the complex system can impact the criticality of remaining components in the complex system and thus can assist in determining how those components may or may not be safely used in further operational activities. |
| US08311696B2 |
Optical tracking vehicle control system and method
An optical tracking vehicle control system includes a controller adapted for computing vehicle guidance signals and a guidance subsystem adapted for receiving the guidance signals from the controller and for guiding the vehicle. An optical movement sensor is mounted on the vehicle in optical contact with a travel surface being traversed by the vehicle. The optical movement sensor is connected to the controller and provides vehicle movement signals thereto for use by the controller in computing vehicle position. The optical movement sensor can be either mounted on a gimbal for movement independent of the vehicle, or, alternatively, multiple optical movement sensors can be provided for detecting yaw movements. GNSS and inertial vehicle position tracking subsystems are also provided. Still further, a method of tracking a vehicle with an optical movement sensor is provided. |
| US08311690B2 |
Charging system for vehicles
A charging system provided for vehicles prevents theft of a charging cable, insertion of foreign matter into a vehicle-side receptacle, or tampering when an onboard battery usable for running power is charged from a household power supply. A cable connector of the charging cable is opposed to the vehicle-side receptacle in a connecting part to prepare for charging. When a PHV is exited, a switching command switching from an unlocked state of a door locking mechanism to a locked state is inputted to a PHV ECU responsive to an inputting manipulation performed on a key or door key sensor. The PHV ECU allows the door locking mechanism to switch from the unlocked state to the locked state. The PHV ECU allows locking mechanisms to switch from the unlocked states to the locked states in the manner interlocked with the switching action of the door locking mechanism. |
| US08311688B2 |
Method for run-time incorporation of domain data configuration changes
A method and apparatus for implementing a run-time configuration change for domain data in a database for an information systems where the domain data defines entities which are acted upon by the information system and where the reconfiguration of the domain data can take place without taking the information system offline and making it inaccessible to users. |
| US08311687B2 |
Method and system for vertical navigation using time-of-arrival control
A method and systems for controlling an aircraft during descent are provided. The control system includes an input device configured to receive a speed margin for the vehicle and a processor communicatively coupled to the input device wherein the processor is programmed to automatically determine a flight path of the vehicle that is shallower than an idle flight path for the vehicle and generate a flight control surface control signal configured to maintain the determined flight path using the received speed margin. The control system further includes an output device communicatively coupled to the processor. The output device is configured to transmit the flight control surface control signal to a flight control system of the vehicle. |
| US08311684B2 |
Output flow control in load compressor
A system and a method useful for determining and controlling flow in an engine load compressor 102 having an inlet 104 and an outlet 106. Means 108 are provided for measuring static pressure at one or more locations within the load compressor inlet 104. Means 108 are also provided for measuring static pressure at one or more locations within the load compressor outlet 106. The system further comprises means 112 for measuring temperature at at least one location within the compressor, and one or more processors 114 adapted for calculating ratios relating compressor outlet and inlet pressures, optionally normalizing the calculated pressure ratios according to any one or more of reference temperatures, inlet guide vane positions, and compressor speeds, and for determining, using the optionally normalized pressure ratios, desired load compressor output flow rates Q. |
| US08311683B2 |
Processor cooling management
Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, a data processing system, and a computer program product for adjusting cooling settings. The computer implemented method comprises analyzing a set of instructions of an application to determine a number of degrees by which a set of instructions will raise a temperature of at least one processor core. The computer implemented method further calculates a cooling setting for at least one cooling system for the at least one processor core. The computer implemented method adjusts the at least one cooling system based on the cooling setting. The step of analyzing the set of instructions is performed before the set of instructions is executed on the at least one processor core. The step of adjusting the at least one cooling system is performed before the set of instructions is executed on the at least one processor core. |
| US08311682B2 |
Systems, program product, and methods for synthesizing heat exchanger networks that account for future higher levels of disturbances and uncertainty, and identifying optimal topology for future retrofit
A system, methods, and user-friendly program product to optimize energy recovery for a process or cluster of processes under all possible combinations of given process changes and stream-specific minimum temperature approach values without enumeration, are provided. The systems, methods, and program product can include steps/operations to identify a set of common-structure heat exchanger network designs which allow for construction of a physically exchanger network easily retrofittable to accommodate time-dependent new operating modes, disturbances, and uncertainty schemes. |
| US08311679B2 |
Matrix converters for wind energy conversion systems
The invention is an efficient matrix converter for wind energy conversion systems (WECS) using permanent magnet DC generators, incorporating control algorithms integrated with rotor aerodynamics, generator dynamics and the wind environment. Using a complete model of the system enables the design of an integrated control scheme for the WECS that improves the overall system efficiency. Estimates of wind velocity and rotor speed measurements are fed forward to the matrix converter subsystem for efficient switching. |
| US08311678B2 |
Method for adjusting concrete rheology based upon nominal dose-response profile
The invention relates to a method for adjusting concrete rheology requiring only that load size and target rheology value be selected initially rather than requiring inputs into and consultation of a lookup table of parameters such as water and hydration levels, mix components, temperature, humidity, aggregate components, and others. Dosage of particular rheology-modifying agent or combination of rheology-modifying agents is calculated based on a percentage of a nominal dose calculated with reference to a nominal dose response (“NDR”) curve or profile. The NDR profile is based on a correlation between a rheology value (e.g., slump, slump flow, yield stress) and the rheology-modifying agent(s) dose required to change rheology value by one unit (e.g., slump change from 2 to 3 inches) such that exemplary methods can employ corrective dosing based on the NDR and the measured deviation by the system. |
| US08311675B2 |
Method of controlling an autonomous device
The invention describes a method of controlling an autonomous device (1), which autonomous device records ambient data and optionally transmits the recorded ambient data, which method comprises positioning an indicator (S1, S2, S3, S4) at a boundary (B) between a private area (P) and a non-private area (N) to optically distinguish the private area (P) from the non-private area (N) for a user of the autonomous device (1). The indicator (S1, S2, S3, S4) is detected by the autonomous device (1) and interpreted to determine whether the autonomous device (1) is in a private area (P) or a non-private area (N). Subsequently, recording or transmission of ambient data is restricted while the autonomous device (1) is within the private area (P). The invention also describes a system ( ) for controlling an autonomous device (1), an autonomous device (1), and an indicator (S3, S4) for placement at a boundary between a private area (P) and a non-private area (N), to optically distinguish the private area (P) from the non-private area (N) for a user (2), comprising a number of electronically detectable components (23, 24). |
| US08311674B2 |
Robotic vacuum cleaner
An Autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems. |
| US08311669B2 |
Tank-locking device, system for managing liquid supply and method using the same
A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank. |
| US08311668B2 |
Automatic feeder control setup based on client mailstream
Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for automatically configuring a feeder system of a mail sorting system are shown and described. The feeder system is configured in accordance with a customer's mailing parameters. This improves the performance of the mail sorting system. In various examples, customer information associated with a processing job is received. A feeder profile is also received. The feeder system is automatically configured according to parameters of one or more of the customer information and feeder profile. |
| US08311664B2 |
Tray supply apparatus
A tray supply apparatus includes a tray magazine, a sub magazine, a supply station, and a lifting and lowering mechanism. The tray magazine can store a tray on each of a plurality of stages. The tray stores components. The sub magazine includes a plurality of conveyance mechanisms having a plurality of stages. The sub magazine is adjacent to the tray magazine and capable of taking out the tray from the tray magazine. The supply station includes a plurality of placement portions having a plurality of stages, on each of which the tray is placed, and a stage that lifts and lowers the tray between the plurality of placement portions. The supply station is disposed at a position where the components are picked up. The lifting and lowering mechanism lifts and lowers the sub magazine to convey the tray between the tray magazine and the supply station through the sub magazine. |
| US08311659B1 |
Identifying non-randomness in integrated circuit product yield
A method of analyzing integrated circuit (IC) product yield can include storing, within a memory of a system comprising a processor, parametric data from a manufacturing process of an IC and determining a measure of non-random variation for at least one parameter of the parametric data using a pattern detection technique. The processor can compare the measure of non-random variation to a randomness criteria and selectively output a notification indicating that variation in the parameter is non-random according to the comparison of the measure of non-random variation to the randomness criteria. |
| US08311656B2 |
Music and audio playback system
A music and audio playback system is implemented on a computer with a playback engine that enables the operator, typically a disk jockey, to apply a variety of effects. The system may store one or more snapshots, or a combination of settings for a plurality of controls that are applied by the playback engine. The settings that may be stored in a snapshot may be for effects, deck controls and/or mix settings. These snapshots allow for changes to settings for effects, mixing and playback to be made quickly, some of which would normally be difficult to perform. A sampler module permits a user to specify one or more samples that may be triggered for playback. The most frequently used samples may be designated as scratching files that may be quickly activated through the push of a button (or other control). A waveform display represents a window of audio samples around a current playback time. When two tracks are being played, only half of each waveform is shown. In particular, the bottom half of the waveform at the top, and the top half of the waveform at the bottom are shown. Certain effects that affect the playback of a current audio file, such as a reverse, repeat or brake effect, are performed as insert effects. As a result, the current play position in the current audio file continues to advance while the effect is performed, even thought the effect is applied to the audio data in the current audio file. The waveform display continues to update based on the continually updated current play position in the audio file. |
| US08311654B2 |
Content reproducing apparatus, audio reproducing apparatus and content reproducing method
A content reproducing apparatus is disclosed which includes: a sensor; a discrimination circuit configured to discriminate whether a movement of a user is a first movement or a second movement based on a detection output from the sensor; a storage configured to store contents; a reproduction circuit configured to reproduce the contents; and a control circuit configured to supply the reproduction circuit with contents retrieved from the storage in accordance with a discrimination output from the discrimination circuit. |
| US08311651B2 |
Process automation system for determining, monitoring and/or influencing different process variables and/or state variables
A process automation system for determining, monitoring and/or influencing different process variables and/or state variables in at least one manufacturing or analytical process. Included is: at least one control station; and a plurality of field devices; wherein in each field device at least one sensor is provided for ascertaining a measured value of a process variable and/or state variable and/or an actuator is provided for influencing a process variable and/or state variable by means of an actuating value. Each field device makes available its cyclically or acyclically ascertained, measuring-device-specific, measured values and/or actuating values of the process variable and/or state variable to every other field device of the process automation system as information, and the current information of all ascertained measured values and/or actuating values of the process variables and/or state variables is available to each field device as a current process-state-vector. |
| US08311646B2 |
Mechanism for, and method of, attaching a lead conductor cable to a lead electrode
A cardio electrotherapy lead is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the lead includes a tubular body, a conductor cable and an electrode. The conductor cable longitudinally extends through the tubular body and includes a distal end. The electrode is located on the tubular body and includes an attachment mechanism mechanically coupling the lead distal end to the electrode. |
| US08311645B2 |
Obstructive sleep apnea treatment devices, systems and methods
A lead system may include a cuff electrode configured to be implanted on a nerve and including a cylindrical cuff body having a plurality of electrode contacts. The cylindrical cuff body may include a first side with a first longitudinal edge and a second side with a second longitudinal edge. The cylindrical cuff body may also have a proximalmost end surface and a distalmost end surface, wherein the first longitudinal edge includes a proximalmost end and a distalmost end, and the second longitudinal edge includes a proximalmost end and a distalmost end. The lead system may also include first and second lead portions having generally serpentine configurations and a first anchor interposed between the first and second lead portions and configured to be secured relative to a non-nerve body structure. The lead system may also include a connector extending proximally from the second lead portion and configured to electrically connect to an implantable pulse generator. |
| US08311644B2 |
Short duration pre-pulsing to reduce stimulation-evoked side-effects
A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 μs). |
| US08311643B2 |
Spinal cord stimulation lead anchor
Disclosed is an implantable anchor for anchoring a catheter, including (by way of non-limiting example) an implantable lead, such as may be used for spinal cord stimulation, to the body of a patient, along with a method for its use. The anchor comprises an elongate body have a central lumen extending through the body from its proximal end to its distal end, which central lumen is configured to snugly receive the catheter body. In addition to the central lumen, a second lumen is provided in the proximal end of the anchor and is configured to receive an injector so that adhesive may be injected into the anchor surrounding at least a portion of the catheter body. In doing so, the anchor may be fixed to the catheter body, such that when the anchor is sutured in place within the patient's body, migration of the catheter may be avoided. |
| US08311640B2 |
Variable impedance bypass pathway for a tissue stimulating prosthesis
A method and apparatus for neural stimulation are disclosed. The principle is that a conventional current path is used to deliver the stimulus to neural structures, but an alternative current path is provided to bypass the neural structures during the opposite polarity part of the current flow. As a consequence, charge balance can be provided at the tissue/electrode interface, while delivering stimuli which are not charge balanced to the neural structures. |
| US08311637B2 |
Magnetic core flux canceling of ferrites in MRI
A magnetic core flux canceling device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a magnetic field sensor adapted for placement at a ferrite material core in an implantable medical device, the magnetic field sensor adapted to transmit a signal corresponding to a magnitude of a first magnetic field. Such a device may also include a coil disposed around the ferrite material core and a driver circuit configured to receive the signal and to vary a voltage applied across the coil based on the signal, the voltage applied across the coil creating a second magnetic field at least partially in a direction opposite the first magnetic field. According to some embodiments of the present invention, multiple coils may be used to cancel magnetic fields in multiple directions. A voltage applied across the coil varies in magnitude and/or direction to cancel or weaken an MRI-related magnetic field. |
| US08311636B2 |
Tree-based electrical stimulator programming
The disclosure describes an implantable stimulation system that guides programming with a therapeutic tree. All possible stimulation parameters are arranged on the therapeutic tree, with each level of the therapeutic tree containing a different stimulation parameter type. Each level includes nodes that are connected to nodes of adjacent levels. A program path is created by moving through nodes of lower levels. The stimulation parameter types are arranged so that coarse adjustments occur at higher levels of the tree and fine adjustments occur at lower levels of the tree. The nodes of the program path define the stimulation parameters of the delivered stimulation therapy. The user may provide information such as efficacy input and/or medication dosage information to the system for identifying the most efficacious program path in treating pain of the patient. Additionally or alternatively, efficacy feedback may be received from physiological parameter sensors. |
| US08311632B2 |
Devices, methods, and systems for harvesting energy in the body
In some embodiments, the power generator for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy is described may include a compressible element adapted and configured to be placed in an environment having a variable compressive force such as varying ambient pressures. The compressible element may be compressed by a force applied by the variable pressure to the compressible element. The power generator may further include a transducer that may be coupled to the compressible element and that may convert mechanical energy from the compression of the compressible element to electrical energy. In some embodiments, the power generator may be adapted to be an implantable power generator for converting mechanical energy from a patient to electrical energy, such that the compressible element adapted and configured to be placed between two adjacent tissue layers of the patient and to be compressed by a force applied from the two adjacent tissue layers to the compressible element. |
| US08311630B2 |
Reduction of AV delay for treatment of cardiac disease
An implantable pacing device for delivering ventricular pacing may be configured to intermittently reduce the AVD interval for beneficial effect in patients with compromised ventricular function (e.g., HF patients and post-MI patients). The AVD interval may be reduced in an AVD reduction mode, by shortening the AVD in an atrial triggered ventricular pacing mode or by switching to a non-atrial triggered ventricular pacing mode (e.g., VVI) and delivering paces at a rate above the intrinsic rate. The physiological effects of AVD reduction may be either positive or negative on cardiac output, depending upon the individual patient. |
| US08311627B2 |
Method and apparatus for a small power source for an implantable device
One example includes a battery that includes a stack of at least one substantially planar anode and at least one substantially planar cathode, wherein the stack defines a contoured exterior, and a battery housing enclosing the stack, the battery housing defining a battery housing exterior, wherein the contoured exterior of the stack is shaped to conform to a contoured interior of the battery housing that approximately conforms to the battery housing exterior, the battery produced by the process of modeling, using fluid dynamics, an exterior of a biocompatible housing and shaping the battery housing to conform to at least some of the exterior of the biocompatible housing. |
| US08311626B2 |
Robotically controlled intravascular tissue injection system
A robotic catheter system includes a controller including a master input device and instrument driver in communication with the controller. An elongate flexible guide instrument is operatively coupled to the instrument driver. A fluid injection needle may be advanced from, or retracted into, a distal portion of the guide instrument. |
| US08311624B2 |
Apparatus and method for delivering a therapeutic agent to ocular tissue
An apparatus for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to an ocular tissue of a subject includes at least one electrode, a medicament layer including the at least one therapeutic agent, an electrical signal source, and logic configured to control the electrical signal source. The at least one electrode has oppositely disposed, dome-shaped first and second major surfaces. The first major surface is curved such that the first major surface substantially conforms to a contour of the ocular tissue when placed in contact with the ocular tissue. The medicament layer is disposed on at least a portion of the second major surface. The electrical signal source provides a signal having certain characteristics and is electrically connected to the at least one electrode. The certain characteristics comprise at least one orienting frequency and at least one motivating frequency sufficient to motivate the at least one therapeutic agent into the ocular tissue. |
| US08311621B2 |
Device for judging degree of awakening and method for judging degree of awakening
A device for judging a degree of awakening and a method for judging a degree of awakening which can more reliably detect weak sleepiness of people in action. The device for judging a degree of awakening in accordance with the present invention comprises a heartbeat sensor for acquiring a heartbeat signal from a driver and an ECU for detecting sleepiness of the driver by processing the heartbeat signal. In the ECU, a heartbeat signal preprocessing section for acquiring a heartbeat period time series from the heartbeat signal, a feature amount extracting section for acquiring a heartbeat fluctuation low frequency component power from the heartbeat period time series, a sleepiness detecting section for judging whether sleepiness occurs in the driver or not according the heartbeat fluctuation low frequency component power, a stimulus timing setting section for setting a timing for imparting a stimulus for removing sleepiness to the driver according to the heartbeat fluctuation low frequency component power, and a sleepiness removing stimulus output section for imparting the stimulus to the driver at thus set timing. |
| US08311618B2 |
Method and apparatus for quantitative assessment of cardiac electrical events
Method and apparatus for computer enabled analysis of ECG (electro cardiographic) data by exploiting computerized three-dimensional spatial presentation of the measured data using vectors. A three-dimensional presentation of the human heart may be correlated with waveforms specific for standard ECG or derived ECG signals based on the dipole approximation of the heart electrical activity. Additional tools for analyzing ECG data are also provided which may be used to determine the time of cardiac electrical events, to select specific beats for automated cardiac interval determination, and to flag ECGs that have been evaluated by automated means but may benefit by human reading. |
| US08311617B2 |
Opposed view and dual head detector apparatus for diagnosis and biopsy with image processing method
The invention relates generally to biopsy needle guidance which employs an x-ray/gamma image spatial co-registration methodology. A gamma camera is configured to mount on a biopsy needle gun platform to obtain a gamma image. More particular, the spatially co-registered x-ray and physiological images may be employed for needle guidance during biopsy. Moreover, functional images may be obtained from a gamma camera at various angles relative to a target site. Further, the invention also generally relates to a breast lesion localization method using opposed gamma camera images or dual opposed images. This dual head methodology may be used to compare the lesion signal in two opposed detector images and to calculate the Z coordinate (distance from one or both of the detectors) of the lesion. |
| US08311613B2 |
Electrode catheter positioning system
A system for determining a position of a catheter is provided. An electrode is on a catheter. A plurality of reference electrodes are provided. Each of the plurality of reference electrodes are configured to transmit or receive a signal to or from the electrode, respectively. A processor is operable to determine a position of the catheter as a function of an electrical characteristic based on the signals. The plurality of reference electrodes are not positioned on or in a body surface along three mutually orthogonal axes. |
| US08311612B2 |
Dark blood delayed enhancement magnetic resonance viability imaging techniques for assessing subendocardial infarcts
The technology herein provides a dark blood delayed enhancement technique that improves the visualization of subendocardial infarcts that may otherwise be disguised by the bright blood pool. The timed combination of a slice-selective and a non-selective preparation improves the infarct/blood contrast by decoupling their relaxation curves thereby nulling both the blood and the non-infarcted myocardium. This causes the infarct to be imaged bright and the blood and non-infarct to both be imaged dark. The slice-selective preparation occurs early enough in the cardiac cycle so that fresh blood can enter the imaged slice. |
| US08311610B2 |
Biopsy tissue marker
A biopsy site marker is disclosed. The biopsy site marker includes a first marker element and a second marker element. The first marker element is configured for detection by a first imaging modality. The second marker element is configured for detection by a second imaging modality different from the first imaging modality. The second marker element may be a non-absorbable wire having a predetermined shape and is substantially engaged with the first marker element. |
| US08311608B2 |
Continuous vessel-selective spin labeling
The invention relates to a method for the MRT representation of a blood vessel (A) and/or of the territory supplied by the blood vessel (A) by labeling the blood, which is guided by this blood vessel (A), by means of continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL), in a specified labeling plane (E). The position of the labeling plan (E) is varied with the provision that a specified location of the blood vessel (A) remains in the labeling plane (E). This enables, for example, a selective labeling of a blood vessel of interest to be saturated by varying the position of the labeling plane. |
| US08311606B2 |
Conductive polymer patterned electrode for pacing
The present invention is an apparatus and method for making a polymer patterned electrode for cardiac pacing and sensing. The electrode surface includes a polymer overlayed on an electrode. The polymer layer is patterned to form an electrode surface consisting of a polymer and a conductive metal surface. The electrode can be made of a high or low impedance electrode by changing the conductivity of the polymer. Furthermore, the electrode surface texture can be optimized with a micro pattern that may enhance the biocompatibility. The polymer may be conductive or insulative. |