| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08312940B2 |
Apparatus and method for improvements in wellbore drilling
A tool for use in wellbore drilling that is suitable for use with a drill string for drilling a wellbore having an inner wall. The tool comprises a cylindrical abrasion surface for contacting the inner-wall and generating particles of solid material, and a smearing device coupled with the drill string for applying radial and circumferential force to smear the generated particles onto the inner wall of the wellbore. |
| US08312939B2 |
Method and system for laterally drilling through a subterranean formation
An internally rotating nozzle for facilitating drilling through a subterranean formation is rotatably mounted internally within a housing connected to a hose for receiving high pressure fluid. The rotor includes at least two tangential jets oriented off of center for ejecting fluid to generate torque and rotate the rotor and cut a substantially cylindrical tunnel in the subterranean formation. |
| US08312938B2 |
Vertizontal geothermal loop and installation method
A method and device for installing a tube of a geothermal closed loop system in the ground. A drill rod includes a hook for removably mounting the heat exchange tube for positioning the tube in the hole bored in the ground by the drill bit. The tube may be inserted into the bored hole once the drill is removed therefrom, mounted to the tube and then reinserted into the hole. Alternatively, the tube is mounted to the drill rod as the hole is being bored. |
| US08312934B2 |
Control line retention and method for retaining control line
A line retention system includes a positionally fixed retainer having one or more recesses therein that are receptive to one or more lines. The system further includes one or more spline recesses in the positionally fixed retainer receptive to one or more position splines and one or more position splines that are receivable in the one or more spline recesses. A method for retaining one or more lines is included. |
| US08312932B2 |
Capillary hanger arrangement for deploying control line in existing wellhead
To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger. |
| US08312926B2 |
Method for reducing thermal loss in a formation
A method for reducing thermal loss in a formation comprising two zone capable of production. The method first begins drilling a pair of wells, comprising a first well and a second well in a formation having two production zones, wherein one production zone is a thief zone such that the first well and the second well are in fluid communication with the thief zone. A sealing agent is injected into the thief zone via a first well and produced from the second well. Either the first well or the second well is then capped to form a capped well and a uncapped well. An amount of activating agent is injected into the uncapped well to form in-situ a thermally restrictive substance inside the thief zone. |
| US08312920B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated fluid loss measurements of drilling fluids
A drilling fluid test device including a cell body having a pressurization inlet configured to allow for pressurization of the cell body, a fluid inlet configured to provide a test fluid, a filtrate outlet configured to discharge a filtrate, and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid. The device also including a filter medium disposed in the cell body and a cleaning system disposed in the cell body and configured to clean the filter medium. Additionally, a method of testing a drilling fluid including injecting a drilling fluid into an automated testing cell, the automated testing cell having a filter medium. Furthermore, pressurizing the automated testing cell, forming a filter cake on the filter medium, and separating the drilling fluid into a filtrate and a residual drilling fluid. Additionally, transferring the filtrate to a filtrate collection vessel and determining a volume of filtrate in the filtrate collection vessel. |
| US08312912B2 |
Sunshade assembly having a clutch unit
A sunshade assembly includes a housing having a top opening, a winding shaft mounted rotatably in the housing, a sunshade cloth wound around the winding shaft, a pull rod disposed outside the top opening, a frame body disposed below the housing, a gear rack mounted to the frame body and having a top end connected to the pull rod, and a clutch unit meshing with the gear rack and including a pusher that is operable to place the clutch unit in a non-clutching position, where the gear rack is freely movable to permit the sunshade cloth to be wound by the winding shaft, or a clutching position, where the clutch unit applies a retarding force to retard a movement of the gear rack, which prevents the winding shaft from winding the sunshade cloth but permits the pull rod to pull and stop the sunshade cloth at a desired position. |
| US08312911B2 |
Golf cart curtain assembly
A portable golf cart curtain assembly that is able to be installed by one golfer in a matter of minutes on any golf cart and provide a substantial barrier to the elements. Its extensible framework is designed for quick attachment to a plethora of different carts and to remain in place despite the twisting of the golf cart frame and any jostling of the golf cart as it traverses about the course. A set of rubber grommets keeps any movement of the assembly quiet as metal on metal contact is eliminated. |
| US08312908B2 |
Device for regulating the delivery rate of a linear element
A device for adjusting the delivery rate of a linear element. The device forms a delivery path for the linear element between an inlet to the device at a delivery rate that is substantially constant and an outlet from the device at a delivery rate that is variable and substantially periodic and varies the length of the path of the linear element in application of a predetermined periodic relationship. The device includes a plurality of pulleys movable in rectilinear translation periodically in sinusoidal manner. |
| US08312907B2 |
Fiber bundle arranging device and fiber bundle arranging method
A fiber bundle arranging device is provided that laminates fiber bundle layers formed of a fiber bundle. The fiber bundle is engaged with arranged pins to have straight parts. The device includes a press roller and a first moving device. The press roller includes a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion of the press roller depresses the straight parts of the fiber bundle engaged with the pins toward the roots of the pins in the vicinity of the pin. The first moving device moves the press roller in the arrangement direction of the pins such that the peripheral portion sequentially intersects the straight parts of the fiber bundle. The peripheral portion is located in the front of the press roller in the moving direction, and the press roller is moved to sequentially intersect the straight parts of the fiber bundle while being inclined such that, toward the front end in the moving direction of the press roller, the distance from the roots of the pins in the laminating direction of the fiber bundle layers increases. |
| US08312906B2 |
Method and device for positioning stringers on an aircraft skin, in particular on a wing skin
Until now, an orientation pattern has been projected onto the skin by means of lasers. The stringers provided with an adhesive film are then positioned by hand on the skin and fixed by pressure weights. A precision of ±3 mm is thus achieved. The fine positioning takes place by means of comb templates. The templates are set one after the other, pressure weights being removed from the stringers after each setting, so a manual orientation of the stringers is made possible. The weights are then set again. The imprecision is still ±1.4 mm. This procedure is very time-consuming and not precise enough. It is therefore proposed to use a gantry robot with a gripper beam to position the stringers, the gantry robot cooperating with a loading unit and a heating station. The time spent is thus substantially reduced and the precision of the product is decisively increased. |
| US08312896B2 |
Air valve for spray guns
A compressed gas-aided coating dispensing device includes a valve controlling the flow of compressed gas through the device. The device includes a port for coupling to a source of compressed gas and a port through which the compressed gas flows downstream from the valve. The valve includes a first valve member and a first seat cooperating to control flow through the device, and an operating member for controlling the relative positions of the first valve member and first seat. The valve further includes a second valve member and a second seat. The operating member also controls the relative positions of the second valve member and the second seat. The operating member controls the relative positions of the first valve member and first seat and the second valve member and second seat. |
| US08312890B1 |
Dissolvable valve in a fluid processing device
A fluid processing device, system, and method for processing a fluid, are provided. The device includes a substrate, a plurality of fluid retainment regions formed in or on the substrate, and a barrier at least partially separating two or more of the fluid retainment regions, wherein the barrier can include a solvent-dissolvable, LCST-free material. |
| US08312886B2 |
Oral tobacco product having a hydrated membrane coating and a high surface area
Provided is a moist smokeless tobacco product including a hydrated membrane coating and a portion of tobacco material. Preferably, the tobacco material is pre-portioned and formed to include at least one dimple and/or at least one hole through the tobacco material so as to increase the surface area of the tobacco product. |
| US08312881B2 |
Nasal assembly
A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face. |
| US08312880B2 |
Adaptable demand dilution oxygen regulator for use in aircrafts
A system and method of automatic delivery of appropriate flow rate of oxygen to a person flying in a pressurized aircraft cabin is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adaptable demand dilution oxygen regulator for use inside a pressurized aircraft cabin, includes an oxygen initiation and demand regulation system adapted to be responsive to differential gas pressure in a first altitude range based on a pulmonary capacity of a person flying in the pressurized aircraft cabin and to control flow of pressurized oxygen to a breathing outlet during the first altitude range. The adaptable demand dilution oxygen regulator further includes a cabin air dilution and delivery system, coupled to the oxygen initiation and demand regulation system, adapted to be responsive to differential gas pressure in a second altitude range and to output progressively enriched mixture till 100% pressurized oxygen into a breathing apparatus during the second altitude range. |
| US08312878B2 |
Compensation of volumetric errors in a gas monitoring system
A mainstream gas monitoring system and method that includes a using a mainstream airway adapter, and a gas sensing assembly associated with the mainstream airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The processing portion also compensates for volumetric differences between the gas flow during inspiration and the gas flow during expiration to maximize the accuracy in the measurements made using such a system and method. |
| US08312875B2 |
Fastenable conduit for breathable gas delivery
A fastenable air delivery conduit includes a body portion having a supply end and a delivery end and a fastener that substantially extends from the supply end to the delivery end. The fastener, when engaged, forms the body portion into a fastened configuration, and when disengaged, forms the body portion into an unfastened configuration. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis when in the fastened configuration, and the fastener extends from the source end to the delivery end of the body portion at an angle that is non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the conduit. |
| US08312871B1 |
Induction drive mechanism for a paintball loader
An electronically controlled, brushless DC, electromagnetic induction drive apparatus for use in a paintball marker active loader capable of directly driving the feeder element in the active loader while providing user selectable torque transfer capability and rotational speed whether used to continuously or intermittently rotate the loader feeder element. A plurality of selectively polarity reversible electromagnets are disposed in the loader housing and act to move a plurality of magnetic drive elements disposed on the rotating feed cone to rotate the feed cone and cause paintballs to be fed into the paintball marker via a feed tube. A controller linked to the marker firing sequence manages the sequential polarity changes of the electro-magnets to cause the feed cone to rotate in response to movement of paintballs in the feed tube. The spatial relationship between the drive electromagnets and the driven magnetic elements is user adjustable to enable variation in the torque transfer of the drive apparatus to suit specific paintball characteristics. |
| US08312861B2 |
Engine brake detection
In a method for reducing engine vibrations during engine braking with a malfunctioning engine brake, the engine brake includes an arrangement for altering a timing of at least one exhaust valve and an arrangement for varying an exhaust gas back pressure. The method includes detecting piston acceleration for each cylinder in the engine during the use of the engine brake, comparing the detected piston acceleration with a predetermined reference value, decreasing exhaust gas back pressure during engine braking if at least one piston is detected with a piston acceleration deviating more than a predefined amount from the predetermined reference value so that the piston acceleration will be falling within the predefined amount from the predetermined reference value. |
| US08312857B2 |
Oil pan for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to an oil pan made of thermoplastic for an internal combustion engine, said oil pan comprising integrated oil cooler and an integrated oil filter, a straight connection opening being provided between the oil cooler and the oil filter. |
| US08312854B2 |
Ignition device for a laser ignition system of an internal combustion engine
An ignition laser for an internal combustion engine is provided, wherein the combustion chamber window is connected to a housing of the ignition laser in a gas-, pressure-, and temperature-resistant manner. |
| US08312850B1 |
Valve train control device
A valve train control device, for use in a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine having a camshaft with a primary cam lobe, is provided herein and generally includes a primary cam follower positioned in an operational path between the primary cam lobe and a corresponding valve with the primary cam follower being constructed to follow the primary cam lobe while an auxiliary motion transfer device, responsive to at least one engine parameter, may be coupled to the primary cam follower to shift the primary cam follower relative to the primary cam lobe during at least a portion of the camshaft rotation to alter one or more valve operating parameters relative to a set of valve parameters defined by the primary cam lobe profile interacting with an unshifted primary cam follower. |
| US08312844B2 |
Endoskeletal pet toy
A pet toy includes an internal skeletal member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The internal skeletal member is configured to deform upon compression such that opposing sides of the internal surface come into contact with each other. An outer covering surrounds the skeletal member. A sound-emitting squeaker device is located within an internal space of the internal skeletal member. The sound-emitting squeaker device remains free to move throughout the internal space of the internal skeletal member. |
| US08312840B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and method
Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus and method. The substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber (10) providing an internal space, in which a process is carried out onto a substrate; a gas supply unit (40) supplying a source gas to the internal space; a coil (16) generating an electric field in the internal space to generate plasma from the source gas; and an adjustment ring (50) disposed on a flow path of the plasma toward a support member to adjust the flow of the plasma. The chamber (10) includes a process chamber (12), in which the support member is provided and the process is carried out by the plasma; and a generation chamber (14), in which the plasma is generated by the coil (16), provided on the upper surface of the process chamber (12), and the adjustment ring (50) is installed at the lower end of the generation chamber (14). |
| US08312837B2 |
Support assembly for stent coating
A support assembly for a stent and a method of using the same to coat a stent are provided. The support assembly provides for minimum contact between the stent and the support assembly so as to reduce or eliminate coating defects. |
| US08312834B2 |
Apparatus for applying thin coating
A coating apparatus includes a coating transfer roll that transfers a coating material from a coating material reservoir to a work piece. The coating material reservoir is formed between the coating transfer roll, a flexible blade and reservoir wall members. The flexible blade includes a first section that is fixed to a support. A second section of the flexible blade extends along a length of the coating transfer roll and is rotatable about the first section. An actuator selectively applies a pressure on the flexible blade during a coating operation to deflect the flexible blade and control a thickness of the coating material applied to the work piece. |
| US08312833B2 |
Pneumatic nozzle for roller coating
A pneumatic nozzle for roller coating is revealed. A workpiece to be coated is fixed on a rotating power source of a machine. A high-pressure pneumatic nozzle and a material supply nozzle, both corresponding to the workpiece, are arranged at the machine. The workpiece is driven to rotate by the rotating power source while the material supply nozzle applies coating material to the workpiece and the high-pressure pneumatic nozzle releases high pressure gas. The coating material attached on the surface of the workpiece is pushed by the high pressure gas and spread uniformly on the workpiece by rotating workpiece. Thereby the material is coated smoothly in a non-contact way and the thickness of the coating material is controlled in micron scale. This helps following manufacturing of three-dimensional microstructures on rolls for producing roll dies and increases the practical value. |
| US08312831B2 |
Hydrofoil boat stabilizer
A hydrofoil boat stabilizer having a cross-sectional area with the configuration of a true hydrofoil is provided. The hydrofoil includes a slip-on yoke designed to compressively fit on a cavitation plate of a boat motor lower drive unit. The wings of the hydrofoil include at least one angle of attack, and preferably, a plurality of angles of attack. The hydrofoil is shaped to reduced drag and minimize cavitation. A low-drag surface is included on at least a portion of the outer surface of the hydrofoil. |
| US08312829B2 |
Boat hatch wind deflector system
A ventilator wind scoop system is disclosed for attachment to a boat deck hatch having a hinged hatch cover which opens to uncover the hatch opening whereby the scoop system communicates through such opening with the boat's below deck space. The scoop system has a deflector unit formed of wind-resistant fabric. The deflector, which is anchored to the inner face of the hatch cover and to supports inside the lower deck, is positioned as desired. The opposing portion of the deflector is anchored within the lower deck, preferably to the ceiling or sides to allow air flow to be forced to the front of the boat or in any direction needed. The wind scoop system is easily customized to fit a wide variety of hatch sizes and when not is use folds into a compact size for easy storage. |
| US08312828B2 |
Preloading to reduce loads and save steel on topsides and grillage of catamaran systems
The present invention reduces loads and saves steel on topsides and grillage of a catamaran system by creating a lifting force from a barge to the topsides to offset a sagging bending moment of the self-weight on the topsides during transportation. The present invention can reduce the span of the supports on the topsides on the catamaran float-over barges and move the reaction forces toward inner edges of the float-over barges. The lifting force can cause a reduction of stress on the topsides' and grillage's members caused during the topside offloading and transportation. The stress reduction can result in the members withstanding the additional dynamic load caused by a catamaran system without increasing member sizes adequate for an offloading operation. The reduction results in a significant savings, given the size of a typical topsides for a Spar hull or other offshore structure. |
| US08312826B2 |
Alignment mechanisms for materials joined at a seam
Alignment mechanisms are provided for use in conjunction with manufacture of a flat-seam construction made up of a number of sequentially formed stitches and formed on a portion of one or more stitchable materials. |
| US08312825B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for assembly of a pericardial prosthetic heart valve
A method of assembling a prosthetic valve using sheets of material, such as pericardium material, polymer or bioengineered film, or other material. The method provides an accurate and repeatable system of making pericardial valves in which sheets or pieces of material are held securely in place relative to each other throughout the steps of assembling the valve. In addition, methods of the present invention include maintaining consistent alignment of the fixtures and pericardium material throughout the valve assembly process and utilize features that make the tooling components easy to assemble and handle. Certain aspects of the invention can be used to help establish a repeatable sewing and cutting technique for creating a pattern shape for valve leaflets, establishing stitch lengths, and determining the exact placement of stitches. |
| US08312824B2 |
Thread cutter for sewing machine
A thread cutter for a sewing machine includes a first thread seizing assembly reciprocally movable and having a distal end with a first thread seizing portion, a second thread seizing assembly seizing needle and bobbin threads both having been seized by the first assembly during a backward movement of reciprocation of the first assembly, cutting the needle and bobbin threads in cooperation with a cutting blade, and a thread cutting frame supporting the first assembly and formed with a single elongated groove supporting the first assembly so that the first assembly is movable. The elongated groove includes a linear proximal end groove, an oblique portion, and a main groove and being shaped such that the proximal end groove is translated slightly forward through the oblique portion. When moved backward in the reciprocation, the first assembly is swung so that the first thread seizing portion comes close to the second assembly. |
| US08312822B2 |
Mercury control using moderate-temperature dissociation of halogen compounds
A system and method is provided for the removal of mercury from flue gas. Effective removal of mercury is obtained by oxidation of elemental mercury, with highly reactive halogen species derived from dissociation of halogen compounds at moderate temperatures brought into contact with the flue gas with or without the addition of carbon. |
| US08312821B2 |
Waste-tire recycling system
Disclosed is a system for recycling waste tires, which are industrial wastes, so as to protect our environment against pollution and promote recycling of industrial material. The waste-tire recycling system includes a pyrolyzing unit for pyrolyzing a waste tire by using a pyrolysis reactor, in which a CO or N gas circulates as a carrier gas, a decomposed residue processing unit for crushing a decomposed residue pyrolyzed by the pyrolysis reactor to separate the decomposed residue into carbon and an iron core, an oil collecting unit for cooling and condensing an exhaust gas discharged from the pyrolysis reactor to recover heavy oil from the gas, a carbon processing unit for supplying a heat source to the circulating carrier gas by using a hot exhaust gas generated when the carbon separated from the decomposed residue is burned up, and operating a steam turbine and an absorption refrigerator to generate electricity and cold water, an exhaust gas processing unit for clarifying the exhaust gas discharged from the carbon processing unit to discharge the clarified gas in an atmosphere, and recovering a part of the CO or N gas from the exhaust gas. |
| US08312819B2 |
Expansion and retraction mechanisms for moveable tray tables
Mechanisms designed to facilitate movement of tray tables or other platforms are addressed. Internal flexible sleeves provide more constant pressure on linearly-moving shafts associated with the tables, reducing or cancelling possible lateral misalignments of the shafts. Outer cases maintain the flexible sleeves in position, and positive stopping features may be employed to prevent extension or retraction of the shafts beyond desired amounts. |
| US08312818B2 |
Modular vibratory floor
The invention relates to a vibratory floor consisting of independent vibratory modules that can be pre-fabricated and are strictly controlled before being put into place in structures for storage or transport of bulk products. Each vibratory module consists of a frame (14) in which a support material (12) is arranged, on which a metal sheet (9) is mounted, said metal sheet being attached to a vibratory element (10) and a stiffener (19) and held in place only by a peripheral sealing membrane (11), optionally supported by compression springs (13). The filling material can comprise ribs (30) for deforming the metal sheet in the form of transversal waves (31) under the effect of the weight of the stored product. The vibratory modules constructed in this way are dust-tight, do no transmit vibrations to the surrounding structure, and effectively drain any lumpy or powdery product from silos, ships, railroad cars, or other containers. |
| US08312817B2 |
Under-way transfer vehicles and system
A system is provided with vehicles for Under-way Vehicle transfer where railway depot cars run on track flush in runways for buses or other highway vehicles to drive parallelly into bottom and side openings, berths, in the cars while moving at train speed along the runway and be lifted and lowered in their berths for transfer of passengers to and from the train nonstop. The buses have an alignment arm at each front (both ends are front) for the driver to extend into the opening and apply pressure on the front face of the berth on the train so the bus driver can detect steady alignment by reading a pressure gauge before turning to enter the opening. The arm is pushed into the bus as the bus reaches alignment under the berth and turns the bus wheels parallel with the train if the driver has not. The bus floor is at or near the height of the depot car floor when set on end ledges in the berth by retracting the bus wheels or lowering end brackets to lift the bus for quick exchange of passengers with the train. The depot cars that have an offset center sill under a side aisle past the berth have an upper branch over the berth with a header at each end substantially in one plane to prevent twisting torque from strong buffer force on the depot cars. |
| US08312812B2 |
Reloadable training ammunition
A reloadable munition having a reusable shell base having a hollow cavity on a bottom face to accept a propulsion system reload and a reusable projectile inserted into a top portion of the shell base, and a mechanical retainer for the propulsion system reload in the shell base to provide reloading and reusing of the munition by hand. |
| US08312810B2 |
Printing cylinder or printing sleeve, cup and method for producing a printing cylinder or printing sleeve
A printing cylinder for a printing machine or printing sleeve for forming a printing cylinder that includes a plurality of cups for forming a supporting inner structure of the printing cylinder or printing sleeve. Each cup includes a central disc, a radially outer edge, and a first conical surface part. The first conical surface part of one cup at least partially bears against an adjacent cup in order to form a connection between the one cup and the adjacent cup. The radially outer edges of the plurality of cups together define a substantially cylindrical surface. |
| US08312808B2 |
Bar bundler
An apparatus for bundling bars comprises an accumulator rotatable about a horizontal axis. The accumulator has a plurality of notches spaced angularly around its axis. A drive rotates the accumulator about its axis to sequentially locate the notches at a first station at which long bars are received in the notches and accumulated into batches; a second station at which the batches are tied into bundles; and a third station at which the bundles are delivered from the notches to a bundle collector. |
| US08312806B2 |
System for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption, and exchangeable holder for such system
A system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing at least one amount of at least a first fluid such as water under pressure to the exchangeable holder, while the exchangeable holder is provided with at least one storage space which is filled with a second fluid such as a concentrate. |
| US08312805B1 |
High pressure pump piston
A high pressure piston for use within a liner sleeve of a reciprocating pump comprises a dual-durometer elastomeric seal having first and second coaxial seal sections and, in certain embodiments, a circumferential bearing ring. Interactions of the seal components, including seal elastomers, result in stress redistribution within the seal which maintains sealing preload, with corresponding improved extrusion resistance and seal durability. When a bearing ring is present, a pump's pressure stroke causes at least a portion of the bearing ring to elastically expand radially to narrow or close the extrusion gap, thus tending to block elastomer extrusion by establishing sliding contact between the bearing ring's external surface and the liner. On the pump's return stroke the slightly wider extrusion gap allows cooling water directed generally toward the proximal flange of the piston hub to better cleanse, as well as cool, the liner wall. |
| US08312799B2 |
Rip fence with a roller-type activation mechanism
A rip fence for a table saw including a front rail and a rear rail. The rip fence includes a front clamping mechanism having a locking tip positioned adjacent to the front rail, a pivotable activation plate and a handle. A rear clamping mechanism is positioned adjacent to the rear rail, and the activation plate is coupled to the rear clamping mechanism where the handle is movable between a release position and a locking position. The activation plate includes a rolling member movable between an upper end and a lower end of the activation plate, wherein when the handle is moved from the release position to the locking position, the rolling member moves from the upper end to the lower end of the activation plate, causing the activation plate to move the rear clamping mechanism into engagement with the rear rail. |
| US08312793B2 |
Hydraulic pressure supply device for industrial vehicle
A first hydraulic circuit leads, as clutch control pressure, pressurized oil supplied from a first hydraulic pump, to a transmission control device after regulating the pressurized oil, and leads, as torque converter operation oil, pressured oil to a torque converter, and leads pressurized oil to an oil cooler. Through a second hydraulic circuit, pressurized oil from a second hydraulic pump is distributed to a circuit portion downstream of the pressure regulation valve and upstream of a safety valve and to a circuit portion downstream of the torque converter and upstream of the oil cooler. A flow control device changes a proportion of a rate of flow in the second hydraulic circuit so that a proportion of the rate of flow to the circuit portion downstream of the torque converter and upstream of the oil cooler increases as pressure at an entrance of the torque converter increases. |
| US08312792B1 |
Bi-directional overrunning clutched differential unit
In a bi-directional overrunning clutched differential unit, a pair of coaxial hubs are relatively unrotatably fitted on respective coaxial output shafts, and are relatively rotatably inserted into a cage holding rollers. A pair of second bearings journal a clutch housing disposed around the cage is diametrically larger than a pair of first bearings journaling the respective hubs, and are disposed between the first bearings in the axial direction of the output shafts. An axial end portion of the cage and the second bearing on the same axial side are distant from the first bearing on the same axial side so as to have a space where a friction mechanism for applying a frictional rotation resistance onto the cage is disposed. |
| US08312791B2 |
Bicycle pedal
A bicycle pedal has a pedal spindle, a pedal body and a step-in cleat engagement structure. The pedal body includes a tubular mounting portion rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle. The tubular mounting portion includes a center tube section that has a widthwise dimension and a lengthwise dimension as measured from the center spindle axis to an outside surface of the center tube section along reference planes that are substantially perpendicular to each other. The widthwise dimension is substantially perpendicular to a cleat pedaling force direction applied to the pedal spindle, as viewed along in a direction of the center spindle axis. The outside surface of the center tube section has an overall transverse cross sectional shape that includes a generally convex arc that extends a majority of the outside surface of the center tube section on a side of the reference plane that faces the cleat engagement structure. |
| US08312790B2 |
One touch combination structure of knob for automatic transmission
A one touch combination structure of a knob for an automatic transmission may include the knob which is provided with an operation button, an insert which is interposed inside the knob, a lever pipe which is housed in the insert and a lower end portion of which is hingedly supported to regulate shift speeds, and an operation rod which is slidably inserted into the lever pipe and elastically supported therein so as to vertically move according to an operation of the operation button, wherein a first fitting protrusion and a second fitting protrusion having different width and length are provided at an inner circumference of the insert, and a first cut groove and a second cut groove respectively responding to the first fitting protrusion and the second fitting protrusion are formed at an upper end portion of the lever pipe. |
| US08312789B2 |
Foot pedal module
A foot pedal module (1) including an enclosure (3), a rotor (11), a foot pedal (15), two springs (17, 19) and a circuit board (33). The enclosure (3) has a trunnion (5), an outer ring (29) and a cover (39) for accommodating and protecting the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is linked with a bushing (7), a tappet, a lever (13), two haptic springs (17, 19), two damping elements (21, 23) and a driving element (27). The circuit board (33) carries an inductor array (25) which are designed as flat coils and located opposite the damping elements (21, 23). The foot pedal (15) is linked to the lever (13) and bushing (7) by a ball joint (35) and a socket (27). |
| US08312787B2 |
Shift lever with button type shift knob
A shift lever assembly with a button type shift knob may include a lower skirt slidably and rotatably coupled around a shift rod, an upper skirt disposed on the lower skirt and rotatably coupled to the lower skirt to allow relative rotation therebetween and to prevent relative straight motion therebetween, and a shift knob detachably attached to an upper portion of the shift rod, wherein the shift knob is slidably coupled to the upper skirt to permit an upper motion of the upper and lower skirts along a center axis of the shift rod and is eccentrically coupled to the upper skirt to prevent a relative rotation therebetween. |
| US08312785B2 |
Involute gear teeth for fluid metering device
An oval gear set for use in a flow meter comprises first and second gears that are identical to each other and that are configured to engage at a fixed center-to-center distance such that the first and second gears mesh at all angular positions. Each gear of the oval gear set comprises a hub and a plurality of gear teeth. The hub comprises an oval body having a major axis and a minor axis extending through a center of the hub, and a root profile wall circumscribing the major and minor axes. The plurality of gear teeth extend from the root profile wall. Each of the gear teeth has a pair of contact surfaces with circular involute curve profiles. |
| US08312778B2 |
Combination of a load cell and tubular insert to be mounted in a bore
The invention relates to a combination of a load cell (7) and a tubular insert (3) for mounting in a bore (2) in a machine component (1), wherein the load cell (7) is structurally connected to an inner sleeve (6), which is axially displaceable inside an outer sleeve (4), which is insertable in the bore (2), the inner and outer sleeves (6, 4) having portions with mutually tapering envelope surfaces facing each other, and a flange (5) being provided for displacing the inner sleeve (6) and the outer sleeve (4) axially relative to each other for expanding the outer sleeve (4) partially for increasing the grip between the insert (3) and the bore (2), thereby giving the load cell (7) a pretension sufficient for emitting signals representative for the load acting on the machine component (1). |
| US08312775B2 |
Diaphragm for pressure sensor and pressure sensor
A diaphragm for a pressure sensor includes: a central section serving as a diaphragm body, the central section including: an external surface deformed upon receipt of an external pressure; and an internal surface transmitting a force to a pressure sensitive element inside a housing of the pressure sensor; a peripheral section that is an exterior of the central section and welded to an outer circumference of a pressure input orifice that is provided to the housing; and a step wall provided between the central section and the peripheral section. The central section and the peripheral section are integrally and concentrically provided. The diaphragm seals the pressure input orifice. |
| US08312770B2 |
Capacitive acceleration sensor
A capacitive acceleration sensor that prevents sticking of a mass body, made of silicon, to a first sealing substrate or a second sealing substrate, made of glass. The capacitive acceleration sensor includes a first sealing substrate and a second sealing substrate each made of glass. The mass body is suspended between the first and second sealing substrates by a beam attached to a substrate, and one or both of the sealing substrates is processed such that the mass body only contacts with a subsection of the substrate surface. |
| US08312767B2 |
Apparatus and method for fluid flow measurement with sensor shielding
Methods and apparatuses for detecting radial flows of conductive fluid are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, shields are used to prevent or reduce circulating electrical currents from causing a voltage difference that would adversely affect the measured voltage difference between two adjacent electrodes. The shields may be a conduit through which conductive fluid may flow. Groups of sensors, e.g., two or more, may be placed within the shield. The shields may have any cross-section shape. Generally, once the circulating electrical current flow between the electrode pairs is substantially reduced or eliminated, only the voltage difference from the localized induced electric field remains. This way, a true induced voltage may be measured, and thus an accurate value for the fluid velocity may be determined. |
| US08312766B2 |
Method for ascertaining the pressure and the profile depth in a vehicle tire
A method for ascertaining the pressure and the profile depth in a pneumatic vehicle tire which is fitted to a vehicle, wherein the pressure is detected with the aid of an arrangement comprising load sensors, which arrangement supplies force signals for a two-dimensional pattern of the force distribution which is exerted by the vehicle tire in contact with the sensors when the vehicle moves over the arrangement, wherein the tire pressure is determined from the force distribution independently of the method of manufacture or the model of the tire and of the vehicle, is characterized in that the profile depth of the tire is determined before, while or after the pressure is determined. |
| US08312764B2 |
Apparatus for detecting mechanical features of materials
An apparatus (1) for detecting mechanical features of materials, in particular metal materials, comprising an indenter (10) adapted to be pushed against a sample material (15) in which it penetrates for a depth (h) and responsive to the hardness of the materials same. The apparatus (1) provides means for generating a measured force (F) and a transmission gear (35) which changes the rotational motion of shaft (40) of motor (30) into a linear reversible movement. The force generated is then amplified in a hydraulic way and transmitted to the indenter (10). This solution allows to lighten and to reduce the size of the mechanisms for generating the force, reducing also wear and mechanical backlash, as well as costs and overall dimensions. An advantage is also to measure with precision the stroke of the indenter with corresponding control in precision of the penetration (h) of the indenter in the sample material. |
| US08312763B2 |
Method and apparatus for trapping single particles in microfluidic channels
Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of particle or cell characteristics, such as mass, in Susppended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Apparatus include in particular designs for trapping particles in SMR's for extended measurement periods. Methods include techniques to provide differential measurements by varying the fluid density for repeated measurements on the same particle or cell. |
| US08312762B2 |
Device and methods for reducing pressure and flow perturbations in a chromatographic system
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for placing a sample in a chromatographic system. The device and method feature placing samples held in a sample loop to pressurization prior to placing such sample loop in communication with high pressure conduits. |
| US08312761B1 |
Respirator test accessory
A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process. |
| US08312747B2 |
Tumbler for tumbling bodies of dead furred animals
In connection with the tumbling of the bodies of killed furred animals, a tumbler (2) has a cavity (21) between A filling opening (20) and A delivery opening (26) that is divided into a number of sections (30, 32) to which the bodies are transferred by a conveyor unit (36) that extends through the tumbler (2), combined with a discharge/recycling arrangement (28) for individual and controlled discharge of the bodies from the tumbler. The conveyor unit (36) also has a bottom section with a worm conveyor for recirculation of the supply of sawdust to the respective sections. The tumbler (2) can be emptied and filled without having to stop operations, and is suitable for use for tumbling of pelts with the leather side outermost or with the fur side outermost, so that the tumbler replaces two or three tumblers which normally are found in a pelt processing plant. |
| US08312745B2 |
Automatically controlled washing machine
An automatically controlled washing machine having a detergent dispensing unit that is arranged in an upper machine space of the washing machine. A drawer is arranged in the detergent dispensing unit and accessible from the front panel of the washing machine. The drawer has at least one chamber for hand-metered addition of washing powder or washing liquid. At least one storage unit in the upper machine space stores liquid or gel-like washing aid. A receptacle unit of the storage unit receives a transportable storage container that contains the liquid or gel-like washing aid and a metering unit automatically meters the liquid or gel-like washing aid. The metering unit is connected to the receptacle unit by a fluid connection and has an outlet opening that opens into a stationary chamber of the detergent dispensing unit. |
| US08312738B2 |
Integrated controlled freeze zone (CFZ) tower and dividing wall (DWC) for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the operation of a distillation tower containing a controlled freezing zone and at least one distillation section. The process and tower design are utilized for the additional recovery of hydrocarbons from an acid gas. In this process, a separation process is utilized in which a multi-component feedstream is introduced into an apparatus that operates under solids forming conditions for at least one of the feedstream components. The freezable component, although typically CO2, H2S, or another acid gas, can be any component that has the potential for forming solids in the separation system. A dividing wall is added to at least a portion of the lower distillation section of the apparatus to effect the separation of at least some fraction of the hydrocarbons in that portion of the tower. |
| US08312732B2 |
Refrigerating apparatus
A compressor and an expander are provided in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. In the compressor, refrigerator oil is supplied from an oil reservoir to a compression mechanism. In the expander, the refrigerator oil is supplied from an oil reservoir to an expansion mechanism. Internal spaces of a compressor casing and an expander casing communicate with each other through an equalizing pipe. An oil pipe connecting the compressor casing and the expander casing is provided with an oil amount adjusting valve operated on the basis of an output signal of an oil level sensor. When the oil amount adjusting valve is opened, the oil reservoir in the compressor casing and the oil reservoir in the expander casing communicate with each other to allow the refrigerator oil to flow through the oil pipe. |
| US08312731B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus and method for controlling the same
A refrigeration apparatus includes an outdoor unit having a first compressor and a second compressor connected in parallel with each other, a first oil separator attached to the first compressor and connected to a suction pipe of the second compressor via a first oil return piping including a pressure reducing device, and a second oil separator attached to the second compressor and connected to a suction pipe of the first compressor via a second oil return piping including a pressure reducing device. The suction pipes of the first and second compressors are connected together. The first compressor is a variable-speed compressor, and the second compressor is a constant-speed compressor. A solenoid valve selectively forming a bypass circuit with respect to the pressure reducing device, is connected in parallel with the pressure reducing device of the first oil return piping. The solenoid valve is opened when the first compressor is restarted. |
| US08312730B2 |
Magnetic refrigeration device and magnetic refrigeration system
A magnetic refrigeration device, which can be reduced in size and improve magnetic refrigeration efficiency, and a magnetic refrigeration system can be provided. The magnetic refrigeration device has a heat exchanger vessel of a helical structure filled with magnetic particles having a magnetocaloric effect, a magnetic circuit, a driving unit configured to relatively move the heat exchanger vessel and the magnetic circuit so that a magnetic field can be applied to and removed from the magnetic particles, a low temperature side heat exchanging unit, a high temperature side heat exchanging unit, a refrigerant flow device, and a refrigerant circuit formed by connecting the heat exchanger vessel, the low temperature side heat exchanging unit, the high temperature side heat exchanging unit, and the refrigerant flow device by a pipe for circulating a refrigerant. The magnetic refrigeration system is arranged to use the magnetic refrigeration device. |
| US08312728B2 |
Generator with separate oil system for improved nacelle performance
An electrical generator assembly for use in a gas turbine engine, which assembly includes an electrical motor configured to connect to an accessory gearbox arranged radially outward of a main axis of the gas turbine engine and inside a nacelle, and fluid connections between the electrical motor and a generator oil system. The generator oil system is offset from the electrical motor such that the generator oil system is not located radially outward of the electrical motor and inside the nacelle. |
| US08312726B2 |
Gas turbine engine systems involving I-beam struts
Gas turbine engine systems involving I-beam struts are provided. In this regard, a representative strut assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first I-beam strut having first and second flanges spaced from each other and interconnected by a web, the first strut exhibiting a twist along a length of the web. |
| US08312725B2 |
Vortex combustor for low NOX emissions when burning lean premixed high hydrogen content fuel
A trapped vortex combustor. The trapped vortex combustor is configured for receiving a lean premixed gaseous fuel and oxidant stream, where the fuel includes hydrogen gas. The trapped vortex combustor is configured to receive the lean premixed fuel and oxidant stream at a velocity which significantly exceeds combustion flame speed in a selected lean premixed fuel and oxidant mixture. The combustor is configured to operate at relatively high bulk fluid velocities while maintaining stable combustion, and low NOx emissions. The combustor is useful in gas turbines in a process of burning synfuels, as it offers the opportunity to avoid use of diluent gas to reduce combustion temperatures. The combustor also offers the possibility of avoiding the use of selected catalytic reaction units for removal of oxides of nitrogen from combustion gases exiting a gas turbine. |
| US08312722B2 |
Flame holding tolerant fuel and air premixer for a gas turbine combustor
A fuel nozzle with active cooling is provided. It includes an outer peripheral wall, a nozzle center body concentrically disposed within the outer wall in a fuel and air pre-mixture. The fuel and air pre-mixture includes an air inlet, a fuel inlet and a premixing passage defined between the outer wall in the center body. A gas fuel flow passage is provided. A first cooling passage is included within the center body in a second cooling passage is defined between the center body and the outer wall. |
| US08312720B2 |
Method for controlling an engine braking device of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle
In an internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas turbocharger, which includes a compressor with a compressor wheel arranged in an inlet tract of the internal combustion engine and a turbine with a turbine wheel coupled rotationally to the compressor wheel and arranged in an at least two-path exhaust gas tract of which is connected to an exhaust gas guide section of the turbine including at least a first spiral channel coupled to the first exhaust path and a second spiral channel coupled to a second exhaust gas path, two guide vane elements are arranged upstream of the turbine wheel and downstream of respective spiral channels which are formed corresponding to a first degree of asymmetry A1 determined as a quotient Θ of a first mass flow parameter and a second mass flow parameter which is between 0.4 and 0.8. |
| US08312719B2 |
Variable turbocharger and control method for the same
A variable turbocharger including a turbine housing, a first scroll fluidly communicating with a turbine, a second scroll formed along an outside of the first scroll, wherein the first scroll and the second scroll are disposed within the turbine housing for exhaust gas to exhaust through the turbine, a partitioning unit for selectively separating the first scroll and the second scroll, and a flux control valve disposed at the exhaust gas inflow portion and selectively coupled to the partitioning unit for blocking the exhaust gas from flowing into the second scroll. The variable turbocharger may prevent turbo lag at a low speed and be highly efficient at a high speed. |
| US08312712B2 |
Electrically heated particulate filter regeneration during engine start/stop operation
A control system comprises a combustion control module and a regeneration control module. The combustion control module controls operation of a vehicle in a first mode during which a combustion engine is off and in a second mode during which the combustion engine is on. The regeneration control module is in communication with the combustion control module and activates an electric heater during the first mode to heat an inlet of a particulate matter (PM) filter. Exhaust gas produced by the combustion engine enters the inlet and initiates a regeneration cycle of the PM filter in the second mode. |
| US08312711B2 |
Exhaust purification device of internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine wherein an HC treatment catalyst (12) having the function of adsorbing the HC in the exhaust gas is arranged upstream of the NOx selective reducing catalyst (14), an urea aqueous solution fed from the reducing agent feed valve (15) is arranged upstream of the HC treatment catalyst (12), urea, and NOx contained in the exhaust gas, and HC adsorbed on the HC treatment catalyst 12 are reacted with each other to form intermediate products having cyano groups, oximes, and amino groups, and these intermediate products are sent to the NOx selective reducing catalyst (14). |
| US08312710B2 |
Cold-start reliability and reducing hydrocarbon emissions in a gasoline direct injection engine
A method for starting an engine of a motor vehicle, the engine having an intake manifold, an intake throttle controlling admission of air into the intake manifold, and a plurality of combustion chambers communicating with the intake manifold, the method comprising providing a reduced pressure of air in the intake manifold prior to delivering fuel or spark to the engine, the reduced pressure of air responsive to a temperature of the engine; delivering fuel to one or more of the plurality of combustion chambers in an amount based on the reduced pressure of air; and delivering spark to the one or more combustion chambers to start the engine. |
| US08312709B2 |
Method for heating a catalytic converter arranged in an exhaust-gas region of a combustion process, and device for carrying out the method
An internal combustion engine is operated with direct fuel injection into the combustion chambers. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine is operated with sub-optimum ignition angle efficiency and an apportionment of a fuel quantity, which is to be injected before the start of a combustion, into at least two partial injections. A torque loss which results from the sub-optimum ignition angle efficiency and/or from the apportionment of the fuel to be injected is compensated by means of an increased charge of the combustion chambers. The fuel quantity and the charge are coordinated with one another in such a way that the air ratio lambda of the combustion chamber charges is greater than 1. The method is characterized in that a measure for a temperature of the catalytic converter, in particular a measure for the temperature at the inlet of the catalytic converter, is determined and in that a quantity of reducing exhaust-gas constituents is increased by means of at least one intervention into the control of the internal combustion engine if the measure for the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold value. The approach according to the invention permits rapid heating of the catalytic converter, wherein the hydrocarbon emissions when the catalytic converter is cold are at the same time as low as possible. |
| US08312708B2 |
Closely coupled exhaust aftertreatment system for a turbocharged engine
A closely-coupled exhaust aftertreatment system includes a first exhaust conduit comprising a first valve operable between a first position promoting an exhaust flow within the first exhaust conduit to an inlet of a first oxidation catalyst and a second position promoting the exhaust gas flow within a second exhaust conduit. It also includes a third exhaust conduit fluidly coupled to an outlet of the OC and comprising a second valve operable between a first position promoting an exhaust flow within the third exhaust conduit to an inlet of a particulate filter (PF) and a second position promoting the exhaust gas flow through a fourth exhaust conduit to an inlet in the second exhaust conduit. It further includes a turbocharger fluidly coupled to the second exhaust conduit downstream of the inlet and a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) catalyst that is located downstream of the turbocharger and upstream of the PF. |
| US08312707B2 |
Method for operating an exhaust-gas catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine
Method and apparatus for operating an exhaust-gas catalytic converter (21) of an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder (Z1-Z4) and one exhaust-gas section (4), in which the exhaust-gas catalytic converter (21) and a lambda probe (43) downstream of the exhaust-gas catalytic converter (21) are arranged. A characteristic value which is representative for the NOx concentration is determined as a function of a measured signal (VLS DOWN) of the lambda probe (43). |
| US08312705B2 |
Propellant gas control valve
A gas control valve is configured to controllably supply propellant gas to a thruster so that the thruster may produce thrust over a relatively wide range, and so that the thruster exhibits relatively fine minimum impulse bit (MIB) performance. The gas control valve includes a pilot stage having a pilot valve, and a main stage having a main valve. The gas control valve responds to control signals supplied to the pilot stage and is configured such that for commands of relatively short duration, only the pilot valve responds. Conversely, for commands of relatively longer duration, the pilot valve and main valve both respond. |
| US08312704B2 |
High pressure field emitter, photoionization, plasma initiation and field devices
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a propulsion device that ionizes a portion of a medium and ExB drifts the ionized portion providing thrust where the ionized portion is created using high pressure field emitters comprising: a substrate layer; a gate layer; a field emitter tip; and a cover layer, wherein the field emitter tip is configured to emit electrons in a region when there is a potential difference between the gate layer and the field emitter tip, where the cover layer separates an ambient environment at a pressure from the region, and where a substantial portion of the electrons pass through the cover layer. |
| US08312702B2 |
Oil recovery device
An oil recovery device is disclosed. The oil recovery device includes two bearing supports mounted on an inter-turbine casing, a first bearing and a second bearing mounted on the bearing supports, a low-pressure turbine journal mounted rotating with respect to the inter-turbine casing, a fixed ferrule, and an oil passage provided in the low-pressure turbine journal making it possible to discharge the oil inside the fixed ferrule. The ferrule is preferentially widened from the end at which the oil is discharged. |
| US08312701B1 |
Decoring mechanism with mechanized harvester
A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container. |
| US08312699B2 |
Horseback riding spur mechanism
A spur attachable to a boot. The spur includes a body having a first arm, a second arm, and a neck. A first bar having eyelets is attached to a distal end of the first arm and a second bar having eyelets is attached to a distal end of the second arm. The first arm and the second arm are configured to be forward relative to a heel of the boot and the neck is configured to be rearward relative to the heel of the boot. |
| US08312695B2 |
Apparatus and method for making packs of at least two containers for beverages
An apparatus (2) and a method for making packs (30) of at least two beverage containers (20) are disclosed. Using a conveyor, (15) the beverage containers (20) are fed to a station (10), at which the beverage containers (20) can be guided into a separate holding element (16). The station (10) has at least two rigid guiding elements (50), which are positioned in the station in transport direction of the beverage containers (20) in such a way that they run towards each other and thus clamp the beverage containers (20) in the holding element (16). |
| US08312692B2 |
Roof object support system
A support block for supporting objects on a roof is a molded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks. |
| US08312688B2 |
Glazing comprising a reinforcement element
The present invention relates to a glazing unit comprising a glazed element (10) provided with a peripheral frame or with peripheral elements made of plastic overmolded onto said glazed element (10), said peripheral frame or said peripheral elements incorporating at least one element (13′, 14′, 15, 16, 17, 18′, 19′, 19″, 20) for reinforcing the glazed element, this reinforcing element being connected to said peripheral frame or said peripheral elements by an overmolding plastic (9) and consisting of a profile comprising a web part (11) that is arranged parallel or substantially parallel and close to the glazed element (10) and bears at least one projecting part (12) distal to the glazed element, characterized in that the projecting part or parts (12) does not or do not form a pocket that is open in the direction of the glazed element (10). |
| US08312676B2 |
Shutter panel having louvers aligned along a single plane
A shutter panel having multiple louvers that may be opened or closed in unison and which provide a flat, non-overlapping surface when placed in the closed position. Each louver is provided with a pivot post and a drive post, and the drive posts of each louver are interconnected to one or more control rods hidden within the stiles of the shutter panel. Each louver is beveled to encourage movement between the open and closed positions, and to assist with the formation of a substantially flat surface when the louvers are placed in the closed positions. The substantially flat surface formed when the louvers are closed may include an aesthetic design applied thereon or engraved therein. |
| US08312672B2 |
Methods of seed breeding using high throughput nondestructive seed sampling
The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method for analyzing a population of haploid seeds generally includes providing a population of seeds comprising haploid seeds, removing tissue samples from a plurality of the seeds in the population using an automated seed sampler system while preserving the germination viability of the sampled seeds, and analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics indicative of at least one genetic or chemical trait. |
| US08312670B2 |
Horticultural applicator device
A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft. |
| US08312665B2 |
Side-mounted lighting device
A sighting device is mountable to the side plate of a gun. The sighting device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source. The sighting device is mounted to a gun, usually by being mounted to a side plate, which is then mounted to a gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device is mounted to the side plate by being screwed or bolted to it. In another embodiment, the sighting device includes a recess or channel that receives a rail, such as a dove-tail projection (or protrusion), formed on the side or vice versa. A side plate to which the sighting device can be attached and a gun including the sighting device are also disclosed. |
| US08312662B2 |
Rifle end plate sling adapter and method
End plate sling adapter securable to a rifle for a sling, includes a fastener element, sling adapter clamp and locking insert. Sling adapter clamp has a collar defining a central opening extending therethrough, and a pair of fastener housings arranged at respective ends of the collar defining a gap therebetween. Each housing receives a fastener therein such that the fastener extends across the gap and is adjustable to reduce its width. Locking insert has an upper portion with a threaded cradle accommodated within central opening and meshing with a threaded portion of a rifle buttstock receiver extension, and a lower portion extending into the gap. |
| US08312659B2 |
Hand gun
The present invention relates to a hand gun having at least one exchangeable magazine for cartridges, able to be inserted from below into a grip piece of the weapon. According to the invention, a security element is arranged in the grip piece of the weapon, which with the magazine removed blocks a grip security arrangement of the weapon on the grip piece and which on insertion of the magazine is acted upon by an element arranged on the magazine such that it moves within the grip piece, wherein through this displacement the blocking of the grip security arrangement is released. In addition, this hand gun can have a firing pin security arrangement, which blocks a movement of the firing pin on non-actuation of the trigger, wherein a recess is provided in the firing pin, and a firing pin security element, guided displaceably in this recess, which on actuation of the trigger of the weapon is acted upon directly by an arm of a swivel part connected with the trigger, and is displaced into a security release position. |
| US08312658B2 |
Firearm firing system
A firearm firing system substantially reduces the force necessary to fire the weapon yet enhances its ability to remain safe when a firing command is not issued. The sear and hammer interact at two distinct locations so as to reduce the force necessary for the sear to be removed from the sear ledge of the hammer resulting firing of the weapon. By redistributing forces to a secondary point on the hammer during firing the primary sear/hammer interaction can be maintained during non-firing modes to safe the weapon. Additionally a cavity is presented at the sear/sear ledge interaction such that residue and foreign material are removed so not to interfere with the firing mechanism. |
| US08312657B2 |
Muzzle-loading rifle equipped with a gunpowder-proof sealed breech plug
Muzzle-loading rifle, which comprises a breech plug (1) and a barrel (2), both fixed in a connection area (3), characterized in that the breech plug (1) is provided with a continuous flange (11) that presses from inside against a seating surface (12) of the barrel (2) when the breech plug (1) is fitted in the interior of the barrel (2), so that said pressure increases when the powder (7) explodes on the second end (5) of the breech plug (1). As a result, the seal between the breech plug (1) and the barrel (2) is strengthened and the gunpowder is prevented from reaching the connection area (3), thereby making it easier to detach the breech plug (1). |
| US08312654B2 |
Key tag
A key tag includes: a body having a recess and a through hole near its one end, a tag sheet accommodated in the recess, and a cover sheet adaptively engaged with the body so as to confine the tag sheet within the recess. |
| US08312651B2 |
Electronic greeting cards
Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card. |
| US08312650B2 |
Wear assembly
In a wear assembly for securing wear members to excavating equipment, a spool is used with a wedge to hold the wear member in place. The spool is formed with at least one laterally extending arm at its upper end in lieu of an axial arm such as used in a conventional C-shaped spool. In this way, the spool can be easily supported in the assembly as the wedge is installed. The spool does not fall through the opening and no special care is needed to prevent it from falling. The spool also holds itself in place when the wedge is driven into the passage. As a result, installation of the wear assembly is easier and less hazardous. In addition, the lateral support reduces the risk that the spool will suffer spreading. |
| US08312647B2 |
Shoe, particularly sports shoe
The invention relates to a shoe, particularly to a sports shoe, with a sole (1), wherein the sole (1) comprises at least one spring element (2), which spring element increases the bending stiffness of the sole (1) around an axis (Q) which is oriented horizontally and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L) of the sole (1). To create a shoe which sole has a sufficient bending stiffness and spring properties respectively without employing separate measures, i. e. without employing a spring element, the invention proposes that the sole comprises at least one receiving groove (3) for the at least one spring element (2), in which the spring element (2) is arranged in such a manner that it can slide at least along a part of its extension in longitudinal direction (L) relatively to the sole (1). |
| US08312643B2 |
Article of footwear with a sole structure having fluid-filled support elements
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert. |
| US08312641B2 |
UV LED curing appartus with improved illumination and timer control
The present invention is related to an UV LED curing apparatus, and more particularly, to a portable UV LED curing apparatus with improved illumination and timer control to solidify a UV hardening gel, such as acrylic gel. The present invention provides an UV LED curing apparatus comprising a housing and an UV LED lighting assembly enclosed in the housing. The housing is provided with a light aperture allowing UV light shone from an UV LED light source on the UV LED lighting assembly and controlled by a timer and a current regulator integrated thereon. The UV LED lighting assembly is further provided with an optical element to direct and confine UV light shine toward the light aperture of the housing, capable of providing a focused illumination and preventing leakage of UV light outside of the housing. The UV LED light source is preferably of a short wavelength such as between 360 nm and 410 nm, and the current supplied from a power supply to the UV LED light source on the substrate is preferably controlled automatically by the timer and the current regulator integrated thereon to shine UV light toward the light aperture of the housing for a prescribed period of time preferably less than 30 seconds triggered by a switch electrically connected thereto. |
| US08312639B2 |
Liquid storage container and clothes dryer having the same
Disclosed is a liquid storage container and a clothes dryer having the same. The liquid storage container comprises: a reservoir installed at the clothes dryer, and configured to store liquid therein; a light transmitting window disposed above the reservoir; and a level indicator configured to be partially or wholly immersed into the liquid stored in the reservoir according to a level of the liquid. According to the amount of the liquid stored in the reservoir, an immersed degree of the level indicator into the liquid may become different. Accordingly, a user may easily and rapidly check a remaining amount of the liquid with his or her naked eyes. |
| US08312638B2 |
Multiple laundry treating machine
A multiple laundry treating machine, in which an auxiliary laundry treating device (120) is coupled to a general laundry treating device (110), is disclosed. The multiple laundry treating machine includes a main laundry treating device (110) for washing or drying laundry contained in an interior of the main laundry treating device (110), an auxiliary laundry treating device (120) arranged at one side of the main laundry treating device (110), the auxiliary laundry treating device (120) having a volume and a height respectively smaller than a volume and a height of the main laundry treating device (110), and having a laundry container (121) formed in an interior of the auxiliary laundry treating device (120), and a connecting unit (300) for connecting the main and auxiliary laundry treating devices (110, 120), to enable communication or control operations between the main and auxiliary laundry treating devices (110, 120). In accordance with the multiple laundry treating machine, it is possible to achieve a convenience in use and to save energy because a small amount of clothes or shoes can be dried by the auxiliary laundry treating device (120), without driving a laundry treating device (120) having a relatively-large capacity. |
| US08312637B2 |
Alignment tool for replacement of ultrasonic welder horn
An alignment tool determines the parallelism between the anvil face of an anvil of an ultrasonic welder and the horn faces of a replacement horn mounted on the welder by a rotary mount. The tool includes a tool base having a face plate contacting with the anvil face and a clamp for clamping the tool base on the anvil. A plate member is mounted on the tool base for swiveling movement and contacts the horn faces. Springs urge the plate member into contact with the horn faces while the replacement horn is rotated relative to the anvil. Transducers sense the relative positions between the face plate and the plate member so that the repairman can determine that the replacement horn has been rotated to the desired position in which the horn face has become parallel with the anvil face. Then the replacement horn can then be tightened against further rotation. |
| US08312630B2 |
Method for mounting underbody elements on a motor vehicle
A method for mounting, on a motor vehicle, underbody elements and a technical front surface designed to be mounted at one end of a front structural element of the vehicle including side-members. The technical front surface is positioned on one of the underbody elements; the technical front surface is pivoted about a transverse axis from a position wherein it extends substantially transversely to a position wherein it is titled forward; the underbody elements and the tilted technical front surface are moved vertically downwards up to the vehicle; and the technical front surface is folded down from its tilted position to its normal position wherein it is opposite the structural element of the vehicle. |
| US08312628B2 |
Liquid discharge head and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head includes heating the surface portion of power line that is to be in contact with a member made of resin, thereby forming, from a precious metal layer and a nickel layer, an adhesion layer made of an alloy containing precious metal and nickel as major components. |
| US08312623B2 |
Methods for producing electrical conductors
A device including a heat sensitive substrate and an electrical conductor disposed thereon is provided. In certain examples, the heat sensitive substrate may be configured to degrade at or above a sintering temperature. In other examples, the electrical conductor may be processed, prior to disposal on the heat sensitive substrate, at the sintering temperature on a second substrate that can withstand the sintering temperature. Methods and kits are also disclosed. |
| US08312622B2 |
Punching head, machining tool with one such punching head and machining device with one such punching head or machining tool
The invention relates to a novel machining tool and a punching head for use in one such tool. An internal feed channel is formed between the connection for the external feed of components and the readiness position on the joining channel at least over a partial length of a deformable or flexible internal feed, so that the run of this feed within the tool and/or the correction of the feed to the external supply can be optimally matched to the respective tool execution. |
| US08312617B2 |
Method of manufacturing a disk drive having a base member, bearing unit, drive unit and hub
A method of manufacturing a disk drive device including: assembling a subassembly by fixing at least a bearing unit, a drive unit and a hub to a base member in a first clean room; cleaning the subassembly in a second clean room; and sealing the subassembly by a sealing member. The first clean room and the second clean room are communicated with each other by a communicating opening for transferring the subassembly, and an atmospheric pressure in the second clean room is equal to or higher than that in the first clean room. |
| US08312616B2 |
Method of using a pipe coupling having movable gripping bodies
A method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation includes using a coupling having two or more segments connected to one another end to end surrounding a central space. The coupling also has at least one gripping body positioned between two of the segments. The pipe elements are inserted into the central space. The segments and the gripping body or bodies are moved toward the central space. The segments have arcuate surfaces which engage the outer surface of the pipe element. The gripping body or bodies have gripping surfaces which engage the outer surface of the pipe elements. |
| US08312613B2 |
Percussion drilling assembly with annular locking member
A method of manufacturing a percussion drilling assembly, the method including providing a tubular case having a central axis and a lower end with an inner surface and an outer surface, providing a driver sub having a central axis, an outer surface, and an upper end, providing a annular locking member including an annular body, an inner finger extending radially inward from the body, and a first outer finger extending radially outward from the body, positioning the annular locking member about the driver sub, and threading the upper end of the driver sub to the lower end of the case. The inner surface of the lower end includes internal threads and the outer surface of the lower end includes a groove. The outer surface of the upper end includes external threads and the outer surface axially below the outer includes a groove. |
| US08312610B2 |
Retail display article and system
A method of constructing a retail display system includes creating a first display article including a support panel and hanging the first display article. Creating the first display article includes editing an original photograph of a clothing product for sale to appear similar to a mannequin wearing the clothing product for sale in an edited photograph. Hanging the first display article includes hanging the first display article in a display area using a mounting bracket secured to a back surface of the support panel. The method further includes positioning a retail good corresponding to the clothing product depicted in the photograph in proximity to the first display article. Retail display systems and methods of construction provide additional advantages. |
| US08312609B2 |
Method of manufacturing a patterned media stamper
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a patterned media Ni stamper comprising depositing a perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane release layer. The release layer eliminates bonding at the master-stamper interface. A permanent master for manufacturing a patterned media stamper is also provided. |
| US08312600B2 |
Quick release apparatus for an SCBA frame
A quick release apparatus for rapid disconnection of a rescue worker's waist belt from a self-contained breathing apparatus support frame. The apparatus includes a belt connection apparatus for connection to a wearer's waist belt, an SCBA frame connection apparatus connected to the SCBA frame, and a coupling apparatus including at least one pullable rapid release member that moves in a first direction to couple the belt connection apparatus to the SCBA frame connection apparatus and in a second direction to rapidly decouple the belt connection apparatus from the SCBA frame connection apparatus in such a manner that the SCBA frame is disconnected from the waist belt and the wearer can entirely remove the SCBA from his or her body while leaving the waist belt and any accoutrements attached thereto in place and on his or her person. |
| US08312599B2 |
Apparatus for retaining bags for carrying pet droppings
A device for holding bags containing pet waste is disclosed. In certain embodiments the device comprise a body having a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side; an interior pathway through the body, the interior pathway configured for receiving and retaining a leash; and a latching mechanism configured to secure a bag to the body of the device. |
| US08312597B2 |
Hinge cup for furniture hinges
A hinge cup for furniture hinges having a cup part which can be mounted in a bore in a furniture part such that it can be inserted in a recessed manner, and having, provided on the cup part in the state mounted in the bore, anchoring parts which can be spread open and have external bearing surfaces which are curved arcuately in a manner substantially corresponding to the radius of the bore and can be pressed via tension elements against the wall of the bore, wherein the tension elements can be moved via an eccentric mechanism in the insertion direction of the hinge cup at right angles to the mounting plane of the latter, and the anchoring parts are spread when the tension elements are moved in the direction from the insertion end of the hinge cup to the mounting surface thereof. |
| US08312576B1 |
Sturdy, collapsible, folding mattress support having the appearance of a box spring
A foldable mattress support is made by covering a metal frame with a fabric covering. The metal frame includes two sections that fold together at two hinges. A first section includes first upper and lower frames, and a second section includes second upper and lower frames. Each of the upper and lower frames is pivotally attached to a hinge. A bolt that is oriented along a first axis passes through the first upper frame and through a plate of the hinge. The first upper frame pivots about a first axis; the second upper frame pivots about a second axis; the first lower frame pivots about a third axis; and the second lower frame pivots about a fourth axis. Each of the axes is orthogonal to the plate, and the third axis is spaced farther apart from the fourth axis than the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis. |
| US08312570B1 |
Quick-installation structure of a toilet seat cover assembly
A quick-installation structure of a toilet seat cover assembly includes two positioning rods which are fixed on a toilet and two connection devices which are disposed on the toilet seat cover assembly and correspond to the two positioning rods, respectively. Each of the connecting devices includes a sleeve formed on a toilet seat, a rotating axle fixed to a cover, a connecting block connected to the rotating axle, a connecting sleeve fitted on the connecting block and a button connected to the connecting sleeve. The connecting block includes a main body, an engaging plate and a first restoration spring. The main body is longitudinally formed with a positioning hole. The engaging plate and the first restoration spring are laterally and pivotally connected to the main body above the positioning hole. The engaging plate is moved to swing by pressing the button. The positioning rod has an annular groove at an upper portion thereof and a cone with an inclined surface. The engaging plate of the connecting device can be swing to engage with the annular groove of the positioning rod which is inserted in the connecting device, such that the toilet seat cover assembly can be assembled on or disassembled from the toilet quickly. |
| US08312567B1 |
Weighted exercise gloves
An athletic glove with an integral weight system is herein disclosed, comprising a plurality of pockets on the back of the glove which holds either sand or metal shot to add weight. The amount of weight will vary per glove model, but is envisioned to be approximately three (3) to five (5) pounds per glove, depending on user preference. The glove is secured around a wrist during use by a hook-and-loop fastener. The glove with the integral weight system is intended to strengthen the hand, arm and upper body areas during workouts, exercise or everyday activities. The glove is expected to be introduced in both right-hand and left-hand configurations and to be presented as a pair. |
| US08316460B1 |
Private web browsing using encryption
Computer-implemented methods for temporarily storing history of a private web browsing session using encryption are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request to temporarily store viewing session information for a web browsing session, and receiving a request to view a web page during the web browsing session. The method also includes generating an encryption key for the viewing session information for the web page during the web browsing session, encrypting the viewing session information for the web page using the encryption key, and storing the encrypted viewing session information in non-volatile memory and the encryption key in volatile memory. Access to the encrypted viewing session information is controlled by the encryption key in volatile memory. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided. |
| US08316458B2 |
Information processing apparatus, client device, and license management system
A license issuing server manages information about a plurality of software applications including an installable software application and a yet uninstallable software application, such as an unreleased software application, in association with a product code. Upon receiving a request for a license file which can identify the product code from a client device, the license issuing server generates a plurality of license files corresponding to information about a plurality of software applications managed in association with the product code and collectively issues the license files to the client device. |
| US08316457B1 |
Partitioned IP multimedia subsystem call session control function
A network system provides IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service from a network service provider to a customer. A plurality of network elements are connected to form a core domain of the network service provider. A master IMS instance is configured within the core domain and includes a core call session control function (CSCF) and a core home subscriber server (HSS). A partitioned IMS instance is configured as a virtual core within the core domain and includes a partitioned CSCF and a customer HSS accessible by a user of the customer from outside the core domain. A virtual IMS service control interface is coupled between the master IMS instance and the partitioned IMS instance so that the partitioned CSCF has access to the core CSCF for transfer of media. |
| US08316453B2 |
Dynamic community generator
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products configured to determine communities within an organization dynamically based on the distribution of entitlements within the organization. |
| US08316451B2 |
Presenting privacy policy in a network environment responsive to user preference
An approach for presenting a web page to a client user via a web browser. As one example, a user preference specifying a notification setting may be received from the client user at the web browser. The notification setting may cause the web browser, upon retrieving a web page, to present one or more of a privacy notice or a legal notice to the client user. The particular way in which the privacy notice and the legal notice are presented to the client user may be varied based on the notification setting specified by the user preference. |
| US08316447B2 |
Reconfigurable message-delivery preconditions for delivering attacks to analyze the security of networked systems
A security analyzer analyzes a security of a device-under-analysis (DUA). In one embodiment, the security analyzer identifies two or more valid message-delivery preconditions for a communication protocol supported by the DUA. One of the identified valid message-delivery preconditions is selected and the security analyzer delivers an attack to the DUA according to the selected message-delivery precondition. The same or similar attacks can also be delivered to the DUA via other message-delivery preconditions. Based on the DUA's response, the security analyzer determines whether a vulnerability has been found. |
| US08316444B2 |
Third-party software product certification
According to one general aspect, a method of software certification comprising establishing a host application server software (HASS) on a system. The method further comprising installing, on the system, an third-party software product (TPSP) that uses the HASS. In various embodiments, the method may also comprise verifying that the TPSP functions to at least a predefined standard. In some embodiments, the method may also include uninstalling the third-party software product. The method also including testing that the HASS functions to at least a predefined standard once the TPSP has been uninstalled. |
| US08316443B2 |
Method and system for protecting a message from an XML attack when being exchanged in a distributed and decentralized network system
A system may include an attack preventing creator module that is configured to create at least one attack preventing head block for a message having message elements in a tree structure with one or more of the message elements being signed, wherein the attack preventing header block includes structure specific information that comprises at least a digest value of a pre-order traversal list of the tree structure and for each signed message element a unique ID attribute, a depth, a parent's name and a parent's ID attribute. The system may include an attack preventing verifier module that is configured to verify the at least one attack preventing header block by comparing the structure specific information which can be derived from the message with the structure specific information carried by the first attack preventing header block. |
| US08316442B2 |
Preventing secure data from leaving the network perimeter
Secure data is prevented from leaving the perimeter of a network such as an enterprise network or corporate network (“corpnet”) by an arrangement in which a hash of the secure data is periodically computed, and the hashes are pushed out to an edge device on the network such as a firewall where they are stored for later access. The edge device is configured so that it has access to all traffic that flows between the enterprise network and an external network, such as the Internet, that is located outside the enterprise network perimeter. Whenever a user attempts to send data to the external network, a process running on the edge device computes a hash for the outbound data and compares it against the stored hashes associated with the secure data. If a match is made between the hash for the outbound data and a stored hash for secure data, then the edge device blocks the outbound data from leaving the network perimeter. |
| US08316435B1 |
Routing device having integrated MPLS-aware firewall with virtual security system support
An MPLS-aware firewall allows firewall security policies to be applied to MPLS traffic. The firewall, which may be integrated within a routing device, can be configured into multiple virtual security systems. The routing device provides a user interface by which a user specifies one or more zones to be recognized by the integrated firewall when applying stateful firewall services to the packets. The user interface allows the user to define different zones and policies for different ones of the virtual security systems. In addition, the user interface supports a syntax that allows the user to define the zones for the firewall by specifying the customer VPNs as interfaces associated with the zones. The routing device generates mapping information for the integrated firewall to map the customer VPNs to specific MPLS labels for the MPLS tunnels carrying the customer's traffic. |
| US08316434B2 |
Centralized access control system and methods for distributed broadband access points
In accordance with the teachings herein, a wireless access point module having a plug and play feature and an auto-configuration engine may be used to provide substantial benefits to business owners, Internet service providers, and subscribers. The wireless access point module may have memory and a processor configured such that during “power-up” the processor reads instruction from memory and automatically creates a virtual private network (VPN) with a centralized access gateway via a network VPN server. In turn, the wireless access point module may utilize this VPN for subscriber communications. |
| US08316433B2 |
Method and system for preventing IPv6 packet forgery in IPv6-IPv4 network of DSTM environment
In a method and system for preventing IPv6 packet forgery in an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)-Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) network of a dual stack transition mechanism (DSTM) environment, a DSTM server receives a request for assignment of an IPv4 address from a DSTM node. The DSTM server determines whether the request is reasonable using a previously stored dynamic address table, assigns the IPv4 address to the DSTM node when the request is reasonable, and updates the dynamic address table to have mapping information of the IPv4 address assigned to the DSTM node. The DSTM server then transmits the assigned IPv4 address to the DSTM node, and transmits the updated dynamic address table to a DSTM border router so as to synchronize its dynamic address table with a dynamic address table of the DSTM border router. |
| US08316431B2 |
Concurrent IPsec processing system and method
A method of performing IPsec processing of an incoming communication packet is disclosed. The method comprises determining, from a received portion of the incoming packet, if sufficient information has been received to enable the IPsec processing to be commenced, obtaining the necessary information from the received portion of the packet, and commencing IPsec processing of said packet before the entire packet has been received depending upon the obtained information. |
| US08316428B2 |
Method and apparatus for security-risk based admission control
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for security risk-based admission control. In one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving a request from the user device to access the network; determining whether to admit the user device based on a security-based admission control policy that admits user devices based on a constraint optimization that attempts to maximize the sum utility of the currently admitted user devices in view of a security assessment of the user device and security risk imposed on the network and already admitted user devices if the user device is admitted to the network, wherein the constraint optimization is based on a utility associated with admitting the user device to the network, a reputation value associated with the user device, and a botnet damage estimation on the network associated with the user device; and admitting the user device to the network based on results of determining whether to admit the user device. |
| US08316427B2 |
Enhanced personal firewall for dynamic computing environments
An enhanced personal firewall system having an inter-firewall connection listener which binds to a specified communications port and listens for inbound and/or outbound connection requests; and an inter-firewall controller which establishes a trusted communications through a local firewall and a remote firewall by exchanging public keys, a signed trusted computer firewall request, and using the keys to determine if a local key storage indicates previous authorization to trusted communications. If not, then a user of the targeted resource is notified and prompted to authorize the access. If so, then the firewall rules protecting the targeted resource are modified, even if temporarily, to allow the requesting firewall to have trusted access. |
| US08316425B2 |
Method and apparatus for authenticating printed documents
A method of authenticating a document, typically a printed document, is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) processing a first area of a source document according to a first authentication level to generate first authentication data; (b) processing a second area of the source document according to a second authentication level to generate second authentication data, the second authentication level being different from the first authentication level; (c) generating barcode data representing at least the first and second authentication data; and (d) carrying out at least one of: (d1) embedding the barcode data to the source document to generate a processed document; and (d2) printing the barcode data on a recording medium. |
| US08316423B2 |
Image forming apparatus, key management server, activation system, and deactivation system
The image forming apparatus has: a network communication unit capable of communicating with a web server via a network; a web browser that accesses the web server via communication by the network communication unit, and acquires an activation key from the web server; and an activating unit that activates an optional function with the activation key. The key management server machine has: an activation key generating unit that generates an activation key corresponding to an optional function of an image forming apparatus; and a web server that receives identification information on the image forming apparatus and identification information on the optional function, and transmits an activation key to the image forming apparatus, the activation key corresponding to an optional function specified by the identification information on the optional function. |
| US08316422B2 |
Propagation of principal authentication data in a mediated communication scenario
A system may include a sender computing system, an intermediary component, and a receiver computing system. The sender computing system may transmit first authentication data and second authentication data, and the intermediary component may receive the first authentication data and second authentication data from the sender computing system, perform an authentication action based on the second authentication data, and transmit the first authentication data. The receiver computing system may receive the first authentication data. |
| US08316419B2 |
System for controlled access to information contained in a terminal
A system for controlled access to information contained in a terminal (10) of a user of a telecommunications network (R). The system includes, in the terminal (10), an information server (11) adapted to supply said information; and in the network (R), a privacy server (20) in which conditions for access to said information defined by the user in said privacy server (20) are stored. The system further comprises a security module (12) in the terminal (10) adapted to receive said access conditions from the privacy server (20) at the time of a request to access said information. Application to mobile telephone networks. |
| US08316417B2 |
Method for dynamic secure management of an authenticated relational table in a database
Method for the dynamic secure management of an authenticated relational table forming part of a database; the method comprises the following steps: store the authenticated relational table in a secondary memory' with a high storage capacity and a slow data access time; maintain an authenticated skip list within the authenticated relational table in order to create an authentication superstructure; determine a signed hash or basis value which characterizes the entire authenticated relational table; authenticate the presence or otherwise of a set of elements belonging to the skip list via a root path suitable for calculating a check hash value comparable to the signed hash value which characterizes the entire authenticated relational table; and validate the result of the authentication step by checking that the check hash value calculated by means of the root path is equal to the signed hash value that characterizes the entire authenticated relational table. |
| US08316407B2 |
Video system interface kernel
A video interface kernel with a defined application program interface includes each of a plurality of core functions for interfacing with video equipment and video processing subsystems. The core functions include such functions as video capture and video output, video recording and playback, and event notification. Functions of the video interface kernel also include video analysis functions and/or interfaces to analysis subsystems, as well as interfaces to point-of-sale terminals, access control systems, and location tracking systems. An intelligent video management module facilitates managing the interactions among the other modules of the kernel, further simplifying the application level interface. |
| US08316401B2 |
Method for processing broadcast program information and broadcast receiver
A method for processing program information and a broadcast receiver are disclosed. The method includes selecting a program from a service guide screen, identifying a group to which the selected program belongs, and displaying a group list of programs included in a signaling table that signals information of the identified group. |
| US08316397B2 |
Digital video broadcasting system, digital video broadcasting terminal, and method for providing file information in file download service
A digital video broadcasting system, digital video broadcasting terminal, and method for providing file information in a file download service are provided. To this end, the digital broadcasting system includes a broadcasting server for transmitting an Electronic Service Guide (ESG) comprising a schedule event fragment wherein, if files that provide the file download service comprise a file set generated by grouping at least one file, the schedule event fragment comprises the information about files included in the file set, and a terminal for receiving the ESG, for evaluating the schedule event fragment of the ESG upon receipt of a request for downloadable file information, and for evaluating the information about the files included in the file set and displaying the information if the schedule event fragment comprises the information about the file set. |
| US08316394B2 |
Interactive media guidance application with intelligent navigation and display features
Methods and systems are disclosed that allow a user to efficiently navigate media selections in an interactive media guidance application and easily identify media for viewing. The disclosed methods and systems provide an environment wherein video assets are displayed according to a user preference on a mosaic page with multiple cells. A subset of the assets appropriate for display in a particular cell is determined based on the user preference. Relevance scores of the assets meeting the user preference are computed, and the asset having the greatest relevance for the user is selected and displayed the corresponding cell. The relevance scores can be computed based on the user's historic viewing habits, user interaction with a media guidance application, or on specific user input. |
| US08316392B2 |
Systems and methods for forecasting ad inventory
The solution of the ad delivery platform described herein provides for the marketing and monetizing of media assets via the delivery of advertisement with on-demand video. The ad platform optimizes the delivery of ads by controlling the insertion frequency and format of the ad delivered with video streams. The ad platform provides flexible and configurable ad insertion rules to specify the insertion frequency and format for the composition of ads during playback of on-demand video media. The ad insertion rules may be based on a user profile, user behavior history, topic of the stream to be delivered, duration of the video or ad, and/or the popularity rating of the video or ad. The ad platform includes a reporting tool and usage reports to measure the effectiveness of the ad insertion rules in delivering ads to market and monetize the video media. The ad platform also includes an ad inventory management and forecasting tool for determining the available inventory of ad placement based on data collected over a period of time regarding the delivery of ads and the ad insertion rules to be used for the delivery of a desired ad. With these tools, a more effective ad campaign can be created based on the target information and optimization via the ad insertion rules. |
| US08316390B2 |
Method for advertisers to sponsor broadcasts without commercials
A system and method that allows content to be broadcast without commercial interruption, yet lets the company or companies that sponsor the broadcast to offer advertisements and discounts and various special offers to the viewers at a later time. The amount of time a viewer spends watching a particular broadcast is recorded along with information about the sponsoring companies or organizations for the broadcast. The viewer later accesses a central database, which sends back to the viewer advertisements, coupons, discounts, contests, and other enticements to purchase products, based on the amount of time the viewer spent watching broadcasts or segments of broadcasts that were sponsored by the advertiser. |
| US08316389B2 |
System and method to facilitate programming of an associated recording device
A system and method are disclosed to facilitates programming of a recording device. A client system is operatively coupled with the recording device, which, for example, is programmed and/or configured to record selected audio and/or visual broadcast programming. The client system receives a message, such as in the form of electronic mail (email) or another suitable form, from a remotely located computer. One or more tokens are associated with the message for providing program criteria indicative of selected audio and/or visual programming, which may be employed to program the recording device for recording broadcast programming based on the token. |
| US08316384B2 |
Input/output broker model
The described implementations relate to input/output (I/O) broker models for use with various devices. One implementation can dynamically match an I/O request to a suitable I/O driver. This implementation can also determine a buffering strategy for accomplishing the I/O request based, at least in part, on information obtained from the I/O driver. |
| US08316381B2 |
Graphics for end to end component mapping and problem-solving in a network environment
An example of a solution provided here comprises receiving as input at least one event (chosen from an event generated by an application probe, and an event generated by a component probe), and providing graphical output based on the inputs, whereby a user correlates a component problem with a performance problem affecting an application. Methods connected with graphics for end to end component mapping and problem-solving in a network environment, systems for executing such methods, and instructions on a computer-usable medium, for executing such methods, are provided. |
| US08316377B2 |
Sharing legacy devices in a multi-host environment
Systems and methods of sharing legacy devices in a multi-host environment are disclosed. An exemplary method for sharing legacy devices in a multi-host environment includes receiving device information from a legacy device, the device information identifying a target within a virtual machine. The method also includes encapsulating the device information into a corresponding bus transaction for a network switch fabric. The method also includes routing the bus transaction over the network switch fabric in the virtual machine to a host within the virtual machine. |
| US08316374B2 |
On-line replacement and changing of virtualization software
In a virtualized system running one or more virtual machines on a first hypervisor, a second hypervisor is installed and control of the hardware resources of the physical computer supporting the virtualized system is migrated from the first hypervisor to the second hypervisor without interrupting the operation of the first hypervisor and the virtual machines. Initially a minimal set of hardware resources is hot-removed from control by the first hypervisor, and the second hypervisor is launched on the minimal set of hardware resources. Both the remaining hardware resources and the virtual machines are then migrated from the first hypervisor to the second hypervisor until all the virtual machines have been migrated over to the second hypervisor, while the virtual machines and the first hypervisor continue running largely unaffected by the migration process. |
| US08316373B2 |
Concurrent data processing and electronic bookkeeping
Concurrent processing of business transaction data uses a time slice-centered scheme to cope with the situation where multiple requests demand a same resource at the same time. The method divides the processing time into multiple time slices, allocates each request to a corresponding time slice, and iteratively processing requests according to their corresponding time slices. The method does not require the requests to be processed one by one, and therefore does not cause a situation where other requests have to wait until the current request has been completely processed. Moreover, if a certain time slice has been allocated multiple requests of a same type, the requests are collectively processed as if they were a single request to reduce the frequencies of resource locking and unlocking, as well as the waiting time in a queue for resource access. |
| US08316371B2 |
Task hierarchy in an event-driven communication system
A hierarchy of project and personal tasks is maintained for users associated with multiple projects. The hierarchy is maintained using a computer server machine having a processor and network connection to a client machine having a computer display. A user-task list is obtained. The user-task list includes a first-project task having an initial first-project task score, wherein the first-project task is associated with a first-project, the first-project having a first-project task list including the first-project task The user-task list also includes a second-project task having an second-project task score, wherein the second-project task is associated with a second-project, the second-project having a second-project task list including the second-project task. The user-task list also includes an initial user-task hierarchy ranking the first-project task and second-project task based on the initial first-project task score and the second-project task score. |
| US08316370B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing a shared data structure in parallel by multiple threads
A method of accessing a shared data structure in parallel by multiple threads in a parallel application program is disclosed. A lock of the shared data structure is granted to one thread of the multiple threads, an operation of the thread which acquires the lock is performed on the shared data structure, an operation of each thread of the multiple threads which does not acquire the lock is buffered, and the buffered operations are performed on the shared data structure when another thread of the multiple threads subsequently acquires the lock. A corresponding apparatus and program product are also disclosed. |
| US08316367B2 |
System and method for optimizing batch resource allocation
A system for configuring resources in an environment for use by at least one process. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a process sorter configured to rank the at least one process based on numbers of resources that steps in the at least one process can use, (2) an optimizer coupled to the process sorter and configured to employ an optimization heuristic to accumulate feasible allocations of resources to the steps based on the ranking of the at least one process, (3) a resource sorter coupled to the optimizer and configured to rank the resources in a non-decreasing order based on numbers of the steps in which the resources can be used, the optimizer further configured to remove one of the resources from consideration based on the ranking of the resources until infeasibility occurs and (4) an environment configuration interface configured to allow the environment to be configured in accordance with remaining ones of the resources. |
| US08316362B2 |
Method for updating a program section
A method for updating a program section is disclosed; the method is used for an electronic system. The electronic system comprises a control unit and a storage device; the control unit is electrically connected with the storage device; the storage device comprises a program section; the program section comprises an application section and a boot section; the application section comprises a first bootloader and application information, wherein the first bootloader comprises a first driver. The method comprises the following steps of: connecting a data source device, wherein the data source device comprises update data; determining whether the first driver is able to drive the data source device or not; and if the first driver is able to drive the data source device, the first driver performs an updating procedure according to the update data. |
| US08316360B2 |
Methods and apparatus to optimize the parallel execution of software processes
Methods and apparatus to optimize the parallel execution of software processes are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a first software process that processes a set of data, locating a first primitive in the first software process, and decomposing the first primitive into a first set of one or more sub-primitives. The example methods and apparatus additionally perform static fusion and dynamic fusion to optimize software processes for execution in parallel processing systems. |
| US08316359B2 |
Application of optimization techniques to intermediate representations for code generation
The present invention provides a method and system for optimization of an intermediate representation in a graphical modeling environment. A first intermediate representation is provided. At least one optimization technique is applied to the first intermediate representation. A second intermediate representation is generated responsive to the application of the at least one optimization technique to the first intermediate representation. |
| US08316358B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing XML for display on a mobile device
A method and apparatus are set forth for creating a Document Object Model of an XML document of predetermined type, comprising a first process for receiving and opening a compressed input file containing the XML document; a second process for opening and parsing the contents of a relationships file to create a map of name-value pairs and detecting a value for identifying the predetermined type from among a plurality of types of XML documents; and a further process for parsing data in the XML document according to the predetermined type, and building the Document Object Model. |
| US08316357B2 |
Type descriptor management for frozen objects
The efficient use of type descriptors with frozen objects. A frozen object might actually include several type descriptors, a primary type descriptor that is canonical according to a set of canonicalization rules, and an auxiliary type descriptor that is not identical to the primary type descriptor. The auxiliary type descriptor may be used to access the canonical type descriptor. When performing an operation, if the auxiliary type descriptor can be used to perform the operation, then that auxiliary type descriptor may be used. If the canonical type descriptor is to be used to perform the operation, the auxiliary type descriptor is used to gain access to the canonical primary type descriptor. The primary type descriptor is then used to perform the operation. |
| US08316355B2 |
Method and system for analyzing parallelism of program code
Methods and systems are provided for analyzing parallelism of program code. According to a method, the sequential execution of the program code is simulated so as to trace the execution procedure of the program code, and parallelism of the program code is analyzed based on the result of the trace to the execution procedure of the program code. Execution information of the program code is collected by simulating the sequential execution of the program code, and parallelism of the program code is analyzed based on the collected execution information, so as to allow programmers to perform parallel task partitioning of the program code with respect to a multi-core architecture more effectively, thus increasing the efficiency of parallel software development. |
| US08316354B2 |
Execution flow shape compression for aggregate data reporting in an application manager
Data relating to execution flows at a computer system is compressed and aggregated across multiple execution flows by categorizing each execution flow into an execution flow shape. The execution flows may represent sequences of software components that are invoked. The execution flow shapes are developed by observing the execution flows at the computer system and applying lossy compression rules, such as representing multiple iterations of a loop as a single iteration, skipping certain types of software components, such as those having a specified call stack depth, treating some of the software components as being optional, and ignoring recursive calls by the software components. The aggregation and compression allow the information from all execution flows to be combined into a small enough data set that can be reported without consuming unduly large processing overhead while still preserving as many of the interesting aspects of the execution flows as possible. |
| US08316353B2 |
Problem analysis via matching contiguous stack trace lines to symptom rules
A method and system for analyzing a problem in a computing environment. Symptom rules that include associated problem information are generated in a symptom catalog. An input file including a stack trace provided in response to detecting the problem is received. Function names included in contiguous lines in the stack trace are identified. In response to a search for the function names in the symptom catalog, the function names found in the search are matched to keywords included in a symptom rule. The computing system retrieves problem information that corresponds to the matched keywords. A report is generated that includes the stack trace and a solution included in the retrieved problem information. The generated report uses a text attribute to emphasize the text of the function names included in the stack trace. |
| US08316352B2 |
Watchpoints on transactional variables
Transactional programming promises to substantially simplify the development and maintenance of correct, scalable, and efficient concurrent programs. Designs for supporting transactional programming using transactional memory implemented in hardware, software, and a mixture of the two have emerged recently. However, various features and capabilities that would be desirable for debugging programs executed using transactional memory are absent from conventional debuggers. Because transactional memory implementations provide the “illusion” of multiple memory locations changing value atomically, while in fact they do not, there can be significant challenges involved with integrating debuggers with such programs to provide the user with a coherent view of program execution. We describe use of transactional memory access tracking mechanism for implementations of watchpoints on memory locations that correspond to transactional variables. |
| US08316351B2 |
Utilizing a schema for documenting managed code
A schema is provided that supports documenting API elements that is flexible and captures current technologies as well as evolves without interfering or breaking the definitions of the existing elements. The schema utilizes a flexible and extensible element that can be used to define various elements of the APIs and can be extended to define new technology when it is introduced. |
| US08316349B2 |
Deployment script generation and execution
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to deployment scripts. In aspects, in conjunction with creating a package for deploying software to a target, an installation script is also created. The installation script includes instructions for deploying the software in the package to one or more targets. The installation script is human-readable and readily modifiable. A software development tool may provide a seamless interface that allows a software developer to view, edit, execute, and debug the installation script on a local or remote target. |
| US08316342B1 |
Method and apparatus for concurrent design of modules across different design entry tools targeted to a single layout
A method of interconnecting a first plurality of electronic components and a second plurality of electronic components to form an electronic circuit includes exporting a first netlist representing a first interconnection of the first electronic components in a first design entry tool, exporting a second netlist representing a second interconnection of the second electronic components in a second design entry tool, providing at least a first interface from the second plurality to the first plurality in the second design entry tool, populating the first interface through the first design entry tool, and exporting a third netlist representing the first interface from the second plurality to the first plurality from the second design entry tool, wherein the third netlist stitches the first netlist to the second netlist. |
| US08316337B2 |
Method and system for optimally placing and assigning interfaces in a cross-fabric design environment
A system for connecting an interface of an electronic device between first and second fabrics includes a constraint generator that associates first and second conditions with the interface, a first equation solver that solves one or more first equation to select a first plurality of connectors in the first fabric and a second plurality of connectors in the second fabric that satisfy the first condition based on an optimality criterion for the interface; and a second equation solver that solves one or more second equation to select one of the first plurality of connectors in the fabric and one of the second plurality of connectors in the second fabric that satisfy the second condition based on the optimality criterion for the interface. |
| US08316334B2 |
Segment and bipartite graph based apparatus and method to address hold violations in static timing
A method of reducing the number of hold violations in an integrated circuit comprises: determining a segment, wherein the segment is a connection between a plurality of points; associating at least one path with each segment, wherein the path is a connection of points including a starting point and an endpoint; determining a weight for at least one said segment, wherein the weight is determined by a number of paths associated with the at least one said segment; ranking the segments in a matrix based upon the determined weight associated with at least one of the segments; and inserting a buffer at least one of the segments based upon said ranking. |
| US08316332B1 |
Constraint minimization method for formal verification
The present disclosure relates to a method for minimizing constraints in the formal verification of an integrated circuit design. The method may include obtaining an unisolated list of constraints initially comprising all known constraints for the integrated circuit design and obtaining an isolated list of constraints initially comprising none of the known constraints. The method may further include attempting to prove an assertion without the known constraints and determining if the assertion is valid. The method may further include updating the isolated list of constraints. |
| US08316330B2 |
System and method for circuit design automation
A method and system for designing an electric or electronic circuit. A method may include providing a description of a device; including at least one feature of the device in the description; adding an information pertaining to the at least one feature; configuring the description to detect a relationship between the information and the at least one feature; and generating a message conveying the relationship. The method may include generating one or more derived files. The one or more derived files may be generated or processed by a word processor. Systems based on the foregoing method are also described. |
| US08316329B1 |
Reticle and technique for multiple and single patterning
Double patterning is achieved with a single reticle while maintaining the integrity of in-scribe patterns and without blading the reticle. In-scribe structures may or may not be double patterning. For example, elements such as electrical test structures might have features that are so closely spaced that double pattering is desired. However, elements such as optical alignment marks might not require double patterning. For those elements for which double patterning is not desired, a first sub-array of the reticle has a pattern for the element, whereas the corresponding location in a second sub-array has a blank. By the corresponding location, it is meant the location on the reticle that would be exposed to the same target region to which the element would be exposed if the reticle were used for double patterning. Thus, the blank prevents target region from being exposed more than once. |
| US08316326B1 |
System and method for applying phase effects of mask diffraction patterns
In accordance with some embodiments, a method is provided for creating a photolithographic component, comprising: determining a target pattern for a circuit layout, the target pattern comprising target features; identifying a set of periodic target features within the target pattern; calculating a relationship between feature and pitch for the set of periodic target features; and determining a mask pattern from the target pattern using the relationship, wherein the mask pattern has a set of periodic mask features configured to result in projection of a first subset of the set of periodic target features when exposed to a light source that induces a first phase effect, and configured to result in projection of a second subset of the set of periodic target features when exposed to a light source that induces a second phase effect. In further embodiments, the method outputs the mask pattern as a mask dataset. |
| US08316318B2 |
Named calculations and configured columns
Tools that can be used to enhance visibility into various business processes, using named calculations and/or configured columns to produce customized display grids for displaying data from a database are presented. Such tools may provide the ability to develop, within a business application (and/or in conjunction with a business application) visibility solutions that are customized to that end user's business, without the need for expensive redevelopment and/or extensive customization of the business application itself. |
| US08316312B2 |
Method, display system, and computer software for controlling icon appearance
A method, display system, computer software product for controlling an icon appearance are disclosed. A display controller of the display system displays an icon control window on a display screen of the display system for changing an icon appearance of the display system conveniently. The control window includes at least one sample icon for a user's preview, and the sample icon's appearance is automatically updated upon receiving inputs for a new icon appearance from a user. When the user is satisfied with the updated sample icon's appearance and enters an execution command, the display controller finally changes the icon appearance of the display system by changing corresponding display properties according to the user inputs. |
| US08316311B2 |
Automatically correcting problems found during programmatic analysis of a graphical program
A system and method for visually indicating one or more problems in a graphical program. The graphical program may be programmatically analyzed to discover a problem (or potential problem) in the graphical program. The problem found during the programmatic analysis of the graphical program may then be visually indicated on a display device. Visually indicating the problem may comprise visually indicating one or more objects in the graphical program to which the problem corresponds. Visually indicating the graphical program object(s) may comprise displaying information or altering the appearance of the object(s) in order to call the user's attention to the object(s). |
| US08316309B2 |
User-created metadata for managing interface resources on a user interface
A computer-implementable method enables a user to customize navigation of User Interface (UI) resources that are displayed on a computer User Interface (UI). A computer receives, from a user, an input of user-created metadata. This user-created metadata is associated with one or more UI resources that are depicted on a UI. In response to a user inputting specific metadata, the computer retrieves one or more UI resources that are associated with the specific metadata that has been input by the user. These retrieved one or more UI resources are displayed on the UI. |
| US08316308B2 |
Adaptive user interface for multi-source systems
A method for controlling configuration display screens within a client-host multi-source system, including transferring look & feel parameters from a host device to a client device, setting parameters of a configuration program for the client device, according to the look & feel parameters transferred by the transferring, generating, by the configuration program, a graphic image of a screen, the graphic image conforming to the look & feel parameters, and displaying the graphic image on a display screen of the host device. A system and a computer-readable storage medium are also described and claimed. |
| US08316305B2 |
Configuring a service based on manipulations of graphical representations of abstractions of resources
A method to enable defining of a profile of a service through manipulation of graphical representations of abstractions of resources in a data center is disclosed. The profile of the service is accessed. A graphical representation of an abstraction of the first resource type is presented. A graphical representation of an abstraction of a second resource type is presented. A manipulation of the graphical representation of the abstraction of the second resource type is detected with respect to the graphical representation of the abstraction of the first resource type. Based on the manipulation, a correspondence between the abstraction of the second resource type and the profile of the service is identified and a relationship between the abstraction of the second resource type and the abstraction of the first resource type is identified. The profile of the service is updated to include information identifying the correspondence and the relationship. |
| US08316303B2 |
Method and apparatus for presenting media programs
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device, including a controller to: transmit a client program having a graphical user interface (GUI) to a media device operating in an interactive television (iTV) network, wherein the client program presents a symbolic overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate comments with the media content received at the media device, and wherein the comments are presented by at least one symbol in a temporal vicinity of the media content; and perform a highlighting event when a cursor of an input device is positioned at or near the at least one symbol of the presentation of the symbolic overlay. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08316300B2 |
Persistent visual media player
An apparatus and method for presenting an embedded visual media player included in a web page in a floating mode is disclosed herein. The status of the embedded visual media player and/or the position of the embedded visual media player relative to the current viewable area of a window are monitored to initiate the floating mode. The floating mode keeps the embedded visual media player within the viewable area while the web page is scrolled. |
| US08316286B2 |
System and method for rate matching to enhance system throughput based on packet size
A system and method for rate matching to enhance system throughput based on packet size is provided. A method for transmitting information includes encoding a block of N bits, where N is an integer, demultiplexing the encoded block of N bits into at least one subblock of systematic bits and at least one subblock of parity bits, and permuting the at least one subblock of systematic bits and the at least one subblock of parity bits to generate at least one permuted subblock. The method also includes forming at least one output block from the at least one permuted subblock, computing a starting position of a redundancy version for a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) transmission based on a relationship between N and a threshold, and transmitting the redundancy version. The redundancy version begins at the computed starting position and ends when a specified number of bits has been transmitted. |
| US08316285B2 |
Pipeline architecture for maximum a posteriori (MAP) decoders
Methods and apparatus for performing error correction of data bits are disclosed. A forward metric calculation may be performed during a first window to generate a first group of calculated data. The first group of calculated data from the forward calculation may be stored in a memory location. A forward metric calculation may be performed during a second window to generate a second group of calculated data. The first group of calculated data may be read from the memory location and the second group of calculated data may be stored in the same memory location. The first group of calculated data may be used to calculate reverse metrics. |
| US08316281B2 |
High density tape drive multi-channel low density parity check coding control
An LDPC coding system includes a number of LDPC encoders and a number of LDPC decoders. The number of encoders/decoders is between one and one fewer than the total number of tracks on the high density tape are provided. The LDPC encoders are operable to break data from an incoming data sector into the data blocks to be written to the high density tape. The LDPC decoders are operable to assemble the data blocks into data sectors. |
| US08316280B2 |
Error correcting device, method of error correction thereof, and memory device and data processing system including of the same
An error correction device is provided. The error correction device includes a code storage unit where a plurality of error correction codes are stored, a first error correction unit to correct a data error detected from input data by using one of a plurality of error correction codes and to output correction data, a buffer to store the correction data, and a second error correction unit to generate a new correction code from the correction data, to compare another of a plurality of error correction codes with the new correction code and to output a comparison result. |
| US08316277B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for ensuring data validity in a data storage process
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for ensuring data validity in a data storage process. A data receiver module receives a storage block and existing parity information. An ECC generation module generates error correcting code (“ECC”) check bits for the data of the storage block in response to receiving the storage block and the existing parity information. The ECC check bits for the storage block are generated using a block code, a convolutional code, etc. A pre-storage consistency module uses the data of the storage block, the existing parity information, and the ECC check bits to determine if the data of the storage block, the existing parity information, and the ECC check bits are consistent. A data storage module stores the data of the storage block and the ECC check bits the data storage device without storing the existing parity information. |
| US08316274B2 |
Systems and methods for message encoding and decoding
Presented herein are systems and methods for checking the integrity of data transmissions between or within one or more digital processing systems by identifying a data characteristic that is likely to change if there is an error in transmission. According to one embodiment, data messages are modified to achieve a selected characteristic according to a predetermined protocol, and changes to the data are recorded in a longitudinal check code (LCC) word, which is used by the receiver to decode the data message and restore the original data. |
| US08316272B2 |
Error-correction decoder employing multiple check-node algorithms
In one embodiment, an LDPC decoder has a controller and one or more check-node units (CNUs). The CNUs generate check-node messages using a scaled min-sum algorithm, an offset min-sum algorithm, or a scaled and offset min-sum algorithm. Initially, the controller selects a scaling factor and an offset value. The scaling factor may be set to one for no scaling, and the offset value may be set to zero for no offsetting. If the decoder is unable to correctly decode a codeword, then (i) the controller selects a new scaling and/or offset value and (ii) the decoder attempts to correctly decode the codeword using the new scaling and/or offset value. By changing the scaling factor and/or offset value, LDPC decoders of the present invention may be capable of improving error-floor characteristics over LDPC decoders that use only fixed or no scaling factors or fixed or no offsetting factors. |
| US08316271B2 |
Radio communication apparatus, radio communication system and radio communication method
Information on other code words can be utilized at the time of retransmitting, and transmission characteristics of the case of using multiple code words are improved. In a radio communication apparatus for transmitting data using multiple code words, as response time taken by a transmitting station to receive a response signal (Ack/Nack signal) after the data is transmitted from the transmitting station (BS) to a receiving station (UE), a cycle of second response time (RTT2) corresponding to a low-order code word is longer than a cycle of first response time (RTT1) corresponding to a high-order code word. In the receiving station, received data of the low-order code word is decoded using at least one of retransmission data and the first received data of the high-order code word and response signals are respectively generated according to a decoding result of each of the code words and notification of the response signal is provided. In the transmitting station, the response signal is acquired at timing of each of the code words and retransmitting control by HARQ is performed. |
| US08316266B2 |
Shifting bits in different scan paths with steady TMS
Plural scan test paths (401) are provided to reduce power consumed during testing such as combinational logic (101). A state machine (408) operates according to plural shift states (500) to control each scan path in capturing data from response outputs of the combinational logic and then shifting one bit at a time to reduce the capacitive and constant state power consumed by shifting the scan paths. |
| US08316265B2 |
Test pattern generation for diagnosing scan chain failures
Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise techniques that can be used to generate scan chain test patterns and improve scan chain failure diagnosis resolution. For example, certain embodiments can be used to generate high quality chain diagnosis test patterns that are able to isolate a scan chain defect to a single scan cell. At least some embodiments can be used to locate faults over multiple capture cycles in the scan chain. |
| US08316263B1 |
Predicting disk drive failure at a central processing facility using an evolving disk drive failure prediction algorithm
A method of predicting disk drive failure at a central processing facility using an evolving drive failure prediction algorithm (DFPA) is disclosed. A set of quality metric values are transmitted from each of a plurality of remote disk drives to the central processing facility. The DFPA is executed at the central processing facility in response to the quality metric values to detect an impending failure of at least one of the remote disk drives. The DFPA is evolved at the central processing facility in response to a reference data base of quality metric values and a corresponding failure indicator. The processes is repeated so as to improve the accuracy of the DFPA over time. |
| US08316261B2 |
Method for running a computer program on a computer system
Errors which may be detected by an error detection unit may occur during execution of a computer program which runs on a computer system and includes at least one run-time object. In order to handle a detected error particularly flexibly and to keep the computer system available as much as possible, an error handling routine is selected from a pre-selectable set of error handling routines as a function of an identifier assigned to the run-time object and the selected error handling routine is executed. |
| US08316257B2 |
NAND power fail recovery
Techniques to recover data from an indirected non-volatile memory system after unexpected power failure, as, e.g., NAND memory in electronic devices are disclosed. |
| US08316254B2 |
Power-saving effect apparatus and method based on power-saving parameters and power-saving amounts
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus having a power-saving function includes a power-saving control module, a power consumption measuring module, a log accumulation module, and a log display module. The power-saving control module sets each of predetermined components in the information processing apparatus in either a normal operation state or a power-saving state, based on power-saving parameters corresponding to the predetermined components. The power consumption measuring module measures a total power amount consumed by the apparatus in a predetermined time period. The power-saving effect calculation module calculates a power-saving effect value indicative of a power amount reduced in the predetermined time period by the setting of the power-saving parameters. The log storing module stores information indicative of the total power amount and the power-saving effect value. The log display module displays cumulative values which are periodically accumulated the total power amounts and the power-saving effect values. |
| US08316249B2 |
Variable scaling for computing elements
Various systems, methods, and computing units are provided for variable scaling of computing elements. In one representative embodiment, a method comprises: receiving a plurality of computing resource levels; and providing one of the plurality of computing resource levels to each of a plurality of computing elements, each computing element having an associated output, the provided voltage level based upon associated output significance. |
| US08316245B1 |
Method and apparatus for fail-safe start-up circuit for subthreshold current sources
A method and apparatus for fail-safe start-up circuit for subthreshold current sources have been disclosed. |
| US08316243B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating unpredictable processor-unique serial number for use as an encryption key
A microprocessor includes a manufacturing ID that is stored in the microprocessor during manufacture thereof in a non-volatile manner. The manufacturing ID is unique to the microprocessor. The microprocessor also includes a secret encryption key that is stored internally within the microprocessor and unreadable externally from the microprocessor. The microprocessor also includes an AES encryption engine, coupled to receive the manufacturing ID and the secret encryption key, configured to encrypt the manufacturing ID using the secret encryption key to generate an unpredictable key that is unique to the microprocessor. |
| US08316242B2 |
Cryptoprocessor with improved data protection
The invention relates to an electronic circuit comprising: a first random-access data storage element, a processing module designed to delete the first storage element, and an access terminal which is connected to the processing module and receives a first power signal supplied by a first power source external to the electronic circuit. The circuit also includes a second random-access storage element in which a key is stored, said key being used to encrypt the data and a second power source which is built into the electronic circuit and supplies a second power signal to the processing module. The processing module is designed to detect an unauthorized access attempt by comparing the first and second power signals and to delete the key when the processing module is powered by the second power source. |
| US08316237B1 |
System and method for secure three-party communications
A system and method for communicating information between a first party and a second party, comprising the steps of receiving, by an intermediary, an identifier of desired information and accounting information for a transaction involving the information from the first party, transmitting an identifier of the first party to the second party, and negotiating, by the intermediary, a comprehension function for obscuring at least a portion of the information communicated between the first party and the second party. The data transmission may be made secure with respect to the intermediary by providing an asymmetric key or direct key exchange for encryption of the communication between the first and second party. The data transmission may be made secure with respect to the second party by maintaining the information in encrypted format at the second party, with the decryption key held only by the intermediary, and transmitting a secure composite of the decryption key and a new encryption key to the second party for transcoding of the data record, and providing the new decryption key to the first party, so that the information transmitted to the first party can be comprehended by it. |
| US08316236B2 |
Determining security states using binary output sequences
A system for determining security associations using binary output sequences is described. In an example systematic embodiment, a first device is coupled over a network to a second device. Each device includes a processor and an indicator mechanism coupled to the processor. The indicator mechanism is configured to output a binary representation of a security state established between the devices to a user in perceivable proximity to at least one of the devices. A computer readable storage medium is coupled to the processor and includes executable instructions for the processor. The instructions when executed by the processor initiate a security transaction between the devices. The security transaction includes a protocol that uses one or more public keys to establish a security state between the devices. The indicator mechanism then outputs the binary representation to the user based on the established security state. |
| US08316234B2 |
Encoded attribute matching on communication devices
A first communication device (“FCD”) is adapted to communicate with a second communication device. The FCD obtains a first key, encodes an attribute in the FCD with the first key to produce a first encoded value, and transmits the first encoded value to the second communication device. The FCD also receives a second encoded value from the second communication device. The second encoded value comprises an attribute stored in the second communication device that has been encoded with a second key. Further, the FCD encodes the second encoded value with the first key to produce a third encoded value, transmits the third encoded value to the second communication device, and receives a fourth encoded value from the second communication device. The fourth encoded value comprises the first encoded value after being encoded by the second key. The FCD determines whether the third encoded value matches the fourth encoded value. |
| US08316226B1 |
Adaptive transition between layer three and layer four network tunnels
Adaptive failover occurs between a Layer Three (L3) based network tunnel and a Layer Four (L4) based network tunnel. An example of a L4 based network tunnel is a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) tunnel and an example of a L3 based network tunnel is an Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) tunnel. SSL tunnels work through most firewalls and proxies, but may introduce latency and other performance problems. IPSec tunnels provide a more efficient performance, but may not work through some firewalls and proxies. The techniques include dynamically selecting a tunneling protocol in order to achieve a more efficient network tunnel performance when possible while maintaining consistent L3 connectivity from a variety of remote network environments. |
| US08316223B2 |
Powered device classification in a wired data telecommunications network
In a wired data telecommunication network power sourcing equipment (PSE) coupled to a powered device (PD) carries out an inline power discovery process to verify that the PD is adapted to receive inline power, then a plurality of classification cycles are carried out to convey a series of inline power classes back to the PSE. The series of inline power classes may all be the same, in which case the PD is legacy equipment and is adapted to receive the power level corresponding to that class. If they are not all the same, information is thus conveyed to the PSE which may, for example, correspond to a specific power level to be applied or to other information. |
| US08316220B2 |
Operating processors over a network
Processors, data structures and methods for operating two or more processors over a network are disclosed. A processor can load, store and save information relating to the operation of one or more of its secondary processors in a unit of migration that includes either contents of exclusively associated memories of two or more secondary processors related to the execution state of a suspended process or contents of exclusively associated memories of one or more secondary processors related to the execution state of a suspended process and shared initialized data for the process. Such a unit of migration may be embodied in a processor readable medium. |
| US08316213B1 |
Management of object mapping information corresponding to a distributed storage system
Systems and methods for managing mapping information for objects maintained in a distributed storage system are provided. The distributed storage system can include a keymap subsystem that manages the mapping information according to object keys. Requests for specific object mapping information are directed to specific keymap coordinators within the keymap subsystem based on a consistency based hashing schema. The hashing schema is updated and distributed to other components within the distributed storage system based on a defined distribution model. |
| US08316211B2 |
Generating multiple address space identifiers per virtual machine to switch between protected micro-contexts
Embodiments of an invention for generating multiple address space identifiers per virtual machine to switch between protected micro-contexts are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes privileged mode logic, an interface, and memory management logic. The privileged mode logic is to transfer control of the processor among a plurality of virtual machines. The interface is to perform a transaction to fetch information from a memory. The memory management logic is to translate an untranslated address to a memory address. The memory management logic includes a storage location, a series of translation stages, determination logic, and a translation lookaside buffer. The storage location is to store an address of a data structure for the first translation stage. Each of the translation stages includes translation logic to find an entry in a data structure based on a portion of the untranslated address. Each entry is to store an address of a different data structure for the first translation stage, an address of a data structure for a successive translation stage, or the physical address. The determination logic is to determine whether an entry is storing an address of a different data structure for the first translation stage. The translation lookaside buffer is to store translations. Each translation lookaside buffer entry includes an address source identifiers. Each address source identifier is to identify a unique micro-context. Each address source identifier is based on a virtual partition identifier. At least two of the of virtual partition identifiers are associated with one of the virtual machines. |
| US08316210B2 |
Dividing a logical memory space into ranges and sets for address translation
The invention provides a data storage device. In one embodiment, the data storage device comprises a storage medium, a random access memory, and a controller. The storage medium stores a plurality of link tables. The random access memory comprises a plurality of storage units respectively corresponding to a plurality of logical address ranges. The controller receives a target logical address from the host, determines a target link table corresponding to a logical address set comprising the target logical address, determines a target storage unit corresponding to a logical address range comprising the target logical address, determines whether the target storage unit has stored the target link table, and when the target storage unit has stored the target link table, determines a target physical address mapped to the target logical address according to a mapping relationship stored in the target link table, and accesses data stored in the storage medium according to the target physical address. |
| US08316209B2 |
Robust index storage for non-volatile memory
A non-volatile memory data address translation scheme is described that utilizes a hierarchal address translation system that is stored in the non-volatile memory itself. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a hierarchal address data and translation system wherein the address translation data entries are stored in one or more data structures/tables in the hierarchy, one or more of which can be updated in-place multiple times without having to overwrite data. This hierarchal address translation data structure and multiple update of data entries in the individual tables/data structures allow the hierarchal address translation data structure to be efficiently stored in a non-volatile memory array without markedly inducing write fatigue or adversely affecting the lifetime of the part. The hierarchal address translation of embodiments of the present invention also allow for an address translation layer that does not have to be resident in system RAM for operation. |
| US08316208B2 |
Memory controller, flash memory system with memory controller, and method of controlling flash memory
The object of the present invention is to efficiently perform access to a physical block corresponding to a logical block often designated by an access request. To realize it, predetermined number of pieces of logical block information each for access to a physical block corresponding to logical block, until then, designated by an access request is held. In holding the predetermined pieces of logical block information, a piece of logical block information having high priority precede a piece of logical block information having low priority in priority order. In management of the priority order, priority of a piece of logical block information corresponding to a logical block often designated by an access request becomes high. When an access request is received, if logical block information corresponding to the logical block designated by the access request is held, access to the physical block corresponding to the designated logical block is performed based on the held logical block information. |
| US08316202B1 |
Networked raid in a virtualized cluster
Technologies are described herein for providing networked RAID in a virtualized storage cluster. The storage capacity of a storage cluster having two or more storage nodes is organized into tiers. A portion of the available storage capacity is allocated to one tier that is organized using chained declustering. Another portion of the available storage capacity is allocated to another tier that is organized using a networked RAID configuration. The storage cluster monitors the frequency at which data in the storage cluster is accessed. Frequently used data that is stored in the network RAID-configured tier is promoted to the chained declustered-configured tier. Infrequently used data that is stored in the chained declustered-configured tier is demoted to the network RAID-configured tier. The zone size for zones stored in the chained declustered-configured tier may be different than for zones stored in the network RAID-configured tier. |
| US08316199B2 |
Data processing control method, information processing apparatus, and data processing control system
In a system which realizes to prevent leakage/loss of secret information by prohibiting a write operation to a secondary storage apparatus and a write operation to an external medium, an automatic collection of secret data to a server is executed, an existing application mode of PC is not damaged, and then an update of OS and an application is executed. The present invention places a secondary storage apparatus write control driver on the lower level than a file system, and redirects a write operation to the secondary storage apparatus, setting up a memory to be a primary cache, and cache data file on a cache server of a network destination to be a secondary cache. Thereby, the write operation to the secondary storage apparatus is not executed, and difference data is stored on the cache server, so that the automatic collection of secret data to the server can be realized. |
| US08316198B2 |
Data processing system
A data processing system has a plurality of storage systems. In this system, data replication is performed at high speed and efficiency while maintaining data integrity. In addition, when failure has occurred in a configuration element, the time necessary to resume the data replication is reduced. In accordance with an instruction from first host computer, updating of replication-target data and creation of a journal are performed in a storage system A, and updating of replication data and creation of a journal are performed in a storage system B. A storage system C retrieves a journal from the storage system B in asynchronization with the updating, and performs updating of replication data. When failure has occurred in the storage system B, a journal-retrieving end is altered to the storage system, and the replication data is updated in accordance with the retrieved journal. |
| US08316192B2 |
Multiple-port memory systems and methods
Systems and methods for improved multiple-port memory are provided. In one embodiment, a processing system comprises: at least one processing core; a peripheral bus; and a memory for storing digital data, the memory divided into a first and a second partition of memory segments. The memory includes a first port coupled to the peripheral bus providing read access and write access only to the first partition, wherein the first partition stores peripheral data associated with one or more peripheral components coupled to the peripheral bus; a second port coupled to the at least one processor providing read-only access to only the second partition, wherein the second partition stores executable code for the at least one processing core; and a third port coupled to the at least one processor providing read access and write access to the entire first partition and the second partition. |
| US08316191B2 |
Memory controllers for processor having multiple programmable units
A parallel hardware-based multithreaded processor is described. The processor includes a general purpose processor that coordinates system functions and a plurality of microengines that support multiple hardware threads. The processor also includes a memory control system that has a first memory controller that sorts memory references based on whether the memory references are directed to an even bank or an odd bank of memory and a second memory controller that optimizes memory references based upon whether the memory references are read references or write references. |
| US08316189B2 |
Rescinding ownership of a cache line in a computer system
A method of rescinding ownership of a cache line in a computer system includes constructing a table of caching agent representations in which each caching agent representation is accompanied by a validity indicator. The method continues with receiving a cache line sharing list, with each entry of the cache line sharing list indicating the potential ownership of the cache line by one or more caching agent representations that correspond to an entry of the sharing list. The method also includes conveying a snoop packet to a caching agent when the logical conjunction of an entry of the cache line sharing list that corresponds to a caching agent representation and the accompanying validity indicator meets a predetermined Boolean condition. |
| US08316180B2 |
Method and system for rebuilding data in a distributed RAID system
Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed provide a distributed RAID system comprising a set of data banks. More particularly, in certain embodiments of a distributed RAID system each data bank has a set of associated storage media and executes a similar distributed RAID application. The distributed RAID applications on each of the data banks coordinate among themselves to distribute and control data flow associated with implementing a level of RAID in conjunction with a volume stored on the associated storage media of the data banks. Migration of volumes, or portions thereof, from one configuration to another configuration may be accomplished according to a priority associated with the volume. |
| US08316178B2 |
Buffering of data transfers for direct access block devices
Described embodiments provide a method of transferring, by a media controller, data associated with a host data transfer between a host device and a storage media. A buffer layer module of the media controller segments the host data transfer into one or more data transfer segments. Each data transfer segment corresponds to at least a portion of the data. The buffer layer module allocates a number of physical buffers to a virtual circular buffer for buffering the one or more data transfer segments. The buffer layer module transfers, by the virtual circular buffer, each of the data transfer segments between the host device and the storage media through the allocated physical buffers. |
| US08316173B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for analyzing monitor data information from a plurality of memory devices having finite endurance and/or retention
A method according to one embodiment includes gathering monitor data information from a plurality of memory devices having finite endurance and/or retention, the monitor data being data of known content stored in dedicated memory cells of known write cycle count; analyzing the monitor data information; and taking an action relating to at least one of the devices based on the analyzing. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08316171B2 |
Network on chip (NoC) with QoS features
Quality-of-Servitrce (QoS) is an important system-level requirement in the design and implementation of on-chip networks. QoS requirements can be implemented in an on-chip-interconnect by providing for at least two signals indicating priority at a transaction-level interface where one signal transfers information in-band with the transaction and the other signal transfers information out-of-band with the transaction. The signals can be processed by the on-chip-interconnect to deliver the required QoS. In addition, the disclosed embodiments can be extended to a Network-on-Chip (NoC). |
| US08316168B2 |
Method and communications system for the configuration of a communications module containing a logic component
The invention relates to a method according to which a cycle-oriented control program generated for a programmable logic controller (110) is at least partially converted into a code that may be executed by a logic component (80) of a communications module (10), such that at least the converted program segment of the cycle-oriented control program may be executed in a cycle-free manner. Cycle-free or virtually cycle-free means that at least some of the implemented control functions and system functions may be executed in a parallel fashion and therefore more quickly than would be the case if the cycle-oriented control program were executed by the PLC (110). |
| US08316167B2 |
Hard disk drive integrated circuit with integrated gigabit ethernet interface module
A system including a network interface module, a first processor, a hard disk control module, and a second processor. The network interface module is configured to communicate with a network. The first processor is configured to (i) communicate with the network interface module, and (ii) perform processing related to communication of a hard disk drive with the network via the network interface module. The hard disk control module is configured to (i) communicate with the first processor, and (ii) control operation of the hard disk drive. The second processor is configured to (i) communicate with the hard disk control module, and (ii) perform processing related to storing data on the hard disk drive. The second processor and the hard disk control module are configured processes packets communicated via the network interface module using a hyper-text transfer protocol, a peer-to-peer sharing protocol, and an Internet protocol-based small computer system interface standard. |
| US08316165B2 |
Direct secondary device interface by a host
A device has a controller and a function module configured to be in communication with the controller as a result of the controller receiving a pass-through vendor specific command. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive the pass-through vendor specific command from an application software module of a host through an interface that is configured in accordance with a standard that does not allow communication to occur between the controller and the function module. |
| US08316164B2 |
Universal serial bus (USB) to digital video
This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for deserializing non-packet-based video information received using a physical Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface and providing a high definition output signal to a video port (e.g., an HD video port, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) using the deserialized video information. |
| US08316161B1 |
Techniques for indicating a passive path state for a device
Described are techniques for indicating a state associated with a device. A request is received over a path for information about a device. A response to the request is sent. The response indicates a state regarding the device on the path. The response has a response status of good and a payload of a varying size. The payload is truncated at a location prior to that at which a device identifier for the device is expected. In accordance with the response, a state regarding the device on the path is determined. |
| US08316160B2 |
Non-volatile memory device with USB and wireless connectivity and method for controlling the connectivity
A non-volatile memory device having a USB connector with a USB controller, and a wireless antenna with a wireless controller. The USB controller and the wireless controller are both operatively connected to the non-volatile memory. When the non-volatile memory device is operatively connected to a host using the USB connector, the USB controller has priority over the wireless controller for read from, and write to, functions with the non-volatile memory. A corresponding method is also disclosed. |
| US08316157B2 |
Communications network with smart card
Methods and systems are disclosed to enable a smart card having relatively low data rate and low computational power to control a high data rate communications channel without degradation of performance. The smart card and an associated monitor/interface, which can be implemented in a network access device, are interposed between transmitting and receiving nodes in a network, and configured to intervene when conditions of rules stored in the smart card are met. For example, the smart card can intervene when a packet header indicates sufficient change in information, such as the exceeding of a predefined threshold or a requirement for user authorization/authentication. In one mode of regulating packet flow, the smart card selectively enables or disables packet transmission, reception, or both, according to the rules stored therein. In another mode, the smart card, upon activation, provides rules and modifications for packet data, headers, or both. The rules and modifications can implement communication policies of the entity providing communication services to the user of the services, and can be stored in the smart card to prevent alteration or tampering. |
| US08316153B2 |
Method, node, and system for notifying proxy update in WMN
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and node for notifying proxy update in a WMN and a WMN for notifying proxy update. By constructing the proxy update add message, where the proxy update add message includes the address of terminal, the current proxy node address after terminal switching and the destination node address of the terminal, and taking the address of the original proxy node before terminal switching as the address of the destination node, and sending the proxy update add message constructed to the original proxy node, where the proxy update add message is used for updating proxy information of the terminal in the proxy information table of the original proxy node to be the current proxy node address. It makes sure that packets received by the original proxy node which should be sent to the terminal could be received by the terminal, and packet loss rate during terminal switching could be reduced. |
| US08316144B2 |
Policy rule management for QoS provisioning
Described herein is a policy-based Internet Protocol (IP) network wherein the Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning across various network devices is managed by policy processing via a user interface including a graphic user interface. The user interface incorporates information made available by a server, such as lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) server, having a repository, and thereby allows for a consistent set up voice-over IP devices, video devices and network data devices with minimal entries by the user. Further, the user interfaces allows for efficient policy creation and editing. |
| US08316143B1 |
Communication interface between gateway modules and internet servers
The present invention is used for bi-directional communication between a telemetry gateway module and an internet server system. An agent module may have a first communication port connected to a telemetry gateway module and a second communication port connectable to an internet server system. The agent module may have a set of computer readable software instructions in a computer readable medium to optimize, secure and negotiate communications protocol between the telemetry gateway module and the internet server system. |
| US08316141B2 |
Wireless email communications system providing resource update tracking features and related methods
A wireless communications system may include a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices to permit users to send and receive wireless electronic mail (email) messages. Each device may be enabled for email communication based upon user acceptance of terms and conditions (T&Cs) in a corresponding user selected language and in a corresponding version at a time of acceptance. The system may further include a resource deployment server which may include a database module for storing the corresponding user selected language and version for the accepted T&Cs for each user. The resource deployment server may also include a service module cooperating with the database module for enabling user review of the accepted T&Cs in the corresponding user selected language and version thereof, and independent of any subsequent change in the user selected language of a given mobile wireless communications device and independent of any subsequent change in version of the T&Cs. |
| US08316140B2 |
Method for controlling a device in a network of distributed stations, and network station
The invention relates to the technical field of home networks. A home network based on the current UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) standard allows data to be interchanged between network subscriber stations. An extension to this standard also provides for the interchange of AV data (Audio/Video data). One of the basic ideas of the UPnP specification is that it is possible to control any UPnP device using a standard HTML browser. To this end, every UPnP device has a web server on which the HTML pages for controlling the device are stored. It is permissible to embed a “JAVA applet” into the HTML page in order to control the device. This means that device control can be made very convenient. However, when it is necessary to control a device which needs to interchange data on the basis of the UPnP-AV standard, the JAVA applet first needs to know whether and, if so, which devices of the MediaRenderer or MediaServer type are present in the network. The JAVA security restrictions prevent the requests required for this purpose from being made from the JAVA applet however. The invention implements an additional device ascertainment service in the device for control in order to make these requests possible. This device ascertainment service communicates with the loaded JAVA applet in the remote control device using standard SOAP messages. It is thus possible to use the advantageous method of embedding a JAVA applet into an HTML page even to control UPnP-AV devices. |
| US08316137B2 |
Method and apparatus for ensuring IPv6 uniqueness in a mobile subnetted environment
A method and apparatus for ensuring network address uniqueness is described herein. An address manager determines whether any link-local addresses associated with peripheral devices connected to a mobile device would conflict with a network assigned global address. The address manager negotiates with the network to avoid conflicts. |
| US08316135B2 |
Highly scalable network environment for managing remote devices
A highly scalable primary server is provided to serve an increasing number of users and remote devices. Instead of communicating with a primary server using an expensive communication protocol, a remote device communicates with a secondary server using a less expensive protocol to determine whether the primary server desires to communicate control instructions to the remote device. When the primary server has a request to control the remote device, the primary server creates a table entry to the secondary server to notify the remote device of a request to communicate. Upon polling the secondary server and learning of the created table entry, the remote device establishes a communication connection with the primary server to receive the instructions for controlling the remote device. In this manner, the demand for resources needed for communication with the primary server is significantly reduced. |
| US08316132B2 |
Method to determine the completeness of a service guide
Provided are apparatuses and methods in a digital broadcast transmission system for deducing the contents or topology of an ESG fragment, transport object, container or session. In one example, descriptors may be transmitted on a first channel that may correspond to ESG fragments transmitted on a second channel. The first and second channel can be received at a subscriber terminal. The subscriber terminal may thus be apprised of the topology of the ESG fragments to minimize the amount of information the subscriber terminal needs to receive. This provides an optimized overall retrieval of the ESG fragments. |
| US08316131B2 |
Method and system for providing dynamic hosted service management across disparate accounts/sites
A hosted service provider for the Internet is operated so as to provide dynamic management of hosted services across disparate customer accounts and/or geographically distinct sites. |
| US08316130B2 |
System, method and computer program product for provisioning of resources and service environments
The present invention provides a system, method, and computer program product to accelerate provisioning by dynamically creating dynamic free pools (DFPs) of pre-provisioned resources that are provisioned in advance, and are ready and free for use. A DFP construct for a resource, and its associated dynamic free pool manager are generated dynamically from a formal description of an aggregated resource structure (e.g. in the form of an XML schema). The present invention also provides a system, method, and computer program product to improve the delivery time of SEs based on the DFP constructs. The methods are extended to deal with special conditions such as contention over resources, or critical delivery time. |
| US08316128B2 |
Methods and system for creating and managing identity oriented networked communication
A software application for managing routing of communiqués across one or more communication channels supported by a data-packet-network includes one or more workspaces for segregating communication activity; one or more unique user identities assigned per workspace; and one or more contact identities assigned to and approved to communicate with a workspace administrator of the one or more workspaces using the assigned user identities. In a preferred embodiment the application enforces a policy implicitly defined by the existing architecture of the workspaces and associated user and contact identities. |
| US08316126B2 |
Stitching transactions
A first transaction attribute is received from a first monitoring agent. The first transaction attribute includes a plurality of identifiers and is associated with a transaction. A second transaction attribute is received from a second monitoring agent. The second transaction attribute is associated with the transaction. The transaction is monitored through a plurality of application environments by associating at least a portion of the first transaction attribute with at least a portion of the second transaction attribute. |
| US08316123B2 |
Managing boot images in a retail store environment
A retail environment can include a plurality of client devices communicatively coupled with the server. A first client device of the plurality of client devices begins downloading a new boot image from the server via a first connection. The first client device monitors a transfer rate of the new boot image against a threshold. If the first client device determines that the transfer rate falls below the threshold, then the first client device broadcasts a request to other client devices of the plurality of client devices for the boot image. If a second client device of the plurality of client devices affirmatively responds to the request, then the first client device begins downloading a second portion of the boot image from the second client device via a second connection, and monitoring a cumulative transfer rate of the downloading over the first and the second connections. |
| US08316121B2 |
Cluster computing
A method for arranging a plurality of nodes in a cluster is disclosed. The invention proposes a scheme for creation of a cluster having optimum number of connections and with a diameter of two, meaning any two nodes are at most two edges away from each other. The present invention uses Singer Difference Set for deriving networks with a smaller number of connections per node for clusters of the same size. Further, the method envisaged by the present invention allows multiple computers to be placed at each node with the computers sharing the network in a non-conflicting manner, resulting in a powerful cluster at reduced cost. |
| US08316119B2 |
Method for switching connections between an IP-only phone and a soft phone to a server
A method for switching connections between an IP-only phone and a soft phone to an IP gateway server is disclosed. An identical telephone number is allocated to the IP-only phone and the soft phone. When the soft phone has been moved such that a connection destination to a local-area network changes from a first connector to a second connector, a relay device is also changed from a first relay device to a second relay device. After recognizing its present position by a MAC address of the relay device to which it is currently connected, the soft phone issues a request to an IP gateway server to change an IP address to the soft phone when it is determined that the soft phone is located far away from the IP-only phone. When it is determined that the soft phone is located near the IP-only phone, the soft phone issues a request to the IP gateway server so that the IP address is changed to the IP-only phone. |
| US08316118B1 |
Cooperative proxy auto-discovery and connection interception
In a network supporting transactions between clients and servers and proxies that are interposable in a network path between at least one client and at least one server, wherein a pair of proxies can modify a packet stream between a client and a server such that packet data from the client to the server is transformed at a client-side proxy of the proxy pair and untransformed at a server-side proxy of proxy pair and such that packet data from the server to the client is transformed at the server-side proxy and untransformed at the client-side proxy, a method and apparatus for a discovering proxy to transparently discover its position in a proxy pair by using proxy signals to indicate to other proxies that could pair with the discovering proxy. A discovering proxy might determine that it is a client-side proxy by receipt of a packet from client without a proxy signal. A discovering proxy might determine that it is a server-side proxy by receipt of a packet from server without a return proxy signal. Once a proxy pair is discovered, that proxy pair might transform traffic from the server to the client or vice versa, transforming the traffic at one proxy of the proxy pair and untransforming the traffic at the other proxy of the pair. |
| US08316115B2 |
Sharing performance data between different information technology product/solution deployments
A method and system for dynamically sharing performance information among multiple computing nodes. One implementation involves dynamically obtaining performance information from deployments of an information technology (IT) product/solution at said computing nodes, and transmitting the obtained performance information to a server over a communication network for storing the obtained performance information in a knowledge database. The server operates to dynamically determine new configuration information based on the information in the database, store the new configuration in the database, and provide the new configuration information to said deployments by transmitting the new configuration information over the network. |
| US08316112B2 |
Communications network service deployment simulator
A decision management system simulates a communications network service deployment using business and technology changeable parameters, a base case model, a network cost model and a bandwidth model. The simulations may be performed for different sets of changeable parameters to generate multiple candidate solutions. These solutions are analyzed to identify a solution for deploying the communications network service. |
| US08316109B2 |
Supporting memory management in an offload of network protocol processing
A number of improvements in network adapters that offload protocol processing from the host processor are provided. Specifically, mechanisms for handling memory management and optimization within a system utilizing an offload network adapter are provided. The memory management mechanism permits both buffered sending and receiving of data as well as zero-copy sending and receiving of data. In addition, the memory management mechanism permits grouping of DMA buffers that can be shared among specified connections based on any number of attributes. The memory management mechanism further permits partial send and receive buffer operation, delaying of DMA requests so that they may be communicated to the host system in bulk, and expedited transfer of data to the host system. |
| US08316100B2 |
Autonomic correction of incorrect identities in repositories
Autonomic correction of incorrect identities in repositories. A communication is prepared and sent to one or more recipients. In response thereto, a notification is provided to the sender that one or more of the recipient's identities is incorrect. Based on this notification, corrective action is automatically initiated in order to locate the repository, and in particular, an entry in the repository corresponding to the incorrect identity and to take action to correct that identity. |
| US08316095B1 |
Computer-implemented system and method for facilitating conversation within a group through heterogeneous message delivery
A computer-implemented system and method for facilitating conversation within a group through heterogeneous message delivery is provided. A conversation thread including messages shared by recipients collectively formed into a group is identified. The messages from one recipient are queued in an intermediate format pending delivery through type-specific message interfaces to the other recipients. A message type corresponding to each other recipient is determined. An identifier is formatted and each message's content is structured from the intermediate format into the message type for the other recipients. The delivery of each message within the group is managed. First, the message is sent to the other recipients via the message interface corresponding to the message type of the other recipient. The delivery of the message is tracked by monitoring an acknowledgement of a receipt of the message. Last, an alternate message type is selected upon non-acknowledgment of message receipt by the other recipient. |
| US08316092B2 |
Process for automatically handling electronic requests for notification of unsolicited commercial email and other service disruptions
A system and method for automatically processing and responding to large volumes of customer requests regarding Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE) and other service disruptions. The process combines manual and automated steps, and includes routing, filtering, aggregating, validating, ticketing, custom and automated responses, tracking, analyzing, and closing each validated request. The process can be used by the Customer Support Center (CSC) of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to insure that all complaints are handled successfully, that promotion of complaints is done correctly, that legal aspects of certain criminal or fraud related incidents are handled correctly, and that portions of the processing of complaints are handled automatically. |
| US08316089B2 |
Techniques to manage media content for a multimedia conference event
Techniques to manage media content for a multimedia conference event are described. An apparatus may comprise a media content manager component operative to generate a visual composition of decoded media streams for a multimedia conference event. If it is determined that the total number of decoded media streams is greater than the total number of available display frames in a visual composition then an active group of decoded media streams may be selected from among the total number of decoded media streams for mapping to the available display frames based on speech activity. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08316080B2 |
Internationalization of a message service infrastructure
The present invention is generally directed to a method, system, and article of manufacture that provides an internationalization service in a generalized message-oriented middleware system. In one embodiment, the internationalization handler for the MOM messages exists on both the message-producing and the message-consuming sides. The front-end server and back-send server application containers pass control to the internationalization handlers at predefined points during message production and consumption. On the message production side, the message producer passes control to the internationalization handler after the creation of the MOM message is complete but before the message is dispatched by the MOM for routing and delivery. On the message consumption side, the back end application passes control to the consumer side JMS internationalization handler just before invoking an “onMessage” method or similar message listener method. Some embodiments may also include a reply indicator to indicate whether or not the message is a reply to a service request. |
| US08316079B2 |
Method and apparatus for reliable mashup
A method and apparatus for reliable mashup. The method includes the steps of: intercepting a data update request submitted by a client browser to one or more of a plurality of services for providing mashup page data; performing consistency validation on the data update request using consistency rules; and, in response to a successful validation, forwarding the data update request to the one or more of the plurality of services. |
| US08316077B2 |
Apparatus and method for parallel-processing data flow
Provided is a data flow-parallel processing apparatus and method. The data flow-parallel processing apparatus may include a lower layer processing unit to identify a flow of inputted first data, a distribution unit to select, from among a plurality of upper layer processing units, an upper layer processing unit corresponding to the flow, and to transmit the first data to the selected upper layer processing unit, and an upper layer processing unit to process an upper layer packet of the first data, based on a local memory corresponding to the flow from among a plurality of local memories. |
| US08316075B2 |
Multiprocessor node control tree
Control messages are sent from a control processor to a plurality of attached processors via a control tree structure comprising the plurality of attached processors and branching from the control processor, such that two or more of the plurality of attached processor nodes are operable to send messages to other attached processor nodes in parallel. |
| US08316074B2 |
Network-accessible memory
A network-accessible memory (NAM) element comprises a substrate, a memory mounted to the substrate, network interface circuitry and logic circuitry. The network interface circuitry implements a network physical layer and is mounted to the substrate. The logic circuitry is mounted to the substrate and is coupled to the network interface circuitry and the memory, and is configured to operate as a memory controller to control access to the memory by a host processor which is external to the NAM element through the network interface circuitry. The NAM element can be interconnected with other NAM elements to form a larger NAM storage device. |
| US08316070B2 |
Method and system for advancing a linear feedback shift register
A technique for allowing a linear feedback shift register (LFSR), and particularly a Galois LFSR, to be advanced forward by an amount m (i.e. as if the register had undertaken m input/output cycles), without actually having to undertake m input/output cycles is described. This is useful for example in the communications domain by allowing the shift register to be able to jump to a particular scrambling code. In particular, an embodiment provides an apparatus which is able to control the advance of a LFSR by feeding into the LFSR a data word obtained from the polynomial multiplication of two predetermined data words which are looked up from one or more tables in dependence on an advance amount, being the number of steps the LFSR is to advance. The state of the LFSR after the data word has been fed into the LFSR is then the same state the LFSR would be in if it had actually been advanced by the advance amount. |
| US08316069B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit with a random number generation circuit wherein the rise and all times are variably controlled
The invention reduces unnecessary electromagnetic radiation noise associated with a step pulse of an output signal. A random number control register is a register for controlling start, standby, stop, timing or the like of output of random number data from a random number generation circuit. Random number data outputted by the random number generation circuit is stored in a rise/fall time variable data register. The data stored in the rise/fall time variable data register is replaced by random number data sequentially generated by the random number generation circuit. An output circuit is a circuit for outputting a signal from an internal circuit of a microcomputer to an external device, and the rise/fall times of the output signal from the output circuit are variably controlled in response to the random number data stored in the rise/fall time variable data register. |
| US08316068B2 |
Memory compression
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprise a method for compressing data for storage in memory. According to one embodiment, the method forms a set of values based on a monotonically ordered series of look-up table values. For one or more paired values in the set, the exemplary method generates a difference of the values in the pair. After replacing one of the values in the pair with a value based on the differences to modify the set, the exemplary method stores final values based on the modified set in memory. The present invention also comprises memory for storing the look-up table values. One exemplary memory comprises a decoder, an encoder, and one or more patterns of crisscrossed interconnect lines that interconnect the encoder with the decoder. The patterns of crisscrossed interconnection lines may be implemented on one or more planar layers of conductor tracks vertically interleaved with isolating material. |
| US08316065B2 |
Data migration system and data migration method
When performing migration of data from a migration source file server which is not endowed with any HSM interface, to a migration destination file server which is endowed with HSM, a volume of high capacity is needed for the migration destination file server, and moreover the performance deteriorates directly after the migration. However, with this system, the manager is enabled to set a migration policy using attribute information which can be acquired through a standard file access interface possessed by a file server program, and, when setting the attribute information of the migration destination file, the tier of the file which is to be created is determined, and the migration destination file is created, on the basis of this attribute information and migration policy. |
| US08316061B2 |
System, method and computer program product for managing and tracking technical events associated with production of a product
A system for production which includes a database configured to store information about technical events and a server to provide centralized management of the information. The database is configured to be accessed by several end-users connected to the database via a network. A web-based graphical user interface is configured to display, at the end-user, quality assurance information relating to the technical events associated with the production of aircraft and aircraft-related components. |
| US08316044B2 |
Techniques for automatically provisioning a database over a wide area network
Techniques for provisioning databases for users on a wide area network such as the Internet include a first party managing one or more database systems. Second parties subscribe to database services supported by the managed database systems. The first party provides, over a network, to database applications of the second parties, access to database services to which the second parties are subscribed. The database systems may use database appliances hosting both database process(es), and non-database process(es) tailored to the needs of the database process(es). A user is therefore able to obtain database resources from an Internet Database Service Provider (IDSP) without incurring the full costs of database administrator(s), dedicated database equipment facilit(ies), or even dedicated database device(s), depending on usage. Meanwhile, the IDSP incurs minimum staffing loads because of self-service tools. Costing model and automatic billing are also described. |
| US08316043B2 |
Providing profile information to partner content providers
In some implementations, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a search query, at an information provider, from a mobile device; generating a plurality of search results that are responsive to the search query and directed to corresponding content providers that are external to the information provider; identifying one or more search results from the plurality of search results that are directed to partners of the information provider; and providing, to the mobile device, the plurality of search results, wherein the one or more search results directed to partners of the information provider include location information that is stored in a profile maintained by the information provider and associated with the mobile device, wherein the location information is passed to the corresponding partners upon selection of the one or more search results. |
| US08316041B1 |
Generation and processing of numerical identifiers
A lexical mapper enables efficient text mining via use of lexical identifiers such as numerical identifier values. For example, the lexical mapper receives a collection of text-based strings associated with a document. Based on values of the strings, the lexical mapper maps the text-based strings to a set of lexical identifiers. In lieu of using the character strings, text mining applications process the numerical identifier values to analyze the document. |
| US08316038B2 |
Collecting and analyzing user activities on mobile computing devices
A mechanism for collecting and analyzing user information available on a mobile computing device is described. Information is retrieved from different components of the mobile computing device and analyzed for relationships therein. Metrics and rules are applied to the information to generate results. The results are displayed or exported to one or more components of the mobile computing device or external devices. |
| US08316037B1 |
Providing remedial search operation based on analysis of user interaction with search results
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for assisting users in performing searches. In one aspect, a query for a search session is received from a user device. A first set of search results responsive to the query is provided to the user device. Search results interaction data are received from the user device that identifies actions that are in response to the search results and taken at the user device. The search results interaction data are analyzed to determine that a remedial search operation should be performed, the remedial search operation determining a second set of search results responsive to the query and providing the second set of search results to the user device for presentation to the user. |
| US08316036B2 |
Checkpointing iterators during search
Tools and techniques are described herein for checkpointing iterators during search. These tools may provide methods that include instantiating iterators in response to a search request. The iterators include fixed state information that remains constant over a life of the iterator, and further include dynamic state information that is updated over the life of the iterator. The iterators traverse through postings lists in connection with performing the search request. As the iterators traverse the posting lists, the iterators may update their dynamic state information. The iterators may then evaluate whether to create checkpoints, with the checkpoints including representations of the dynamic state information. |
| US08316033B2 |
Method and system for managing the lifecycles of media assets
There is provided a method for managing the lifecycles of one or more media assets. The method comprises importing the one or more media assets into a system for managing the lifecycles of the one or more media assets, determining one or more metadata tags for association with the one or more media assets by evaluating the one or more media assets with one or more tagging filters, associating the one or more metadata tags with the one or more media assets after determining one or more metadata tags for association with the one or more media assets, and grouping the one or more media assets according to the one or more metadata tags associated with the one or more media assets by evaluating the one or more metadata tags with one or more grouping filters to generate one or more media asset groups. |
| US08316021B2 |
Methods and systems for enhanced placement search engine based on user usage
Systems and methods for search engines are disclosed wherein the search engine results and the information on which such are based are altered based on users specifically providing feedback to the search engine the appropriateness of one or more of the search results provided in response to a search query made by the user to the search engine. Therefore, the search engine is a dynamic and evolving ranking system for determining search results to be displayed to users in response to a search query. |
| US08316020B1 |
System, method, and computer program for creating a group profile based on user profile attributes and a rule
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for creating a group profile based on user profile attributes and a rule. In use, a plurality of user profiles is identified. Furthermore, a group profile is created based on attributes of the user profiles and at least one rule. |
| US08316019B1 |
Personalized query suggestions from profile trees
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for personalized query suggestion are disclosed. The personalized query suggestion utilizes a personalized profile tree constructed using search history associated with a user. The personalized profile tree is a hierarchy of nodes representing categories of information that the user has previously searched or selected from search results. When a search query is received from the user, a ranked list of related queries can be generated for the received search query. Each of the related queries is compared against the nodes in the personalized profile tree, and a relevance score is given to the related query based on the depth of a matching node in the tree, and a child count for the matching node. The related queries are re-ranked based on their respective relevance scores. After the re-ranking, top-ranked related queries are presented to the user as query suggestions. |
| US08316018B2 |
Network-community research service
A network-community research service includes a research module to receive a research query from a requesting member belonging to a network community. The research module is configured to answer the research query with a ranked list of research results at least partially prioritized based on network-community activities of non-requesting members. |
| US08316016B1 |
Hypertext browser assistant
A system facilitates a search by a user. The system detects selection of one or more words in a document currently accessed by the user, generates a search query using the selected word(s), and retrieves a document based on the search query. When the document includes one or more links corresponding to a linked document, the system analyzes each of the links, prefetches the linked documents corresponding to a number of the links, and presents the document to the user. The system receives selection of one of the links and retrieves the linked document corresponding to the selected link. The system identifies one or more pieces of information in the retrieved document, determines a link to a related document for each of the identified pieces of information, and provides the determined links with the related document to the user. |
| US08316014B2 |
Recording medium storing information attachment program, information attachment apparatus, and information attachment method
A computer readable recording medium stores an information attachment program for attaching meta-information to multimedia data executed by a computer. The program causes the computer to perform an acquisition step of acquiring a search word of a text search done at a search site; a monitoring step of monitoring whether or not a search frequency of the search word acquired in the acquisition step satisfies a predetermined criterion; a determination step of determining whether or not at least a portion of the search word matches a character recognition processing result of the multimedia data when the search frequency of the search word is determined to satisfy the predetermined criterion in the monitoring step; and a registration step of registering the search word as meta-information of the multimedia data when, as a determination result of the determination step, the search word matches the character recognition processing result. |
| US08316011B2 |
Non-parametric measurement of media fingerprint weak bits
A value is computed for a feature in an instance of query content and compared to a threshold value. Based on the comparison, first and second bits in a hash value, which is derived from the query content feature, are determined. Conditional probability values are computed for the likelihood that quantized values of the first and the second bits equal corresponding quantized bit values of a target or reference feature value. The conditional probabilities are compared and a relative strength determined for the first and second bits, which directly corresponds to the conditional probability. The bit with the lowest bit strength is selected as the weakbit. The value of the weakbit is toggled to generate a variation of the query hash value. The query may be extended using the query hash value variation. |
| US08316010B2 |
Systems and methods for SLA-aware scheduling in cloud computing
Systems and methods are disclosed for scheduling one or more queries for execution with one or more cloud computers by applying a service level agreement (SLA) analysis using an SLA-tree data structure to each query in a query queue; using the SLA-tree data structure to determine an overall profit in the query queue; and generating a profit-oriented schedule to select the next query for execution by the cloud computers. |
| US08316004B2 |
Speech retrieval apparatus and speech retrieval method
Disclosed are a speech retrieval apparatus and a speech retrieval method for searching, in an audio file database, for one or more target audio files by using one or more input search terms. The speech retrieval apparatus comprises a related document obtaining unit configured to search, in a related document database where documents related to audio files in the audio file database are stored, for one or more related documents by using the search terms; a correspondence audio file obtaining unit configured to search, in the audio file database, for one or more correspondence audio files corresponding to the obtained related documents; and a speech-to-speech search unit configured to search, in the audio file database, for the target audio files by using the obtained correspondence audio files. |
| US08316001B1 |
Apparatus and method for performing analyses on data derived from a web-based search engine
A computer-implemented method of performing analysis (such as patent analysis) on data derived from a web-based search engine pursuant to a search query includes in one embodiment causing display, in a first element of a patent analytics web page, in a digital computing device, of search results content served by the search engine. The embodiment further includes, in a first computer process, analyzing data associated with the search results content according to criteria (which optionally may be specified by a user when specifying the search query) to produce analysis results and in a second computer process, causing display of the analysis results. A related apparatus is also provided. |
| US08315992B1 |
Affinity based allocation for storage implementations employing deduplicated data stores
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for implementing affinity based allocation for storage implementations employing deduplicated data stores is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a backup manager determines if information associating a data source with a first data target of a plurality of data targets has been established. The first data target is a deduplication data store and the information associating the data source with the first data target indicates an increased likelihood of at least some information stored on the data source is already being stored on the first data target prior to performing a backup. If information associating the data source with the first data target has been established, the backup manager stores a set of data on the data target. |
| US08315985B1 |
Optimizing the de-duplication rate for a backup stream
A method and apparatus for optimizing a de-duplication rate for backup streams is described. In one embodiment, the method for optimizing data de-duplication using an extent mapping of a backup stream includes processing a backup stream to access an extent mapping associated with a plurality of data files, wherein the plurality of the data files are arranged within the backup stream and examining the extent mapping to identify at least one extent group within the backup stream, wherein the plurality of the data files are de-duplicated using at least one location of the at least one extent group. |
| US08315981B2 |
Data mining systems and methods for heterogeneous data sources
Systems and methods integrate disparate backup devices with a unified interface. In certain examples, a management console manages data from various backup devices, while retaining such data in its native format. The management console can display a hierarchical view the client devices and/or their data and can further provide utilities for processing the various data formats. A data structure including fields for storing both metadata common to the client device data and value-added metadata can be used to mine or process the data of the disparate client devices. The unified single platform and interface reduces the need for multiple data management products and/or customized data utilities for each individual client device and provides a single pane of glass view into data management operations. Integrating the various types of storage formats and media allows a user to retain existing storage infrastructures and further facilitates scaling to meet long-term management needs. |
| US08315979B2 |
Node device, information communication system, method for retrieving content data, and computer readable medium
A node device connected to other node devices has a particular obtaining unit that obtains search information including, a first determination unit that applies a predetermined rule to determine whether the search information obtained by the particular obtaining unit is required to be stored in the node device. The node device has a first storage unit that stores search information when required, and a second determination unit that determines whether the search information obtained by the particular obtaining unit is newly published in the network. A second storage unit stores the search information when the second determination unit determines that the storage information is newly published. A search unit searches the content data, based on the search information stored in at least one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit. |
| US08315970B2 |
Method and rhythm extractor for detecting and isolating rhythmic signal features from an input signal using the wavelet packet transform
A method of detecting and isolating at least one rhythmic component from a discrete-time input signal, comprises subjecting the input signal to discrete wavelet packet transform multi-resolution analysis; applying wavelet packet basis selection criteria to the result of the analysis to evaluate rhythmic signal features of the input signal; and isolating at least one rhythmic signal component from the input signal based on the evaluation. |
| US08315968B2 |
Music information processing apparatus, music delivering system, and music information processing method that can satisfy a request from a user
In a music information processing apparatus, a characteristic quantity acquiring unit reads out a music file from a music tune file storage unit and acquires a characteristic quantity of a music tune. A class value providing unit provides a class value for each music tune based on the characteristic quantity. The distribution acquiring unit forms a music tune assembly based on bibliography information read from the music tune file by a bibliography information acquiring unit, and acquires the distribution information of class values for each music tune assembly. The distribution information is stored into an analysis result storage unit, and an evaluation unit reads out distribution information based on user input, and evaluates the similarity between music tune assemblies or between a tune and a music tune assembly. An output unit recommends or reproduces a music tune assembly or a music tune according to the preference of a user. |
| US08315967B2 |
Sequential mode in a Rete rule engine
Some embodiments of a sequential mode in a Rete rule engine have been presented. In one embodiment, a Rete rule engine is configured to enter into a sequential mode. Using the Rete rule engine configured, a rule set having a set of rules is evaluated against a set of data objects in a stateless manner. |
| US08315964B2 |
Comprehensive human computation framework
Technologies for a human computation framework suitable for answering common sense questions that are difficult for computers to answer but easy for humans to answer. The technologies support solving general common sense problems without a priori knowledge of the problems; support for determining whether an answer is from a bot or human so as to screen out spurious answers from bots; support for distilling answers collected from human users to ensure high quality solutions to the questions asked; and support for preventing malicious elements in or out of the system from attacking other system elements or contaminating the solutions produced by the system, and preventing users from being compensated without contributing answers. |
| US08315962B1 |
System and method for multiclass discrimination of neural response data
Systems and methods are described herein for analyzing neural response data that can be assigned to multiple classes. The systems and methods begin with a set of training data from which optimal weight factors are derived. The derived weight factors are used in a classifier which is then applied to test data from test subjects. The classifier filters out the effects of less relevant data in the test data and provides a result in the form of probabilities associated with classes for the test data. |
| US08315955B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining inputs to a finite state system
A method of equalization used to estimate a transmitted signal given a received output is presented herein. The equalization method involves modeling a transmission channel as a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). The HMM channel is evaluated as a finite state machine. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique of sampling and computation is then utilized to estimate the transmitted signal. |
| US08315952B2 |
Money transfers using digital cash
Methods and systems are described for transferring funds from a sender to a recipient. Source funds are received from a sender. An amount of recipient funds is determined from a value of the source funds. A transfer identifier associated with the recipient funds is generated and provided to the sender. The transfer identifier is received from the recipient, prompting a transfer in control of the recipient funds to the recipient. At least one of the source funds and the recipient funds are in the form of one or more electronic tokens. Each such electronic token has a currency amount and a digital signature identifying a financial institution that backs the electronic token for the currency amount. |
| US08315949B2 |
Content distribution system and method
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide an electronic marketplace that matches units of content from secondary content providers with suitable vacancies from primary content providers. Vacancies may constitute, or be included in, any digital transmission containers, such as a television or radio programming, web pages, and the like. Specifically, the electronic marketplace automatically matches content offered by secondary content providers with vacancies offered by primary content providers thus filling the vacancies in these containers through a real-time content trading, placement, and distribution system. To do so, attributes associated with the vacancies and with units of secondary content are used to trade and match suitable vacancies with suitable content. This invention enables both secondary content owners and vacancy owners (primary content providers) to obtain the full commercial benefit of their secondary content and containers. |
| US08315943B2 |
System and method for generating a finance attribute from tradeline data
Embodiments of a system and method are described for generating a finance attribute. In one embodiment, the systems and methods retrieve raw tradeline data from a plurality of credit bureaus, retrieve industry code data related to each of the plurality of credit bureaus, determine one or more tradeline leveling characteristics that meet at least one pre-determined threshold, and generate a finance attribute using the selected leveling characteristics. |
| US08315942B2 |
Method and apparatus for development and use of a credit score based on spend capacity
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. A SOW score focusing on a consumer's spending capability can be used in the same manner as a credit bureau score. |
| US08315941B2 |
Automated loan risk assessment system and method
An automated loan risk assessment system and method are described. The system is adapted to receive information about a loan or an insurance application requesting insurance to cover same. The system calculates a risk score for the loan based on a plurality of risk factors including at least two of a fraud risk factor, a credit risk factor and a property valuation risk factor. The risk score can be used by a loan service provider in deciding whether or not to fund or insure the loan. |
| US08315937B1 |
Apparatus, article, and method for a hedged specified event bond
A method, machine, article for a hedged specified event bond. The method can include: storing in memory terms of a bond indenture whereby proceeds from the bond are placed in a bankruptcy-remote entity, an investment is purchased, a risk associated with the investment is hedged, and a scheduled investor payment is adjusted if a specified event occurs; determining, by a digital computer accessing the memory and receiving market data and data corresponding to the specified event, a payment amount to the entity, a scheduled investor payment amount by the entity, a value of assets of the entity, whether there has been an occurrence of the specified event, and if an occurrence is determined, computing an adjustment in the scheduled payment; and outputting, by the computer, at least one of the payment amount to the entity, the scheduled investor payment amount, the value, and, if the occurrence is determined, the adjustment. |
| US08315935B2 |
Method and system for tracking derivatives positions and monitoring credit limits
A derivatives position tracking system that consists of a centralized trading engine with a trade history database capable of communication with a plurality of counterpart computers via a network to enable the execution of a derivatives transaction. The trading engine and counterpart computers enable the counterpart computers to initiate, unwind and assign requests. Upon execution of a tear-up or assignment, a record of such transaction is stored in the trade history database. Whether or not the tear-up or assignment is executed with the original counterpart, the original counterpart receives a notification of the tear-up/assignment and a new position with the counterpart is reflected in the position-tracking database. Additionally, a credit monitoring module can be used in connection with the derivatives position tracking system to enable the trading engine to alert counterparts when a derivatives transaction exceeds a pre-defined credit limit. |
| US08315933B2 |
Using commercial share of wallet to manage vendors
Commercial size of spending wallet (“CSoSW”) is the total business spend of a business including cash but excluding bartered items. Commercial share of wallet (“CSoW”) is the portion of the spending wallet that is captured by a particular financial company. A modeling approach utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a company's spend capacity. Government agencies, procurement departments, and others that patronize small businesses can use CSoW/CSoSW to determine businesses that should be awarded contracts and businesses that should be denied. CSoW/CSoSW may also be used to manage approved vendor lists. |
| US08315931B2 |
System for determining high quality musical recordings
A system for determining high quality musical recordings comprises a server computer which communicates with a plurality of client devices configured to execute internet radio client software which plays musical recordings. The server computer includes a registration unit for registering users; an input unit for registering, for each user, and for each musical recording of a selected group of musical recordings, a user's opinion of the musical recording. It also includes a combining unit configured to combine a user's registered opinion of each of the musical recordings with the registered opinions of other users, an input valuation unit configured to assign a valuation to the registered opinions on the basis of data from the combining unit, and a reward unit for providing a reward to one or more users on the basis of a valuation provided by the input valuation unit. |
| US08315927B2 |
Simulating the effects of proposed rule changes on calculated labor time
Systems and methods are described herein for managing labor time information. With respect to one implementation, among others, a labor time management system includes a time data storage device configured to store labor time. The labor time is related to the working time that one or more employees worked over a certain time period. The system also includes a time calculation rules engine and a rule set module. Furthermore, the system includes a simulation system configured to extract at least a portion of the labor time from the time data storage device and apply a proposed rule set on the extracted labor time. |
| US08315924B1 |
Method and apparatus for automating accounting with check vouchers
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates automated accounting. During operation, the system receives a check voucher at a system, wherein the check voucher corresponds to a check. Next, the system performs an optical character recognition (OCR) operation on the check voucher to identify a set of tokens printed on the check voucher. The system then searches a dictionary of tokens for open invoices to identify a match between the set of tokens printed on the check voucher and tokens associated with an open invoice. Next, the system determines an amount of the check by determining the value of an amount token printed on the check voucher. Finally, the system applies a payment for the amount of the check to the open invoice. |
| US08315918B1 |
Systems for dynamically allocating finite or unique resources
The present invention is related to electronically allocating finite or limited resources. In an embodiment, a computer system is configured to receive bids over a network from a first plurality of users for a limited number of units, the bids including associated bid amounts. A data store is operable to store the bid amounts. Program code is stored in computer readable memory and is configured to determine which bids are winning bids, determine a unit price for units associated with the winning bids, wherein the unit price associated with the winning bids is based on the lowest winning bid amount, and units can be tickets. |
| US08315916B1 |
Method and system to distribute online video
An online video distribution network includes an online video portal and an online video merchant. In one embodiment, when the consumer orders a video, the merchant provides a pick-up ticket to the consumer. The portal uses the merchant identity in the pick-up ticket to connect to the merchant, and the merchant uses a product identity in the pick-up ticket to retrieve and send the video to the portal. In another embodiment, the portal provides the consumer with a drop-off ticket, which is provided to the merchant. The merchant connects to the portal using the portal identity in the drop-off ticket, and sends the video and a customer identity in the drop-off ticket to the portal. The portal determines a consumer record associated with the consumer identity and stores the video in the consumer record. The consumer can then easily access the video at the portal. |
| US08315915B1 |
Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services in telephonic and electronic commerce
Providing offers of an item constituting a good or a service to users of a system, utilizing an electronic communications device, comprises at least the following: establishing a communication via the electronic communications device between a given user and the system for purpose of a primary transaction for a first good or service, obtaining primary transaction data with respect to the primary transaction, including the purpose of the primary transaction, obtaining the identity of the given user, utilizing at least in part the primary transaction data including the purpose of the primary transaction and the identity of the user, and determining at least one item for offer to the given user, and offering the item to the given user. |
| US08315914B2 |
Systems and methods for automated mass media commerce
Systems and methods for implementing point of advertising purchasing include using mass media publications configured for or containing service, product or vendor transmittable signals, such as from radio frequency identification tags. In a preferred arrangement, a consumer perceiving an advertisement of the mass media publication may activate a reader in a portable communications device, such as a smart mobile or cellular phone, to receive information from the radio frequency signal associated with the advertisement to identify a vendor, product or service associated with the radio frequency identification. The smart mobile phone or communications device of the consumer may communicate with a system of a vendor across a network to order a product or product information from a system of the vendor over the network by using the information from the radio frequency identification. |
| US08315910B2 |
Auction methods, auction systems and servers
Auction methods, auction systems and servers which can satisfy requirements other than the price for a client are provided. An auction client selects a desired one from time slide schemes from a terminal, and enters a due date in an associated entry field. For example, a due date advance scheme is a scheme in which a person who offers the soonest possible trading date from a due date is determined as a successful bidder. Also, specific details (paying-in, delivery and so on) on the trading date for a payment or delivery of an article, requested to a partner, are specified. These bid condition data are transmitted to the server through a network, and the server collects participants in a bid on a home page. The server receives trading dates offered from terminals of participants, and determines a participant who offers the trading date that most satisfies the trade due date condition offered by the client as a successful bidder. |
| US08315906B2 |
Media play optimization
Systems, methods, and a user interface for automatically scheduling a media play is disclosed. The user can specify criteria for play of the media play, including times, stations, and/or external criteria such as a weather condition or the occurrence of an event. Information relevant to the entered criteria is received and assessed against the criteria to determine if the criteria are met. Responsive to the received information meeting the criteria for play of the media play, an accessor accesses the media play inventory and inserts the media play into a media feed. |
| US08315901B2 |
Systems and methods of automatically scheduling a workforce
Systems and methods of workforce scheduling are disclosed. One example embodiment, among others, comprises a computer-implemented method of scheduling workers. Each worker is associated with one of a set of flexibility classifications, which include non-flex-time and at least one flex-time. The method includes generating a set of shift instances to cover forecasted demand over a planning period, and assigning the shift instances to the set of workers by iterating through the each of the workers to assign at least a portion of the shift instances to a selected one of the workers. The assigning is such that total hours assigned to the selected worker depends on a number associated with the classification of the selected worker. |
| US08315900B2 |
Architectural design for self-service procurement application software
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing service procurement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include an Accounting process component, an Internal Request Processing process component, a Purchase Request Processing process component, a Purchase Order Processing process component, a Goods and Service Acknowledgement process component, a Supplier Invoice Processing process component, a Payment Processing process component, an RFQ Processing process component, a Project Processing process component, a Source of Supply Determination process component, a Due Item Processing process component, a Balance Of Foreign Payment Management process component, a Pricing Engine process component, and an Accounting Coding Block Distribution Processing process component. |
| US08315896B2 |
Network device and method for calculating energy savings based on remote work location
Calculating and validating energy savings. Energy savings from programs such as telework are calculated and validated through the use of authenticated remote access systems. A person or device working away from the place of work authenticates themselves with a remote access system using a personal digital device. Through such authenticated remote access logs including location information, systems can determine where a person and/or device is, and is not. Energy savings can be calculated based not only on the energy expenditures of avoided travel, but also on the energy expenditures saved at the place of work location. These energy savings may be summed over employees and/or devices and/or places of work. Energy savings are documented, and may be expressed in terms of KWH, BTUs, metric tons of CO2, or other similarly derivable units. These may be used for example for credit trading. Such monitoring, calculating, and trading may be locally provided, offered as a managed service, or provided as a Software as a Service application for individuals, devices, groups of individuals, groups of devices, or enterprises. |
| US08315895B1 |
Method and system for obtaining review updates within a review and rating system
A method and system for obtaining review and rating updates within a review and rating system whereby a review and rating system is provided and a given review or rating associated with a given business, service, product, or other content is submitted to the review and rating system. Contact information associated with the user submitting the given review or rating is also obtained and then upon the occurrence of one or more events, the user submitting the original review or rating is contacted and asked to update the original review or rating and/or to provide additional data. Once the user's update to the original review or rating, and/or any additional data, is/are obtained, the given review or rating is transformed to reflect the update to the original review or rating, and/or any additional data. |
| US08315889B1 |
Home resale value protection plan
A Home Resale Value Protection Plan provides a payment to a homeowner should the homeowner have to sell his or her house at a loss, wherein the loss is attributable to an overall drop in the housing market. In exchange for an upfront fee, the homeowner would receive a payment for the lesser of their actual loss or the loss calculated by multiplying their original purchase price by the proportional drop in an appropriate published house price index. |
| US08315884B2 |
Pre-selection display of alerts in an order entry system
An order entry system is described which displays items together with visual attributes that correspond to respective alerts. The visual attributes provide pre-selection guidance to a user in choosing from among the items without deluging the user with a cumbersome series of post-selection alerts. In one illustrative case, the items that are displayed correspond to drug-related items. In this case, one purpose of the order-entry system is to prescribe drug-related items to a patient. |
| US08315881B2 |
Content filtering for a digital audio signal
According to some embodiments, content filtering is provided for a digital audio signal. |
| US08315876B2 |
Headset wearer identity authentication with voice print or speech recognition
A headset includes a voice print match application or speech recognition application. The voice print match application receives a user speech corresponding to a submitted voice print phrase key upon determining a donned condition, where the user speech is compared to the predetermined voice print phrase key to validate an identity of the headset user. The speech recognition application receives a user speech corresponding to a password or PIN and recognizes the password or PIN. The recognized password or PIN is compared to a valid password or PIN to validate the identity of the headset user. |
| US08315875B2 |
Wireless server based text to speech email
An email system for mobile devices, such as cellular phones and PDAs, is disclosed which allows email messages to be played back on the mobile device as voice messages on demand by way of a media player, thus eliminating the need for a unified messaging system. Email messages are received by the mobile device in a known manner. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the email messages are identified by the mobile device as they are received. After the message is identified, the mobile device sends the email message in text format to a server for conversion to speech or voice format. After the message is converted to speech format, the server sends the messages back to the user's mobile device and notifies the user of the email message and then plays the message back to the user through a media player upon demand. |
| US08315867B1 |
Systems and methods for analyzing communication sessions
Systems and methods for analyzing communication sessions are provided. A representative method includes: recording the communication session; identifying those portions of the communication session not containing speech of at least one of an agent and a customer; and performing processing on the recording of the communication session based, at least in part, on whether the portions contain speech of at least one of the agent and the customer. |
| US08315863B2 |
Post filter, decoder, and post filtering method
A post filter and a decoder enabling improvement of the sound quality of a decoded signal even when the sound quality of the decoded signal is different from the bands are disclosed. A frequency converting section determines a decoded spectrum. A power spectrum computing section computes the power spectrum from the decoded spectrum. A correction band determining section determines the band in which the power spectrum is corrected according to layer information. A power spectrum correcting section corrects the power spectrum in the corrected band in such a way that the variation along the frequency axis is suppressed. An inverse converting section subjects the corrected power spectrum to inverse conversion to determine an autocorrelation function. An LPC analyzing section determines an LPC coefficient of the determined autocorrelation function. |
| US08315862B2 |
Audio signal quality enhancement apparatus and method
An audio signal quality enhancement apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a pitch calculating unit to extract a pitch period of an audio signal, a frequency domain transforming unit to transform the audio signal to a frequency domain, a frequency band dividing unit to classify the transformed audio signal into audio signals for each of the plurality of frequency bands based on the extracted pitch period, and a pitch enhancement unit to determine a gain based on a volume of the transformed audio signal, and to generate an output signal by multiplying each of the classified audio signals with respect to each of the plurality of frequency bands by the gain, thereby enhancing quality of the audio signal. |
| US08315860B2 |
Interoperable vocoder
Encoding a sequence of digital speech samples into a bit stream includes dividing the digital speech samples into one or more frames and computing a set of model parameters for the frames. The set of model parameters includes at least a first parameter conveying pitch information. The voicing state of a frame is determined and the first parameter conveying pitch information is modified to designate the determined voicing state of the frame, if the determined voicing state of the frame is equal to one of a set of reserved voicing states. The model parameters are quantized to generate quantizer bits which are used to produce the bit stream. |
| US08315858B1 |
Method for digitally recording an analog audio signal with automatic indexing
A method for digitally recording an analog audio signal with automatic indexing, having the following steps: (a) an analog audio signal containing audio information and signal pauses is read in, (b) the analog audio signal is converted into digital audio data comprising audio information data and signal pause duration data, (c) the audio information data are stored as information data blocks and the signal pause duration data are stored as signal pause data blocks in a memory, (d) the stored data blocks are read sequentially and an index table is produced, any succession of information data blocks which is not interrupted by a signal pause with a predetermined duration being detected as one cohesive audio information data sequence whose start and end are stored in the index table. |
| US08315855B2 |
Voice processing apparatus and method
Character extraction section extracts character amounts, pertaining to a prosody of voice, from a voice signal sequentially in a time-serial manner. Difference value calculation calculates a difference value between each of the extracted character amounts and a reference value. Processing values, corresponding to the individual character amounts, are generated in accordance with the respective difference values, and a voice processing section controls the individual character amounts of the voice signal in accordance with the processing values corresponding to the character amounts and thereby generates an output signal having a prosody changed from the prosody of the voice signal. |
| US08315851B2 |
Phonetic keys for the Japanese language
Various embodiments of phonetic keys for the Japanese language are described herein. A Kana rule set is applied to Kana characters provided by a user. The Kana characters are defined in an alphabetic language based on the sound of the Kana characters. A full phonetic key is then generated based on the defined Kana characters. A replaced-vowel phonetic key is generated by replacing a vowel in the full phonetic key and a no-vowel phonetic key is generated by removing the vowel in the full phonetic key. Kana records in a database are then processed to determine a relevant Kana record that has a phonetic key identical to at least one of the full phonetic key, the replaced-vowel phonetic key, and the no-vowel phonetic key. The relevant Kana records are then presented to the user. |
| US08315845B2 |
Method for building a depositional space corresponding to a geological domain
A method for building a depositional space corresponding to a geological domain includes the steps of (i) partitioning the present day geological domain with at least one conformal mesh sensibly matching the boundaries of said geological domain, (ii) calculating depositional coordinates defining a depositional space, wherein the depositional coordinates calculations includes calculations of fields of displacement including simulations of mechanical deformations in the geological domain, using a solid material deformation model. A computer program implementing the method is also described. |
| US08315844B2 |
Method, computer program product, and apparatus for comparing traffic pattern models of a complex communication system
Traffic pattern models of a complex communication system are compared. A normalized transmission parameter is computed for each traffic pattern model. Model parameters are also computed for each traffic pattern model. The model parameters for each traffic pattern model represent anticipated traffic flow through the complex communication system over a predetermined time period. Data representing an actual traffic flow pattern through the complex communication system over the predetermined time period is compared to the model parameters representing anticipated traffic patterns for each model. The normalized transmission parameters for each of the traffic pattern models are also compared. |
| US08315842B2 |
Systems and methods for modeling of crystallization processes
A computer system and method of modeling a crystallization process includes representing a plurality of crystals in a solution by different subsets of the plurality, tracking increase of the respective characteristic length of each crystal group, and determining a crystal size distribution to output a model to a user. Each subset forms a respective crystal group characterized by group attributes of (i) a number of crystals and (ii) a characteristic length. Additionally, the system and method track generation of new crystal groups generated by seeding, nucleation and/or breakage. |
| US08315840B2 |
Transferring structural loads and displacements between analysis and design software
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for receiving in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) tool result information and load information from a first analysis program, the result information determined by performing an analysis of a plurality of physical elements in a CAD model. And providing one or more of the result information or the load information from the CAD tool to a second analysis program. |
| US08315838B2 |
Method and system for exploiting information from heterogeneous sources
A system and method are described for generating a model of an environment in which a plurality of equipment units are deployed for the extraction of at least one resource from the environment. The system comprises a pre-extraction modeling unit configured to receive data from a first plurality of heterogeneous sensors in the environment and to fuse the data into a pre-extraction model. An equipment modeling unit is configured to receive equipment data relating to the plurality of equipment units and to combine the equipment data into an equipment model. A post-extraction modeling unit is configured to receive data from a second plurality of sensors and to fuse the data into a post-extraction model. Information from the pre-extraction model, the equipment model and/or the post-extraction model is communicable to the equipment units for use in controlling operation of the equipment units in the environment. |
| US08315832B1 |
Normalizing capacitive sensor array signals
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for reporting position information. Position information received from a plurality of capacitive sensors in an array of capacitive sensors is adjusted based on predetermined adjustment values to generate adjusted position information. Each predetermined adjustment value is associated with at least one of the plurality of capacitive sensors. A signal representative of the adjusted position information is generated. In another embodiment, the sensitivity of at least one of the capacitive sensors is adjusted based on the position of the at least one capacitive sensor within the array. |
| US08315826B2 |
Diagnostic method for a ball bearing, in particular for an angular-contact ball bearing, a corresponding diagnostic system, and use of the diagnostic system
In a diagnostic method for at least one ball bearing, in particular for an angular-contact ball bearing for bearing a rapidly rotating spindle, mechanical vibration caused by the respective angular-contact ball bearing is acquired by at least one vibration sensor and outputted as a corresponding vibration signal. At least one bearing characteristic, fundamental kinematic frequency dependent on a current bearing rotational frequency is determined by computation. A corresponding bearing frequency in a measurement frequency spectrum of the respective vibration signal is determined by measurement. A first diagnostic message is output when at least one of the determined bearing frequencies deviates by a respective prescribed frequency deviation from the corresponding computational fundamental kinematic frequency. |
| US08315824B2 |
System for detecting remaining quantity in liquid hydrogen tank
The present invention relates to a system for detecting the remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage device. In this system, the remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen is calculated accurately without being affected by the previous state in a tank. The internal pressure of the tank is detected. A fixed heat quantity is applied into the liquid hydrogen. The pressure in the tank after the application of heat quantity is detected. The volume of phase-transited hydrogen gas is calculated based on the heat quantity applied into the tank. The change amount of pressure in the tank before and after the application of heat quantity is calculated based on the pressure and the pressure. The remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen in the tank is calculated based on the volume of hydrogen gas and the change amount of pressure. |
| US08315822B2 |
Force measurement system having inertial compensation
A force measurement system having inertial compensation includes a force measurement assembly with at least one accelerometer configured to measure the acceleration thereof. According to one aspect of the invention, the force measurement system additionally includes at least one angular velocity sensor configured to measure the angular velocity of the force measurement assembly. According to another aspect of the invention, the force measurement system additionally includes a data processing device with a computer-readable medium loaded thereon that is configured to execute a calibration procedure for determining the inertial parameters of the force measurement assembly by utilizing the measured acceleration of the force measurement assembly while the force measurement assembly is subjected to a plurality of applied linear and/or rotational motion profiles. According to still another aspect of the invention, the at least one accelerometer is disposed on the force transducer. |
| US08315820B2 |
Potentiometric titration method and potentiometric titration apparatus
A potentiometric titration method including calculating a titration curve and a differential curve from measured values; computing a straight line (D) connecting the two measured values on the titration curve which are present adjacent to a tentative terminal point (P); computing a first estimation line (B1) and a second estimation line (B2) by a least squares method based on a set of the measured values (d1), (d2) and (d3) and a set of the measured values (d4), (d5) and (d6), respectively, on the titration curve, which are respectively spaced by a predetermined level apart from the tentative terminal point (P) by using the number of decision points (n) as an index where the number of decision points (n) represents the number of measured values on the previously set titration curve; computing an intermediate line (C) between the first estimation line (B1) and the second estimation line (B2); and computing an intersection point (A) of the intermediate line (C) and the straight line (D) to read out a value of the intersection point on an abscissa axis as a terminal point (a) of the titration. |
| US08315818B2 |
Methods of diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease
The present invention provides methods, systems, and code for accurately classifying whether a sample from an individual is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or a clinical subtype thereof. In particular, the present invention is useful for classifying a sample from an individual as an IBD sample using a statistical algorithm and/or empirical data. The present invention is also useful for differentiating between a clinical subtype of IBD such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) using a statistical algorithm and/or empirical data. Thus, the present invention provides an accurate diagnostic prediction of IBD or a clinical subtype thereof and prognostic information useful for guiding treatment decisions. |
| US08315817B2 |
Independently removable nucleic acid sequencing system and method
A technique for sequencing nucleic acids in an automated or semi-automated manner is disclosed. Sample arrays of a multitude of nucleic acid sites are processed in multiple cycles to add nucleotides to the material to be sequenced, detect the nucleotides added to sites, and to de-block the added nucleotides of blocking agents and tags used to identify the last added nucleotide. Multiple parameters of the system are monitored to enable diagnosis and correction of problems as they occur during sequencing of the samples. Quality control routines are run during sequencing to determine quality of samples, and quality of the data collected. |
| US08315815B2 |
Computational methods and systems for suggesting modulators of CYP450 as treatment options
Computational methods and systems are described which accept input, identify one or more CYP450-family enzymes, identify one or more modulators of the CYP450-family enzymes, and communicate treatments to at least one system user, wherein the treatments include one or more of the identified at least one modulator. |
| US08315813B2 |
Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model. |
| US08315812B2 |
Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model. |
| US08315808B2 |
Method and system for estimating a blood sugar condition
A blood sugar condition is estimated by (1) measuring a urine sugar value A, (2) discriminating whether or not the measured urine sugar value is less than a discriminating method classification boundary value, (3) when it is less, obtaining an averaged value X of measured urine sugar values during a past predetermined period of time, measured at the same timing in a one-day life as the timing when the latest measured urine sugar value is measured, (4) calculating the difference between the averaged value and the measured urine sugar value, (5) when the difference is not less than a positive discriminating reference difference, discriminating as being a blood sugar value decrease, (6) when the measured urine sugar value A is not less than the discriminating method classification boundary value, obtaining an averaged value X of all measured urine sugar values during the past predetermined period of time, (7) calculating a ratio between the measured urine sugar value and the averaged value X, and, (8) when the ratio is not greater than a first discriminating reference ratio, discriminating as being the blood sugar value decrease. |
| US08315806B2 |
Method for determining color perception in multilayer systems
A method for determining the color perception of multi-layer dispersive materials or biological materials for layer thicknesses that are respectively selective, by the determination of the diffuse reflectance based on the respective intrinsic optical parameter using Monte Carlo simulations and taking into consideration the measurement geometries, anisotropy and the dispersion phase function in order to correctly take into account the multiple internal dispersion of the material. The color effect is calculated from the diffuse reflectance based on the various color systems in accordance with different algorithms. |
| US08315801B2 |
Information terminal device, method for controlling information terminal device, recording medium on which program for controlling information terminal device is recorded, and communication network
An information terminal device that clearly displays routes and directions to be taken is provided. A method for controlling the information terminal device, a program for controlling the information terminal device, a recording medium on which the program for controlling the information terminal device is recorded, and a communication network are also provided. An information terminal device displays surrounding area information including a display of the destination and a symbol representing the street leading to the destination from an exit of the nearest station, and image information formed by adding an arrow representing the direction toward the destination to a photograph of the street leading to the destination from the exit of the nearest station. |
| US08315800B2 |
Sending location information from within a communication application
A method in a wireless communications device for transmitting current location information representing a current location of the wireless communications device. The method entails, from within a communication application executing on a processor of the wireless communications device, causing the wireless communications device to obtain the current location information representing the current location of the wireless communications device, including the current location information in a communication generated from within the communication application, and transmitting the communication that includes the current location information. The method optionally entails a further step of performing a reverse look-up of GPS coordinates representing the current location to determine address information for including in the communication. Location information, such as maps or URLs to maps can be sent directly from an e-mail application or instant messenger without having to separately launch a mapping application. |
| US08315791B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing smart zooming of a geographic representation
An approach is provided for custom zooming of geographic representation. A custom zooming application determines an input specifying a level of zoom for rendering a geographic representation presented at a device, the geographic representation including a plurality of objects. The custom zooming application determines respective degrees of relevance of the plurality of objects based, at least in part, on the device, a user of the device, related context information, or a combination thereof. The custom zooming application determines to render one or more of the plurality of objects with at least one different level of visibility with respect to other ones of the plurality of objects based, at least in part, on the respective degrees of relevance, the level of zoom, or a combination thereof. |
| US08315788B2 |
Method and system for vehicle refueling
Methods and systems are provided for facilitating refueling operations in vehicles operating with multiple fuels. A vehicle operator may be assisted in refueling the multiple fuel tanks of the vehicle by being provided one or more refueling profiles that take into account the vehicle's future trip plans, the predicted environmental conditions along a planned route, and the operator's preferences. |
| US08315787B2 |
Method and system for display of guidance reference for traffic situational awareness
Situational Awareness and Guidance Reference (SAGR) and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A system in accordance to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a display system utilized for a traffic application and an SAGR associated with the own-ship symbol providing longitudinal and lateral guidance reference. In a manual implementation, the SAGR aids human operators achieve required longitudinal and lateral spacing from selected traffic by depicting a small operating region on a navigational map display within which an aircraft will have achieved the required spacing. Such depiction of the deviation guidance may be with respect to time or distance relative to selected traffic aircraft or to fixed structure, and engaged in an automatic or manual mode. |
| US08315783B2 |
Engine control device for working vehicle
There are provided: a pedal operation amount detection unit 12 that detects an operation amount s of the accelerator pedal 11; a speed ratio detection unit 14, 15 that detects a speed ratio e of an input shaft and an output shaft of the torque converter 2; a load pressure detection unit 16 that detects a load pressure P of the hydraulic pump 6; a speed stage detection unit 18 that detects a low speed stage of a transmission 3 capable of varying a speed stage between a low speed stage and a high speed stage; and a speed limiting unit 10 that limits a maximum speed of the engine 1 to a lower speed upon satisfaction of following speed limitation conditions: at least a pedal operation amount s is equal to or greater than a predetermined value s1, a speed ratio e is equal to or less than a predetermined value ea, a load pressure P is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Pa, and the low speed stage of the transmission has been detected. |
| US08315778B2 |
Electronic control unit for controlling electrically driven loads in enhanced fail safe manner
A first judgment circuit and a second judgment circuit are adapted to set a judging signal high when a judgment data sent from a microprocessor indicates failure. The high level judging signal triggers a forced idle command connected to a motor driver, to be high level whereby the motor is forcibly suspended. Subsequently, when a reset command is accidentally transmitted by the microprocessor due to an unexpected fault, a first judging signal from the first judgment circuit is reset to low level. However, a second judging signal from the second judgment circuit remains high level. As a result, the forced idle command stays high level. |
| US08315773B2 |
Brake force maintain control device
A brake force maintain control device for a vehicle determines whether the vehicle is in a rapidly-pressed state. The rapidly-pressed state is a state in which the brake pedal of the vehicle has been further pressed rapidly. While the vehicle is in the rapidly-pressed state, the brake force maintain control device allows the brake force maintain control to start if a condition for starting the brake force maintain control is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the brake force maintain control from being needlessly executed even though the driver does not have an intention of executing it. |
| US08315762B2 |
Server design and method
A communication system for a vehicle includes a server that includes a real time operating system, at least one cabin function application that runs on the real time operating system, and at least one in-flight entertainment application that runs on another operating system on top of the real time operating system. Thus, an in-operation entertainment system is capable of providing audio and/or visual content to a large number of locations in a cabin of the vehicle, and a cabin function system is capable of providing various cabin applications, e.g., lighting level control, attendant calling, air conditioning control, etc. at different locations in the vehicle cabin in a manner that is isolated and prioritized over the entertainment system. |
| US08315760B2 |
Method and system for retrieving diagnostic information
A system, method, and apparatus for retrieving trouble codes from an equipment under diagnosis and retrieving only relevant diagnostic information relative to the returned codes from one or more remote diagnostic libraries. An electronic diagnostic library contains diagnostic vehicle information tagged with trouble code identification ID's at a first location, and a diagnostic tool at a second location requests only relevant diagnostic information from the electronic library that is tagged with trouble code identification ID's corresponding to the retrieved trouble codes and information identifying the equipment under diagnosis. The diagnostic tool receives the specific diagnostic vehicle information at the first location and may store the specific vehicle information locally prior to displaying an index to the information to a repair technician. |
| US08315758B2 |
Road surface frictional coefficient estimating apparatus
A road surface frictional coefficient estimating apparatus has a device for determining a first estimated value of a yaw moment Mnsp_estm generated at an NSP of a vehicle due to the resultant force of road surface reaction forces acting on each wheel by using, for example, a frictional coefficient estimated value that has been determined, and a device for determining a second estimated value of a yaw moment Mnsp_sens generated at the NSP from the observed value of motional state amounts defining an inertial force moment at the NSP. The increasing/decreasing manipulated variable of the frictional coefficient estimated value is sequentially determined on an error (Mnsp_sens−Mnsp_estm) such that the error is converged to zero, and the road surface frictional coefficient is updated on the basis of the increasing/decreasing manipulated variable. |
| US08315754B2 |
Vehicle brake controller
A vehicle brake controller that suppresses variation in deceleration when there is a changeover between regenerative braking torque and frictional braking torque due to regeneration coordination control. A controller performs the function of correcting the assist driving force. More specifically, under regeneration coordination control, the larger the value of change in regenerative braking torque, the smaller the value of change in primary piston becomes with respect to the value of change in input rod stroke. |
| US08315750B2 |
Efficiency optimizing propeller speed control for ships
The invention relates to a method for improving the propulsion efficiency of vessels. The improvement is obtained by utilizing wave induced variations in propeller inflow, i.e. the speed of water flowing towards the propeller. The wave induced water speed variation is used to calculate the propeller speed in a way so that the propeller speed is optimal with respect to the total propulsion efficiency. The optimal propeller speed is determined by solving an optimization problem formulated as the maximization of the ratio of energy delivered by the propeller and the energy delivered to the propeller. The method may be used for vessels with one or more propellers. |
| US08315746B2 |
Thermal management techniques in an electronic device
A thermal manager has a digital filter whose input is to receive raw temperature values from a sensor and whose output is to provide processed or filtered temperature values according to a filter function that correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at another location in the device. The thermal manager has a look-up table that further correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at the other location. The look-up table contains a list of processed temperature sensor values, and/or a list of temperatures representing the temperature at the other location, and their respective power consumption change commands. The thermal manager accesses the look-up table using selected, filtered temperature values, to identify their respective power consumption change commands. The latter are then evaluated and may be applied, to mitigate a thermal at the other location. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08315742B2 |
System and method of loadflow calculation for electrical power system
A method of performing loadflow computations for controlling voltages and power flow in a power network by reading on-line data of given/specified/scheduled/set network variables/parameters and using control means, so that no component of the power network is overloaded as well as there is no over/under voltage at any nodes in the network following a small or large disturbances. A loadflow computation method could be any method including invented Patel Decoupled Loadflow (PDL) method, and Decoupled Gauss-Seidel-Patel Loadflow (DGSPL) method. The invented Patel Decoupled Loadflow (PDL) calculation method is characterized in 1) the use of the same coefficient matrix [GB] for both the p-f and q-e sub-problems of the loadflow computation; 2) almost no effort in the modified mismatch calculations in the iteration process; and 3) all the nodes in both the sub-problems being active, no refactorization of [GB] required for implementation of Q-limit violations. These features make the invented PDL method computationally almost two times more efficient than the current state-of-the-art Super Super Decoupled Loadflow (SSDL) method. The invented DGSPL calculation method is characterized in decoupling the calculation of real and imaginary components of complex node voltage leading to increased stability and efficiency of the DGSPL calculation method. |
| US08315740B2 |
Motion control system, motion control method, and motion control program
The present invention provides a motion control system to control a motion of a second motion body, by considering an environment which a human contacts and a motion mode appropriate to the environment, and an environment which a robot actually contacts. The motion mode is learned based on an idea that it is sufficient to learn only a feature part of the motion mode of the human without a necessity to learn the others. Moreover, based on an idea that it is sufficient to reproduce only the feature part of the motion mode of the human without a necessity to reproduce the others, the motion mode of the robot is controlled by using the model obtained from the learning result. Thereby, the motion mode of the robot is controlled by using the motion mode of the human as a prototype without restricting the motion mode thereof more than necessary. |
| US08315739B2 |
Determining the position of an object
A method for determining the position of at least one object present within a working range of a robot by an evaluation system, wherein an image of at least one part of the working range of the robot is generated by a camera mounted on a robot. The image is generated during a motion of the camera and image data are fed to the evaluation system in real time, together with further data, from which the position and/or orientation of the camera when generating the image can be derived. The data are used for determining the position of the at least one object. |
| US08315734B2 |
Robot and method and medium for localizing the same by using calculated covariance
Provided are a robot capable of improving the computation rate by considering whether a parameter will diverge and modifying the experiment order of offspring during evolutionary computation, when the covariance of system noise and that of measurement noise are calculated for the purpose of localizing the robot by using a Kalman filter, and a method and medium of localizing a robot by using a calculated covariance. The robot includes a gyroscope module providing information regarding rotational angle; an encoder module providing information regarding velocity and information regarding rotational angle of a wheel by sensing motion of the wheel; and a control module estimating a current location according to a Kalman filter method based on information provided by the encoder module and the gyroscope module, a covariance of system noise and a covariance of measurement noise being calculated in an evolutionary computation and applied to the Kalman filter method by the control module, the covariance of system noise and the covariance of measurement noise satisfying a condition that no Kalman filter parameter diverges in the evolutionary computation. |
| US08315732B2 |
Method of preparing mail pieces including reply items
For preparing mail pieces including reply items to be returned by addressees of the mail pieces, address carriers (20) are fed one by one from a first feeding station (2). An address (21) is scanned from each fed address carrier (20). Address data sets each representing a scanned address (21) are stored. A unique identification code (23) is scanned from each fed reply item (22) and stored as a reply code data set representing the scanned identification codes (23). Mail pieces of which at least a plurality each comprises at least one of the fed address carriers (20) and at least one of the fed reply items (22) are prepared. For each assembled mail piece comprising at least one of the address carriers (20) and at least one of the reply items (22), an association between the reply code data set and the address data set of that mail piece is stored. |
| US08315729B2 |
Enhancing investigation of variability by inclusion of similar objects with known differences to the original ones
A system, method and/or computer program product for analyzing a functionality of at least two manufactured products obtain a first characteristic of a first manufactured product. The system acquires a second characteristic of a second manufactured product. The system identifies a common feature between the first characteristic and the second characteristic. The system identifies a distinguishable feature between the first characteristic and the second characteristic. The system determines a cause of a deviation of a functionality in the first manufactured product or the second manufactured product or both manufactured products based on the identified common feature or the identified distinguishable feature or both features. |
| US08315728B2 |
Component mounting condition determination method
Provided is a component mounting condition determination method of a component mounter (200) that can improve a throughput of a whole production line. The method determines a mounting condition of the component mounter (200) that mounts components on boards, for use in a production line including the component mounter (200) including transportation lanes aligned parallel to each other. The method includes determining the mounting condition so that a line tact ratio among the transportation lanes approximates a predetermined ratio (S204 to S210). |
| US08315726B2 |
Music genre judging device and game machine having the same
Provided is a music genre judging device capable of judging a genre of music with a comparatively simple configuration.The music genre judging device comprises: a signal processing unit 10 for outputting integration value and differential value for each of low-frequency component and high-frequency component of music reproduction signal inputted from a music reproduction device 100 to a line input terminal 4; a data generation unit 30 for inputting the integration value and the differential value outputted from the signal processing value by each predetermined sampling unit time, judging whether or not each of the integration value and the differential value exceeds a predetermined level within the sapling unit time, and generating analysis data obtained by totalizing for each sampling cycle, the number of times of judgments that the value exceeding the predetermined level is detected; and a data analysis unit 31 for judging a genre of music outputted from the music reproduction n device 100 based on the totalized value of the analysis data. |
| US08315723B2 |
Recording and/or reproducing apparatus and recording apparatus
A recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a microphone, a semiconductor memory, an operating section and a controller. An output signal from the microphone is written in the semiconductor memory and the written signals are read out from the semiconductor memory. The operating section performs input processing for writing a digital signal outputted by an analog/digital converter, reading out the digital signal stored in the semiconductor memory and for erasing the digital signal stored in the semiconductor memory. The control section controls the writing of the microphone output signal in the semiconductor memory based on an input from the operating section and the readout of the digital signal stored in the semiconductor memory. The control section operates so that, if, when the signals written in the storage section is read out from it, an input for erasure is entered by the operating section, the signal being read out from the storage section is erased when, after reading out the signal from the storage section for a pre-set period, an input for erasure is again entered from the operating section. |
| US08315721B2 |
Parameterizing an automation device
The invention pertains to a method for parameterizing an automation device, in which at least one control parameter is defined (101) in order to specify a control characteristic of the automation device and a device parameter is assigned (103) to the at least one control parameter in order to specify a device characteristic of the automation device. |
| US08315720B2 |
Method for graphically providing continuous change of state directions to a user of a medical robotic system
Continuous change of state directions are graphically provided on a display screen to assist a user in performing necessary action(s) for transitioning between operating modes in a medical robotic system or performing corrective action. A graphical representation of a target state of an element of the medical robotic system is displayed on a display screen viewable by the user. Current states of the element and indications directing the user to manipulate the element towards the target state are continuously determined and graphical representations of the continuously determined current states and indications are displayed on the display screen along with that of the target state. |
| US08315713B2 |
Techniques for placing medical leads for electrical stimulation of nerve tissue
This disclosure is directed to extra, intra, and transvascular medical lead placement techniques for arranging medical leads and electrical stimulation and/or sensing electrodes proximate nerve tissue within a patient. |
| US08315712B2 |
Hybrid scientific computer system for processing cancer cell signals as medical therapy
A hybrid scientific computer system with processor capable of recording, storing and reprogramming the natural electrical signals of cancer cells as found in tumors of humans and animals. The reprogramming process is designed to create a confounding electrical signal for retransmission into a malignant tumor to damage or shut-down the cellular internal electrical communication system. Altering the electrical charge on the glycocalyx of the outer cell membrane is also part of the treatment by application of ions. Confounding electrical signals are stored in a scientific cancer cell signal processor of the computer system. The invention causes cancer cell death as a medical treatment using ultra-low voltage and amperage encoded signals which are re-programmed from cancer cell communication signals. |
| US08315711B2 |
Resonant muscle stimulator
A method and apparatus use resonant pulses to treat diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and other maladies by applying a stimulating signal to promote and manipulate blood flow. The stimulating signal may include a resonant sequence that includes at least three pulses, where the pulses of the resonant sequence are spaced relative to one another such that each pulse subsequent to a first pulse in the sequence is effective to progressively stimulate and create tension in a musculature that includes the muscle inwardly from the electrodes and towards the center of the musculature while maintaining the tension created in at least a portion of the musculature by each preceding pulse in the resonant sequence. |
| US08315710B2 |
Associating therapy adjustments with patient posture states
The disclosure provides a method for associating a detected therapy adjustment to a posture state and storing the association with a plurality of associations for the posture state. In a record mode, an implantable medical device is configured to store therapy adjustments for each posture state and allow a user to find efficacious therapy based upon review of the associations made during therapy. The system may determine the associations through implementation of a posture search timer and a posture stability timer. These timers allow the system to correctly associate therapy adjustments to posture states when the patient anticipates the posture change by adjusting therapy before engaging in the desired posture state. An external programmer may present a range of the therapy adjustments for each posture state to allow a user to review the therapy adjustments that have been made during the therapy. |
| US08315704B2 |
Stimulation of a stimulation site within the neck or head
Methods of applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the neck or head of a patient include implanting a distal portion of one or more leads adjacent to the stimulation site, forming a loop with a proximal portion of the one or more leads, and securing the distal and proximal portions of the one or more leads to one or more securing sites with one or more securing devices. The distal portion of the one or more leads includes a number of electrodes disposed thereon that are configured to deliver the stimulus to the stimulation site. Systems for applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the neck or head of a patient include one or more leads having a number of electrodes disposed on a distal portion thereof and one or more securing devices configured to secure the one or more leads to one or more securing sites. The distal portion of the one or more leads is implanted adjacent to the stimulation site and the electrodes are configured to deliver the stimulus to the stimulation site. The proximal portion of the one or more leads is formed in a loop. |
| US08315698B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic analysis of T-wave alternans
The invention disclosed includes a method and apparatus for calculation of T-wave alternas in electrocardiographic (ECG) signals; said method comprises the following method steps: (a) collecting and storing an ECG signal; (b) detecting each heartbeat T-wave in the ECG signal using an automatic detection and segmentation algorithm; (c) classifying said heartbeat T-wave as an even or odd heartbeat T-wave; (d) initializing said method by taking the first even and the first odd heartbeat T-wave as their respective initial average; (e) processing all the heartbeat T-waves in the ECG signal to generate an even heartbeat T-wave weighted average and odd heartbeat T-wave weighted average; and (f) calculating TWA using a distance metric between the even heartbeat weighted average and the odd heartbeat weighted average, said distance metric including curve matching Continuous Dynamic Time Warping (CDTW). |
| US08315696B2 |
Identifying critical CFAE sites using contact measurement
A method for mapping includes receiving electrical inputs measured by a probe at respective locations in a chamber of a heart of a subject. The electrical inputs are processed to identify complex fractionated electrograms. At each of the respective locations, a respective contact quality between the probe and a tissue in the chamber is measured. A map of the complex fractionated electrograms in the chamber is created using the electrical inputs and the measured contact quality. |
| US08315691B2 |
Radiosurgical ablation of the myocardium
The invention provides a non-invasive system and method for treatment of the heart. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of an anatomical site related to arrhythmogenesis of a heart of a patient comprises creating a target shape encompassing the anatomical site, directing particle beam radiation or x-ray radiation from outside the patient toward the target shape wherein one or more doses of radiation ablates the target shape and disregarding at least one orientation of cardiac motion while creating the target shape or directing the particle beam or both. |
| US08315688B2 |
Medical image management system and medical image management method
A medical image management system includes: a medical imaging device for imaging a patient to receive a medical treatment and creating a medical moving picture; and a recording unit for recording the medical moving picture imaged by the medical imaging device. The system further includes: a measurement unit for measuring biological information on a person who performs the medical treatment; and an indexing unit for adding an index to the medical moving picture recorded in the recording unit, according to the measurement result obtained by the measurement unit. By providing this system, it is possible to add an index to the medical moving picture recorded, according to the change of the biological information on the person who performs medical treatment on a patient. |
| US08315687B2 |
Handheld, repositionable ECG detector
An ECG monitoring device comprises an integral handheld device including a ECG electronic module and an electrode patch having a plurality of electrodes which contact a subject by conductive hydrogel. A release liner covers and protects the hydrogel prior to use and is removed to expose the hydrogel. A second release liner is removed to expose a pressure sensitive adhesive by means of which the device is attached to a subject. The first and second release liners may be parts of a single release liner layer. After use the electrode patch is disposable and the ECG electronic module is detached from the patch for reuse. |
| US08315684B2 |
Oximeter ambient light cancellation
A pulse oximeter method and apparatus which provides (1) a notch filter at a distance between a modulation frequency and a common multiple of commonly used power line frequencies (50, 60, 100 and 120) and also (2) a demodulation frequency greater than a highest pulse rate of a person and lower than any harmonic of 50, 60, 100 or 120 Hz, to filter ambient light interference, while choosing an optimum demodulation frequency that avoids interference from the notch filter or from harmonics of the line interference. Also, ambient light for any low frequency interference, such as power line interference, is measured both before and after each of the light emitter wavelengths and the average of the ambient light is then subtracted from the detected signal. |
| US08315682B2 |
Integrated pulse oximetry sensor
In a medical pulse oximetry sensor (10) at least two light emitting diodes (16, 18) are disposed to emit red light and infrared light through a portion of a subject's anatomy with a typically high oxygenated blood throughput. Typically, this area is also relatively narrow, to allow the light to pass through the area with acceptable attenuation, such as a finger or an earlobe. Light emitted from the LEDs (16, 18) is incumbent upon an integrated circuit (22) printed from a single CMOS substrate (21). The integrated circuit (22) includes all preprocessing and post-processing elements needed to convert the detected light signals into a pulse oximetry measurement. These elements include a photodetector (20), a photo pre-amplifier (40), a sampler/holder (42), an analog to digital converter (44), a microprocessor (46) a rangefinder (48), a timing control circuit (50) and an LED control circuit (52). By integrating all pre and post processing functions into the carriage housing (12), the system becomes more efficient, less expensive to manufacture, and more robust to ambient light and x-ray radiation. |
| US08315681B2 |
Method for noninvasive measurement of glucose and apparatus for noninvasive measurement of glucose
A method for noninvasive measurement of glucose in a tissue of a subject, including the steps of bringing an adaptation device, which has a shape similar to a measurement probe, into contact with a skin part of a subject for stretching the skin part of the subject under a pressure that is higher than a pressure per unit area applied by the measurement probe during the noninvasive measurement, maintaining the contact for a predetermined period of time followed by relieving the contact, bringing the measurement probe into contact with the stretched skin part of the subject for the noninvasive measurement, collecting signals emitted from the subject, and estimating a glucose concentration based on the collected signals. |
| US08315680B2 |
Superconducting joints
In a cold superconducting joint, a joint cup is provided. Lengths of superconducting filaments are placed in the joint cup. A superconducting material fills the joint cup in contact with the superconducting filaments and in thermal and mechanical contact with a pipe carrying a cryogen. The pipe extends into the joint cup and the superconducting material extends around the pipe within the joint cup. |
| US08315679B2 |
Superconducting device
A superconducting device comprises a vacuum chamber and means to evacuate the vacuum chamber. A base plate is provided within the vacuum chamber and first, second and third cylindrical walls extend from the base plate. The second and third cylindrical walls are arranged coaxial with the first cylindrical wall. A first chamber is defined between the first cylindrical wall and the second cylindrical wall, a second chamber is defined between the second cylindrical wall and the third cylindrical wall and a third chamber is defined within the third cylindrical wall. A superconducting wire is arranged within the second chamber and a cryogenic insulating material is arranged within the second chamber to encapsulate the superconducting wire. A material having a high specific heat capacity is arranged within the first chamber and there are means to cool the base plate. |
| US08315676B2 |
Beacon miss prevention in power save modes using timing synchronization function
An integrated circuit including ; transceiver module, a beacon miss module, and a control module. The transceiver module transitions, at predetermined times, a wireless network device from an inactive mode to an active mode. The predetermined times are based on a dock used by the wireless network device while operating, in the inactive mode. The beacon miss module counts a number of delivery traffic indication message (DM) beacons missed by the transceiver module during each of a first predetermined period and a second predetermined period. The first predetermined period is shorter than the second predetermined period. The predetermined times do not occur during either of the first predetermined period or the second predetermined period. The control module adjusts the predetermined times based on the number of the DTIM beacons missed by the transceiver module during each of the first predetermined period and the second predetermined period. |
| US08315673B2 |
Using a display to select a target object for communication
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to interacting with a target object using an imaging device of a handheld mobile device. |
| US08315672B2 |
Portable electronic device and method of controlling same
A method of controlling a portable electronic device that has a touch screen display includes providing a graphical user interface on a touch screen display, detecting a touch event at a first location on the touch screen display, providing a navigation indicator in the graphical user interface in response to detecting the touch event at the first location, and in response to detecting movement of the touch event from the first location to a second location while touch contact is maintained on the touch screen display, changing the position of the navigation indicator in the graphical user interface by a distance that is greater than a distance of movement of the touch event on the touch screen display, a direction of change of position of the navigation indicator is based on a direction of movement of the touch event on the touch screen display. |
| US08315671B2 |
Radio communication method and radio base transmission station
An antenna pattern assigning method capable of avoiding interference between a plurality of base transmission stations constituting a radio system in a cellular type broad band communication. In the radio system, when assigning a fixed beam pattern different for each frequency, each of the radio base transmission station devices transmits a radio wave having a directivity pattern having a peak in the same direction in two or more different frequencies, and between adjacent radio base transmission station devices, radio transmission is performed by using different directivity patterns in the two or more frequencies. |
| US08315660B2 |
User power offset estimation using dedicated pilot tones for OFDMA
A method of user power offset estimation for a wireless communication system is disclosed. Dedicated pilot symbols transmitted over at least one time-frequency region for a user are received. Power offset of the user is estimated based on the received dedicated pilot symbols. |
| US08315658B2 |
Method of allocating radio resources in a wireless communication system
A method of allocating radio resources in a wireless communication system is disclosed. A method of allocating radio resources from a network of a wireless communication system in accordance with a plurality of scheduling modes comprises transmitting first scheduling information to a user equipment to allocate radio resources to the user equipment in accordance with a first scheduling mode, the first scheduling information including a first user equipment identifier, and transmitting second scheduling information to the user equipment to allocate radio resources to the user equipment in accordance with a second scheduling mode, the second scheduling information including a second user equipment identifier. |
| US08315656B2 |
Method and devices for bandwidth allocation in a wireless communications system
A method is provided by the present invention for allocating channel resources in a wireless network. The method comprises: a) transmitting at least one message which comprises information that would allow association of at least one service flow for conveying data from/to a subscriber terminal, with at least one group of service flows; b) transmitting from a base station messages adapted to provide information which relate to the allocation of resources of a channel along which data will be transmitted to/from said subscriber terminal via one or more service flows associated with that at least one group of service flows, and wherein the information comprises an identification of the at least one group of service flows; and c) transmitting data from/to the subscriber terminal in accordance with the allocation of the channel resources for the at least one group of service flows. |
| US08315655B1 |
System and method using mobile phone as test system component
A testing system is provided. The system comprises a computer system, a memory coupled to the computer system, an application stored in the memory, and a mobile phone. The mobile phone comprises a radio transceiver, a process, and a data interface, where the mobile phone is coupled to the computer system via the data interface. When executed by the computer system, the application establishes a communication link with a wireless network via the mobile phone. Based on a test script, the application directs the mobile phone to generate a plurality of wireless network events via the communication link. The application then retrieves information from the mobile phone about the wireless network events, analyzes the information about the wireless network events, and presents the analysis results. |
| US08315654B2 |
Extracorporeal blood treatment device and method for preparing blood treatment using an extracorporeal blood treatment device
The present invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment device comprising a treatment unit and a device for controlling the treatment unit for preparing and carrying out the blood treatment. The blood treatment device also comprises an internal communication unit for communicating with an external communication unit. In order to the prepare the device blood treatment, the patient sends an initiation code by means of an external communication unit to the internal communication device. Routines required for preparing the blood treatment are then started. One main advantage is that the patient, for example during home dialysis, does not need to be present when the device is preparing for dialysis and the dialysis preparation can be started when the patient thinks of returning home in time for the beginning of the preparation phase. |
| US08315651B2 |
Instant messaging to a mobile device
A wireless communications device logs on to an instant messaging service through a proxy server. Notification of an incoming instant message is provided to the wireless communications device by converting at least part of the instant message to Short Message Service (SMS) format or by transmitting a notice in SMS format that a message has been received. |
| US08315650B2 |
Event reminder method
A method includes setting, by a mobile device, a notification based on the mobile device being within proximity of a predetermined location at a predetermined date or time. The mobile device detects that the mobile device is located within proximity of the predetermined location at the predetermined date or time. Subsequent to the detecting, the mobile device provides the notification. |
| US08315649B1 |
Providing a geographic location of a device while maintaining geographic location anonymity of access points
Systems and methods for providing geographic location of device are provided. Method includes receiving query for location of device. Query includes indicia of one or more access points. Method includes determining whether query includes indicia of only single access point or multiple access points. Method includes, if query includes indicia of only single access point, facilitating providing low resolution version of location of device. Low resolution version of location of device is not determined based on indicia of access points. Method includes, if query includes indicia of multiple access points, determining whether distance between locations of two of multiple access points exceeds distance threshold, and if distance between locations exceeds distance threshold, facilitating providing low resolution version of location of device, or if the distance between locations does not exceed distance threshold, providing high resolution version of location of device determined based on the indicia of multiple access points. |
| US08315646B2 |
Position-dependent connectivity management
A method for communication to/from a multimode terminal operable to communicate via multiple alternative communication technologies. Each region definition indicates a region name and one or more of the communication technologies and/or operating modes plus an activation range and a deactivation range for the communication technologies and/or operating modes. The multimode terminal determines its position and retrieves a stored region definition relating to the region closest to the multimode terminal's determined position. It then compares its determined position with the activation range and a deactivation range of the retrieved region definition. Based on said comparison, the multimode terminal activates and deactivates the multiple alternative communication technologies and/or operating modes indicated by the retrieved region definition. |
| US08315639B2 |
Method of transmitting reference signals for cooperative wireless communication system and method of allocating radio resources for relay-based wireless communication system
A method of transmitting reference signals in a wireless communication system for cooperative communication is provided. The wireless communication system defines a plurality of transmission patterns of the reference signals each having a different pattern, and each of a plurality of base stations and/or each of a base station and a relay station participating in the cooperative communication transmit the reference signals based on one transmission pattern selected from the plurality of transmission patterns of the reference signals. |
| US08315634B2 |
Routing based on transmission utilization
A method of alternative routing of a service request in connection with a pool 1 of integrated core network nodes. Before a serving radio access node routes a service request to the core network node serving a mobile station it checks if there are any idle terrestrial transmission resources available between the serving radio access node and the serving core network node. If idle resources are available, the service request is routed to the serving core network node. If no idle resources are available, the service request is rerouted to a selected one of the other core network nodes the pool that has idle resources available. The selected core network node receives the service request, recognizes it contains no temporary identification (TMSI) number associated with it and therefore sends an identity request to the mobile station. The identity request triggers the mobile station initiate an update location registration at the selected core network node or at any of the other core network nodes in the pool. The selected core network node or said other network node now acts as serving core network node for the mobile station. Next time the mobile station makes a service request the radio access node routes it to said selected or said other network node to which it hopefully are idle terrestrial transmission resources available. |
| US08315633B2 |
Uplink soft handoff support in UMTS TDD systems for efficient uplink power and rate control
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate supporting uplink soft handoff in a UMTS TDD wireless communication environment. A virtual active set (VAS) for each user device can be generated at the network side of the communication environment, and sectors listed in each VAS can be informed of their respective listings. Sectors in a user device's VAS can be provided with a scrambling code and resource assignments from a nominal sector serving the user device, which information can be employed to attempt to receive and demodulate uplink signals from the user device at all base stations in the VAS thereof. Additionally, such resources can be employed to transmit power control and reverse activity commands to the user device on the downlink. |
| US08315630B2 |
Handoff metric for multiple transmission technologies
Provided are methods and systems of managing a handoff in a multimedia communication network. Embodiments include estimating the voice quality of a communication route in the network. The voice quality may be estimated by using a total voice quality metric involving subtracting various impairments to the voice signal. Impairments may result from the type of vocoder in a communication route, the error or loss associated with RF links and network links, and delays in the communication route. After subtracting the impairments to obtain the total voice quality metric for the communication route, the total voice quality metric may be compared with a threshold and/or other total voice quality metrics of other communication routes to determine whether and when a handoff should be made. |
| US08315623B1 |
Automating wireless customer care
Providing automated customer care for a mobile phone is described herein. By way of example, a system can include component(s) that can automatically detect and transmit an error in interfacing a mobile phone with a communication network. The system also can include a customer care component(s) that can receive the error, initiate an error resolution process, and automatically provide a plurality of options with which to contact customer care and/or utilize customer care resources. |
| US08315619B1 |
System and method for managing mobile communications
A device to automatically provide differing information levels according to a predetermined social hierarchy includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores social templates corresponding to unique social signatures and being selectable to provide, for each level of the predetermined social hierarchy, a corresponding differing amount of information to each member of the predetermined social hierarchy and/or a social networking service. The processor receives sensor data from a sensor set which detects sensor data related to an environment of a communication device, creates a detected social signature from the received sensor data, determines which of the social signatures of the social templates has the greatest correspondence with the created social signature, retrieves from the memory the determined one social template having the greatest correspondence, and provides only as much information as allowed in the retrieved social template. |
| US08315613B1 |
Assisting a user to store and place a call back to received international number
When a mobile device receives an incoming call from a telephone number: it identifies a number of digits associated with the telephone number and determines whether the number of digits exceeds a threshold. Upon determining that the number of digits exceeds the threshold, the incoming call is identified as an international call and the telephone number is identified as an international telephone number. The mobile device identifies a reference country from which the international call is originated and stores the international telephone number in association with the reference country in its memory. |
| US08315608B2 |
Easy call for content
A method and apparatus for quickly and easily requesting content over a mobile device via a telephone network without requiring user entry of a number of pieces of information or having to forward through to certain request screens and/or browse for content. The method includes verifying a mobile device based on an incoming telephone call to a particular destination telephone number; retrieving by a content server the specific content associated with the particular destination telephone number in which contact has been initiated by the mobile device; and providing the specific content to the mobile device requesting the content. Specific content includes but is not limited to broadcast data, satellite transmitted data, and cable network data provided during a telephone call, so that a mobile device can receive everything from television shows to news broadcasts and educational shows, etc. so long it is within range of a telephone network. |
| US08315606B2 |
System and method for intelligent call identification on a mobile communication device
A mobile device and a method of displaying information regarding an incoming communication to a user of a mobile device are provided. The mobile device receives the incoming information and associated information from, for example, an enterprise network. The communication type of the incoming communication is determined using the associated information and information relating to the communication type is displayed on a display of the mobile device. |
| US08315601B2 |
System and method for processing attachments to messages sent to a mobile device
A system and method for processing attachments to messages sent to a mobile device is described herein. Embodiments described herein apply to encrypted messages comprising multiple message parts, in which different encryption keys (e.g. session keys) have been used to encrypt the different message parts. In at least one example embodiment, the encrypted session keys for every message content part comprising an attachment is received at the mobile device. In one embodiment, all of the encrypted session keys are stored together in a main message header. The mobile device may then decrypt the encrypted session key associated with a user requested attachment, and transmits the decrypted session key to one or more remote servers in an attachment request for use in decrypting the requested attachment. Data associated with the requested attachment, in decrypted form, is returned to the mobile device. |
| US08315595B2 |
Providing trusted communication
Electronic communication is susceptible to SPAM, phishing attacks, and other unwanted communications because of a recipient's limited control over communication transmitted by a sender. Functionality can be implemented to employ a multi-level approach to establishing trust between a sender and a recipient prior to transmitting any communication to prevent unwanted content from being transmitted to a recipient. Initial levels of trust may be established by requiring the sender to provide trust establishment information about the recipient. Based on the validity and percent accuracy of the provided trust establishment information, the communication may be discarded or transmitted to the recipient. A final level of trust depends on the approval of a trust validation request sent to the recipient on behalf of the sender. Such a system configured to provide trusted communication can reduce the probability of the recipient receiving large scale SPAM, phishing attacks, telemarketing calls, and other unwanted communication. |
| US08315591B2 |
System and method for conditionally attempting an emergency call setup
A system and method are provided for a communications device to conditionally attempt an emergency call setup. The communications device maintains at least one condition for attempting emergency call setups. Upon receiving a message prompting an emergency call setup, the communications device attempts the emergency call setup only if any of the at least one conditions is satisfied. The at least one condition is defined such that the communications device does not erroneously attempt to establish an emergency call when there is no emergency. The at least one condition might for example include whether the message prompting the emergency call setup indicates a message source that is trusted by the user of the mobile device. A system and method are also provided for a communications network to block at least some of the messages from being delivered to their target communications device. |
| US08315587B2 |
Mechanical tuning of a radio
In one implementation, a receiver may have an analog front end with an amplifier to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and a mixer to downconvert the signal to a baseband signal. Then, a demodulator may receive the baseband signal and obtain an audio signal therefrom. Still further, a controller may be coupled to receive a control signal corresponding to a variable impedance level, and control a local oscillator coupled to the mixer responsive to the control signal. The variable impedance may be controlled by a user to tune to the channel. |
| US08315586B2 |
Signal receiving device and signal receiving method using same, and signal supplying unit and signal supplying method using same
A signal receiving device is provided which can prevent the imbalance occurring between in-phase and quadrature signals. A polarity of a local oscillator output signal to be outputted from a local oscillator 13 is switched by a polarity switching unit 14 in a time division way. Each of signals outputted from the polarity switching unit 14 is frequency divided by a frequency divider 16. The frequency-divided local oscillation signal is supplied to a mixer 34. Frequency conversion of a receiving signal is performed by the mixer 34 which receives the signal and local oscillation signal to demodulate received data. |
| US08315585B2 |
Method and circuit for a fast reduction in voltage of a DC component and low-frequency components at a mixing circuit output in a receiver of a UHF transceiver
A difference between an output current signal (mos) of the mixing circuit (MC) and a current from a controlled current source (CCS) is conducted to an input of an operational amplifier (A). A control voltage (cv) for said current source is a voltage at the output of the operational amplifier (A) being filtered by a low-pass filter, whose limiting frequency equals a low frequency limit of the modulation signal in the received signal (rs). The method is speeded up in that the limiting frequency of the low-pass filter is increased by two to three orders of magnitude at the beginning and is gradually lowered to said value. A rather short time duration of the transient process is achieved so that the working point with a low voltage of the DC component and low-frequency components is set at least five times faster than so far. |
| US08315582B2 |
Apparatus and method for compensating for audio signal distortion in mobile terminal
A method for compensating for audio signal distortion in a mobile terminal includes generating a digital audio signal at a gain, amplifying the digital audio signal into an amplified audio signal, reproducing the amplified audio signal, determining whether the amplified audio signal is distorted on the basis of at least one reference voltage, and adjusting the gain if the amplified audio signal is distorted. |
| US08315581B2 |
Transmitter with hybrid closed loop power control
Systems and method for implementing a transmitter with hybrid closed loop power control in a communication device. |
| US08315579B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit for communication
The present invention provides a semiconductor integrated circuit for communication (RF IC) realizing high yield without deteriorating a carrier leak characteristic even when a modulation circuit is formed by using cheep parts with large variations. In a semiconductor integrated circuit (RF IC) including: an input circuit constructed by a differential amplifier circuit and a level shifter, which is provided on the ante stage of a mixer of a differential circuit called a Gilbert Cell; and a modulation circuit that performs modulation by adding an I/Q signal and a carrier wave signal, a calibration circuit for canceling a DC offset in an output of the input circuit is provided. |
| US08315577B2 |
Multiband high-frequency circuit, multiband high-frequency circuit device and multiband communications apparatus comprising same
A multiband high-frequency circuit comprising a first switch SPDT1 for switching the connections of a multiband antenna to transmitting circuits 11bg-T, 11a-T and receiving circuits 11bg-R, 11a-R of first and second communications systems, and a transmitting/receiving circuit BLT-TR of a third communications system, a diplexer circuit Dip1 for branching a high-frequency signal to 11a-R and 11bg-R or BLT-TR and a diplexer circuit Dip2 for branching a high-frequency signal to 11bg-T and 11a-T, both of which are disposed downstream of SPDT1, each diplexer circuit Dip1, Dip2 comprising a lower-frequency-side filter and a high-frequency-side filter, a bandpass filter BPF1 being disposed downstream of the lower-frequency-side filter of the diplexer circuit Dip1, and a second switch SPDT2 being disposed downstream of the bandpass filter BPF1. |
| US08315573B2 |
Externally sourced synchronized beacon
A system and method for communicating on a network having multiple radios by substantially simultaneously transmitting a beacon signal from the radios. A broadcast signal is received substantially simultaneously by all of the radios and used to coordinate subsequent beacon signals. The broadcast signal may be from another of the same radios, or may be a broadcast signal from a television broadcast, global positioning system broadcast, or any other broadcast designed to reach several radios substantially simultaneously. The radios may normally operate by detecting another transmission and refraining from transmitting until the transmission has ceased. However, while transmitting synchronized beacon signals, the radios may broadcast simultaneously. |
| US08315571B2 |
Sensing wireless transmissions from a user of a spectral resource
Wireless transmissions from a user of a spectral resource are sensed by operating receiver equipment within a user equipment to receive signals within a given bandwidth around a given carrier frequency. If the user equipment is not readily capable of analyzing the received signals to ascertain whether the signature pattern of the user is present in the received signals, then it works cooperatively with a remote unit to analyze the received signals to ascertain whether a signature pattern of the user is present in the received signals. Results of the analysis are reported to a main node. The remote unit can provide software to the user equipment and/or perform at least part of the analysis for the user equipment. |
| US08315569B2 |
Controller and method for use in radio station in radio communication system
One aspect of the present invention relates to a controller for a radio station. The controller includes an information acquisition unit acquiring radio communication state information on another radio station different from the radio station via a connected backbone network, the radio communication state information including frequency information and waveform feature information, a waveform information extraction unit calculating a waveform feature based on the waveform feature information, the waveform feature indicating whether a received radio signal includes the radio signal transmitted from the other radio station, and a radio resource parameter determination unit determining whether signal transmission from the radio station is available and specify a radio resource to be used for the signal transmission based on the frequency information, the waveform feature information and/or the calculated waveform feature. |
| US08315567B2 |
Method and system for wireless communication with an integrated circuit under evaluation
A method and apparatus are provided for wireless communication between an integrated circuit device and a monitoring station. Each integrated circuit device has one or more antennas that permit wireless communication with an external monitoring station. A signal destined for an integrated circuit device is transmitted by the monitoring station using an associated antenna. An antenna associated with the destination integrated circuit receives the transmitted signal. The antenna(s) may be embodied, for example, as pins that are external to the integrated circuit device, or printed or etched on the integrated circuit device itself. Greater bandwidth can be achieved, if necessary, by pooling the bandwidth of several antennas. |
| US08315563B2 |
Wireless reader tags (WRTs) with sensor components in asset monitoring and tracking systems
A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. |
| US08315558B2 |
Relaying system and method with partner relays and selective transmission
Partner relay systems and methods are provided in which relaying is performed by a pair of partner relays. Signals received from a base station are translated by a first of the pair of partner relays to a different transmission resource for communication between the pair of partner relays, and then upon reception by a second of the pair of partner relays, the signal is translated back to the original transmission resource and re-transmitted towards the receiver. |
| US08315557B1 |
Common aperture antenna for multiple contoured beams and multiple spot beams
An antenna assembly includes a reflector having a focal plane, a first feed element located along the focal plane that illuminates the reflector to create a first contour beam at a first frequency and a second feed element located further from the reflector than the first feed element that illuminates the reflector to create a first spot beam at a second frequency, the second frequency being different than the first frequency. |
| US08315549B2 |
Hinge apparatus for cover of image forming apparatus
A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus. |
| US08315547B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus and a control method in which a power source having the same polarity as that of a transfer power source can be applied to a drive roller at a time at which an upper end of the recording medium is detached from the ITB, such that repulsive force against the recording medium can occur, and the detachment of the recording medium can be more easily carried out. Another power source having the opposite polarity to the transfer power source can be applied to the drive roller at another time at which the adhesive force between the back end of the recording medium and the ITB becomes weaker, such that attractive force drawing the recording medium to the ITB can occur and the recording medium can be brought into contact with the ITB with higher force. |
| US08315546B2 |
Transfer member and image forming apparatus including a transfer roller with a gripping member
A transfer device includes an image carrier that carries an image and a transfer roller having a recessed section, a transfer medium gripping member that is disposed in the recessed section and grips a transfer medium, and an elastic member that forms a transfer nip by abutting upon the image carrier, the transfer roller transferring the image carried by the image carrier to the transfer medium by abutting upon the image carrier. The transfer medium gripping member grips the transfer medium when the recessed section moves to a position of the transfer nip and the image carrier and the transfer roller do not contact to each other. |
| US08315542B2 |
Power transmission apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
A power transmission apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided. The a power transmission apparatus of transmitting driving power to first and second movable members includes: a driving unit which receives the driving power from a driving power source, and which rotates in forward and backward directions; a first driven unit which transmits the driving power to the first movable member; an elastic clutch which is provided between the driving unit and the first driven unit to selectively allow the driving power from the driving unit to be conveyed to the first driven unit based on the direction of the driving power; a second driven unit to convey the driving power to the second movable member regardless of the direction of the driving power so as to allow the second movable member to rotate bi-directionally. The first movable member may be, e.g., a photosensitive body. The second movable member may be, e.g., exit rollers for ejecting processed printing medium out of the image forming apparatus. |
| US08315541B2 |
Image forming apparatus using cleaner-less system
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable photosensitive member; a charging device for electrically charging the photosensitive member; a developing device for developing with toner an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member electrically charged by the charging device; a transfer device for transferring a toner image from the photosensitive member onto an image-receiving member; and an auxiliary charging device for electrically charging untransferred toner on the photosensitive member to a normal charge polarity before the photosensitive member is electrically charged by the charging device; wherein effective widths WPM, WCD, WDD, WTD, and WACD of the photosensitive member, the charging device, the developing device, the transfer device, and the auxiliary charging device satisfy: WPM>WCD>WACD≧WTD>WDD. |
| US08315539B2 |
Image forming device including outer cover and jam cover linked to the outer cover
An image forming device includes a casing formed with an opening, a pivot member pivotably disposed in the casing so as to be selectively opened and closed, a cover disposed outward of the pivot member, a lock mechanism that maintains a closed state of the pivot member, and a link mechanism. When a first force is applied on the cover to open the cover beyond a predetermined angle, the link mechanism transmits the first force as a second force to the pivot member. The second force is in an opening direction of the pivot member. |
| US08315537B2 |
Image-forming device having cleaning unit for removing developer
A plurality of photosensitive bodies is juxtaposed in a conveying direction, in which a recording medium is conveyed, with confronting the conveying unit. Each of a plurality of developing units is configured to move between a first position where the developing unit is capable of supplying developer to the corresponding photosensitive drum and a second position where the developing unit separates from the corresponding photosensitive drum. A cleaning member is configured to move between a third position where the cleaning member is capable of collecting a waste developer deposited on the conveying unit and a fourth position where the cleaning member separates from the conveying unit. A receptacle is slidably supported on one of the developing units and accommodates the collected waste developer. The cleaning member moves integrally with the receptacle. The receptacle and the one of the developing units are integrally detachably mounted on the main casing. |
| US08315535B2 |
Cleaning unit, process cartridge incorporating same, and image forming apparatus incorporating the cleaning unit
A cleaning unit, which can be incorporated in a process cartridge removably installable in an image forming apparatus, includes a lubricant applicator to apply lubricant to an image carrier, a first blade disposed upstream from the lubricant applicator in a direction of rotation of the image carrier with its distal end held in contact with the image carrier to remove residual toner remaining on the image carrier, a second blade disposed downstream from the lubricant applicator in the direction of rotation of the image carrier with its distal end held in contact with the image carrier to regulate the amount of lubricant applied to the image carrier, a temperature measuring member to measure a temperature of or near the second blade, a heater, and a temperature controller to control the heater to heat the second blade so that the measured temperature falls within a given set temperature range. |
| US08315533B2 |
Developing device and image-forming apparatus
A developing device comprises a developer unit that contains a developer including a color material and a magnetic powder, the color material being used to develop an electrostatic latent image held by an image holding member; a collecting unit that collects a part of the developer contained in the developer unit via a passage; and a measuring unit that measures a concentration of the color material included in the developer based on a magnetic property of the developer moving through the passage. |
| US08315531B2 |
Image-processing device, image-forming apparatus, image-processing method, and computer-readable medium
An image-processing device includes a selection unit that selects either a first operation mode or a second operation mode for representing a primary color by a combination of a first developer having a relatively light color of substantially the same hue as the primary color and a second developer having a relatively dark color of substantially the same hue as the primary color, wherein in the second operation mode, a larger amount of the first developer and a smaller amount of the second developer are used to represent a given intensity of the primary color than in the first operation mode; and a first conversion unit that converts a primary color signal representing the primary color into a first developer color signal representing an amount of the first developer and a second developer color signal representing an amount of the second developer. |
| US08315526B2 |
Misalignment tolerant free space optical transceiver
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a system has a transmitter and a receiver, where the transmitter includes a beam source and an optical element. The beam source produces a beam that represents information, and the optical element alters the beam so that the beam has a uniform intensity over a cross-sectional area. The receiver is separated from the transmitter by free space through which the beam propagates and includes an active area positioned to receive a portion of the beam that the receiver converts into a received signal. To accommodate possible misalignment, the cross-sectional area of the beam is larger than the active area by an amount that accommodates a range of misalignment of the receiver with the transmitter. |
| US08315522B2 |
Wavelength routing system
A wavelength routing system includes a plurality of nodes (1, 2, 3, 4) and an array waveguide grating (40) having a routing property and optically connected to the plurality of nodes. Each of the nodes has a plurality of light sources (TLS) outputting lights at different wavelengths to the array waveguide grating, respectively, and a wavelength demultiplexer (125, 225, 325, 425) having a periodic property, demultiplexing a light output from the array waveguide grating, and outputting demultiplexed lights. The wavelength demultiplexer is set a channel period which is different from that of the array waveguide, and which is more than or equal to a number of output ports of the wavelength demultiplexer. |
| US08315520B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for transmitting data
The present invention provides a method and a system for transmitting data. The OLT sets a multiframe indication and an upstream timeslot indication overhead in the downstream frame sent to the ONU. After receiving the downstream frame, the ONU determines the upstream bandwidth position according to the multiframe indication and the upstream timeslot indication overhead, and sends upstream data to the OLT from the upstream bandwidth position of the upstream frame. Through controlling the upstream data transmission by multiframes, each T-CONT carries an overhead area regardless of the length, and thus able to carry longer payload as against an equivalent overhead area in the prior art. In this way, the overhead area is saved and the bandwidth utilization is improved. |
| US08315514B2 |
Image capture apparatus and method
An image capture apparatus comprises: a moving unit configured to move a focus position of a photographing lens relative to an image sensor at a predetermined amplitude by changing a distance in an optical axis direction between the photographing lens and the image sensor; detection unit configured to detect a focus state of an image obtained from the image sensor; and defocus correction unit configured to perform defocus correction on the image obtained from the image sensor during motion performed by the moving unit, based on the focus state detected by the detection unit, so that the focus state of each image for display on the display device at least approaches the focus state for an in-focus image. |
| US08315513B2 |
Focus detection apparatus and control method thereof
A focus detection apparatus that measures, in advance, and stores shading coefficients for light sources of different types, and in a focus detection operation, generates light source information for determining a light source that irradiates an object based on outputs from a plurality of photometry sensors with different spectral characteristics and switches the shading coefficient of a focus detection sensor among shading coefficients stored according to the light source information. |
| US08315511B2 |
Finger authentication device
A finger authentication device includes a base and an upper case which inclines to a proximal end side with respect to the base, which are integrally formed. The base includes a finger guide on which a finger is set, an optical system for guiding transmissive light penetrating the finger, and an image pick-up unit for picking up a pattern of the light guided by the optical system. Three LEDs each for irradiating the light to the finger set on the finger guide are arranged in the upper case. The light from the LEDs irradiates a center tip and both sides of the finger, respectively. |
| US08315510B2 |
Light emitting type heat treatment apparatus
A light emitting type heat treatment apparatus includes relatively low rated power density filament lamps and relatively high rated power density filament lamps, in which a heat treatment including a temperature raising heat process for raising a work piece quickly to a predetermined heat treatment temperature by light emitted from the filament lamps, and a constant temperature heating process succeeding the temperature raising heating process in which the work piece is heated while the predetermined heat treatment temperature is maintained, and a control unit which controls lighting state of the filament lamps so that while at least filament lamps with relatively high rated power density are lighted in the temperature raising heating process, in the constant temperature heating process, only filament lamps with relatively low rated power density are lighted. |
| US08315509B2 |
Video player for digital video server
A system for playing digital video at varying playback speeds can include a fetcher module configured to retrieve encoded pictures from a data store and an allocator module configured to selectively delete encoded pictures from an input cache. The system further can include a decoder module and an output cache module. The decoder module can decode pictures received from the input cache. The output cache module can store a plurality of decoded pictures and provide selected ones of the pictures as output. Pictures are processed within each of the modules according to a priority corresponding to each picture. |
| US08315508B2 |
Inter-GOP management apparatus
A video record/reproduction device provided with an inter-GOP management apparatus includes GOP detection means (15) for monitoring a multiplexed packet output by encoding and multiplexing to detect a packet including a GOP, count means (16) for counting the number of the multiplexed packets, and ATS addition means (17) for adding an ATS (Arrival Time Stamp) to the multiplexed packet. When the packets including the GOP terminate without reaching the number of packets in the predetermined packet units, the time added as the ATS is advanced by the time corresponding to the deficient number of packets. |
| US08315506B2 |
Home telepresence with content insertion
A provisioning device intercepts program content from a video client or another multimedia device, where the program content includes copy-protection encryption, and receives additional content from a local router or another networked device, where the additional content is Internet protocol (IP) content. The provisioning device removes the copy-protection encryption from the program content and combines the additional content with the program content. The provisioning device also adds copy-protection encryption to the combined additional content and program content, and sends the copy-protected combined content to a display device. |
| US08315502B2 |
Systems and methods for selective archival of media content
Described herein are techniques for selective archival of media content. A first entertainment device stores a plurality of media content files on a first storage medium. The first entertainment devices selects a portion of the media content files for backup based on characteristics of the media content files and transmits the portion of the media content files to a second entertainment device through a communication network. The second entertainment device stores the portion of the media content files on a second storage medium associated therewith. |
| US08315501B2 |
Reproduction apparatus and reproduction method
A reproduction apparatus is disclosed. A reproduction section reproduces video data from a record medium. The video data are managed in a unit of a clip composed of a plurality of frames which are chronologically successive. A first decode section decodes a first clip which is currently being output and stores the decoded first clip. A second decode section pre-decodes at least a frame which is output at beginning of a second clip adjacent to the first clip in a reproduction order and stores the decoded frame. A control section which controls a clip adjacent to a decoded position side of the first clip in the reproduction order to become the second clip for an early region and a late region of a time length based on a center position of a reproduction time length of the first clip. |
| US08315499B1 |
Functionally-graded three-dimensional ordered open-cellular microstructure and method of making same
A method for creating or forming a functionally graded 3D ordered open-cellular microstructure, and a functionally graded 3D ordered open-cellular microstructure. In one embodiment, the functionally-graded three-dimensional ordered open-cellular microstructure includes a first three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides having a first three-dimensional pattern; a second three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides having a second three-dimensional pattern differing from the first three-dimensional pattern; and an interface connected with the first three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides and the second three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides. Here, the term “functionally graded” refers to a spatial variation in the physical microstructure—and thus the properties—through the thickness of the material. |
| US08315498B2 |
Fiber management panel
A telecommunications termination panel includes a housing having a top, a bottom, a first side and a second opposing side defining a front opening and a rear opening. The housing defines a cable entry adjacent the rear opening and a cable exit adjacent the rear opening, wherein the rear opening is adjacent the first side. A tray is pivotably mounted within the front opening of the housing, pivoting about a vertical axis located adjacent the first side and including a cable entry and a cable exit adjacent the vertical pivot axis and a plurality of connection locations. A cable path is defined between the rear opening of the housing and the tray, the cable path defined by a cable guide defining a channel for receiving cables, the cable guide including a slidable structure configured for pushing cables into the channel defined by the cable guide. |
| US08315497B2 |
Universal sliding adapter pack
A sliding adapter pack having a plurality of cartridge. Each cartridge being slidable relative to a mounting fixture and independent of the other cartridges. Each cartridge defining a front opening constructed to receive at least four different types of adapters including a quad LC adapter, a duplex LC adapter, a duplex SC adapter, and a simplex SC adapter. Each cartridge further having a snap-fit construction that permits assembly of the cartridge without the use of tools. |
| US08315493B2 |
Low loss optical fiber designs for confining optical power to low-doped regions
The specification describes an improved optical fiber produced by a hybrid VAD/MCVD process. The core of the fiber is produced using VAD and the inner cladding layer has a depressed index and is produced using MCVD. In preferred embodiments, the optical power envelope is essentially entirely contained in VAD produced core material and the MCVD produced depressed index cladding material. Optical loss is minimized by confining most of the optical power to the VAD core where OH presence is low, as well as by maximizing the optical power in the un-doped silica region. The MCVD substrate tube material is essentially devoid of optical power. |
| US08315488B2 |
Optical sensor module
An optical waveguide unit having board unit engaging vertical grooves and a board unit having engagement plate portions to be fitted in the vertical grooves and projections are individually produced, and the engagement plate portions and the projections are brought into fitting engagement with the vertical grooves of the optical waveguide unit. At this time, the projections are deformed to accommodate the tolerances of the components, thereby preventing wobbling and warpage of the board unit. Further, the vertical grooves of the optical waveguide unit are provided in proper positions with respect to a light transmission face of a core, and the engagement plate portions of the board unit are provided in proper positions with respect to the optical element. Therefore, the fitting engagement between the vertical grooves and the engagement plate portions permits proper positioning of the light transmission face of the core and the optical element for self-alignment. |
| US08315487B2 |
Optical sensor module
An optical sensor module is provided which reduces variations in optical coupling loss between a core in an optical waveguide unit and an optical element in a substrate unit and which reduces the optical coupling loss. The optical waveguide unit including vertical groove portions for fitting engagement with the substrate unit and the substrate unit including fitting plate portions for fitting engagement with the vertical groove portions are produced individually. The fitting plate portions in the substrate unit are brought into fitting engagement with the vertical groove portions in the optical waveguide unit, so that the substrate unit and the optical waveguide unit are integrated together. The vertical groove portions in the optical waveguide unit are in an appropriate position relative to a light-transmissive surface of the core. The fitting plate portions in the substrate unit are in an appropriate position relative to the optical element. |
| US08315486B2 |
Distributed acoustic sensing with fiber Bragg gratings
A method for obtaining information about a subsurface formation from acoustic signals that contain information about to the subsurface formation, comprises: providing a fiber optic having a proximal end and a remote end, with the proximal end being coupled to a light source and a proximal photodetector, wherein said fiber optic cable includes randomly spaced impurities and selectively placed Bragg gratings and wherein the fiber optic cable is acoustically coupled to the subsurface formation so as to allow the acoustic signals to affect the physical status of at least one grating: transmitting at least one light pulse into the cable; receiving at the photodetector a first light signal indicative of the physical status of at least one first section of the cable, and outputting at least one item of information to a display. |
| US08315484B2 |
Method and system for verification of uncertainly recognized words in an OCR system
The present invention provides a method and system for confirming uncertainly recognized words as reported by an Optical Character Recognition process by using spelling alternatives as search arguments for an Internet search engine. The measured number of hits for each spelling alternative is used to provide a confirmation measure for the most probable spelling alternative. Whenever the confirmation measure is inconclusive, a plurality of search strategies are used to reach a measured result comprising zero hits except for one spelling alternative that is used as the correct alternative. |
| US08315481B2 |
Image transmitting apparatus, image receiving apparatus, image transmitting and receiving system, recording medium recording image transmitting program, and recording medium recording image receiving program
An image transmitting apparatus includes a region detecting unit detecting, in an image, a region of interest matching a predetermined condition; a resolution converting unit selecting, for reducing resolution of the image, an image passed through a low-pass filter as an image outside the detected region of interest and an image not passed through the low-pass filter as an image inside the region of interest; and a transmitting unit transmitting the image with reduced resolution and positional information of the region of interest. An image receiving apparatus includes a resolution restoring unit performing image quality improvement processing on the region of interest obtained from the positional information and included in the image transmitted from the image transmitting apparatus so as to increase resolution in the region of interest; and a combining unit combining the image inside the processed region of interest with the image outside the region of interest. |
| US08315475B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting image blocking artifacts
A method and apparatus are provided for detecting image blocking artifacts. The apparatus includes a full-reference blocking artifact detector for detecting blocking artifacts in a processed version of a picture based on a blockiness metric. The blockiness metric is determined based on respective local variations in the processed version of the picture and in an original version of the picture. |
| US08315474B2 |
Image processing device and method, and image sensing apparatus
An image processing device generates a high-resolution image from a plurality of low-resolution images, in which the high-resolution image has a resolution higher than a resolution of the low-resolution images. The image processing device includes a reference image setting portion for selecting a reference image from the plurality of low-resolution images based on image information of the plurality of low-resolution images. The image processing device generates the high-resolution image by performing a resolution increasing process on the plurality of low-resolution images for increasing a resolution with respect to the reference image. |
| US08315469B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding an image
A method as well as a system, a device, an encoding apparatus, a decoding apparatus, a module and a computer software product for image processing is disclosed. The image comprises a pixel matrix, in which the pixels comprise a first number of bits. The pixel matrix is divided to two or more blocks of pixels. The pixels are processed on a block-by-block basis to form encoded pixel values including a certain second number of bits. Bit strings are formed on the basis of the encoded pixels. When decoding the image the bit strings are examined to find out the encoding method used in encoding the pixel, and decoding is performed on a block-by-block basis to retrieve pixel values of the image. |
| US08315468B1 |
Apparatus for block-selected encoding of a digital video signal
An image encoding apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an encoding engine coupled to a source of a block of pixel data, the encoding engine enabled to encode the block of pixel data to a quality level, the encoding engine coupled to a network interface; and a state sequencer, the state sequencer enabled to obtain an indication of scan block persistence, build state information and encoding parameters to control the quality level. |
| US08315467B2 |
Image encoding device and image encoding method
The invention aims at reducing the circuit size while maintaining the creation of a predictive image suitable for the intra prediction based on a pipeline processing. The encoding device is operated to perform intra prediction in blocks of pixels resulting from division of a frame of a moving image has a pseudo-local-decode-image-creation module for simply encoding an original image, and an intra prediction module for using the created pseudo local decode image to select an intra prediction mode. In the intra prediction based on pipeline processing, the pipeline stage for selecting an intra prediction mode and the pipeline stage for creating predictive image data according to the selected intra prediction mode are separated. |
| US08315465B1 |
Effective feature classification in images
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A plurality of electronic training images that are each classified as displaying substantially pictures is obtained. A plurality of local image features in each of the plurality of electronic training images is identified. A plurality of weak classifiers are recursively applied to the local image features. During each iteration a weak classifier that accurately classifies the local images features is selected. After each selection of a weak classifier features that were misclassified by the selected weak classifier are given greater weight than features that were classified correctly by the selected weak classifier. For each selected weak classifier a hillclimbing algorithm is performed to attempt to improve the weak classifier. A strong classifier that is a weighted combination of the selected weak classifiers on which hillclimbing algorithms have been performed is produced. |
| US08315464B2 |
Method of pore detection
The a surface of an object is illuminated in sequence with a number of light beams, each of which is nearly tangential to the surface. Images of the surface are recorded for each light beam, and the images are analyzed to identify features such as depressions in the surface. |
| US08315454B2 |
Robot apparatus and method of controlling the behavior thereof
The present invention provides a robot apparatus that can perform appropriate actions in accordance with the ambient conditions, and a method of controlling the behavior of the robot apparatus. The robot apparatus includes a data-acquiring unit that acquires data, externally and/or internally, a subject-identifying unit that identifies a subject performing an action, by using the data externally acquired, a condition-recognizing unit that recognizes external conditions and/or internal conditions, by using the data externally acquired and/or the data internally acquired, an action-pattern acquiring unit that acquires an action pattern of the subject, by using the data externally acquired, a storage unit that stores action data representing the action of the subject, in association with condition data and subject identification data, the condition data representing conditions external and/or internal of the robot apparatus, and the subject identification data identifying the subject, and an action-performing unit that performs actions, wherein the action-performing unit performs an action represented by the action data stored in the storage unit, in accordance with the identification data and the external and/or internal condition data, when the subject-identifying unit identifies the subject. |
| US08315453B2 |
Defect classification with optimized purity
A method for defect analysis includes identifying single-class classifiers for a plurality of defect classes, the plurality of defect classes characterized by respective ranges of inspection parameter values. Each single-class classifier is configured for a respective class to identify defects belonging to the respective class based on the inspection parameter values, while identifying the defects not in the respective class as unknown defects. A multi-class classifier is identified that is configured to assign each defect to one of the plurality of the defect classes based on the inspection parameter values. Inspection data is received, and both the single-class and multi-class classifiers are applied to the inspection data to assign the defect to one of the defect classes. |
| US08315452B2 |
Method and device for obtaining a volume data set of a mobile tissue or organ of a patient
A method and a device for obtaining a volume data set of a mobile tissue or organ of a patient by a C-arm X-ray device are provided. An electromagnetic sensor of a position detection system is arranged indirectly on the tissue or organ. The X-ray device obtains a plurality of X-ray projections from the tissue or organ from various projection directions. A first method consists of reconstructing a volume data set from the X-ray projections, in which the electromagnetic sensor adopts a position characterizing a displacement phase of the tissue or organ. A second method consists of reconstructing a volume data set from the X-ray projections captured when the electromagnetic sensor was located in a position characterizing a displacement phase of the tissue or organ. A third method does not capture an X-ray projection for the reconstruction if the electromagnetic sensor is located in a position characterizing a displacement phase. |
| US08315451B2 |
Method for segmentation of an MRI image of a tissue in presence of partial volume effects and computer program implementing the method
A method and computer program for segmentation of an MRI image of tissue in presence of partial volume effects, include storing the MRI image in K-space representation as raw dataset, reconstructing N images, each represented by N sets of voxels and N sets of light intensity values, dividing each voxel into a fixed number of subvoxels equal in size, assigning the light intensity value of the voxel to its subvoxels, classifying each subvoxel according to light intensity value, identifying a totality of subvoxels classified with equal probability for a totality of tissue types, labeling the subvoxels as partial volume subvoxels, shifting N−1 images starting with the second image by one subvoxel relatively to the preceding image and gene-rating a new set of overlay subvoxels, determining a new set of probability values for the new set of overlay subvoxels and creating an overlay image of the new set of overlaid subvoxels. |
| US08315450B2 |
Method and system for display of medical image data
Multiple cardiac gated, flow encoded, 2DFT MR images are acquired transversely in the vicinity of the foramen magnum of a subject. For each resulting 2D image parametric images depicting cephalad CSF flow caudad CSF flow and CSF throughput are reconstructed and displayed. CSF velocity images are reconstructed at successive cardiac phases and CSF flow velocity at each voxel therein is plotted as a function of cardiac phase. Cumulative flow images are also reconstructed and successive voxel values therein are also plotted. A link is established between displayed plotted curves and locations in the parametric images to facilitate diagnosis of Chiari I disease. |
| US08315444B2 |
Unitized ergonomic two-dimensional fingerprint motion tracking device and method
A sensor which uses a plurality of partial fingerprint readers (imagers), and various computational algorithms, to detect changes in fingerprint images as a function of finger movement. The sensor can provide both finger motion information and fingerprint images. The sensor uses multiple partial fingerprint readers, arranged in different directions on a surface, to detect finger motion in two dimensions. The sensor can also detect the relative speed and direction of finger movement. Some sensor embodiments use deep finger penetrating radio frequency (RF) based circuits, which can be inexpensively printed or formed on the surface of robust and flexible dielectric materials such as Kapton tape. The sensor also has textured surfaces to help guide the user. The sensor both small and robust, and is well suited for control applications for low-cost mass market microprocessor controlled devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, and other devices. |
| US08315440B2 |
System and method for animal identification using iris images
A system for animal identification includes: an image capture apparatus for obtaining an image of an eye of an animal including a pupil region and an iris region; and a template generation apparatus. The template generation apparatus is for: extracting a set of pixel data from the image, the set of pixel data representing an upper region of interest of the iris region above the pupil region and a lower region of interest of the iris region below the pupil region, the upper region of interest and the lower region of interest have parallel side boundaries that are spaced apart a distance that is substantially independent of a degree of dilation of the pupil region; and transforming the set of pixel data representing the upper region of interest and the lower region of interest into a template of the upper region of interest and the lower region of interest. |
| US08315439B2 |
Vision correction aid system
The invention relates to a system that is used to aid in determining vision correction. The inventive system is characterised in that it combines: a camera which can take animated images of the subject's face along a determined visual axis; a display device which represents the images taken by the camera; an accessory which can be worn by the subject in a fixed manner on the head and which bears a plurality of visual reference marks; means which form the visual reference mark(s) and which can cover at least two determined regions in relation to the camera; and image-analysis means which can analyze the position of the visual reference marks in the images taken by the camera and deduce therefrom the position and spatial orientation of the accessory and, consequently, the subject's head when the subject is looking at a visual target, in order to ascertain information relating to the visual behaviour of the subject when the subject moves the direction in which he/she is looking. |
| US08315438B2 |
Displaying images related to a selected target point on an electronic map based on azimuth and view angle information
An image reproduction apparatus for displaying images of image files including an image of a target point to be observed by using image files located adjacent to the target point. A method of reproducing an image of an image file on an electronic map including the image file so that position information of the image file matches position information on the electronic map includes: (a) selecting a target point to be observed on the electronic map and obtaining position information of the target point; (b) setting a search range of image files on the electronic map; (c) searching for image files including an image of the target point within the set search range; and (d) displaying images of the found image files on the electronic map. |
| US08315432B2 |
Augmented reality method and devices using a real time automatic tracking of marker-free textured planar geometrical objects in a video stream
The invention relates to a method and to devices for the real-time tracking of one or more substantially planar geometrical objects of a real scene in at least two images of a video stream for an augmented-reality application. After receiving a first image of the video stream (300), the first image including the object to be tracked, the position and orientation of the object in the first image are determined from a plurality of previously determined image blocks (320), each image block of said plurality of image blocks being associated with an exposure of the object to be tracked. The first image and the position and the orientation of the object to be tracked in the first image define a key image. After receiving a second image from the video stream, the position and orientation of the object to be tracked in the second image are evaluated from the key image (300). The second image and the corresponding position and orientation of the object to be tracked can be stored as a key image. If the position and the orientation of the object to be tracked cannot be found again in the second image from the key image, the position and the orientation of this object in the second image are determined from the plurality of image blocks and the related exposures (320). |
| US08315427B2 |
Adaptive prediction filtering for encoding/decoding digital signals in media content
A method computes signal characteristics of a host signal in which a digital signal is encoded, and analyzes the characteristics to determine an extent to which the signal characteristics correspond to characteristics of the digital signal. The method adapts parameters of a predictive filter or prediction function applied to the host signal based on the extent to which the signal characteristics correspond to the characteristics of the digital signal. In one embodiment, different filters or filter parameters are selected to match different signal characteristics of the host signal with the characteristics of the digital signal. These predictive filtering techniques also enable optimized encoding of digital signals that adapt the encoding of digital signals to take advantage of predictive filtering in the decoding process. |
| US08315426B2 |
Method for handling pixel occlusions in stereo images using iterative support and decision processes
In stereo images that include occluded pixels and visible pixels, occlusions are handled by first determining, for the occluded pixels, initial disparity values and support for the initial disparity values using an initial support function, an occlusion map and disparities of the visible pixels neighboring the occluded pixels in the stereo images. Then, for the occluded pixels, final disparity values and support for the final disparity values are determined using the initial disparity values, a final support function and a normalization function in an iterative support-and-decision process. |
| US08315425B2 |
Method for comparison of 3D computer model and as-built situation of an industrial plant
A method for carrying out comparison between the as-built state of an industrial plant and the associated CAD planning model, characterized in that the comparison is achieved by superimposition of unreliable components of the CAD model and digital images on the plant, whereby the superimposition is computed without any particular instrumentation within the plant, but only based on selected reliable components from the CAD model, whose physical installations are visible in the images. |
| US08315422B2 |
Transducers with improved viscous damping
A miniature receiver or transducer with improved viscous damping. The receiver may be a moving armature receiver using shearing forces for damping the deflection of the diaphragm. In this receiver, the damping element, which may be a liquid, extend in a direction of the deflection of the armature or diaphragm. Another embodiment relates to a transducer where the damping element engages the diaphragm. |
| US08315413B2 |
Connection-responsive audio mixing
Apparatus and method to mix audio provided by a radio with audio provided by an ICS in which the audio of the radio being mixed with audio provided by the ICS and presented to one ear of a user, and in which audio provided by the ICS is presented to the other ear of the user without being mixed with audio provided by the radio. |
| US08315410B2 |
Dynamic range controller
A circuit for preventing clipping in an Automatic Level Control (ALC) or Limiter, where the amplitude of the signal above the clipping point is estimated, then the signal level is automatically reduced over a defined period substantially equal to the feedforward delay in the ALC/Limiter. By adaptively controlling, based on the excess amplitude and the delay time available, an attack rate used in the ALC/Limiter to reduce the gain applied to an input signal, it can be ensured that the output amplitude is brought within the clipping level sufficiently quickly to prevent audible clipping. |
| US08315409B2 |
Modifications of audio communications in an online environment
A system and method to modify audio communications in an online environment and, in particular, to modifying audio communications using one or more parameters. The system includes a module configured to detect one or more parameters applicable to an incoming audio communication and a weighing engine configured to weigh the one or more parameters and obtain a weighted volume. The system further includes a module configured to transmit the weighted volume to a user participating in a virtual universe. The method determines whether one or more parameters apply to an incoming communication, weighs the incoming communication based on the one or more parameters to determine a weighted volume of the incoming communication, and transmits the incoming communication to a user at the weighted volume. |
| US08315403B2 |
Method for controlling directivity of loudspeaker apparatus and audio reproduction apparatus
To provide an audio reproduction apparatus in which a general user inputs simple and easy settings so that audio beams of respective channels can be set. When an array speaker is installed in a room, the user inputs the shape of the room into the audio reproduction apparatus. Based on the shape of the room, the audio reproduction apparatus determines a beam control pattern indicating which directions audio signals of the channels should be formed respectively. The audio reproduction apparatus reads beam control data including delay times for forming the beams in the directions from a pattern memory, and automatically sets the beam control data in a DSP. Thus, only when the user inputs the shape of the room, the beams are controlled with a beam control pattern suitable to the room so that multi-channel audio can be reproduced optimally. |
| US08315402B2 |
Method and apparatus for real-ear measurements for receiver-in-canal devices
The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for real ear measurement using a hearing assistance device fitted with a cover to provide real ear sounds to a microphone of the device. The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device cover for use in measuring coupler response and real ear coupler difference for improved real ear measurement and fitting. |
| US08315401B2 |
Speaker system
A loudspeaker system capable of simultaneously providing listeners with a listening environment not giving them a feeling of strangeness. The loudspeaker system (100) comprises drive motors (111 to 113, 121 to 123) for so driving at least first R-channel loudspeaker (101) that the current first listening position is substantially included in the perpendicularly bisecting plane of a line joining the intersecting point of the first R-channel speaker (101) and its directivity axis and the intersecting point of the second R-channel loudspeaker (120) and its directivity axis and so driving at least fourth L-channel loudspeaker (104) that the current second listening point is substantially included in the perpendicularly bisecting plane of the line joining the intersecting point of a third L-channel loudspeaker (103) and its directivity axis and the intersecting point of a fourth L-channel loudspeaker (104) and its directivity axis. The loudspeaker system (100) further comprises their motor driver section (130). |
| US08315398B2 |
System for adjusting perceived loudness of audio signals
A method of adjusting a loudness of an audio signal may include receiving an electronic audio signal and using one or more processors to process at least one channel of the audio signal to determine a loudness of a portion of the audio signal. This processing may include processing the channel with a plurality of approximation filters that can approximate a plurality of auditory filters that further approximate a human hearing system. In addition, the method may include computing at least one gain based at least in part on the determined loudness to cause a loudness of the audio signal to remain substantially constant for a period of time. Moreover, the method may include applying the gain to the electronic audio signal. |
| US08315397B2 |
Microphone device and portable recorder comprising same
A first microphone device according to the present invention comprises a pair of directional microphones with high directivity in a sound collecting direction, a pair of nondirectional microphones with low directivity in the sound collecting direction, and a casing accommodating the pair of directional microphones and the pair of nondirectional microphones. The pair of nondirectional microphones is arranged so that sound collecting directions thereof are outward from both side surface walls of the casing, while the pair of directional microphones is arranged so that sound collecting directions thereof are outward from a front surface wall of the casing and intersect each other in vicinity of the front surface wall. All or a part of the pair of directional microphones is accommodated in a space sandwiched by the pair of nondirectional microphones. |
| US08315395B2 |
Nearly-stateless key escrow service
Some embodiments provide a system to generate a key pair. During operation, the system can receive a request to generate the key pair, wherein the key pair is generated by a key assigner, and wherein the key pair is associated with a user. Next, the system can determine a secret associated with the key assigner. Specifically, the system can determine the secret by determining an initial secret associated with the key assigner, and by applying a one-way hash function to the initial secret one or more times. The system can then determine a seed based on the secret. Specifically, the system can determine the seed by cryptographically combining the secret with information associated with the user. Next, the system can generate the key pair by using the seed as an input to a key generator. The system can then return the key pair to a requestor. |
| US08315392B2 |
Method to secure access to audio/video content in a decoding unit
The present invention concerns the generation of a key necessary to decrypt audio/video contents by genuine decoding units. It concerns in particular a method to secure the reception of a broadcast content managed by a control center and encrypted by at least one content key, said content key or a data allowing to recover said content key being transmitted to the decoding units encrypted by a transmission key common to the decoding units, each decoding unit having at least one environment parameter known by the control center, said decoding unit receiving from the control center a first message common to all decoding units and comprising the encrypted transmission key and a second message, pertaining to said decoding unit and comprising correction data dedicated to said decoding unit, the decryption of the transmission key being made using the environment parameter and the correction data. |
| US08315386B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing VoIP-based communication using bio keys
A method for performing an encrypted voice call between a first terminal and a second terminal supporting a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)-based voice call. In the method, the first and second terminals generate and store a bio key using biographical (bio) information of a user in advance before performing a voice call, the first terminal sends a request for a voice call to the second terminal and establishing a session, the first and second terminals exchange and store a bio key stored in each terminal, and the first and second terminals generate a session shared key using the exchanged bio key and starting a Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) session, and a restored bio key by acquiring bio information from received data. User authentication is then performed by comparing the bio key with the restored bio key. |
| US08315384B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus for controlling programming of a timer recording of a specific television broadcast program includes the following elements: an extracting unit configured to extract program specifying information from audio data or video data of a program; a specifying unit configured to specify a program to be timer-recorded on the basis of the program specifying information extracted by the extracting unit; a presenting unit configured to present information for prompting a user to program a timer recording of the program specified by the specifying unit; and an accepting unit configured to accept the programmed timer recording of the program specified by the specifying unit. |
| US08315381B2 |
Methods and apparatus performing hash operations in a cryptography accelerator
Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing a cryptography accelerator for performing operations such as hash operations. The cryptography accelerator recognizes characteristics associated with input data and retrieves an instruction set for processing the input data. The instruction set is used to configure or control components such as MD5 and SHA-1 hash cores, XOR components, memory, etc. By providing a cryptography accelerator with access to multiple instruction sets, a variety of hash operations can be performed in a configurable cryptographic accelerator. |
| US08315380B2 |
Echo suppression method and apparatus thereof
In an echo suppression apparatus, an adaptive filter estimates an echo path of a near end, and generates a pseudo echo signal of a reception signal received from a far end. A subtractor subtracts the pseudo echo signal from a near-end signal including an echo signal of the reception signal, a near-end sound and a background noise, thereby generating an echo-canceled signal. A background noise estimation unit estimates a spectrum of the background noise. A non-linear processing unit performs spectrum subtraction of the estimated spectrum of the background noise from the spectrum of the echo-canceled signal, and controls a gain of the spectrum of the echo-canceled signal in response to the result of the spectrum subtraction, thereby obtaining a spectrum of a transmission signal transmitted to the far end. A threshold calculation unit calculates a threshold value used to determine presence or absence of the residual echo in the echo-canceled signal. The non-linear processing unit compares the result of the spectrum subtraction with the threshold value, then controls the spectrum of the echo-canceled signal with a high gain in case that the result of the spectrum subtraction is higher than the threshold value, and with a low gain in case that the result of the spectrum subtraction is not higher than the threshold value. |
| US08315378B2 |
Hybrid circuit without inductors
A hybrid circuit without inductors is provided. Embodiments can be used in high-speed communication devices, including Cable modem and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) devices. In particular, embodiments can be used in Very High Speed DSL (VDSL) devices. Embodiments provide a cheap and compact solution to the echo rejection problem in high-speed communication devices. Furthermore, embodiments perform at least comparably to conventional solutions with respect to key performance measures. |
| US08315365B2 |
System and method for revenue unleaking
Revenue leakage is one of the major concerns of telecom operators worldwide. There are several reasons for revenue leakage including frauds, data loss, poor utilization of network infrastructure, and churn. With the growth in subscriber base and increased competition in the market space, the lack of control on revenue leak could potentially affect the profit margins drastically. The operators are ever looking for solutions that could limit the various aspects of the revenue leakage. A system and method for addressing revenue leakage due to data loss in general and incomplete/partial data in particular needs to handle the issues related to the obtaining of additional information so that incomplete/partial data records lead to additional billing opportunity for the operators. |
| US08315364B2 |
Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability
A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, exemplified as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data to selectively implement communication, as for consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to process data and selectively interconnect the video source with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to receive video communication. |
| US08315363B2 |
Network call recording
A method and system of an embodiment may include receiving at least a portion of a call recording request at a voice response unit, identifying a call received at the voice response unit as a call matching one or more parameters of the call recording request, and utilizing available digital signal processing resources of the voice response unit to record one or more specified portions of the call. |
| US08315362B2 |
Systems and methods for voicemail avoidance
Systems and methods for voicemail avoidance are shown and described. The method can include issuing an invitation to an audio communications session to a first one of the end-points, receiving, in response to the invitation to a first one the end-points, an indication that the first end-point is available for the audio communication session and that the invitation to the first one of the end-points did not terminate with a voicemail service associated with the first one of the end-points, and issuing, in response to the indication, an invitation to join the audio communications session to a second one of the end-points. |
| US08315358B2 |
Strain matching of crystals and horizontally-spaced monochromator and analyzer crystal arrays in diffraction enhanced imaging systems and related methods
Strain matching of crystals and horizontally-spaced monochromator and analyzer crystal arrays in diffraction enhanced imaging systems and related methods are disclosed. A DEI system, including strain matched crystals can comprise an X-ray source configured to generate a first X-ray beam. A first monochromator crystal can be positioned to intercept the first X-ray beam for producing a second X-ray beam. A second monochromator crystal can be positioned to intercept the second X-ray beam to produce a third X-ray beam for transmission through an object. The second monochromator crystal has a thickness selected such that a mechanical strain on a side of the first monochromator crystal is the same as a mechanical strain on the second monochromator crystal. An analyzer crystal has a thickness selected such that a mechanical strain on a side of the first monochromator crystal is the same as a mechanical strain on the analyzer crystal. |
| US08315357B2 |
Radiation therapy inverse treatment planning using a regularization of sparse segments
A method of reducing a total number of beam segments in a dose distribution for a radiation therapy field is provided. The method includes providing a multiobjective radiation therapy treatment plan using a suitably programmed computer, where the multiobjective radiation therapy treatment plan includes a radiation beam dose performance objective and a fluence map sparsity objective in a given fluence function domain, and providing a Pareto frontier of tradeoff criteria between the beam dose performance and a total number of radiation segments (or sub-fields) of the multiobjective radiation therapy treatment plan using the suitably programmed computer, where an achieved set of radiation beam dose distributions associated with efficiency points of the Pareto frontier are evaluated using a clinical acceptance criteria, where a clinically acceptable radiation beam dose distribution having a smallest number of the multileaf collimator segments is a final solution for the multiobjective radiation therapy treatment plan. |
| US08315355B2 |
Method for operating C-arm systems during repeated angiographic medical procedures
A method (100) for positioning and operating components (18, 22) of an X-ray C-arm system (10) during repeated angiographic medical procedures. |
| US08315352B2 |
System and method of spectral calibration and basis material decomposition for X-ray CT systems
An imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object, a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy attenuated by the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS. The computer is programmed to compute detector coefficients based on a static low kVp measurement and a static high kVp measurement, capture incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching, compute effective X-ray incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching using the captured incident spectra, scan a water phantom and normalize the computed detector coefficients to water, adjust the computed effective X-ray incident spectra based on the normalized detector coefficients, compute basis material decomposition functions using the adjusted X-ray incident spectra, and generate one or more basis material density images using the computed basis material decomposition functions. |
| US08315350B2 |
Method and apparatus for heat production
A method and apparatus for producing heat is disclosed. The method involves the steps of accelerating one or more first particle(s) to a first velocity; colliding the accelerated particle(s) with one or more second particles in a collision zone located within a housing causing the first particle(s) and second particle(s) to form one or more collision mass(es) containing subatomic particles of the first and second particles; controlling the position of the collision mass(es) with electric and/or magnetic fields; and introducing one or more further particle(s) into the collision mass(es), the further particle(s) undergoing nuclear fusion with the one or more particles in the collision mass(es) producing fusion products and releasing heat. |
| US08315348B2 |
Clock extraction circuit for use in a linearly expandable broadcast router
A method is described for extracting selected time information from a stream of serialized AES digital audio data. A first transition indicative of a first preamble of said stream of serialized AES digital audio data is detected and, upon detection of the transition, a time count initiated. A second transition indicative of a subsequent preamble of said serialized AES digital audio data is subsequently detected and the time count halted. The time separating the first and second transitions is then determined. The separation time, which preferably is determined in the form of a fast clock pulse count, is then transferred to a decoding logic circuit for use in decoding the stream of serialized AES digital audio data. |
| US08315347B2 |
I/O link with configurable forwarded and derived clocks
An electronic communications receiver includes a derived clock signal circuit operable to receive a data signal and to derive a derived clock signal from the received data signal. A separate forwarded clock signal circuit is further operable to receive a forwarded clock signal, and a clock management circuit is operable to receive signals from the derived clock signal circuit and the forwarded clock signal circuit, and to output an output clock signal. |
| US08315344B2 |
Blind detection of the transport format (TF) of a signal
The transport format (TF) of a signal may be blindly detected from a reduced set of TF hypotheses. In an example embodiment, a method for the blind detection of a TF of a signal includes filtering a set of transport format hypotheses to identify a reduced set of TF hypotheses using one or more filtering schemes. From the reduced set of TF hypotheses, a TF that is associated with an interfering signal is detected. The TF includes a modulation and a spreading factor for the interfering signal. It may also include a number of channelization codes. In an example implementation, when an interfering signal is to be canceled, symbols carried by the signal are detected using the detected TF. Example filtering schemes include filtering based on system design/operation, filtering based on known configuration information, filtering based on an expected level of interference contribution, and so forth. |
| US08315342B2 |
Method and apparatus for simplified expected symbol value computation and interference cancellation in communication signal processing
A computationally-simplified approach to expected symbol value determination is based on classifying soft bit information corresponding to symbols in a received communication signal as being reliable or unreliable, and computing expected symbol values for the symbols based on the classified soft bit information. Classification can be carried out by “quantizing” the soft bit information to coarsely indicate whether individual symbol bits are known with high or low probability. Using quantized soft bit information greatly simplifies expected symbol value calculation, yet the calculated values still reflect a scaling corresponding to the underlying reliability of the soft bit information. Where the expected symbol values are computed for interfering symbols in a composite signal that also includes desired signals, preserving the underlying reliability knowledge in this manner effectively scales the amount interference cancellation applied to the composite signal in dependence on the reliability to which the interfering signal values are known. |
| US08315341B2 |
Soft repetition code combiner using channel state information
An embodiment is a method and apparatus to decode a signal using channel information. A channel state estimator generates a tone value representing channel information. A quantizer quantizes the tone value. A combiner combines de-interleaved symbols weighed by the quantized tone value. A comparator compares the combined de-interleaved symbols with a threshold to generate a decoding decision.Another embodiment is a method and apparatus to decode a signal using averaging. A channel estimator provides a channel estimate. A multiplier multiplies a quantized output of a demodulator with the channel estimate to produce N symbols of a signal corresponding to a carrier. A de-interleaver de-interleaves the N symbols. An averager averages the N de-interleaved symbols to generate a channel response at a carrier. |
| US08315338B2 |
Orthogonality detector, and quadrature demodulator and sampling quadrature demodulator using detector thereof
To detect phase mismatches between in-phase and quadrature signals of a quadrature demodulator. The phase mismatches can be detected using the signals obtained by removing high frequency components of output of a multiplier by a low pass filter, the output being the product of the in-phase signals of which low frequency components are removed by a first high pass filter by the quadrature signals of which low frequency components are removed by a second high pass filter. |
| US08315336B2 |
Systems and methods of RF power transmission, modulation, and amplification, including a switching stage embodiment
Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion. |
| US08315335B2 |
OFDM spectral control
A method and apparatus for configuring a variable filter in an OFDM transmitter based on the number of subcarrier frequencies selected for the input data block is described herein. An exemplary OFDM transmitter comprises a control unit, OFDM modulator, and variable filter. The control unit selects the number of subcarriers for the input data block, and configures one or more filter properties for the variable filter based on the selected number of subcarriers. The modulator, which has a size greater than the selected number of subcarriers, pads an input data block generated for the selected number of subcarriers to generate an expanded data block having a size equal to the size of the modulator, and modulates the expanded data block to generate an OFDM signal. The filter, as configured by the control unit, filters the OFDM signal. |