Document Document Title
US08328424B2 Bearing
A resilient (slide) bearing device, for example for use in connection with support of a rotating element in a vessel, where the bearing insert comprises devices for gradual absorption of loads to which the bearing is exposed. This is achieved by the devices for gradual absorption of loads comprising two or more elastic elements with different modulus of elasticity, where the elements are furthermore placed in layers. A method for maintenance and service of the device is also presented.
US08328423B2 Large telescope elevation structure lateral hydrostatic guidance system
Large structure lateral hydrostatic guidance system, particularly suitable for realising the lateral guidance system of the elevation axis of a large telescope made with at least two guide rings, characterized in that all the hydrostatic supports are tilting and floating and have a hydraulic preloading chamber acting between the base and the runner, connected together so as to achieve an isostatic and uniform sharing out of the loads acting on the structure.
US08328421B2 Push-down compressible pouch with one-way valves on sides
Airtight compressible storage containers (e.g., pouches) having one-way valves in the form of respective collapsible channels that run along and adjacent to respective pouch side seals. Each collapsible channel comprises unsealed sections of web material that span the space between a respective side seal and a respective interior seal. Each collapsible channel communicates with a respective air inlet located in the interior volume of the pouch and a respective air outlet located on a periphery of the pouch. When the contents of the pouch are compressed by a user pushing down on pouch, air from the storage chamber containing the compressible contents can be forced into the air inlet, through the open channel and out the air outlet until the desired amount of air has been removed from the pouch.
US08328415B2 Clock with wireless function
A timepiece with a wireless function, in which the receiving sensitivity of an antenna is improved and the antenna can reliably receive a prescribed radio wave even in the case in which a watch case or the like made of a conductive metal is used. The timepiece is provided with an antenna that is stored in a housing to receive an external radio wave, a watch case that configures at least a part of the housing, that has at least one portion electrically conductive, and that is separated into a plurality of parts, and an insulating region disposed between at least two parts among the plurality of parts of the watch case to insulate the two parts one from the other.
US08328413B2 Timepiece comprising a chronograph and a watch
The timepiece includes a chronograph whose hands are driven by a first gear train (4), which in turn drives a first resonator (5) and a watch whose hands are driven by a second gear train (8) independent of the first gear train, wherein the second gear train in turn drives a second resonator (9). The first (4) and second (8) gear trains are driven from a single energy source (10).
US08328412B2 Combined axial-radial intake impeller with circular rake
An impeller, a system for mixing a fluid, and a method of mixing a fluid in a tank are disclosed. For a sufficiently small impeller diameter and maximum blade tip velocity, the disclosed impeller, system, and method are capable of accelerating a near-zero intake velocity fluid, to generate a mixing zone that is collimated enough to have sufficient velocity vectors to suspend particles at a large distance away from the impeller, while minimizing the required power draw. An impeller may include a hub defining a longitudinal axis and plural blades spaced circumferentially about the hub. Each blade may include a root portion and a tip portion. Each blade may define a leading edge having an approximately circular raked helical geometry. A system for mixing a fluid may include a tank for containing the fluid, a drive shaft for extending into the tank, and the impeller.
US08328410B1 In-line multi-chamber mixer
The present invention is directed to an in-line mixer for mixing a plurality of fluids to produce a mixed product. The mixer includes one or more mixing chambers, an impeller in each of the mixing chambers, one or more inlets coupled to injection valves for conveying the fluids into the mixing chamber, and an outlet for conveying the mixed product out of the mixing chamber. The in-line mixer is well suited to components, such as those used in making automotive OEM and refinish paints.
US08328408B2 Lamp positioning device and the backlight module using the same
The present invention provides a lamp positioning device and a backlight module using the lamp positioning device for holding lamps. The lamp positioning device includes an upper arm and a lower arm, wherein a holding space is formed between the upper arm and the lower arm for accommodating the lamp. Furthermore, at least one of the upper arm and the lower arm has elasticity and thus can provide the lamp with resistance against shock in order to avoid being cracked or shattered.
US08328405B2 Independent control of light emitting diodes
A light emitting apparatus includes multiple Light Emitting Diode (LED) device controller integrated circuits and multiple LEDs of same color, but of different electrical and/or optical characteristics. A respective LED is electrically connected to a respective LED device controller integrated circuit. The respective LED may also be mounted on the respective LED device controller integrated circuit. The LED device controller integrated circuits are configured to independently control a current and/or voltage that is provided to the LED that is electrically thereto, so as to compensate for the different electrical and/or optical characteristics of the LEDs of the same color.
US08328403B1 Light guide illumination devices
A light-guide illumination device and system comprises a light source, a light redirecting slab and a light guide slab assembly. The light redirecting slab includes a generally planar face having optical redirecting elements, the optical redirecting elements having respective optical coupling surfaces situated distally from the planar face. The light guide slab assembly includes a planar face having an optically transmissive interface layer assembled onto a first planar face of the light guide slab and optically coupled to receive transmitted light directed from the light source. The light guide slab is pressed onto the redirecting slab such that the interface layer is deformed, creating optical bonds at the optical coupling surfaces of the optical redirecting elements, the formed optical bonds providing optical apertures for light transmission therethrough.
US08328401B2 Vehicle lamp including holding member
A vehicle lamp is provided with: a light source unit containing a light source, a feeder socket having a male terminal conductively connected to the light source, and a feeder connector containing a female terminal conductively connected to the male terminal when inserted into the feeder socket and connected to an end of an electric wire; and a light source unit attaching section on which the light source unit is attached. The vehicle lamp further includes a holding member that is attached at a rear end of the feeder connector, bends the electric wire against a direction for inserting the feeder connector and can be grasped in inserting the feeder connector.
US08328400B1 Stroller wheels with light system
A light system comprising a wheel having an outer surface and a center hole, the wheel is attachable to a stroller by sliding the center hole onto an axle of the stroller; a plurality of light components embedded in the wheel, the light components are positioned all along the outer surface of the wheel, the light components are operatively connected to a battery disposed in or on the wheel; and a control switch operatively connected to the light components, the control switch can move between an on position to turn on the light components and an off position to turn off the light components, wherein the control switch is biased in the off position and can be moved to the on position via centrifugal force, the centrifugal force being obtained by spinning of the wheel.
US08328393B2 Light source device having wavelength conversion and separation means, and projector
A light source device includes a light source unit emitting light of a first wavelength and a wavelength converting element converting light of the first wavelength into light of a second wavelength. An external mirror transmits light of the second wavelength toward an emission destination and reflects light of the first wavelength to resonate between the light source unit and the external mirror. A wavelength separating section transmits light converted from the first wavelength to the second wavelength while traveling from the external mirror to the light source unit and reflects light of the first wavelength in order to separate the different wavelength light. A turnback section reflects light of the second wavelength separated by the wavelength separating section toward the emission destination. In addition, the wavelength separating section reflects light of the first wavelength from the light source unit to travel toward the wavelength converting element.
US08328390B2 High irradiance through off-center optics
A light fixture has an array of light emitting diodes arranged on a substrate, an array of lenses arranged adjacent the diodes, each lens corresponding to a diode, and having a center, the array of lenses arranged such that the each lens center is offset from a location of the diode. A light fixture has an array of light emitting diodes arranged in a x-y grid on a substrate, and an array of lenses arranged adjacent the array of light emitting diodes, each lens corresponding to a diode and having a center, the array of lenses arranged such that each lens center is offset a distance along a location axis of the diode.
US08328382B2 Luminaire rotating frame clamping assembly
A rotatable downlight frame assembly comprises a pan having a pivot aperture therein, a collar disposed in the pan for rotating in the pivot aperture, the collar having a trim aperture wall depending through the pan, the collar having one of a square, rectangular, non-circular, or asymmetrical trim opening for positioning of a lighting trim, the collar being rotatable relative to the pan through 360 degrees, at least one fastener passing through the collar, a tool-less fastener assembly, the tool-less assembly having one of a first position and a second position for tightening the collar at an angular position relative to the pan via frictional engagement, and the other of the first position and the second position allowing for pivotable motion, and, a lighting assembly positioned on the collar for pivotal movement with the collar.
US08328381B2 Light for a power tool and method of illuminating a workpiece
A power tool including a end effector rotatable with respect to the housing, a collar rotatable with respect to the housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) rotatably fixed with respect to the housing, and a light element operatively connected to the PCB and adjacent to the end effector and in a recess of the collar and located to illuminate a workpiece machined by the power tool. A method of providing light for a workpiece being machined by a power tool including locating lighting elements around a spindle of a power tool, aligning the lighting elements to shine light on a workpiece being machined by the power tool, operatively connecting the lighting elements to a PCB, containing and supporting the PCB with a guide, supporting wires configured to provide power to the PCB with the guide, locating the lighting elements, PCB and guide in a rotatable collar, and preventing the lighting elements, PCB and guide from rotating when the collar rotates.
US08328380B2 Light module for LCD backlight module
A light module of an LCD backlight module includes a circuit board and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged on the circuit board. Each of the LEDs has a wide far-field pattern and is without a reflector, and each of the LEDs includes at least one LED chip and a molding unit packaging the LED chip. The LED chip is electrically connected to the circuit board and is also suitable for backlighting use. When a light-emitting angle of each of the LEDs is at 120 degrees, a light intensity thereof is still more than 50% of the intensity at frontage.
US08328379B2 Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device including the same
A backlight for a liquid crystal display device includes a first plurality of light emitting diodes having a first luminance and a second plurality of light emitting diodes having a second luminance, wherein at least the first and second plurality of light emitting diodes are interspersed with each other to provide an average luminance at or substantially near a predetermined target value of luminance that is consistent across the liquid crystal display device.
US08328377B1 Temporary and/or emergency lighting system with inflatable bearing structure
In order to provide temporary lighting solution in sometimes extreme conditions, this application has improved upon a prior patent by specifically incorporating a stabilizing rod to protect against extremely high winds or other inclement weather as well as electrical circuitry to enable a sufficient cool down period prior to stowing the device.
US08328372B2 Display light shield
A display light shield as a visor for a portable computer, includes a top portion and two side portions. The portions are sheet and jointed to form a hood whose sides and top are closed while bottom is open. The shape of the hood is suitable for the computer monitor. A fastener is provided on the hood for attaching the visor to the computer. The visor can be folded by changing joining manners of the portions so that packaging and transporting become convenient.
US08328370B2 Projector
A projector includes a housing, a lens module pivotally connected to the housing, a first adjustment mechanism adjusting a pitch of the housing, and a second adjustment mechanism adjusting a pitch of the lens module. The first adjustment mechanism includes a threaded base fixed to the housing, and a support leg extending out of the housing and comprising a threaded portion. The second adjustment mechanism includes a first gear driven by the support leg, a second gear engaging the first gear, a first threaded member fixed to the second gear, a first connecting member pivotally connected to the lens module, a second connecting member slidably connected to the first connecting member, and a second threaded member. The second threaded member is fixed to the second connecting member, and threaded on and slidable relative to the first threaded member.
US08328368B2 Projection system
Miniature projection devices will enable the use of common household objects as the projection screen for still and moving images. This application describes a set of techniques and embodiments for implementing image projection inside a lamp such as a table or wall lamp and provides techniques for dealing with the unique physical attributes of lamps such as the shape of the lamp and the bright source of light that would tend to wash out the projected image. In addition, the invention presents a series of novel embodiments that respond changes in the environment to enable an immersive user experience and operation as a pet entertainment device.
US08328367B2 System and method for projecting onto an upper surface of a body of water
A projection system for projecting light such as images or content upon a liquid surface such as a lake or pool surface. The system includes an agitation assembly selectively operable to agitate a portion of the upper surface of liquid to form a projection screen. The system includes a projector assembly projecting or focusing light onto the projection screen on the upper surface of the liquid. The liquid is translucent to light, but the projection screen on the upper surface reflects a portion of the projected light due to the agitation. The agitation assembly may include an aeration system with a distribution manifold and is positioned below the liquid surface and has outlets discharging gas into the liquid such that air bubbles for the screen. The manifold outlets may be provided at two or more depths, whereby two or more portions of the projection screen are generated at differing times.
US08328366B2 Projector, computer program product, and exposure adjusting method
A projector includes: a projecting unit that projects a first image on a projection target area; an imaging unit that picks up a first pickup image of the projection target area during the projection of the first image and picks up a second pickup image of the projection target area during single-color image projection or during non-projection with automatic exposure; an imaging control unit that changes an exposure setting value on the basis of the first pickup image and an exposure setting value during the last imaging and causes the imaging unit to pick up an image of the projection target area during the projection of the first image at the exposure setting value after the change and regenerate the first pickup image; a first coordinate information generating unit that generates first coordinate information; and a second coordinate information generating unit that generates second coordinate information.
US08328365B2 Mesh for mapping domains based on regularized fiducial marks
A method includes capturing a first image of a display surface with an image capture device, the display surface having a first plurality of fiducial marks. A first smoothing function is performed on fiducial marks appearing in the first image, thereby generating a first regularized set of fiducial marks having a smooth variation in spacing between adjacent fiducial marks. A first plurality of meshes is generated based on the first regularized set of fiducial marks. The first plurality of meshes is configured to map a first domain associated with the display surface to a second domain associated with the image capture device.
US08328363B2 Optical system for projection device
An optical system includes a light source array, a dichroic mirror set, a light converting device and a light guide pipe. The light source array is used for emitting a first homogeneous light. The dichroic mirror set is disposed in a light path of the first homogeneous light and used for reflecting a part of the first homogeneous light to the light guide pipe, transmitting the remaining part of the first homogeneous light to the converting device. The light converting device is disposed in the transmitting light path of the dichroic mirror and used for transferring the first homogeneous light into a second, third homogeneous light. The dichroic mirror is further used for reflecting the second, third homogeneous light to the light guide pipe. The light guide pipe is used for mixing the first, second and third homogeneous light to obtain a white light.
US08328362B2 Waveplate compensation in projection polarization conversion system
Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a polarization conversion system (PCS). The PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. The PCS may receive light from a projector and the PBS may direct the light toward the first optical stack. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to the second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.
US08328361B2 Projection apparatus and method for Pepper's ghost illusion
An image projection apparatus includes a projector, a frame, and a partially transparent screen. The frame retains the screen under tension, such that the screen is inclined at an angle with respect to a plane of emission of light from the projector. The screen has a front surface arranged such that light emitted from the projector is reflected therefrom. The projector projects an image such that light forming the image impinges upon the screen such that a virtual image is created from light reflected from the screen, the virtual image appearing to be located behind the screen.
US08328351B2 Recyclable digital camera
A digital camera includes an image capture assembly; a print media transport assembly; a pagewidth ink jet printhead; a roll of print media; an internal chassis serving as a frame on which the image capture assembly, the print media transport assembly, and the printhead are directly supported; and an external casing completely encasing therewithin the internal chassis. The external casing is openable, and the internal chassis together with the assemblies and printhead supported thereon are removable from the external casing. The internal chassis is provided as an integral frame configured with pre-molded fittings adapted to receive and support the assemblies and printhead.
US08328349B2 Compositions compatible with jet printing and methods therefor
Methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate involve the use of a gating agent that blocks the substance from the substrate. The methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The gating agent composition includes a nonionic surfactant, and water. The gating agent composition does not contain a discernable amount of dye, pigment or other colorant agent.
US08328348B2 Heater unit and liquid ejection device
The heater unit includes: a locking device selectable between a locked state in which the heater unit chassis is locked in the printer chassis, and an unlocked state in which the printer chassis and the heater unit chassis are unlocked; and a grip portion. When the grip portion is in a first operating position, the locking device is held in the locked state, and when the grip portion is in a second operating position, the locking device is held in the unlocked state. The operating state of the locking device changes in an interlocked manner with switching of the operating position of the grip portion.
US08328345B2 Method of non-aqueous inkjet composite printing and ink set
A method of forming a dense image in non-aqueous inkjet composite printing wherein a black ink and at least one color ink are ejected in the same printing scan, comprising the step of: using the black ink comprising a pigment, a pigment dispersant, and a solvent, wherein an acid value of the pigment (PA), a base value of the pigment (PB), an acid value of the pigment dispersant (DA), and a base value of the pigment dispersant (DB), all measured by using a glass electrode as an indicator electrode and a silver/silver chloride electrode as a reference electrode, satisfy the following formula (1): |WPΔP+WDΔD|<3.0  (1) wherein ΔP=PA−PB; ΔD=DA−DB; WP represents the pigment content in % by mass in the ink; WD represents the pigment dispersant content in % by mass in the ink; and the unit of PA, PB, DA, and DB is meq/g.
US08328344B2 Aqueous ink composition for inkjet recording and image forming method
An aqueous ink composition for inkjet recording, including: a coloring material containing at least one selected from the group consisting of azo pigments represented by the following formula (1) and tautomers thereof, and salts and hydrates thereof; a dispersant; and a urethane-modified polyester resin wherein Z represents a divalent group derived from a 5- to 8-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycle; Y1, Y2, R11 and R12 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent; G1 and G2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aralkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; and W1 and W2 each independently represent an alkoxy group, an amino group, an alkyl group or an aryl group.
US08328341B2 Ink jet recording ink, ink jet image-forming method and ink jet recording apparatus
The invention provides an ink jet recording ink containing a self-dispersion pigment, to the surface of which an anionic functional group represented by the following general formula (I) has been bonded directly or through another atomic group, water, a water-soluble substance having a coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity of 0.37 or more as defined by the following equation (A) and a water-soluble substance having a coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity of 0.25 or less as defined by the equation (A), and having a surface tension of 34 mN/m or less. wherein M1 and M2 are, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, alkali metal, ammonium or organic ammonium; Coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity=[(Water activity value of a 20% aqueous solution)−(Molar fraction of water in the 20% aqueous solution)]/[1−(Molar fraction of water in the 20% aqueous solution)]  Equation (A)
US08328337B2 Liquid droplet discharge apparatus and image recording apparatus
A liquid droplet discharge apparatus includes a liquid droplet discharge head having a plurality of nozzles which discharge liquid droplets and a pressure applying mechanism which selectively applies a pressure to discharge the liquid droplets from the nozzles; a first wiring board which is flexible and which is connected to the pressure applying mechanism; and a second wiring board which is connected to the first wiring board; and the first wiring board has a pair of extending portions which extend on mutually opposite sides from a connecting portion to be connected to the pressure applying mechanism, the pair of extending portions are bent so that forward end portions thereof face each other, and the second wiring board is connected to the pair of extending portions so that the second wiring board overlaps the mutually facing forward end portions of the pair of extending portions.
US08328335B2 Liquid dispenser including sloped outlet opening wall
A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel, and a liquid return channel. The liquid dispensing channel includes a wall. The wall includes a surface. A portion of the wall defines an outlet opening that includes a downstream edge relative to a direction of liquid flow through the liquid dispensing channel. The downstream edge is sloped relative to the surface of the wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid is provided that flows from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A liquid drop is caused to be ejected from the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel by selectively actuating a diverter member to divert a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08328333B2 Recording head and method for manufacturing the same
One of an electric wiring substrate and a retaining member includes a section having an absorptance with respect to a laser beam, and the other one of the electric wiring substrate and the retaining member includes a section having a transmittance with respect to the laser beam. The electric wiring substrate and the retaining member are welded to each other by irradiation with a laser beam. At this time, the electric wiring substrate and the retaining member are welded to each other at least at a part of an outer peripheral section of the electric wiring substrate.
US08328327B2 Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a liquid ejection head which ejects photo-curable liquid from nozzles; a first light applicator which applies light to an ejection target having received liquid ejected by the liquid ejection head; a waste tank which reserves therein liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head; and a second light applicator which applies light to liquid in the waste tank.
US08328325B2 Liquid discharge apparatus having cleaning belts in the shape of a Mobius strip and method of controlling the same
A liquid discharge apparatus includes: nozzles that discharge liquid; a liquid discharge head including the nozzles arranged in arrays; cleaning belts formed in the shape of a Mobius strip; installation rollers around which the cleaning belts rotate; a support frame that supports the installation rollers so that an angle is formed between a width direction of the cleaning belt and an arrangement direction of the nozzles; a moving unit for moving the support frame in the arrangement direction of the nozzles; and a rotational drive unit for rotationally driving the installation rollers. The cleaning belts clean the liquid discharge head by adsorbing attached liquid via contact with the liquid discharge head.
US08328324B2 Maintenance device for liquid ejection head
A maintenance device that is mounted in a printer, which has a recording head including nozzles ejecting ink, and maintains the recording head is provided. The maintenance device includes a plurality of wipers capable of wiping a nozzle forming surface of the recording head, an electric motor that drives each of the wipers movably in a wiping direction, and a selecting portion. The selecting portion selects at least one of the wipers and causes the selected wiper to wipe the nozzle forming surface when the wiper moves in the wiping direction.
US08328323B2 Treatment liquid, ink set and image forming method
The present invention provides a treatment liquid including: at least one acidic compound selected from an organic acidic compound or an inorganic acidic compound; and at least one compound selected from a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound or an organic mercapto compound; wherein the treatment liquid has a pH of from 0.5 to 2.0 at 25° C. and the ability to aggregate particles dispersed in an ink composition including at least one colorant and particles of at least one polymer.
US08328322B2 Inkjet printer
An inkjet recording device includes an ink cartridge receiving unit configured to receive an ink cartridge, an inkjet head configured to eject ink, an ink passage configured to transport the ink from the ink cartridge to the inkjet head, a detecting unit configured to detect a type of ink cartridge received in the ink cartridge receiving unit, a waste ink collection unit including an absorber configured to absorb the ink, a discharging unit configured to discharge the ink remaining in the ink passage at one of a first discharging rate and a second discharging rate, and a controller configured to control the discharging unit to discharge an amount of ink. The controller is configured to control the discharging unit to discharge ink at one of the first discharging rate and the second discharging rate corresponding to the type of the ink cartridge detected by the detecting unit.
US08328320B2 Sheet transport device, recording apparatus including the same, and sheet transport method
A sheet transport device includes a transporter that transports a sheet from an upstream side to a downstream side in a transport direction by a transport roller; a driver that drives the transporter; a phase sensor that detects a phase start point and a rotation phase indicating an amount of rotation from the phase start point of the transport roller that is rotated by driving of the driver; a memory that stores correction phases for correcting transport distance of the sheet that is transported by rotation of the transport roller; a corrector that selectively performs correction control using a unit correction amount for the rotation of the transport roller, and controls the performance of the correction control based on the rotation phase of the rotation.
US08328319B2 Print control apparatus, print control method, and storage medium
A print control apparatus includes a setting section and a print controlling section. The setting section enables or disables a first function of sorting paper by performing longitudinal printing in which printing is performed in longitudinal orientation for paper ejection in the longitudinal orientation and lateral printing in which printing is performed in lateral orientation for paper ejection in the lateral orientation alternately. The setting section further enables or disables a second function of barcode printing. The print controlling section controls printing in accordance with setting of each of the first function and the second function. When one of the first function and the second function is enabled, the setting section disables the other function.
US08328311B2 Printing apparatus and printing method
Degradation in image quality due to disturbance in landing positions of satellites is suppressed. When scanning and printing with a printing head which has a first nozzle array ejecting relatively large ejection amount of ink, a second nozzle array arranged on one side of the first nozzle array in a scan direction and a third nozzle array arranged on the other side of the first nozzle array in the scan direction, the second and third nozzle arrays ejecting a relatively small ejection amount of ink with the same color, a printing rate of one of the second and third nozzle arrays located at the front side in the scan direction is controlled lower than that of the other located at the back side.
US08328309B2 Ink jet head and method of driving the same
According to one embodiment, an ink jet head includes pressure chambers filled with liquid, nozzles discharging the liquid that is in the pressure chambers, actuators changing the capacity of the pressure chambers, and a processor. The processor repeatedly outputs a waveform voltage including an expansion pulse, a ground potential, a contraction pulse, and a ground potential in this order, as a driving voltage with respect to the actuators.
US08328302B2 Refrigerator drawer and refrigerator having the same
A refrigerator drawer and a refrigerator having the same are disclosed. The refrigerator drawer includes a storage box forwardly movable in a storage chamber provided in a cabinet; and a supporting member provided in the storage chamber to support the storage box; a guide member provided between the supporting member and the storage box, the guide member secured to the storage box, and being relatively-movable with respect to the storage box and the supporting member, wherein the guide member is movably connected to the storage box and the guide member comprises at least one guiding slot configured to guide the relative-motion with the storage box.
US08328301B2 Refrigerator
Disclosed is a refrigerator including a main body cabinet forming a storage compartment including a front opening, and a drawer type door entering and exiting the storage compartment to open and close the front opening, the drawer type door including: a basket entering and exiting the storage compartment; a door main body coupled to a front area of the basket to open and close the front opening of the storage compartment; a pocket unit formed at an upper wall surface of the door main body to receive a user's hand; a handle member adjacent to the pocket unit to rotate in forward and backward directions with respect to the door main body; and a pair of sliders reciprocating between an opening position and a closing position.
US08328300B2 Mounting apparatus for slide rail
A mounting apparatus is provided for mounting a slide rail to a rack post defining a number of through holes. The mounting apparatus includes a mounting bracket and a clipping member. The mounting bracket includes a sliding portion slidably engaged with the slide rail and an end plate perpendicularly extending from a front end of the sliding portion. Two inserting pins extend from the end plate through corresponding through holes of the rack post. The clipping member includes a first end fixed to the mounting bracket, and a second end approaching the end plate. A tab protrudes from the clipping member and is adjacent to the second end of the clipping member. The second end or the tab of the clipping member abuts against a side of rack post opposite to the end plate to avoid the inserting pins to disengage from the corresponding through holes.
US08328298B2 Electro-hydraulic brake system
Disclosed herein is an electro-hydraulic brake system. The electro-hydraulic brake system includes a master cylinder to transmit brake oil, a high-pressure accumulator to transmit brake oil independently of the master cylinder, first and second circuits connected respectively to the master cylinder, at least one first wheel to be braked by the first circuit, and at least one second wheel to be braked by the second circuit. The first circuit is connected to the high-pressure accumulator, to control the first wheel. The second circuit is connected to the first circuit, to control the second wheel.
US08328297B2 Brake system
In a brake system, two first fluid pressure chambers of a master cylinder respectively communicate with two second fluid pressure chambers of a motor cylinder. The two second chambers communicate with four wheel cylinders through an ABS. The wheel cylinders are operated by brake fluid pressure generated by the master cylinder in an abnormal situation where the motor cylinder is non-operational. The brake system includes two separate independent fluid pressure lines: one line extending from one of the first chambers in the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders via one of the second chambers in the motor cylinder; and the other line extending from the other first chamber in the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders via the other second chamber in the motor cylinder. Thus, even if an abnormality occurs in one of the two fluid pressure lines, a minimum necessary braking force is secured.
US08328294B2 Electronic control system for a spinning wheel cover
An electrical control system for a rotatable wheel cover assembly is presented, the system including a controller assembly comprising processors for controlling the relative motion of a wheel cover rotatably mounted to a wheel frame of a vehicle. The controller assembly outputs a first signal to motor drivers, which are mounted within the vehicle separated from the wheel cover, the motor drivers passing a first drive frequency to motor leads for open loop control of the speed of the motors that drive the wheel cover. The electrical control system provides power from an inboard side of the wheel frame to an outboard side via a slip ring assembly having connector assemblies passing through the wheel frame for controlling motion of the wheel cover. The wheel cover is mounted to a shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is mounted coaxially with the wheel frame.
US08328292B2 Mining machine with driven disc cutters
A mining machine includes a cutting mechanism with an arm, and a substantial weight of more than a thousand pounds attached to the arm. The mining machine also includes a first disc cutter adapted to engage the material to be mined and mounted on a first disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the first disc cutter, the first disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight. The mining machine also includes at least a second disc cutter spaced apart from the first disc cutter assembly and adapted to engage the material to be mined, and mounted on a second disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the second disc cutter, the second disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight.
US08328291B2 Transporter vehicle
In the course of largely tilting a vessel (3) backward of a vehicle body (2) by a hoist cylinder (10), occasionally the rear end portion of the vessel (3) runs into an embankment (4A) of dumped earth and sand. In consequence, a load by a vehicle weight to be applied to a rear suspension (8A) suspending the side of a rear wheel (8) of a vehicle is rapidly reduced. Therefore, an inner pressure (P) in the rear suspension (8A) detected by a pressure sensor (25) is rapidly lowered. In this case, a controller (27) controls the hoist cylinder (10) according to the inner pressure (P) in the rear suspension (8A) to stop an extension operation of the hoist cylinder (10). This can suppress occurrence of a state where the side of the rear wheel (8) of the vehicle body (2) is raised upward, that is, a jack-up state.
US08328284B2 Lock release assembly for a collapsible chair having a fold-down back
Lock release assemblies which are accessible at the rear of a rotatable fold-down back of a collapsible home or office chair. The lock release assemblies are adapted to be manually manipulated by the user to control the rotation of the fold-down back from a locked upright position standing vertically above the seat of the chair to an unlocked folded position lying horizontally over the seat in face-to-face alignment therewith. With the back rotated to its folded position, the chair will have a compact, space-efficient configuration which is suitable for storage and/or transport.
US08328283B2 Chair
A chair with articulable support sections and an integrated lift system may have support sections mechanically linked such that a single actuation control device may articulate multiple sections. The chair includes configurable accessories directed to the comfort of an occupant of the chair. The support sections may include air cells to adjust firmness of support section surfaces.
US08328280B2 Hinged center bolster for center ISO FIX attachment in a high bolster rear seat
A vehicle seat assembly includes a pair of outboard seats and a stationary center bolster positioned between the outboard seats. Each of the outboard seats has a seatback and a seat base. The center bolster includes a cushion and a back. The cushion has a hinged portion which is movable to reveal a pair of low mount anchor bars associated with the center bolster for securing an associated child restraint to the center bolster. The hinged portion is movable from a stowed position to a support position. In the support position, the hinged portion is configured to at least partially support the associated child restraint.
US08328279B2 Vehicle seat pad
A pad is adapted to set on a seat pan included in a vehicle seat. The pad includes a cushion on the seat pan and a cushion cover on the cushion.
US08328271B2 Off-road vehicle having a cargo box
An off-road vehicle has a frame, at least four wheels, each including a tire, a seat, a steering assembly, an engine, and a cargo box pivotally mounted to the frame rearwardly of the seat. The cargo box includes a cargo box body having a front wall, a pair of side walls extending from the front wall, a first floor connected to a lower end of the front and the pair of side walls, and an at least partially opened rear side. A second floor is supported inside the cargo box body above the first floor. At least one tailgate selectively closes the at least partially opened rear side.
US08328270B2 Integrated roller and striker assembly for a vehicle
A vehicle closure assembly includes a vehicle body defining an opening, a latch assembly mounted to the vehicle body, a track mounted to the vehicle body, a slidable closure movable with respect to the vehicle body for selectively covering the opening, and a roller and striker assembly connected with the slidable closure for movement with the slidable closure. The roller and striker assembly includes a roller riding on the track and a striker for cooperating with the latch assembly. The roller moves with respect to the track to allow the slidable closure to move with respect to the vehicle body. The striker engages with the latch assembly to preclude movement of the slidable closure with respect to the vehicle body.
US08328269B2 Articulating trim closeout panel for opposing hinged doors
A vehicle includes a pair of opposing hinged doors. The pair of opposing hinged doors includes a first door and a second door. An articulating trim panel is moveably attached to the second door, and is moveable between a deployed position and a refracted position. When in the deployed position, the articulating trim panel conceals an interior gap between a first interior trim panel of the first door and a second interior trim panel of the second door. When in the refracted position, the articulating trim panel is withdrawn from the interior gap, thereby allowing independent pivotable movement of the first door and the second door relative to each other.
US08328268B2 System for controlling an access opening in a body of a vehicle
A system controlling an access opening in a body of a vehicle includes a door arranged to selectively open and close a first portion of the opening. A latch is mounted on the door for latching the door to the body and releasing the door to selectively open and close the first portion of the opening. A device is mounted on the door and is configured to be retracted by an actuator before the door is opened and to be protracted by the actuator when the door is closed. A detent is mounted on the device to latch the device to the door when the device is protracted and to release the device before the device is retracted. A motor is mounted on the first door and is configured to operate at least two of the latch, the detent, and the actuator.
US08328267B2 Tonneau cover having securing mechanism
A tonneau cover apparatus for securing a flexible cover about a cargo box of a pickup truck. The apparatus comprises the cover and a support frame for attachment to the cargo box. The frame has two opposing side rails, each of which has a lock engaging surface. The support frame further includes a pair of securing plate engagement members, each of which is secured to one of the respective opposing side rails. The apparatus further comprises a flexible cover securing plate attached to the cover. The flexible cover securing plate includes a channel and least one locking member. Each locking member is secured within the channel and each respective locking member is engagable with the lock engaging surface of the respective side rail such that the flexible cover securing plate is prevented from disengaging with respect to the respective side rail when it is in a first position.
US08328266B2 Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed
A pick-up style utility vehicle has a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed. The cargo bed is expandable forward and has a screen shield for partitioning at a front end thereof. The rear seat has a seat bottom for the rear seat detachably attached to a rear seat attaching portion provided on a vehicle body. The screen shield has a seat holding portion to which the seat bottom, detached from the rear seat attaching portion, is attachable.
US08328265B2 Kinematic arrangement for a cover of a storage compartment in a vehicle
The invention relates to a storage compartment (1) having a pivotable cover (5). The invention proposes that the cover (5) be mounted on a slider member (3) and driven with a constraining kinematic arrangement (15) so that, during opening, the cover (5) is in the first instance displaced with the slider member (3) in parallel and is then pivoted upwards, the cover (5) being displaced further with the slider member (3) during pivoting.
US08328259B2 Structure for fixing end of trim cover
A trim cover having overlapped first and second cover members is fixed to a vehicle surface by a structure which includes a belt-like support plate attached along an end of the first cover member, and an engaging element. The engaging element has a longitudinal base portion and spaced tongue-shaped pieces projecting laterally therefrom. The engaging element extends along an end of the second cover member which positionally corresponds to the end of the first cover member. Fasteners fix the support plate, at both ends and a center portion thereof, through the end of the first cover member, to a surface of a vehicle. The tongue-shaped pieces of the engaging element are press-fitted through spaces in regions between the first cover member and the surface which are not occupied by the fasteners.
US08328255B2 Apparatus and method for transferring shock-sensitive glass plates in ultra clean rooms
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for the contamination-free transfer of thin, shock-sensitive crystalline plates, especially glass plates, from a horizontal into a defined vertical position. Said method and apparatus have the following features: a) a transverse bar of a transfer fork is disposed below the glass plate in order to grip the glass plate, said transverse bar (6) being fitted with suction head-supporting bars which are vertically mounted thereon and have suction heads that are distributed along the top side thereof and penetrate the free space between the rolls: b) the suction heads are moved close to the bottom side of the glass plate; and the suction elements thereof are connected to the glass plate by means of intake air, c) the glass plate is put into the placement device after being finely adjusted. Also disclosed are a computer program and a machine-readable carrier containing the corresponding program code.
US08328254B1 Portable ball retriever
A portable ball retriever utilized on a tennis court flat surface, comprising a container having a top handle, a logo plate, a body with an open top, top band, converging side wall, a retrieving bottom aperture with elongated wires spaced from each other a distance smaller than a tennis ball's diameter. The converging side wall has a waist located near the retrieving bottom aperture. The side wall converges inwardly from the open top to the waist and diverges outwardly from the waist to the retrieving bottom aperture. The top handle has spaced grips and the oriented vertically logo plate is placed in-between them. The spaced grips cover the upper and lower edges of the logo plate. The side wall protrudes above the top band and along with the top handle enlarges the container capacity.
US08328248B2 Latch assembly
A latch assembly for a tailgate of a truck includes a striker plate, a clasp, a handle, and a fastening mechanism. The clasp is attached to the striker plate and defines a first pivot point. The handle includes a first free end and a second anchored end. The second anchored end is attached to the clasp and defines a second pivot point. The first free end of the handle moves about the both the first pivot point and the second pivot point. The first free end is secured by a spring clip of the fastening mechanism to latch the tailgate of the truck.
US08328242B2 Connection methods and systems
Various novel connectors are provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a collar configured to receive first and second components. In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring configured to be received in a groove of the second component and to move into and out of engagement with the collar when the second component is received by the collar. The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a cotter configured for installation to the second component and to inhibit disengagement of the load ring from the collar. In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring and the collar effects securing of the first and second components to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to connectors are also disclosed.
US08328239B2 Mechanical assembly for securing the structural integrity of a pipe joint
A mechanical securing assembly (40) is adapted to secure the structural integrity of a flow passage formed by at least a first pipe part (41) and a second pipe part (42). The assembly comprises a connecting member (43), a first fastening member (44), attached to the connecting member and adapted to secure the connecting member to the first pipe part, and a second fastening member (45), attached to the connecting member and adapted to secure the connecting member to the second pipe part. The connecting member comprises a spring element (46) exerting a force pulling the first fastening member and the second fastening member towards each other along a primary axis (y), and thus being adapted to force the first pipe part and the second pipe part towards each other. The spring element is extendable along the primary axis by a compression of the spring element along a secondary axis forming an angle to the primary axis.
US08328236B2 Floor conveyor with wheel arms
A floor conveyor, with a frame on which a drive unit and a load unit are attached, the load unit having a load carrying means adjustable in its height, further with two parallel wheel arms which are adapted to be mounted on the outer sides of the frame, each wheel arm mounting one load wheel, and with means for reducing the distance of the wheel arms from each other, wherein a frame portion or a frame plate is fixedly connected to the frame on each outer side thereof, said frame portion or frame plate having an outer bearing surface and holes which result in a first hole pattern, wherein a wheel arm plate is connected to the wheel arms, which has first through bores resulting in a second hole pattern, and an inner bearing surface.
US08328230B1 Active bolster with internal tear ribs for a contoured inflation shape
An active bolster for protecting an occupant during a crash event of a motor vehicle includes a back wall and a front wall forming an inflatable bladder. Frangible tear ribs are provided in a central region to limit expansion so a surrounding region expands by a greater distance toward the occupant prior to tearing of the tear ribs providing a contoured shape during inflation deflecting a portion of an impacting occupant toward the central region. The tear ribs separate after a predetermined amount of inflation to provide a cushion in the central region.
US08328229B2 Airbag module
An airbag module for protecting the knees of an occupant of a vehicle includes an airbag formed by at least one panel of material, an inflator that produces gas that inflates the airbag into a deployed condition, a tether connected to the airbag for restraining upward movement of the airbag when the airbag begins to deploy, and a housing. Prior to deployment, the airbag is compacted in the storage condition. In the storage condition, the airbag includes a rolled portion and a folded portion, where the folded portion includes a half Z-shape fold.
US08328227B2 Side airbag apparatus for a vehicle
In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a side airbag apparatus for a vehicle having a seat with a back rest part and a hinge mechanism. The side airbag includes an inner sleeve forming a separation element defining one of a front airbag chamber and a rear airbag chamber within the side airbag. A connecting passage connects the front and a rear airbag chambers adjacent a lower extremity of the separation element. An attaching portion provided on the rear portion of the rear airbag chamber attaches the side airbag to the backrest part. An inflator proximate the attaching portion injects gas into the rear airbag chamber which flows through the connecting passage into the front airbag chamber.
US08328226B2 Direction changeable stroller
A direction changeable stroller comprises a frame unit that includes a side leg frame and a push handle pivotable between front and rear positions. The side leg frame includes front and rear leg tubes, and front and rear wheel assemblies. Each of the front and rear wheel assemblies includes a wheel seat and a wheel. Each of the wheel seats includes a fixed portion connected fixedly to a corresponding one of the front and rear leg tubes, and a rotating portion connected pivotably to the fixed portion. The side leg frame further includes an automatic direction-limiting mechanism connected to the push handle such that, when the push handle is at a selected one of the front and rear positions, relative rotation between the fixed portion and the rotating portion of a corresponding one of the front and rear wheel seats is prevented.
US08328225B2 Ski binding adaptor with floating heel lock
AT ski binding adaptor for alpine ski touring and downhill, including a floating heel lock assembly and multifunctional rotatable locking arms. Ski bindings are mounted on an adaptor mounting plate, channel or beam assembly that pivots at the toe. The heel lock mechanism “floats” on a rail or rails to accommodate ski flex, and includes a multi-position climbing bar or heel riser. The floating heelblock and locking mechanism are interconvertible for different ski modes: in fixed heel-mode—the locking arms act to firmly secure the heel to the ski for aggressive downhill conditions or riding style, and in free heel mode—the locking arms may be configured to support touring and climbing configurations. The ski binding adaptor with floating heel lock mechanism is optionally compatible with a range of alpine ski touring and downhill bindings.
US08328216B2 Retractable/extendable crank using a cylindrical cam, an end cam, or a swash plate cam, and bicycle using the same
The present invention relates to a mechanical element, and more particularly, to a crank connected to a bicycle pedal or a handle for rotating a rotary body and to a bicycle using the same. The present invention uses a cylindrical cam, an end cam, or a swash plate cam, and the shafts of these cams and a shaft of a pedal or a handle for applying force are equipped with a miter gear (a bevel gear the number of teeth of which is 1:1 and the shaft angle of which is 90 degrees), such that the crank retracts/extends one time per one rotation of the pedal or the handle.
US08328211B2 Suspension system with single moving element
A suspension system for use with a vehicle comprising a control arm having an upper rear arm and a spring mounting plate integrally formed as a single member, a spindle extending outwardly from the upper rear arm, an air spring adapted to be mounted intermediate the spring plate and the vehicle, and a pivot assembly for pivotally mounting the control arm to the vehicle whereby the pivot assembly has a fist axis of rotation.
US08328208B2 Stroller connectable with a car seat
A stroller includes a stroller frame having a pair of lateral members, a footrest disposed rotatably between the lateral members and having a coupling portion, and a locking device disposed between the footrest and the lateral members and operable to allow for an adjustment to an angle of the footrest with respect to the lateral members. The locking device includes an angle-limiting mechanism and an actuator operable to allow the footrest to be pivoted relative to the lateral members to a selected one of a first angular position and a second angular position. The angle-limiting mechanism locks the footrest at the selected one of the first and second angular positions when the actuator is released. When the footrest is disposed at the first angular position, the coupling portion of the footrest is engageable with a retaining member of a car seat.
US08328204B2 Trigger-style PTO-actuation
In a power driver, a power take off (PTO) arrangement (to open/close a chuck) includes: a chuck actuating shaft and a coaxial PTO actuator shaft axially displaceable along, yet rotationally locked together about, a first axis of the power driver; an input shaft, supporting jaws of the chuck, and concentric to at least a portion of the chuck actuating shaft and a portion of the PTO actuator shaft; relative rotation between the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft selectively being prevented and being caused by first and second configurations of the chuck actuating shaft and the PTO actuator shaft, respectively; and a PTO-control member, displaceable between first and second positions along a second axis parallel to the first axis, and coupled to adjust at least one of the chuck actuating shaft and the PTO actuator to achieve the first and second configurations, respectively.
US08328203B2 Sealing system for exhaust-gas lines
A sealing system, in particular for sealing multiple part exhaust-gas lines for an internal combustion engine, has at least a first flange part (9) and a second flange part (11) guiding a flow of heat (5). The flange parts (9, 11) delimit a receiving space (33) for at least one sealing element (31) between them and adjoin one another. Each flange part forms an outwardly projecting annular flange (13) facing away from the flow of heat (5), and extending transversely with respect to the heat flow. Chambering of the receiving space (33) is formed for the sealing element (31) by an annular groove (45) open at the end face (17) of at least one flange part (11) and recessed axially into said end face (17). At least one covering element (47) is arranged in the annular groove (45) and provides thermal shielding for the sealing element (31) at least on its side facing the end face (17) of the flange part (11).
US08328201B2 Pumping seal assembly with angled spring
A seal assembly is for sealing a space between a housing and a shaft rotatable about a central axis. The seal assembly includes a seal body connectable with the housing and having an inner circumferential sealing surface. The sealing surface has opposing axial ends and is slidably contactable with the shaft outer surface to define a sealing interface. An annular biasing member, preferably a garter spring, is disposed about a portion of the seal body and has a centerline. The biasing member exerts a biasing force directed radially inwardly toward the centerline, such that the seal exerts a contact pressure on the shaft. Further, the biasing member is angularly positioned on the seal body such that the contact pressure extends axially along the shaft axis to direct substances entering the sealing interface toward a proximal axial end of the sealing surface when the shaft rotates about the central axis.
US08328200B2 Multiple use installation aid for radial shaft seals
A shaft-sealing device comprising a sealing ring having a seal secured thereto, and a protective member engaged with the sealing ring. The said protective member includes a cylindrical member having a shaft-engaging surface and a seal-engaging surface, and an annular flange extends radially away from the shaft. The shaft-engaging surface is operable to be attached to the shaft during operation of the device, and the seal-engaging surface is operable to be in sealing contact with the seal during operation of the device. The annular flange is operable to engage the sealing ring.
US08328199B2 Seal device
A seal device has a magnetic force generator for generating a magnetic force in a vicinity of a shaft. A first magnetism transmission member for transmitting the magnetic force generator is disposed adjacent to one side of the magnetic force generator. A second magnetism transmission member for transmitting the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator is disposed adjacent to another side of the magnetic force generator. A slide bush is disposed and secured between an inner flange of the second magnetism transmission member and the shaft. A seal member for sliding relative to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft, is accommodated in a sealing. And, a magnetic fluid is held between the shaft and the magnetism transmission member by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generator.
US08328197B2 Card game
A game of chance card game in which Players play, at least initially, against a Dealer/Bank. In one embodiment, the Dealer/Bank hand must qualify and if not Players may continue in action against one another. The object of the game is for a Player to successfully hold five cards whose total numeric value is higher than that of any of the other Players or Dealer at the end of the round. To reach a game decision, each Player must proceed through four wagering stages. The game can accommodate one to many Players and may be implemented in live table gaming or electronically implemented formats. Numeric card values are comprised of 3X, 5X and 8X, where X is a non-zero number. A Fire card (30, 30′) resets the value of certain numeric cards only. Wild or Joker cards may be used which are not nullified by the Fire card.
US08328195B2 Exit path assembly for an imaging device
An exit path assembly for an imaging device according to one embodiment includes a first exit nip formed by a first roller and a second roller and a second exit nip formed by the second roller and a third roller. The rotational direction of the second roller is opposite the rotational direction of the first and third rollers. The exit path assembly further includes a common drive linkage for driving the rotation of the first, second and third rollers. The common drive linkage has a one-way clutch coupled to the third roller for limiting the drive of the third roller to one direction.
US08328194B2 Machine for processing sheets with a number of modules
A sheet-processing machine comprises a plurality of modules which are passed through one after the other by the sheets to be processed. The modules each have a sheet input interface and/or a sheet output interface, wherein, in at least one of the modules, the sheet input interface and/or the sheet output interface can optionally be coupled to sheet output interfaces and sheet input interfaces, respectively, of at least two other modules.
US08328191B2 Sheet material detection apparatus and recording apparatus
A sheet material detection apparatus detects passage of a sheet material over a sheet material transportation path. The apparatus includes: a lever member that is exposed over the transportation path and turns from a reference position when the sheet material is brought into contact therewith; a detecting section that detects the turn of the lever member; a holder that supports the lever member in such a manner that the lever member can turn freely toward both sides in a direction of the transportation of the sheet material at a guide-facing-surface side, the guide facing surface being a surface facing a guide surface along which the sheet material is guided over the transportation path; and a counter weight with which the turning lever member is brought into contact, the counter weight turning due to contact with the lever member, the counter weight being thereafter brought into contact with the holder.
US08328189B2 Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying device with a sheet conveyance path through which a sheet is conveyed include: a sheet guide that has a first end rotatably supported to move a second end to be close to or away from the sheet conveyance path; and a sheet detecting section that has a first end protruding beyond the sheet guide and a second end rotatably supported so that the first end is pushed by the sheet and rotated. A rotation shaft of the sheet detecting section is disposed farther from the sheet conveyance path than a rotation shaft of the sheet guide, and the sheet guide is provided with a moving portion for moving the first end of the sheet detecting section to an inside of a guide face of the sheet guide.
US08328186B2 Paper sheet processing apparatus, and paper sheet processing method
A post-processing method involves using a standby tray to receive a paper sheet to be supplied from a digital copier, a processing tray to receive a paper sheet dropped from a standby tray, a feed member which guides the rear end of a paper sheet received in a standby tray in the feeding direction to a processing tray, and scrapes and sends the rear end of a paper sheet dropped onto a processing tray to a stopper, a press member which clamps the rear end of a paper sheet received in a standby tray by cooperating with two feed members, and a stapler to staple the aligned rear ends of paper sheets. When a first paper sheet is supplied to the standby tray, the press member presses the rear end of the first paper sheet, to receive a second paper.
US08328183B2 Media stopper for a printing system
A printer comprising a media stopper element held in position by a rotatable shaft. The shaft comprises a lever which can be moved in order to rotate the shaft and move the media stopper element out of the way.
US08328181B2 Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming system
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit, a suction conveyance unit configured to convey an uppermost sheet stacked on the sheet stacking unit, a suction unit configured to adsorb the sheets onto the suction conveyance unit, and an adsorption completion detection unit. In the sheet feeding apparatus, when the tab-attached sheets are stacked on the sheet stacking unit and fed such that their tab portions are on the downstream side in a sheet feeding direction, the suction unit starts to adsorb the sheet in response to a sheet feeding signal, and the suction conveyance unit starts to convey the sheet immediately after the adsorption completion detection unit detects the completion of the adsorption. When the sheets other than the tab-attached sheets are fed, the suction unit previously adsorbs the sheet onto the suction conveyance unit, and the suction conveyance unit starts to convey the sheet in response to the sheet feeding signal.
US08328179B2 Transport-object transporting device and image processing apparatus
A transport-object transporting device includes a power-transmission blocking mechanism that blocks the transmission of power at an intermediate point of the cam driving gear train so as to maintain the discharge roller in the release position. The power-transmission blocking mechanism includes an engaged portion provided in the rocking arm, and an engaging portion whose engagement position thereof relative to the engaged portion is changeable by changing a rocking direction of the rocking arm. When the engaging portion is set at a predetermined engagement position relative to the engaged portion, the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are both kept away from the cam driving gear.
US08328177B2 Feed device with improved grip
A mailpiece feed device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck for receiving a stack of mailpieces, conveyor rollers for conveying the mailpieces along a longitudinal referencing wall and towards a separator device designed to separate the mailpieces one-by-one from said stack of mailpieces and to convey them downstream, and, incorporated vertically in said longitudinal referencing wall, at least one friction roller of varying roughness, with its coefficient of friction decreasing from the top to the bottom of said longitudinal referencing wall.
US08328170B2 Clamping apparatus
A clamping apparatus is disclosed including a first handle defining a hole, a magnet affixed to the first handle, and a movable jaw coupled to the first handle and a second handle, the jaw comprising two clamp segments. The apparatus further includes a magnet contacting element disposed on a release lever on the second handle, wherein pressure is applied to release the release lever from contacting the magnet in an open position.
US08328169B2 Spring steel and spring having superior corrosion fatigue strength
The present application provides a high strength spring steel and a high strength spring that have superior corrosion fatigue strength. The spring steel comprises, in terms of percent by mass, 0.35-0.55% C, 1.60-3.00% Si, 0.20-1.50% Mn, 0.10-1.50% Cr and at least one element selected from 0.40-3.00% Ni, 0.05-0.50% Mo 0.05-0.50% V, the balance being at least substantially Fe and incidental elements and impurities.
US08328164B2 Pry bar tool for apiarists
A hive tool comprises an integrally formed elongated flat bar shaft with concavely shaped sides having a “Z” shaped portion at one end of the longitudinal axis and a gradually tapered straight edge on the other end. The “Z” shape end thereof is proportioned to slide between the frames of a hive box in the bee space and engages a top bar of a frame. The portion of the “Z” shape adjacent to the shaft provides a fulcrum holding one frame in place, while simultaneously lifting the other with an end flanged plane. A thrust and throw of the lever handle is required for operation.
US08328161B2 Sanitary fitting with separate mounting for the actuating lever
The fitting housing contains a control cartridge, of which the control shank can be pivoted about the pivot axis. The actuating lever can be displaced relative to the control shank, is mounted on the latter and can be pivoted via its own lever axis, this lever axis being guided in the guide track. When the actuating lever is pivoted up and down, it executes a displacement movement relative to the control shank, and this prevents contact between the actuating lever and the fitting housing.
US08328159B2 Vacuum valve device for bag
A vacuum valve device is used with a bag and has a base and a clip. The base has a tube, a clipping flange and a valve. The tube mounted through a sheet of the bag and has a central hole and at least one outlet hole. The clipping flange is formed on the tube. The valve is mounted slidably in the tube and selectively seal the at least one outlet hole. The clip is mounted detachably around the tube of the base and cooperates with the clipping flange to hermetically clip the sheet of the bag. The vacuum valve device may be reused, is economical and marketable.
US08328157B2 Electromagnetic hydraulic valve
An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1) is provided having a valve housing (2) with a pressurized hydraulic medium inlet channel (24), a pressurized hydraulic medium outlet channel (25), a magnet coil (3), and a valve seat (23), with a magnet armature (9) that can be excited by the magnet coil and a valve tappet (10, 10′) fixed on this armature. A valve-closing element (13) is activated by the valve tappet and that blocks the connection between the pressurized hydraulic medium channels for contact on the valve seat. The magnet armature with the valve tappet and the valve-closing element are guided so that they can move longitudinally in the valve housing and the valve tappet and the valve-closing element contact each other with facing longitudinal end sides (26, 27) in a way that is free from tensile forces. Here, one annular, continuous lobe or several lobes (28, 28′) separated from each other are formed on the longitudinal end side of the valve tappet, which span a contact plane running perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of movement for the longitudinal end side of the valve-closing element.
US08328148B2 Stand for a display unit
The present invention relates to a stand for supporting a thin display unit, such as a liquid crystal display, upright. In order to provide the stand for the display unit in which a quadrangular rubber pad is attached in a not-easily removable state with a simpler structure, rubber pad attachment portions are provided, each rubber pad attachment portion (2) including a quadrangular frame rib (21) to which each quadrangular rubber pad (4) is attached and being formed into a quadrilateral in a plan view, an abutment rib which regulates a fitting depth of the rubber pad and abuts with the rubber pad in a predetermined abutment area is provided in each rubber pad attachment portion, and evacuation spaces (5(5A to 5D)) allowing further fitting of the rubber pad are provided at positions corresponding to four corners of the rubber pad (4) where the abutment rib is not provided.
US08328147B2 Archery bow mounting brackets and integrated support systems
The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for assisting archery bow hunters in making accurate shots while hunting in dynamic terrain. Generally, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present invention discloses various universal mounting brackets and integrated archery bow systems configured for coupling a support element to an archery bow. Most preferably, the universal mounting brackets and integrated archery bow systems are configured to give the bow hunter maximum stability and range of motion when aiming and/or firing the bow. In accordance with the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various universal mounting brackets and integrated archery bow systems configured for coupling a collapsible monopod support element to an archery bow is disclosed. Additionally, various universal mounting brackets configured for coupling an extendable bipod support element to an archery bow is disclosed.
US08328145B2 Method and apparatus for distributed power train control
A method for controlling a railroad train (10) comprising a lead unit (14), a remote unit (12A) and a communications system communicating information between the lead unit (14) and the remote unit (12A), wherein the lead unit (14) and the remote unit (12A) are each operable in a traction operational mode and a dynamic brake operational mode. The method comprises determining operability of the communications system; determining a direction of train travel; determining an operational mode of the lead unit (14) and the remote unit (12A); and indicating a train condition responsive to the operability of the communications system, the direction of train travel and the operational mode of the lead (14) and remote units (12A).
US08328142B2 Aileron actuator bracket
An aircraft wing comprising: a trailing edge cove extending in a span-wise direction along a trailing edge of the wing, the trailing edge cove having a front face, a top face and a bottom face; an actuator bracket which is mounted to the front and top faces of the trailing edge cove, but not to its bottom face; an aileron actuator coupled at one end to an aileron and at the other end to the actuator bracket, the aileron actuator being adjustable from a retracted position to a deployed position to deploy the aileron; and a channel extending in a span-wise direction along the wing and positioned below the actuator bracket.
US08328135B2 Breather apparatus on electromechanical actuators for aircraft landing gear systems
An actuator system and a method for assembling the same are provided. An actuator system includes a housing and a cap. The housing includes a cavity defined by the housing and an opening defined in a wall of the housing. The housing encases an actuator within the cavity. The cap is coupled to the housing to facilitate shielding the opening from a surrounding environment.
US08328134B2 Connection element for power transmission between a flap actuator and a flap mounted on a wing of an aircraft so as to swivel
A connection element for power transmission between a flap actuator and a flap mounted swivelably on a wing of an aircraft includes a first section joined to the flap actuator and a second section joined to the flap. The first and second sections are formed by a strap made of a fiber composite material.
US08328131B2 Annular airborne vehicle
An airborne vehicle having a wing-body which defines a wing-body axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the wing-body axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends. A propulsion system is provided comprising one or more pairs of propulsion devices, each pair comprising a first propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a first side of a plane including the wing-body axis, and a second propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a second side of the plane including the wing-body axis.
US08328130B2 Vertical take off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle airframe structure
An unmanned aerial vehicle selectively formed of high strength composite structural part portions and lightweight aerodynamic foam portions to provide a low-cost and lightweight UAV that comports with export, civil airspace, and safety regulations. To further to reduce an overall weight of the UAV, mechanical elements are designed to provide multiple functionalities. Structural elements may be manufactured in same or similar non-specialized processes, and non-structural elements manufactured in same or similar non-specialized processes, reducing overall manufacturing costs. Materials and bonding elements are selected to provide frangibility and yet maintain normal flight structural integrity.
US08328129B2 Vibration-attenuating hard-mounted pylon
A preferred embodiment of a pylon has six pylon mounting links for mounting the pylon to an airframe. Each link is considered “near-rigid” and has a spherical-bearing rod-end on both ends such that the link can only transmit axial loads. At least one of the links has a mass carried within the link and selectively moveable by an actuating means along the axis of the link in an oscillatory manner for attenuating vibrations traveling axially through the link. The actuating means may be an electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or piezoelectric system. By mounting each link in a selected orientation relative to the other links, the actuating means may be operated in a manner that attenuates axial vibration that would otherwise be transmitted through the link and into the airframe.
US08328126B2 Method and apparatus for processing an ore feed
A sizing roller screen apparatus and method for processing an ore feed received at an inlet is disclosed. The ore feed includes sized ore portions and oversize ore portions. The apparatus includes a roller screen having a plurality of adjacent screening rollers supported to provide interstices therebetween for permitting passage of the sized ore portions between the adjacent screening rollers, the adjacent screening rollers being operably configured to rotate to cause a first sized ore portion to pass through the interstices while the ore feed is being transported along the roller screen. The apparatus also includes a sizing roller disposed generally above an opposing one of the plurality of adjacent screening rollers, the sizing roller being operably configured to rotate to fragment at least some of the oversize ore portions passing between the sizing roller and the opposing screening roller to produce a second sized ore portion, the second sized ore portion being sized for passage between the interstices.
US08328123B2 Variable blowing control system for loosefill blowing machine
A machine for distributing loosefill insulation from sources of compressed loosefill insulation is provided. The machine includes a shredding chamber having an outlet end and a plurality of shredders configured to condition the loosefill insulation. The plurality of shredders is configured to operate at variable rotational speeds. A discharge mechanism is mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber. The discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the conditioned loosefill insulation into an airstream provided by a blower. The blower is configured to operate at variable rotational speeds. The plurality of shredders, the discharge mechanism and the blower are configured to operate on a single 15 ampere, 110 volt a.c. power supply. The variable rotational speeds of the plurality of shredders are configured to provide variable flow rates of the loosefill insulation and the variable rotational speeds of the blower are configured to provide variable flow rates of the airstream.
US08328122B2 Spraying apparatus and method of using the same
An outlet head (22) for a spray device (10), the outlet head (22) comprising an inlet section (31) having an opening (30) adapted to receive an output section (20) of a spray material container (16), said opening (30) forming a first end of a fluid channel for spray material from the spray material container (16), the outlet head (22) also comprising an outlet portion (14) adapted to eject spray material and forming a second end of the fluid channel for spray material, wherein the inlet section (31) has a first, major, lateral axis and a second, minor, lateral axis, said first and second axes being substantially at right angles to one another, wherein the size of the inlet section along the first, major, axis is greater than the size of the inlet section along the second, minor, axis.
US08328121B2 Multihole injector
Each of the injection holes has an inclined angle with respect to a center line of an injection valve main body as well as the inclined angle of each of the injection holes is provided with a predetermined offset amount with respect to a target inclination angle of a center of gravity position of each of the injected fuel sprays. The predetermined offset amount is set based on a correction amount for correcting positional drift with respect to the target direction of the center of gravity position of the fuel spray.
US08328116B2 Method and system for preheating epoxy coatings for spray application
A method and system for the spray application of epoxy materials is provided. The system includes a dual walled tank structure as a reservoir for containing and preheating the epoxy materials in preparation for mixing and spray application. Each component of the epoxy material is preheated before the components are mixed. After preheating, the components are then mixed together and spray applied. The method and system of the present invention provides a high quality spray applied epoxy coating while reducing equipment down time and cleaning.
US08328115B2 Wicking apparatus for liquid droplet spray device
This wicking apparatus includes a liquid reservoir, a wick holder, and a wick. The wick holder has a top part for fitting on the reservoir neck and a bottom part for insertion into the reservoir opening, the top part being plate-formed with a central opening, and with two peripheral projections that are spaced apart and that extend downward from the plate towards the reservoir body, projections for contacting inner and outer walls of the reservoir neck, and a second projection for contacting an outer wall of the reservoir neck, the bottom part having wick supporting arms that extend downwards and have flexible end portions projecting inwardly towards the center of the reservoir opening. The wick is step-shaped with a larger diameter part, and a smaller diameter part; the interface between them defines a shoulder which is supported and held in place by the flexible end portions of the supporting arms.
US08328105B2 Semiconductor device
An object is to provide a semiconductor device which operates stably even when the communication distance between a reader/writer and a non-contact data carrier is largely changed. A protection circuit is provided in the non-contact data carrier, and an operating state and a non-operating state of the protection circuit are switched depending on the communication distance between the reader/writer and the non-contact data carrier. The operating point at which the operating state and the non-operating state of the protection circuit are switched is different between the case where input voltage of the protection circuit is low in an initial state and then gradually raised and the case where input voltage of the protection circuit is high in an initial state and then gradually lowered.
US08328104B2 Storage device management systems and methods
Storage device management systems and methods are provided. The system includes a storage device and an electronic device. The storage device has a UID, and a public area including a plurality of zones. Each zone includes an interpretation module. The electronic device selects one of the zones, reads the interpretation module from the selected zone of the storage device, and executes the interpretation module to read the UID, and interpret the UID as a specific UID. The electronic device manages the storage device locally or remotely based on the specific UID.
US08328099B2 Auto-focusing method for an automatic data collection device, such as an image acquisition device
An automatic data collection device includes an automatic focusing feature. The automatic focusing feature is based on a type of triangulation technique, which determines an optimum position of an imaging lens in order to obtain an optimally focused image. The position of the imaging lens may be adjusted until the imaging lens is at the optimum position. A pair of aiming beams is separated by a distance. The optimum position of the imaging lens (and/or the amount of displacement of the imaging lens that is needed to reach the optimum position) can be determined based on a relation that involves the distance between the two aiming beams, a focal length of the imaging lens, and a distance between “spots” that are respectively generated on an image plane (such as on an image sensor) by the pair of aiming beams.
US08328097B2 Multi-purpose appendable marking method
A method of marking and a method of tracking an object having a surface are disclosed. The method of marking includes generating a mark on the surface of the object, generating an attribute on the object, and appending the mark to indicate the generated attribute. The method of tracking the marked object includes acquiring a mark positioned in a sequential data region on the surface of the object, and acquiring an image of the attribute. The method of tracking also includes analyzing a code positioned in an auxiliary data region, wherein the auxiliary code corresponds to the attribute, and analyzing the attribute for a presence of a condition. Furthermore, the method of tracking includes storing the mark, the auxiliary code, and the image of the feature if the predetermined condition is present. A mark for identifying an object having a surface and an attribute is also disclosed.
US08328096B2 Self checkout kiosk and retail security system
A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The customer exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, and a computer monitor, either adjacent the portal or separated there from, enables the patron to complete a purchase transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for detecting product being transferred through the portal. A security system responds to transfer of product through the portal without a patron completing a purchase transaction using the self-checkout station. The security system itself is also usable in conventional retail environments when an attendant is present.
US08328095B2 Secure payment card transactions
Payment card transactions at a point of sale (POS) are secured in certain embodiments by intercepting, with a POS security layer installed on a POS terminal, payment data from the POS terminal, transmitting the payment data from the POS security layer to a server security application installed on a POS server, and providing false payment data from the POS security layer to a POS terminal application installed on the POS terminal. The false payment data in various embodiments is processed as if it were the payment data, such that the POS terminal transmits an authorization request to the POS server using the false payment data. In addition, the authorization request may be transmitted from the POS server to a payment gateway.
US08328092B1 Electronic memory key
An electronic memory key is described. The key includes internal memory and contact points on an exemplary flat and annular surface with a mechanical fastening mechanism to securely affix the key to a device interface. Corresponding contacts are provided on the device to electronically communicate the key to device.
US08328090B2 Methods for providing stand-in services for transaction card customization
The present invention is directed to methods for providing stand-in services for transaction card customization, wherein a transaction card franchiser provides the stand-in services for the transaction card issuer with regard to transaction card applicant email notification with respect to approval/rejection decisions and/or billing the transaction card applicant for the cost of a new transaction card on behalf the transaction card issuer.
US08328088B2 System for providing information via context searching of printed substrate
A system for providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The system includes the printed substrate, an optically imaging pen device and a display device. The optically imaging pen device is configured for reading coded data from the substrate; generating interaction data using the coded data; and sending the interaction data to a computer system. Receipt of the interaction data by the computer system causes the computer system to: identify and retrieve a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; generate a query expression including one or more search terms; form a request using the query expression; and send the request to the display device.
US08328087B2 Method of authorizing automated banking machine use responsive to user data read from data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular bank where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable financial transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks.
US08328082B1 Medication container encoding, verification, and identification
A medication container encoding, verification and identification method is provided that includes receiving data characterizing a medication, generating an identifier encapsulating the data and applying an identifier to a medication container such that it is automatically readable by a medication administration device and/or a medication wasting device. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.
US08328081B2 Method and system for tracking sodium intake
A calculating tabulating system which enables a person on a sodium restricted diet to better regulate the ingestion of sodium for prevention of medical complications. The system includes conversion of the weight of dietary sodium from a standard system of weights and measures to a simple numerical scale, conversion of the weight of dietary sodium consumed to the simple numerical scale, maintaining a running total of dietary sodium consumed in the simple numerical scale. The system includes various devices to aid in the conversion and tabulation process including various mechanical device and electronic devices.
US08328080B2 Document production using image transfer to mated substrate
A system in which a check and its duplicate are formed. In an embodiment, a mating device mates a base stock of a negotiable instrument with a base stock of a duplicate negotiable instrument to form mated base stock. In one embodiment, the base stock of the duplicate negotiable instrument has a photosensitive coating applied to a portion of the duplicate negotiable instrument. A printing device may be used to print personalized information on the base stock of negotiable instrument portion of the mated base stock. Also, an exposure unit may be used to apply light to the mated base stock, wherein the application of the light to the mated base stock transfers a portion of the personalized information on the negotiable instrument to the duplicate negotiable instrument.
US08328079B2 Carton with display header
More than one embodiment of a blank and carton are provided. In one embodiment, a blank forms a carton with an opening flap that forms a display header for the carton. The opening flap is defined along a tear line pattern in a side panel and an overlapped and adhered end flap configuration, with the overlapped portion defined along a fold line. The opening flap is foldable along the fold line to dispose interior surfaces of the overlapped end flaps in facing relationship with one another. A portion of the opening flap extends into the carton interior, and can be received into two tuck-in flaps formed in another side panel. A display header is formed of the exposed portion of the opening flap when the opening flap is oriented in a display configuration. In another embodiment, only one tuck-in flap is included.
US08328076B2 Apparatus and method for ensuring concentric weld deposition of material on a pipe interior
A welding jig for ensuring concentricity of an interior surface of a pipe with a circular outer periphery of a bolting flange thereon, comprising (i) a frame member; (ii) two spaced-apart rollers positioned at one end of said frame member, each adapted to remain in contacting engagement during welding with said circular outer periphery of said bolting flange; and (iii) a chill block, having a convexly-curved outer surface of a curvature corresponding to a desired inner diameter of said pipe, adapted to be positioned proximate said interior surface of said pipe. The rollers permit translational movement of the chill block about a center point of said pipe flange when the welding jig is placed on the pipe flange, to permit uniform diametrical deposition of weld material on said inner diameter of said pipe flange. A method of making a pipe is further disclosed and claimed.
US08328075B2 Methods of mark-off suppression in superplastic forming and diffusion bonding
The invention provides methods of superplastic forming and diffusion bonding and a gas inlet tube that facilitates the methods which produce structures that are substantially mark off free. Methods include disposing a sealed pack into a die having a patterned surface and an opposite surface; applying a first pressure within the die around an outside of the pack; applying a second pressure within the pack, the second pressure exceeding the first pressure; and forming the pack by superplastic deformation into a diffusion-bonded structure. Further, a gas inlet tube is provided having an inner tube and an outer tube, where the outer tube is weldable to the pack in a gas tight seal.
US08328073B1 Ornamented metallic mesh and method of making same
A mesh structure to which is mounted one or more ornamental stones. The mesh structure includes a series of chain links that are inter-woven. A thin metallic film in the form of a solder layer is hardened onto the surface of the mesh structure so as to make the mesh structure rigid. One or more settings are drilled into the rigid mesh structure, and a stone is disposed in each of the settings that are provided. A series of prongs are formed about the periphery of each of the so-disposed stones by up-setting the mesh.
US08328070B1 Wire handling facilitator
A wire handling facilitator in the form of a backpack. An apparatus that is useful for handling small rolls of wire that is to be welded into channels of metal surfaces.
US08328069B2 Device and method for selective soldering
The invention relates to a device and method for selective soldering, including at least one nozzle and a soldering channel surrounded by a vertically moveable hood, which immerses in a soldering bath or which is sealed against a surface of the soldering bath. The hood includes a passage for each nozzle, at least one gas feeding device for providing protective and/or active gas underneath the hood, and flow plates which are attached to the hood to extend substantially downward in the direction of the soldering bath from the hood.
US08328068B2 Transfer device for receiving and transferring a solder ball arrangement
The present invention relates to a transfer device (10) for receiving and transferring a solder ball arrangement (28). Said transfer device comprises a discharge container (11) and a transfer substrate (12) that interacts with the discharge container in order to obtain a flat solder ball arrangement and that can be subjected to a negative pressure. The discharge container comprises an at least partially perforated base wall (14) and the transfer substrate has a hole pattern for receiving the solder ball arrangement. The discharge container comprises an ultrasound device (37) for subjecting said discharge container to ultrasound vibrations.
US08328064B2 Pin locking mechanism for a surgical instrument
A surgical instrument comprising a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis and extending distally from the handle portion, and first and second jaw members dimensioned to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member has at least one row of fasteners arranged in a row substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where the engagement section is spaced from the second jaw member and a second position where the engagement section engages the second jaw member. The pin has a non-circular cross-section.
US08328063B2 Surgical tilt anvil assembly
A surgical tilt anvil assembly including a rod and a head assembly including an anvil plate having staple deforming pockets. The head assembly is pivotally secured to the rod and pivotal in relation to the rod between a first tilted position, a non-tilted position and a second different tilted position. The head assembly passes from the first tilted position, through the non-tilted position to the second tilted position.
US08328060B2 Vacuum assisted surgical stapler
A surgical stapling apparatus having a vacuum device associated therewith is disclosed. The vacuum device may be removable, fixedly secured thereto, or incorporated into the surgical stapling apparatus. The vacuum device may include a resilient band and vacuum tube secured to the shell assembly or body portion of the surgical stapling apparatus. Alternately, a vacuum chamber may be secured about the shell assembly and/or body portion of the stapling apparatus. In addition, one or more vacuum tubes may be positioned in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum tubes, preferably, extend into the shell assembly and are movable between nondeployed and deployed positions such that a distal end of each tube can be selectively positioned at multiple positions between the shell assembly and an anvil. The vacuum tubes can be formed of a shape-memory material such that the tubes point radially outwardly of the shell assembly when the tubes are in the deployed position.
US08328049B1 Medical patient oral hydration system
An oral hydration system includes a holster configured to be mounted to a mounting structure. A hydration liquid bladder is removably disposed in the holster. A feed tube has a proximal end communicating with the hydration liquid bladder. A backflow-prevention bite valve is coupled to a distal end of the feed tube.
US08328048B2 Package with resealable flexible spout
A package for containing and dispensing of pourable product has a sheet material bag. A dispenser tube is inserted through a seam of the bag, where a pouring spout of the tube extends into the bag from the bag seam and a sealing sleeve extends outwardly from the bag seam. An openable/closeable seal extends across the end of the sealing sleeve, the openable/closeable seal having first and second strips with releasably interengaging configuration. The openable/closeable seal may be opened and the pouring spout everted through the sealing sleeve. The pouring spout is longer than the sealing sleeve and extends past the open seal. The openable/closeable seal is a zipper seal or a slide seal. The package may have a box in which the bag and dispenser tube are contained prior to and after use in dispensing a pourable product.
US08328045B2 Housing
An explosion-proof housing includes at least one lower housing part which is provided with a housing wall defining a housing opening that can be closed by an articulated cover. The articulated cover is mounted by an articulation device to be pivotable between an opened and a closed position. In order to allow both a closely adjacent arrangement of housings and the complete utilization of the housing interior, the articulation device includes a lower articulation part arranged in the housing wall, and an upper articulation part arranged on a lower side of the articulated cover which faces the housing opening in a closed position. The lower articulation part and the upper articulation part are pivotably interconnected.
US08328039B2 Nestable produce container
A produce container comprises a basket portion and a closure portion, which are hingedly secured to one another to be relatively movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The container can be secured in the closed configuration by way of at least one tab projecting upwardly from a front edge of a basket portion peripheral lip, which is received within a corresponding slot defined inwardly of the front edge of a closure portion peripheral lip. Each slot extends into a collocated recess in the outer surface of the closure portion peripheral lip, and each tab has an outwardly extending locking projection which, in the closed configuration, engages a corresponding recess engagement surface. Each locking projection terminates inwardly of the outer surface of the front edge of the closure portion peripheral lip and each tab terminates below the upper surface of the closure portion peripheral lip.
US08328036B2 Double rib overcap with plug for a container with a removable membrane
There is provided a double rib overcap with a plug for a container with a removable membrane. The skirt of the overcap includes two inside surfaces axially separated a rib. The container opening is encircled by a rim and the membrane covers the opening such that the membrane extends radially onto an outer surface of the rim. The two inside surfaces of the skirt are dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with the rim when the overcap is connected to the container when the membrane is either attached or removed. The overcap also includes a circumferential ring radially inward of the skirt that is axially positioned to engage the top surface of the membrane when the membrane is attached to the container and is diametrically dimensioned to engage an inner wall of the container when the membrane is removed from the container.
US08328035B2 Baggage container
The present disclosure relates to a baggage container with at least one loading platform for single items of hand baggage, said baggage items each having a base on which are two opposed lateral walls, said loading platform comprising reception methods for each base of said items of baggage in order to receive said items of baggage standing on the base thereof and organized such that said walls of said items of baggage are essentially parallel to each other. According to the disclosure, said reception methods have ways for holding each of said bases and said bases are designed to engage in said reception methods when the item of baggage is loaded into the container, such that said bases cooperate with said retainer methods to hold the item of baggage in a fixed opposition on said loading platform.
US08328033B2 Hot-fill container
A one-piece plastic hot-fill container may employ a shoulder portion, a base portion and a sidewall portion, which may be integrally formed with and extend from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The container may further have a plurality of compression ribs molded into the sidewall portion in vertical and horizontal directions—at least the vertical compression ribs being operable to change from a first shape to a second shape in response to cooling of the liquid and further extending inwardly within the container.
US08328031B2 Safety stopper
Intended to prevent the contents of a bottle from being consumed by unauthorized people, both in the case of alcoholic beverages and other hazardous liquids, it consists of a cap itself (47), a sort of upside-down bowl, with a tubular axial prolongation and (46) to guide the joining of the base body onto the pouring neck (44). It attaches to the bottle, the said bowl (47) resting its mouth on a group of outer numbered wheels (50), which in turn rest below on a stopper-bearing (54) that is crossed by a hook (57) resting in turn on the inner sets of wheels (49), which can be moved against the hook (57) by a spring (61). These inner wheels (49) have notches for joining radial plugs (48), notches that are conveniently placed with respect to said plugs to allow the detaching of the cap itself and the consequent opening of the bottle.
US08328030B2 Linkage for the articulated connection of a coupling rod to a railcar body
The invention relates to a linkage for the articulated connection of a coupling rod to a railcar body, wherein the linkage includes a base plate connectable to the railcar body in which a through-hole is configured through which a railcar body-side end section of the coupling rod extends and a drawgear arranged on the railcar body-side end section of the coupling rod. The drawgear has a front spring plate affixed to the coupling rod in front of the base plate in the longitudinal direction of the coupling rod and a rear spring plate affixed to the coupling rod behind the base plate in the longitudinal direction of the coupling rod. To achieve effective anti-rotation protection, the front spring element and/or rear spring element engages with the base plate such that the rotational forces transmitted from the coupling rod to the base plate is conducted at a right angle without slip.
US08328029B1 Storage rack
Exemplary embodiments provide a generally open-frame storage rack having a pair of overhead bridging lifts, each lift further having a pair of side opposed cables extending therefrom. The framework for the storage rack is fabricated using stock automotive exhaust components, which yields a synergistic combination of ready reforming, substantial strength, low weight, and excellent corrosion and chemical resistance. The preferred rack structure is assembled from sufficiently short lengths to enable shipment using standard commercial carriers and rates. Additional novel features and combinations are also disclosed.
US08328025B2 Dual surface density baffle for clarifier tank
A baffle system for use in a clarifier tank, having a tank bottom and a periphery and a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank, has a plurality of baffles mounted on the peripheral wall of the clarifier tank. each baffle has an upper baffle surface with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end of the upper baffle portion is coupled to the side wall of the clarifier tank wall. The lower end of the upper baffle portion is disposed. at a substantially 60° angle away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the upper baffle surface slopes downwardly and away from the side wall.
US08328018B2 Child-resistant carded blister package and method of manufucture
A carded package includes a front card bonded to a rear card with a blister card captured therebetween. The blister card has upstanding blister compartments projecting through openings of the front card. The rear card extends over an opposite face of the blister card and is a laminate including a tear-resistant polymeric layer bonded to a paperboard layer. The polymeric layer extends adjacent the blister card and the paperboard layer of the laminate extends remote from the blister card forming an exposed surface of the rear card. The rear card includes perforations aligned behind the blister compartments. The perforations include a first set of perforations cut entirely through the paperboard and polymeric layers and a second set of perforations cut into the paperboard layer and not into or entirely through the polymeric layer. A method of assembling a carded package is also disclosed.
US08328014B2 Multiple sealed beverage vessels in a case
A consumer packaged good includes a case, a plurality of translucent vessels vertically stacked within the case, a beverage stored in each of the plurality of the vessels and a barrier sealed to each vessel for containing the beverage in the respective vessel. The case includes a base wall and at least one side wall extending upwardly from the base wall. The plurality of translucent vessels are surrounded by the sidewall. Each vessel includes an opening for drinking from the vessel and a base surface for supporting the vessel on an associated support surface. The barrier seals to each vessel for covering the opening and containing the beverage in the respective vessel. The barrier is peelable from the vessel without destroying the vessel to provide access to the beverage stored in the vessel.
US08328009B2 Bottle crate
A bottle crate (10) is provided that is configured to hold a plurality of bottles in a generally upright orientation, and is particularly designed to hold bottles having a variable diameter. The bottle crate can include at least one tray and a plurality of fingers (601) elastically arranged on the tray, such that the fingers are configured to move in response to insertion or removal of a bottle.
US08328007B1 Business card package
A package of business cards arranged in a stack. Each card has a main body bearing data and an end tab connected to one end of the main body along a tear line, and a cover. The cover includes a back panel having a segment underlying all the end tabs and a front panel hingedly connected to the back panel adjacent to the free ends of the main bodies so that the front panel may be swung between an open position wherein it exposes the main body of the uppermost card in the stack and a closed position wherein it covers that main body. Securements secure together all the end tabs of the stack and the segment of the lower panel. An end cap covers the end tabs and provides a knife edge to facilitate tearing the main bodies from their tabs along their respective tear lines.
US08328005B2 Belt tension indicator
A method for verifying belt tension on a conveyor mechanism that includes a belt mounted under tension on rollers, includes steps of measuring selected physical status parameters associated with the conveyor mechanism and determining if the belt has reached a predetermined level of tension indirectly from such status parameters without direct measurement of belt tension.
US08328004B2 Conveyor system
A conveyor system for conveying at least one product comprises at least one first conveyor, which is adjacent to at least one second conveyor via a junction. The conveying direction of the first conveyor near the junction is different from the conveying direction of the second conveyor near the junction. The first conveyor has a first conveying surface and the second conveyor has a second conveying surface for supporting the product thereon. The orientation of the normal of the part of the first conveying surface adjacent to junction is substantially different from that of the normal of the part of the second conveying surface adjacent to the junction. A moving assembly is configured to move the product from the first conveyor to the second conveyor The first conveyor describes an arcuate path at least near the junction.
US08327999B2 Device and method for discharging elongate, coarse bulk products and for their further transport
The invention relates to a method for transferring hollow cylindrical objects from a supply unit to a removal unit by providing a transport unit for transferring hollow cylindrical objects between a supply unit and a removal unit, providing at least holding element in the transport unit, positioning the hollow cylindrical object in contact with the at least one holding element at the supply unit wherein the hollow cylindrical object is held by the holding element, moving the transport unit with the hollow cylindrical object from the supply unit to the removal unit, and removing the hollow cylindrical element from the at least one holding element at the removal unit.
US08327998B2 Method and an apparatus for aligning pieces of food dough
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for aligning pieces of food dough that are conveyed downstream by a conveyor so that when aligning members contact the pieces, the deformation of the pieces and the adhesion between the aligning members and the pieces can be reduced.For the method, the leading edges of the pieces arranged in a plurality of columns that are conveyed downstream by a conveyor 3B are aligned on lines L1, L2 that are perpendicular to the direction that the pieces are conveyed, by using a plurality of aligning members 27 corresponding to the columns of the pieces, wherein the aligning members 27 can reciprocate in the direction to convey the pieces and move up from and down onto the conveyor 3B, wherein while the aligning members 27 are moving downstream at a lower speed than that of the conveyor 3B, the respective aligning members 27 contact the respective leading edges of the pieces of the columns, which pieces are conveyed by the conveyor, and then the aligning members 27 move up and are separated from the pieces.
US08327997B2 Transferred object rotating device
A transferred object rotating device includes a mounting plate having an opening corresponding to a shape of a transferred object and being capable of moving from a mounting position to a rotating position, a boost unit capable of moving up to pass through the opening of the mounting plate in the rotating position, and a rotation plate capable of rotating about a power transmission shaft. The mounting plate moves to the rotating position after the transferred object is mounted on the mounting plate to close the opening. The transferred object is lifted by upward movement of the boost unit. The transferred object rotates while being sandwiched between the boost unit and the rotation plate. The transferred object mounted on the mounting plate in the mounting position can be transferred to the rotating position by the mounting plate, and rotate in the rotating position.
US08327994B2 Note processing gross defects removal method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for removing notes having gross defects from a currency processing machine prior to the notes entering the primary detection function of the machine. The invention involves the use of a gross defect detector module which detects notes having gross defects that could jam the machine if such defects were note detected and the notes were allowed to continue down the note path for processing. The invention works in conjunction with a conventional reject pocket located further downstream in the note path for the collection of notes identified as rejects during the subsequent main detection function.
US08327993B2 Safety device for a linear actuation system
A safety device for automated processing equipment which is disposed in combination with a linear actuator to prevent operator injury. The safety device includes a base plate and a spherical element engaging the base plate to effect relative displacement of structural elements having at least one spring element projecting downwardly from the base plate, the base plate defining an aperture therein having a peripheral edge, and the at least one of the spring element including a ramped surface defining a lead angle relative to a horizontal plane, and a spherical element coupled to the end of the actuation shaft and engaging the peripheral edge of the aperture in a coupled operating mode, and disengaging the peripheral edge of the aperture when transitioning from the coupled operating mode to a safe operating mode.
US08327991B2 Slave cylinder and release system
A slave cylinder and a release system, the slave cylinder being configured in particular as a CSC for a hydraulic system of a motor vehicle. While maintaining the axial extension of the working space of the piston axially moveable in the slave cylinder, the force for actuating the clutch is increased in that the pressure chamber is sealed by two sealing elements having different diameters, and in that at least one energy accumulator is disposed in the pressure chamber of the slave cylinder, the energy accumulator generating a preload on the clutch release bearing operative connected to the slave cylinder.
US08327989B2 Clutch reaction plate
A torque-transfer clutch includes a clutch reaction plate including an annular-shaped reaction element fixedly attached to a rigid plate element. The annular-shaped reaction element includes a preformed spring steel element and a plurality of undulations projecting orthogonal to a planar surface of the rigid plate element.
US08327987B2 Torque converter with lock-up clutch having a split piston
A torque converter including a housing, a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch having a split piston having a radial inner portion and a radial outer portion, and a drive plate connecting the housing and the outer portion.
US08327982B2 Actuator/coupler for towed and towing vehicle combination
An actuator/coupler device having a housing connected to a towed vehicle and a coupler attached to a towing vehicle, wherein the coupler is secured to the housing through a pair of opposing roller shafts extending through a slot within the coupler and a hole in the housing. Rollers secured to the roller shafts bear on a surface within the generally hollow interior of the coupler. A brake actuator secures within the coupler, wherein a first end of the brake actuator is secured to the rear roller shaft and a second end is fixed to the coupler, wherein the brake actuator is in operable communication with the brakes of the towed vehicle such that the brake actuator is actuated by movement of the coupler relative to the housing. A coupler ball socket is included within the coupler for releasable attachment of the coupler ball connected to the towing vehicle.
US08327980B2 Wheel stud sleeve for a ceramic brake disk
A sleeve for holding a mounting stud in the bore of a ceramic brake disk wherein the sleeve is made of metal and is equipped on one side with a collar, that slip-proof and captive attachment is effected by a flange on the opposite sleeve end, and that neither the collar nor the flange projects over the boundary planes which form the surface of the ceramic brake disk perpendicular to the axis of the bore.
US08327978B2 Vertical power unit and outboard engine system
A vertical power unit includes: an engine having a vertically arranged crankshaft; a vertically arranged output shaft provided below the crankshaft; and a torque converter providing a connection between the crankshaft and the output shaft. The torque converter is arranged so as to be offset from the crankshaft toward a cylinder block of the engine. A transmission device is provided between the crankshaft and the torque converter. The output shaft is arranged coaxially with the torque converter. Thus, the center of gravity of the vertical power unit is positioned as close as possible to the central portion of the engine, thereby minimizing bias of the center of gravity due to the weight of the torque converter and the output shaft to facilitate the handling of the vertical power unit.
US08327975B2 Acoustic silencer
A resonator is disclosed which includes: a sleeve insert and an outer duct sealingly coupled to the sleeve insert. The sleeve insert has a wall with a first aperture in the wall at a first axial distance, a second aperture in the wall at a second axial distance, and a rib extending radially outwardly with the rib located between the first and second apertures. The outer duct sealingly couples to the sleeve insert proximate first and second ends of the inner sleeve and at the rib. The sleeve insert and the outer duct are formed of plastic materials which are coupled by welding or via o-rings placed on the sleeve insert. Cavities, in the vicinity of the apertures, are formed in the outer duct. The cavities, which are fluidly coupled to the sleeve insert via the apertures, attenuate noise.
US08327971B2 Reducer of electric power steering apparatus
A reducer of an electric power steering apparatus, which can prevent the steering feel for a driver, and the performance from being reduced by minimizing an increase in the torque, caused by moisture absorption of a worm wheel, and a size change due to the moisture absorption, and also can eliminate the playing caused by wearing of a worm and the worm wheel, and inhibit the occurring of a rattle noise caused by a backlash and a reversely input load.
US08327969B2 Skid steer loader and mounting method
A mounting method for a skid steer loader is disclosed including coupling a first end portion of a component directly to a first wall of a skid steer loader frame. The method also includes coupling a second end portion of the component to an opposite wall of the skid steer loader frame by a mounting system that allows for dimensional differences between the component and the skid steer loader frame.
US08327967B2 Driveline for off-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle is disclosed which comprises a driveline assembly unit operative Iy connecting the propeller shaft to the front or rear wheel assemblies. The driveline assembly unit includes a main housing, a slip clutch torque limiting mechanism, and a wet brake clutch assembly. The slip clutch torque limiting mechanism and the wet brake clutch assembly being housed within the main housing and are coaxial with the propeller shaft of the off-road vehicle. A driveline unit is also disclosed that combines torque limiting and brake functions.
US08327952B2 Self-contained system for drilling a drainhole
A self-contained system for drilling a drainhole laterally to a wellbore that includes a drill head with a tool for boring a drainhole and a self-propelled device for advancing the head into the drainhole during boring; a relay unit lowered into the wellbore, arranged to position the drill head against the sidewall of the wellbore in order to initiate the boring of the drainhole laterally to the wellbore; a cable for supplying electric power to the drill head, reeled out from the relay unit; and a mechanical system for removing cuttings from the drainhole during boring, the debris removed falling downhole.
US08327949B2 Handheld power tool with a handle vibration-damped by compensating means
A hand-held power tool is proposed, having a drive device for driving a tool, which is arranged in a housing of the power tool. A handle of the power tool, which is movably connected to the housing of the power tool, is vibration-damped by a movable compensating element. For this purpose, the movable compensating element is operatively connected to the handle and/or the housing of the power tool by a deflecting system.
US08327948B2 Electrical hand tool device
An electric hand tool device, in particular, a percussion drill or a drill hammer, comprises a spindle (10) that can be driven by a drive motor and cooperates at one end (12) with a tool support, and a percussion element (24) for axially moving the spindle (10) in a percussion position, wherein an adjusting element (42) is provided for adjusting the spindle (10) between the percussion position and a rotary position, the adjusting element (42) comprising a switch ring (44) which is disposed about the spindle (10) and has cam configurations (46,48) on both end faces thereof, wherein one of the cam configurations (46) can engage in a corresponding cam configuration (52) which is fixed to the housing through turning the switch ring (44), and the second cam configuration (48) can be brought into engagement with a corresponding cam configuration (60) of a pressure piece (54) which can be axially moved relative to the housing (16), in order to adjust the percussion element (42) to a percussion position.
US08327941B2 Flow control device and method for a downhole oil-water separator
A downhole device having an oil/water separator having a well fluid inlet, an oil stream outlet conduit, and a water stream outlet conduit; a removable flow-restrictor located in at least one of the water stream outlet conduit or the oil stream outlet conduit.
US08327933B2 Arrangement and method for sending and/or sealing cement at a liner hanger
An apparatus for verifying cement arrival at a target location includes a liner. A sensory structure radially outwardly disposed of the liner at a target arrival location of cement from a cementing operation. The sensory structure configured to sense arrival of cement. A seal configuration automatically responsive to the sensed arrival of cement. Also included is a method for addressing micro annulus formation in a down hole cementing operation.
US08327931B2 Multi-component disappearing tripping ball and method for making the same
A tripping ball including two or more dissolution resistant parts of a ball and an adherent dissolvable material binding the two or more parts of the ball together. A method for making a tripping ball is also included.
US08327924B2 Heat exchanger fin containing notches
A heat exchanger fin capable of increasing convective heat transfer by reducing internal conduction along an undesirable direction within the heat exchanger fin itself is disclosed. More specifically, the current invention reduces conduction within the heat exchanger fin along an undesirable direction along the direction of fluid flow because such conduction decreases the performance of the heat exchanger fin. A heat exchanger fin in accordance with the present invention utilizes a plurality of notches within the heat exchanger fin that is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow to increase the resistance of conduction within the heat exchanger fin itself. By increasing the resistance of conduction in an undesired direction, the heat exchanger fin is capable of more uniform temperature to along the entire surface area to facilitate increase convective heat transfer in the desired direction.
US08327920B2 Heat accumulator with insulated double tube structure
A heat accumulator includes a thermally insulated heat storage vessel having an opening formed in a bottom wall thereof, a quantity of heat accumulating medium arranged within the vessel, and a fluid circulation tube of double tube structure inserted from the opening into the vessel and extending vertically upward toward a top wall of the vessel for introducing a fluid into the vessel or discharging the fluid out of the vessel. The heat accumulator further includes a heat-insulating layer provided on an outer peripheral surface of the fluid circulation tube and extending over at least a longitudinal portion of the fluid circulation tube extending from the bottom wall of the vessel in an upward direction to a predetermined height of the vessel.
US08327916B2 Low pressure cylinder head outer die components for core gas removal
An apparatus for core gas removal in a low-pressure cylinder head die casting operation includes an upper die, a lower die, an ejector plate disposed above the upper die to eject a part that has been cast, a plurality of tight plugs fastened into cavities formed in the upper die, and a plurality of clean pins attached to the ejector plate, each clean pin corresponding to a location of one of the tight plugs. The clean pins and the tight plugs have matching geometries. The ejector plate lowers to eject a casted cylinder head from the upper die such that a portion of the clean pins extend axially into the tight plugs to clean core gas residue formed on inner walls of the tight plugs during the casting cycle.
US08327915B1 Pour ladle for molten metal
A casting apparatus and a method of forming a casting using the casting apparatus is disclosed, the casting apparatus comprising a ladle having a hollow interior adapted to receive a molten material therein; a nozzle in fluid communication with the hollow interior, the nozzle having a first portion disposed outside of the ladle and a second portion disposed within the hollow interio; an additive feeder in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the ladle; and a gas conduit in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the ladle.
US08327914B2 Feeding system for semi-solid metal injection
A semi-solid metal alloy injection feed system for reduced inclusion injection molding comprises a substantially closed injection chamber for containing a billet of semi-solid metal alloy, and thrusting the billet through the injection chamber into a mold, wherein the injection chamber has a first section defined by a wall with an inner contour for mating with a bearing surface for reciprocating motion of the bearing surface within the first section, along a center axis of the injection chamber; and the injection chamber has an outlet in fluid communication with the mold, the outlet provided at an opening in the injection chamber that is offset with respect to the center axis, and is disposed at an angle of 90° to 125° from the center axis. There is no neck or throttling between the chamber and the outlet. A butt end trap is preferably formed that requires inclusions that are principally on a bottom side of the injector to travel a relatively long ways to enter the outlet.
US08327913B2 Casting method to produce a casting and press used for the casting method
A casting method to produce a casting and a press used for the casting method, using a mold which forms a cavity in a shape of a casting, so as to produce a casting by overlapping a lower mold with an upper mold, which molds are molded by a molding method, the casting method comprises the steps of: pouring into the lower mold a quantity of molten metal required to produce a casting; lowering the upper mold at a predetermined first speed until the upper mold reaches a predetermined position just before the upper mold starts contacting a surface of the molten metal; lowering the upper mold at a predetermined second speed after the upper mold is further lowered beyond the predetermined position; detecting and obtaining information on the status of the upper mold which overlaps the lower mold; and stopping the lowering of the upper mold when detecting the information on the status of the upper mold that shows that the predetermined conditions are met.
US08327912B2 Automatic pouring method and device
An automatic pouring method without using a servomotor having a vertical output shaft, establishing the pouring at a low level, eliminating the unstable pouring, sand inclusion, and gaseous defects. An automatic pouring method using a ladle to be tilted for pouring molten metal into a pouring cup of a flaskless or tight-flask mold in at least one pouring device movable along an X-axis parallel to a molding line in which the mold is transferred, wherein the ladle is moved along a Y-axis perpendicular to the molding line in a horizontal plane and is tilted about a first axis of rotation and further about a second axis of rotation.
US08327911B2 Method for forming a cast article
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for forming a cast porous article. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for forming cast porous articles. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US08327910B2 Method of supporting tubing structures during overcasting
A method of supporting a metal tube during an overcasting process includes radially supporting the metal tube from within an interior opening of the metal tube with a compressed granular material. The compressed granular material is held in place by a first stop and a second stop positioned at opposite axial ends of the metal tube. A tensile connector, such as a rod or a cable, interconnects and attaches the first stop and the second stop. Compressive radial forces exerted onto the metal tube during the overcasting process are transferred through the granular material and resisted by a tensile force in the tensile connector.
US08327909B2 Process for casting a metal melt
A method for the casting of cast parts from an iron melt forming vermicular or spheroidal graphite, includes casting iron melt into a casting mold, which includes at least one casting mold part, which is formed from a mold material, which is mixed from a sand-type basic material and an organic binder, and then gassed with a gas containing sulphur in order to harden the binder, such that a mold part of stable form is obtained. The method provides embodiments in which molds produced in accordance with the SO2 process enable the risk of occurrence of local microstructure degeneration in the cast part to be reduced to a minimum. This is achieved in that, after the hardening of the mold part and before the casting, at least one of the surfaces, which comes into contact with the iron melt, is provided with a coating containing a non-volatile sulphide former.
US08327907B2 Door, in particular sectional door, and door drive
The present invention relates to a door, in particular a sectional door, having a door leaf comprising a plurality of panels which are connected to one another and are guided in guide rails via rollers, with at least the topmost roller pair extending in separate guide rails over a part of its travel path during the opening or closing of the door.
US08327905B2 Vertically collapsible barrier with improved sealing
A vertically collapsible wall partition is comprised of a plurality of interconnected horizontal wall panels pivotally interconnected to one another and forming horizontal panel joints therebetween. The panels are operated by an overhead lifting mechanism. The wall panels each have opposed spaced-apart composite walls each having perimeter seals to provide acoustic sound damping. The composite walls are formed by a face sheet secured to a front face of a core material and a backer sheet is secured to core material with an insulation material secured to the back of the backer sheet. Top and bottom horizontal seals are secured to the wall partition top and bottom horizontal wall panels. The seals and joints of the horizontal wall panels are such as to exhibit improved acoustic performance.
US08327899B2 Method and system for curing pipe liners using microwave energy
A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.
US08327895B2 Drive axle seal body and tire inflation system
A sealing body disposed about a rotating drive axle and forming an air chamber thereabout. The drive axle is provided with an air conduit extending therein and communicating air from the air chamber to the center of the drive axle and for delivery to tires via the wheel at the center of the axle flange. The sealing body includes an air conduit in communication with the air chamber, and is configured to secure to remain stationary about the drive axle axially rotating therein. The sealing body is typically disposed between the drive axle splines and the wheel and forms an air seal thereabout. The sealing body may comprise of a plurality of parts when the splines have a greater diameter than the remainder of the drive axle, but may also comprise of a unitary body configured to be axially disposed over the splines when the splines have a diameter consistent with the drive axle.
US08327885B2 Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well
A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the fluid composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition.
US08327873B2 Temperature back flow control valve
Temperature control valve apparatus for preventing back flow from a cold water line into a hot water line includes a housing having an inlet or connection to a hot water line, an outlet for a connection to a cold water line and an interconnecting bore with a valve seat. A removable valve plug is disposed in the bore proximate the valve seat and a valve spring biases the valve plug in a spaced apart relationship with the valve seat for enabling water to flow therepast and through the housing from the hot water line to the cold water line. A thermal actuator disposed in an operative position for moving the valve plug to a seating position against the valve plug is provided to prevent water flow therepast from the cold water line to the hot water line.
US08327868B2 Cylinder valve with thermal relief feature
A cylinder valve for use with a cylinder containing fluid under pressure includes a valve body configured for releasable connection to the cylinder. The valve body has a flow passage extending through the valve body for fluid communication with an interior of the cylinder when the valve body is connected to the cylinder. A valve in the flow passage is movable between open and closed positions. A vent passage is in the valve body and is separate from the flow passage. A temperature relief insert is in the vent passage. The insert includes an insert body, a bore through the insert body, and a thermal relief material in the bore blocking flow through the bore until a predetermined venting temperature is reached. The valve body does not contain brass and the insert body is brass covered by a metal plating not containing brass.
US08327859B2 Mascara applicator and method of use
A novel mascara applicator blows air over a user's eyelashes after mascara is applied, wherein brushing of the mascara as it dries results in the appearance of fuller and longer eyelashes. The mascara applicator includes a housing that houses a mascara tube and brush, a fan and a battery. The housing has a vent and is configured to form an air chamber between the housing and the mascara tube. The fan blows air through the air chamber and out of the top of the housing, which is directed at the user's eyelashes after mascara is applied with the brush. The blowing air in conjunction with the upward and outward action of the mascara brush produces fuller, longer, and 200% more dramatic eyelashes.
US08327858B2 Vibrating mascara applicator
The present invention is an improved vibrating mascara applicator. The head is caused to vibrate in a controlled manner through electromechanical urging. The source of the vibration is substantially close to the applicator head. The improved vibrating applicator improves applicator performance, mascara performance, consumer experience and energy efficiency.
US08327857B2 Method of applying a hair-care product to a hard-to-view portion of a person's head using a dispensing bottle having a mirror attached to the dispensing bottle
Dispensing bottles with an attached adjustable mirror for controllably dispensing a fluid to a location viewable with the adjustable mirror are discussed and illustrated. The mirror may be attached to the dispensing bottle with a mirror support assembly that can allow the mirror to be adjusted so a person using the dispensing bottle can see where they otherwise could not see without having to hold the mirror separately from the dispensing bottle. The mirror support assembly can also be manipulated so as to retract the mirror into a position adjacent and substantially parallel to a sidewall surface of the dispensing bottle.
US08327850B2 Forehead supports for facial masks
A forehead support for a mask assembly includes a frame connector provided to a mask frame, a forehead cushion support movably mounted to the frame connector for generally linear movement between retracted and extended positions with respect to the frame connector, and an adjustment knob movably mounted to the frame connector and threadably engaged with the forehead cushion support such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the forehead cushion support to be moved between the retracted and extended positions. The adjustment knob, forehead cushion support, and frame connector are constructed and arranged such that over-rotation of the adjustment knob beyond the extended position of the forehead cushion support is adapted to release the adjustment knob from the forehead cushion support and the frame connector.
US08327849B2 Oscillating positive expiratory pressure device
An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.
US08327848B2 Pressure reducing valve
A pressure reducing valve for use in a system adapted to deliver a breathing gas to a patient. The pressure reducing valve is structured to communicate a flow of breathing gas to such a patient's airway during an inspiratory phase. The pressure reducing valve is structured to isolate the flow of breathing gas from the patient's airway and to “dump” the flow of breathing gas and a flow of exhalation gas to atmosphere during the expiratory phase. The flow of breathing gas is dumped to atmosphere through a first number of ports; whereas a flow of exhalation gas is dumped to atmosphere through a second number of ports. Because the flow of breathing gas remains isolated from the flow of exhalation gas, less effort is required by a patient during the expiratory phase.
US08327842B2 Inhaler for powdered, particularly medical substances
The invention relates to an inhaler for powdered, particularly medical substances, including a suction air duct that extends to a mouthpiece, a reservoir for the substance, and an at least linearly movable dosing chamber for separating a specific amount of the substance from the reservoir and placing the amount into a transfer position in order for the same to be transferred to the suction air flow. In order to further develop a generic inhaler in an advantageous manner, especially so as to charge the dosing chamber by separating a specific amount of substance from the reservoir, the dosing chamber can be rotationally moved in a superimposed fashion while being arranged eccentric to a corresponding axis of rotation.
US08327841B2 Method and device for determining the location of snoring
The treatment of snoring related sleep disorders require the knowledge of the location of origin of snoring in a patient. A method and device are provided for the determination of a location of origin of a primary vibration signal generated by snoring in an upper airway of a patient. At least two sensors are used to respectively detect the primary vibration signal and to generate respective intermediate signals. The sensors are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the patient's neck. The respective intermediate signals are processed to generate an output signal. The output signal is indicative of the location of origin.
US08327839B2 Air instrumentation system for concentrated solar power generation systems
An air quality instrumentation system for a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a pipe, a window and a spectroscope. The pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and contains system air from within the concentrated solar power generation system. The window is positioned within the pipe to permit light to pass through the pipe and the system air. The spectroscope is positioned adjacent the window to assess concentration of a constituent within the system air, the concentration of the constituent providing an indication of an operating condition of the concentrated solar power generation system.
US08327835B2 Door locking mechanism for an oven having french-style doors
A cooking appliance having first and second oven doors that combine to extend across and close off a frontal opening of a cooking chamber includes a latching mechanism for locking the first and second oven doors in a closed position. The latching mechanism includes a fixed support plate and a motor having an output shaft to which is rotatably mounted an eccentric drive member. Preferably, the motor is fixedly mounted to the support plate. The latching mechanism further includes first and second latch members each having a first end portion pivotally attached to the eccentric drive member extending to a second end portion defining a hook element. When the motor is activated, a guide mechanism directs the second end portions of the first and second latch members to a locking position leading the hook members into engagement with the first and second doors.
US08327833B2 Block splitting assembly and method
A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
US08327831B2 Dual fuel compression ignition engines and methods
Dual fuel compression ignition engines and methods that allow compression ignition on gaseous fuels like compressed natural gas, hydrogen and ammonia, yet will run on liquid fuels, including diesel fuels for such purposes as starting or when the gaseous fuel is not available or has been consumed and greater range or operating time is needed. Ignition of fuels having a high self ignition temperature is assured by recirculating high temperature exhaust gas back into the intake charge before compression. Existing engines may be converted to run as a dual fuel engine by replacement of the engine head or heads. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08327829B2 Injector mounting system
An injector mount system (30) is provided for mounting an injector (22) to an exhaust flow conduit (21) in an exhaust treatment system (10). The injector (22) includes a housing (32) having an open end (46) that mounts an orifice/nozzle (38). The injector mount system (30) includes a boss (62) fixed to the exhaust flow conduit (21), and an end cap (44) of the injector (22) that is attached to the housing (32), closing the open end (46) and securing the orifice/nozzle (38) in the open end (46). The boss (62) and end cap (44) include mating flanges (60,64) that define a non-threaded connector for securing the injector (22) to the exhaust flow conduit (21). The mating flange (60) of the end cap (44) being formed as a unitary part of the end cap (44), and the mating flange (64) of the boss being a unitary part of the boss (62).
US08327825B2 Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
In an apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle, comprising an engine speed detector that detects speed of the engine, an ignition timing calculator that calculates an ignition timing of the engine based on at least the detected engine speed, a load detector that detects load in a compression stroke of the engine, and an ignition controller that controls the ignition timing to be the calculated timing, and controls the ignition timing to be a retarded timing than the calculated timing when the detected load is equal to or greater than a threshold value. With this, it becomes possible to avoid the unnecessary decrease of engine output which adversely affects driving feel of the operator, and effectively prevent the knocking and kickback from occurring.
US08327818B2 Apparatus and method for adding one or more additives to an engine lubricant
Apparatus and method for adding one or more additives to an engine lubricant, while the lubricant is circulating within an engine having an engine lubricant filter with a by-pass valve which opens when the pressure of the lubricant passing through the filter exceeds a pre-determined back-pressure value in which the apparatus further comprises an additive chamber containing one or more additives operably connected to the by-pass valve such that when the by-pass valve opens at the pre-determined back-pressure, at least some of the lubricant is caused to flow through the additive chamber and contact the one or more additives.
US08327817B2 Automotive engine bearing
A bearing for an automotive engine includes a base having a first bearing segment formed therein, and a bearing cap removably mounted to the base, with the bearing cap including fastener towers in contact with the base. A second bearing segment extends between the fastener towers. A number of non-contact stiffening ribs extend parallel to the fastener towers. The stiffening ribs are attached to outboard portions of the fastener towers. The stiffening ribs cause the bearing cap to avoid excessive flexing and distortion, while at the same time avoiding fretting corrosion which would occur were the clamp loads of the cap to the base be reduced by materially increasing the size of the fastener towers.
US08327811B2 Rotary working machine
When a cooling airflow used for cooling an engine etc. is discharged to a side of a machine as a discharge airflow, the airflow can be prevented from blowing to trees located at the side of the machine and to walkers passing the side of the machine. A rotary working machine has, inside a bonnet (10), an engine (8) and a discharge type cooling fan (45). An opening (10b) for discharging cooling airflow is provided in a side of the bonnet (10), and a movable louver (50) having blades (52, 52, . . . ) is provided in a duct (48) placed between the opening (10b) and the cooling fan (45).
US08327810B2 High efficiency water heater
An application for a method of heating water includes transferring the water from a water supply into an inner tank of the water heater which is held within an outer tank, transferring the water from the inner tank into an outer tank and then to supply a building with hot water. The water in the outer tank is heated with hot gasses, partially cooling to intermediate temperature gasses. The water in the inner tank is heated with the intermediate temperature gasses, further cooling the intermediate temperature gasses into cooler gasses that are then exhausted out of the water heater.
US08327808B2 Universal dog leash
A dog leash that is capable of serving a multitude of purposes. The dog leash is made of resilient material, allowing it to stretch, which decreases the stress on both the user and the dog. The leash can be configured to lead one dog or two dogs at the same time. The leash can be used as a hands free lead, worn around the user's waist or shoulder. When worn around the waist, it allows 360 degrees of movement by the dog. The lead is also capable of being used as a seat restraint in a motor vehicle or as a tether. The leash is readily adjustable, suited for all size dogs, and can be especially useful for service dogs.
US08327806B2 Pet amusement device
A cat amusement and activity device. The device includes a base configured to reside upon a horizontal surface and to support an activity post extending perpendicularly therefrom. The activity post includes a plurality of segments, each such segment comprising a different scratching surface and at least one such scratching surface being a corrugated cardboard cylinder. Other scratching surfaces can include but are not limited to carpet, sisal, rope, seagrass and natural fibers.
US08327804B2 Measurement object holder, living body holder, and optical measurement instrument
A measurement object holder that holds a measurement object in an optical measurement instrument, wherein the optical measurement instrument takes, as the measurement object, a living body in which isotropic scattering of light occurs inside and receives light emitted from the measurement object is disclosed. The measurement object holder includes a block that is formed in a predetermined outer shape by a material having optical properties in which the isotropic scattering of light occurs inside; and a cavity portion that is formed inside the block, that has an inner shape following the outer shape of the measurement object and in which the measurement object is accommodated.
US08327802B2 Animal litter box
An animal litter box includes: an upper container, which having an upper opening for animals to come in and out, and a bottom portion, which allows fluid to pass through and over which particulate matter is spread; and a lower container having a lower opening provided below the bottom portion, and a holding portion for disposing a fluid absorbing sheet container in which the fluid absorbing sheet which absorbs fluid passing through the bottom portion is laid, wherein a fitting portion for fitting to an edge of a lower opening of the lower container is provided at a side or bottom of the upper container. The fitting portion is preferably a stepped portion or a concave portion.
US08327795B2 Microwave plasma processing apparatus and method of supplying microwaves using the apparatus
A transmission path of microwaves even after a temperature increases, is maintained in an appropriate state. A microwave plasma processing apparatus performs plasma processing on a substrate by exciting gas due to the electric field energy of microwaves emitted from a slot plate of a radial line slot antenna (RLSA). The microwave plasma processing apparatus includes: a processing container in which plasma processing is performed; a microwave source outputting microwaves; a rectangular waveguide transmitting the microwaves outputted from the microwave source; a coaxial converter converting a mode of the microwaves transmitted to the rectangular waveguide; a coaxial waveguide transmitting the microwaves of which the mode is converted by the coaxial converter; a taper-shaped connector attached to an inner conductor of the coaxial waveguide without contacting the slot plate; and an elastic body electrically connecting the taper-shaped connector and the slot plate.
US08327792B2 Canoe with multiple hull sections
A canoe is provided, which is easier to store and transport than the canoes of the prior art, still being versatile, strong and durable in regard of its primary use as a paddling boat. The invention provides a collapsible canoe, such as a kayak, comprising at least two molded hull sections and also a method of manufacturing a canoe. The canoe comprises a joint for releasable connection of a first hull section to a second hull section, wherein each hull section of the joint comprises means for mating the other hull section. Thereby the invention provides a canoe having sections that can be connected for use as a boat and separated for transport and storing. Preferably, the mating means are molded into each respective hull section.
US08327790B2 Trim tab
A trim tab assembly for a watercraft includes a enclosure. A support structure is positioned in the enclosure. At least one trim tab is disposed in the enclosure. The trim tab includes a generally planar top, bottom, side and front surfaces linked by a curved surface defining a wedge shaped body. An actuator is linked to the trim tab pivotally moving the trim tab relative to the enclosure.
US08327788B1 Mooring pendant apparatus
A mooring pendant apparatus for releasably coupling and decoupling a boat. The apparatus having a clip comprising hook and ring sections, with an opening therebetween defining a mouth. A spring loaded movable arm tension biased such that the mouth is kept closed, and it only opens upon activation by a boater pulling on a cable. A functional retractor arm for exerting a greater force on the movable arm than exerted by the internal spring such that the clip opens upon the boater pulling on a cable line. The mooring pendant apparatus operates as an extension of the boater's arm, and it can be utilized either by keeping the apparatus on the boat or leaving it connected to the mooring line and also to the mooring ball.
US08327785B2 Ship
A roll-on and roll-off ship comprising a front part, a rear part and a central part is disclosed. The ship is arranged with holds adapted to accommodate containers etc. in the front part and in the rear parts and roll on/roll off cargo in the central part of the ship. The central part extends from the tank top to a level above the weather deck. A ramp is provided in the aft part of the ship, and the roll on/roll off cargo transits from the ramp to the third cargo hold section via a passageway arranged in the aft part of the ship. The passageway may be arranged as a tunnel, which may be adapted to support cargo stowed above the passageway.
US08327782B2 Device for driving movement of a piece of cloth to be embroidered
A device for driving movement of a piece of cloth to be embroidered includes a driving unit for driving a mounting seat to move relative to a base unit. A cloth-holding frame device holds tensionally the piece of cloth between inner and outer frames, and includes an identification module mounted to a connecting block of the outer frame that is mounted detachably to mounting seat for generating an identification output corresponding to an embroidery area defined in the cloth-holding frame device. When the connecting block is connected to the mounting seat, the identification module is coupled to a control unit via a connecting port of the mounting seat. The control unit controls the driving unit based on the identification output from the identification module so that embroidery operation is performed on the piece of cloth disposed within the embroidery area in the cloth-holding frame device.
US08327780B2 Agricultural implement having fluid delivery features
An agricultural implement is directed to delivering a fluid to the soil of an agricultural field and includes a main frame attached to an opener device, a closing device, a pivoting assembly, and an injection tine. The opener device forms a furrow in the soil, the closing device trails the opener device for closing the furrow, and the injection tine delivers the fluid towards the furrow. The injection tine has a pivoting end attached to the pivoting assembly and a bottom end extending downwardly into the furrow between the opener device and the closing device. The pivoting end is pivotably connected at the pivoting end such that the injection tine is freely pivotable in at least two independent pivotable directions relative to furrow. A diffuser is attached to the bottom end of the injection tine for expelling the fluid into the furrow.
US08327774B1 Portable steering wheel mounted table
A portable steering wheel mounted table provides a lighted writing surface and item storage in the cabin area of a vehicle. The table includes a housing having a first section pivotally coupled to a second section. A first surface of the first section and a first surface of the second section are coplanar forming a writing surface in an open position. The first surface of the first section and the first surface of the second section face each other in a closed position. A first mounting strap is coupled to the housing and configured for being coupled to a steering wheel. Support legs are coupled to the housing and have curved distal portions configured for resting on the steering wheel. Lights are coupled to the housing by a plurality of positionable arms.
US08327770B2 Trolley braking system
A trolley for transporting the rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope, the trolley having a mounting plate configured with a connection point to receive the rider's harness, a pulley rotatably mounted to the mounting plate to support the plate on the cable or rope, and a friction shoe mounted on the plate forward of the pulley to contact the upper portion of the cable or rope, wherein the connection point is located beneath the cable or rope between the centers of the pulley and the friction shoe. The apparatus may also provide a manually operated brake handle to allow the rider to selectively apply braking force to reduce the speed of the trolley on the cable as desired.
US08327768B2 Ring airfoil glider expendable cartridge and glider launching method
My Ring Airfoil Glider Expendable Cartridge and Glider Launching Method is form launching a reduced caliber ring airfoil glider from a conventional grenade launcher barrel with preferred application for less lethal use. A caseless ammunition base contains a primer communicating with a propellant in a rupture disk sealed chamber with a vent used to create, seal and channel propelling gas into a space behind a sabot mounted on a central guide on the base, whereupon releasing the gas, the sabot aligns, seals, pushes and rotates the glider in passage down the barrel, to a point of maximum velocity, whereon, the propelling gas is vented ahead of the glider by the central passage in the sabot as it leaves the guide, whereupon, the bore decelerates the sabot by friction freeing the glider to fly down the bore centered by a turbulent boundary layer of air until it exits the muzzle.
US08327762B2 Printing presses having one or more printing units embodied as printing towers for double-sided multicolor printing, and devices for controlling the temperature of components of one or more of the printing units
A printing machine, which is configured as a printing tower having a plurality of printing units, is usable for double-sided, multicolor printing. A device that is usable for controlling the temperature of the components of one or more of the printing couples is provided. Each printing unit includes a plurality of printing towers that are disposed vertically one over the other. Each of these printing devices has at least one component that is to be temperature controlled and which has a thermal interaction with a fluid of a secondary circuit by way of an inlet. The secondary circuit can have fluid of a primary circuit entered by a feeding station for controlling the temperature. Components that are to be temperature controlled, and that are part of at least two different printing devices, have thermal interactions with two secondary circuits that are different from each other. A selectively actuable electrical heating appliance is provided in the secondary circuit in addition to the feeding station and at least one of valves and pumps and heating appliances that are associated with the two secondary circuits and different from each other are disposed on a machine front side at different heights or can be fed with fluid from the primary units by feeding stations that are disposed at different heights.
US08327758B2 Tape strapping machine
An apparatus for strapping an article by means of a flat tape includes least one tape guide frame having a flat tape guide passage, and a tape drive for feeding the tape into the tape guide passage, wherein arranged at the tape guide frame is an opening device which opens a narrow side of the tape guide passage, and a method of strapping an article with such an apparatus. The opening device may include at least one cover element which is movably secured to the tape guide frame and which is movable from a closed position in which it covers the narrow side of the tape guide passage into an open position in which it opens the narrow side of the tape guide passage. In that way a fresh tape loop can be introduced into the tape guide passage before the welding operation is concluded.
US08327755B1 Beverage brewer with power driven tubular hot water dispense valve and method
An electrical beverage brewer (10) having a controller (26) responsive to a start switch (72) to operate a brew cycle by dispensing hot water from a tank (42) to beverage ingredient within a brew basket (38) through a bent tube (78) mounted to the water tank (42) for rotation about an axis aligned with an external horizontal rotary section (90) of the bent tube (78) between a closed position in which an inlet (80) of a swinging tubular section (79) is in a relatively elevated, closed position and an open position at a lower elevation relative to the closed position. A rotary electromechanical solenoid (96), a pneumatic rotary solenoid (134) or a stepper motor (126) or other like rotary, drive mechanism requiring no positional sensors has a rotary axis aligned with the central axis of rotation of the rotary section (90) and axially linked, inline, with the rotary section (90) to axially drive the rotary section (90) and thereby move the swinging section (79) between the open position and the closed position without applying lateral forces to the rotary section (90).
US08327754B2 Coffee and tea pod
A pod for holding an amount of mixable material. The pod may include a circular sidewall and a base. The base may include a number of apertures. A substantially stiff filter paper may be positioned about the base.
US08327749B2 Firearm receiver with ambidextrous functionality
Embodiments of the present invention provide firearm receiver with ambidextrous features. Some of these features include a bolt-locking mechanism on a firearm receiver that is configured to allow an operator to clear jams while maintaining hold of a firing grip. The bolt-locking mechanism may include a linking mechanism configured to manipulate a bolt-catch device in response to activation of a magazine release button on a firearm receiver. Other features include an ambidextrous magazine release mechanism on a firearm receiver that is configured to allow an operator to release an inserted magazine while maintaining hold of a firing grip with either hand. The magazine release mechanism may include a linking mechanism configured to manipulate a magazine catch device in response to activation of either a right-handed magazine release button or a left-handed magazine release lever that pivots on an external fulcrum on a firearm receiver.
US08327742B1 Diamond tool micro-height-adjuster within a multi-tool rotating head
A rotating head and a corresponding method of removing material employing a base having a substantially planar underside, a plurality of bit holder assemblies connected to the base and holding a corresponding plurality of bits via the assemblies, and apparatus permitting adjusting cutting surfaces of the bits to be held at different distances from the underside, which enables removing material from a target by presenting it to the rotating base and thereby engaging the cutting surfaces with the target.
US08327741B2 Torque wrench and method for determining rotational angle of torque wrench
A torque wrench includes a wrench body, a torque sensor, an angle sensor, a gravity sensor and a processor. The wrench body can provide a torque to a workpiece. The torque sensor can sense whether the torque is greater than a predetermined torque value. The angle sensor can obtain a rotational angle value by measuring the rotation of the wrench body after the torque is greater than the predetermined torque value. The gravity sensor can sense the tilt angle of the wrench body. The processor is programmed to correct the rotational angle value according to the tilt angle of the wrench body.
US08327737B2 Adjustable handlebar for a bicycle
A bicycle is disclosed. A direction control device thereof comprises a handlebar, a steering stem, two adjusting stems, and a quick switch device. The steering stem is connected to the main frame and comprises a longitudinal rod and a horizontal rod. Each adjusting stem comprises an adjusting main body, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. Both ends of the horizontal rod are clamped by each first clamping portion; the handlebar is clamped by each second clamping portion. There are two clamping states of the first and second clamping portions: a fastening state and a non-fastening state. The quick switch device is coupled to each adjusting stem and controls the clamping state of each first clamping portion and each second clamping portion.
US08327736B2 Accelerator pedal device with variable pedal effort
An accelerator pedal device with variable pedal effort, may include an elastic member that applies a restoring force in a return direction to an accelerator pedal rotatably coupled to a vehicle body, at least a pedal effort providing elastic member coupled to the vehicle body and providing a pedal effort in an operation direction of the accelerator pedal, and at least a locking pin mounted to the vehicle body and being selectively engaged with at least one of the at least a pedal effort providing elastic member to disable an operation of the selected pedal effort providing elastic members to adjust sequentially the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal.
US08327733B2 Pivoting locking device for an adjustable steering column
A steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket and a column jacket moveable relative to the mounting bracket to adjust a position of the column jacket. A rake plate is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket and defines a rake slot having rake slot teeth. A telescope plate is pivotably coupled to the column jacket and defines a telescope slot having telescope slot teeth. A rake lock having rake lock teeth is disposed within the rake slot and a telescope lock having telescope lock teeth is disposed within the telescope slot. The rake plate and the telescope plate pivot as the rake lock and the telescope lock move into interlocking toothed engagement to avoid peak-to-peak contact between the lock teeth and the slot teeth, thereby permitting full meshing engagement between the lock teeth and the slot teeth.
US08327730B2 Dual clutch transmission
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08327729B2 Shift drive mechanism for multi-speed transmission
A shift drive mechanism for a multi-speed transmission in which a shift rod can be stably maintained at a desired fixed position without the need for an intermittent drive mechanism and which is small in size and low in cost. The shift drive mechanism for a multi-speed transmission includes a shift guide groove G formed in a shift drum so as to guide a shift pin moved in the axial direction together with the shift rod. Each of gear speed groove portions Gs is formed at axial-direction positions determined on a gear speed basis and directing the shift pin only to the circumferential direction or not moving the shift pin in the axial direction attendant on turning of the shift drum is set to be longer than the distance the shift drum travels idly from the moment of stop of driving of a shift actuator.
US08327728B2 Torque amplifying apparatus and system
Described is a torque amplifying device that is of centrifugal or gyroscopic type and has a unidirectional drive or drives. This device is used to control the body of a controlled object, such as an airplane, helicopter, land vehicle, cargo handling mechanism, earth moving machine or maritime device or vehicle. The torque amplifying devices are designed so that they supply a torque (momentum) to the body of the controlled object where it is connected. Thereby, the orientation or weight distribution of the body is controlled. The orientation is achieved without resorting to the physical properties of the surrounding environment (ground, water or air). Thus, it can apply a torque to this body in pitch, roll and/or yaw, so that it achieves the position or weight distribution the control system is calling for. The duration of the torque can be unlimited, until the conditions that produce it are intentionally changed.
US08327725B2 Sample collection container, sample collection apparatus, and sample collection method in supercritical fluid system
There is provided a sample collection container, a sample collection apparatus, and a sample collection method used in a supercritical fluid system capable of collecting a multi-constituent sample contained in a supercritical fluid at low cost and high collection efficiency. The pressure of a supercritical fluid containing a sample is reduced to a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure, and the depressurized supercritical fluid is forced to undergo adiabatic expansion to form gas-phase CO2 containing a liquid component in the form of aerosol. The gas-phase CO2 is fractionated for each constituent of the contained sample, transferred to a probe 60 of Liquid Handler, and dispensed into a large number of collection vials 300 under the atmospheric pressure, each of which is provided with a vial cap 100. The aerosol-containing gas-phase CO2 is sprayed through the tip of an introduction tube 210 provided in each of the vial cap 100 in a direction downwardly-inclined from the tangential direction along an inner circumferential surface 308 of the corresponding collection vial 300, and swirls and falls in the collection vial 300. In this process, the liquid component containing the sample collides with the inner circumferential surface 308 and is trapped thereon, whereas the gas-phase CO2 is discharged out of a discharge hole 109 in the vial cap 100.
US08327723B2 On-board device for a bicycle for measuring forces and bicycle equipped with such a measuring device
The measuring device is intended to measure forces on a bicycle pedal (1) mounted to rotate on a pedal spindle (2) fixed at the free end of a crankset crankarm (6). The device includes force sensors positioned on the pedal spindle and able to detect the force directed perpendicularly to the pedal spindle and to supply a signal dependent on the force detected, and electronic elements able to process the signals received from the sensors. Some of the electronic elements are incorporated in an electronic card (23) powered by a stand-alone energy source and to which is fixed a male connecting member (24) able to pass through a fixing hole (5) of the pedal spindle (2) on the crankarm (6) in order to cooperate with a female connecting member provided in the end of the pedal spindle. The electronic card forms with the male connecting member an easily detachable assembly.
US08327711B2 Electrostatic capacitive vibrating sensor
An electrostatic capacitive vibration sensor has a substrate, a through-hole, a vibrating electrode plate, and a fixed electrode plate opposite the vibrating electrode plate. The fixed electrode plate is subjected to vibration to perform membrane oscillation. Pluralities of acoustic holes are made in the fixed electrode plate. The vibrating and fixed electrode plate are disposed on a surface side of the substrate such that an opening on the surface side of the through-hole is covered. A lower surface of an outer peripheral portion of the vibrating electrode plate is partially fixed to the substrate. A vent hole that communicates a surface side and a rear surface side of the vibrating electrode plate is made between the surface of the substrate and the lower surface of the vibrating electrode plate. In addition, the acoustic hole has a smaller opening area except at the outer peripheral portion.
US08327701B2 Impeller assembly mounting structure of vane anemometer
A vane anemometer includes an anemometer body forming a receiving chamber that has a side wall forming retention slots for receiving and retaining therein an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly includes an upper cage forming retention tabs and coupling slots, a lower case forming coupling tabs and notches, and an impeller set rotatably supported between the upper cage and the lower case. Each coupling tab of the lower case forms a coupling pawl engageable with each coupling slot of the upper cage to couple the upper cage and the lower case together. The retention tabs of the upper cage are received in the notches of the lower case and each includes a retention nub, whereby the retention tabs form engagement with the retention slots of the receiving chamber of the anemometer body to easily mount the impeller assembly to the anemometer body in a secure manner.
US08327698B2 Test device for the fan of an aircraft engine
The fundamental idea of the invention consists of the construction of the test device from a stationary inner basic structure (1, 7 to 11) that juts out from the wall of the test bench and houses the drive shaft (13) for the fan to be tested, from mobile, interchangeable external housing modules (18 to 24) which can be aligned in relation to one another by means of connected optical elements (32, 33), from interchangeable fittings (41 to 44, 48) for conducting air and noise reduction, in addition to interchangeable measuring devices (38 to 40) that are connected to a modular telemetry unit for determining performance data and aerodynamic and acoustic conditions required by the fan and the fittings. A test device that is designed on this basis permits a plurality of data that is influenced by the design of the fan and the fittings, which lie in the flow duct behind the fan, to be recorded using relatively simple structural resources and conclusions can be drawn from said data with regard to the reduction of noise, an optimal aerodynamic design and improved performance.
US08327696B2 Monitoring of a particle limit value in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a particle filter used for filtering particles out of the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, wherein a collecting particle sensor is disposed downstream of the particle filter in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas and wherein a measurement for the loading of the particle sensor is determined from an output signal of the particle sensor. Provision is thereby made for the temporal integral of a parameter correlating to the particle emissions of the internal combustion engine to be formed during a measurement cycle, for the measurement for the loading of the particle sensor to be associated with the integral at least one measurement point in time during the measurement cycle and for a defective particle filter to be suggested if the measurement for the loading of the particle sensor is higher than a loading threshold value associated with the integral or if the integral is lower than an integral threshold value associated with the measurement for the loading of the particle sensor. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method. The method and the device allow for the diagnosis of the functionality of a particle filter in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine during any operating conditions passed through by the internal combustion engine.
US08327695B2 Restricted filter diagnostic system and method
A restriction diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a pressure difference module and a diagnostic module. The pressure difference module determines a pressure difference between an ambient air pressure and a filtered air pressure measured at a location between an air filter and a valve that is selectively opened to enable ambient airflow through the air filter to a fuel vapor canister. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses restriction of the airflow through the air filter when the pressure difference is greater than a predetermined pressure.
US08327689B2 Fueling system vapor recovery and containment performance monitor and method of operation thereof
A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors. The disclosed methods and apparatus also provide for the determination of fuel dispensing system vapor containment integrity, and the differentiation of true vapor recovery failures as opposed to false failures resulting from the refueling of vehicles provided with onboard vapor recovery systems.
US08327688B2 Gas permeation testing system
A system for the automated regulation of a gas permeation testing system is disclosed, wherein a control system in communication with a data processor facilitates more precise control of a pressurized fluid caused to flow through the gas permeation testing system.
US08327683B2 Composite materials and calibration assemblies using the same
Example composite materials and calibration assemblies using the same. An example calibration assembly for use in calibrating a downhole formation evaluation tool includes a first body comprising a first material and having a first geometry, a second body comprising a second material formed to receive the first body, wherein the first and second materials and the first geometry are selected so that a calibration property of the calibration assembly substantially matches a corresponding calibration property of a third material.
US08327682B2 Fence clip installation tool
A fence clip installation tool includes a pair of handles pivotally joined to respective jaws pivotally maintained between two plates to enable the jaws to counter-rotate in unison. Clips of a compatible design may then be nested between the jaws and compressed or deformed about objects upon closure of the handles.
US08327672B2 Methods and systems for water delivery in an additive dispenser
A washing apparatus such as an automatic laundry washing machine includes a wash agent dispenser drawer including an additive compartment for storing various additives such as detergent, bleach and fabric softener. One or more water inflow tubes may extend downwardly into the additive compartment and may be configured to deliver water for diluting the additives contained in the compartment. The inflow tubes are of sufficient length to reach a sub-surface portion of additive held in the compartment. Water may simultaneously be delivered to the surface of the additive. Furthermore, inflow tubes have their outlets positioned adjacent to the base(s) of one or more siphon post/cap assemblies located in the additive compartments, such that a churning effect is produced from the injection of water through the tubes and the siphoning action of the siphon post, whereby mixing is enhanced and additive buildup may be avoided and/or removed.
US08327671B2 Washing machine
A washing machine having a structure in which operating conditions of the washing machine are inputted by a rotary knob (7), and current operating conditions are displayed by the light emitted from an LED and transmitted through a display unit (130) is disclosed. The interference of the light emitted from the LED is interrupted, whereby the operating conditions of the washing machine are clearly displayed. The washing machine includes a control panel (30) mounted at the front part of a machine body of the washing machine, a rotary knob (7) mounted at the control panel (30) for allowing a user to input operating conditions of the washing machine in a rotating fashion, a display unit (130) mounted around the rotary knob (7) for displaying the operating conditions of the washing machine inputted by the rotary knob (7), a controller coupled to the inside of the control panel (30), the controller having a plurality of partitioned LEDs that can be selectively turned on according to the input from the rotary knob (7), and a decoration panel (140) disposed between the display unit (30) and an LED supporter, which supports the LEDs, for allowing light emitted from the selected LED to be transmitted through the display unit (130) without leakage.
US08327663B2 Method of manufacturing an optical glass element
A substrate protective film composed of chromium metal is formed on a molding surface of a mold base material composed of cemented carbide. The substrate protective film is oxidized by heat treatment or ion implantation, so that a surface protective film composed of chromium oxide is formed. A pair of molds having such a constitution are prepared. Softened glass is pressed between the surface protective films of the paired molds, so that optical glass elements are molded.
US08327661B2 Refrigeration apparatus
A refrigeration apparatus uses a refrigerant that operates in a region including critical processes, and includes a compression mechanism having first and second compressors, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, a utilization-side heat exchanger, an intercooler, and an intermediate refrigerant pipe. The first compressor has a first low-pressure compression element and a first high-pressure compression element to increase pressure of refrigerant more than the first low-pressure compression element. The second compressor has a second low-pressure compression element and a second high-pressure compression element to increase pressure of refrigerant more than the second low-pressure compression element. The intermediate refrigerant pipe causes refrigerant discharged by the first and second low-pressure compression elements to pass through the intercooler and be sucked into first and second high-pressure the compression elements. The intake sides of the first and second low-pressure compression elements are connected. The discharge sides of the first and second high-pressure compression elements merge.
US08327660B2 Production of very low-temperature refrigeration in a thermochemical device
The invention relates to a thermochemical device and to a method for producing refrigeration at very low temperature.The device produces refrigeration at a temperature Tf<−20° C., from an available heat source at a temperature Th of 60-80° C. and a heat sink at the ambient temperature To of 10° C.-25° C. It comprises two coupled dipoles, operating in phase opposition. The thermochemical phenomena in one of the dipoles are such that this dipole may produce refrigeration at Tf with a heat sink at the ambient temperature To. The thermochemical phenomena in the other dipole are such that this dipole may be regenerated from the heat source Th and a heat sink at the temperature To.
US08327657B2 Refrigerator
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which can store foodstuffs like vegetables in a fresh state, restrain reduction of nutritive elements contained in foodstuffs, and prevent damage of irradiation device. The refrigerator includes a main body, a storage chamber which is provided in the main body to store foodstuffs, and an irradiation device which irradiates light within a visible light region into the storage chamber. The refrigerator farther includes a reflection member which is mounted to the storage chamber to reflect the light emitted from the irradiation device, and a transforming member which transforms the light emitted from the irradiation device into a side light type.
US08327656B2 Method and apparatus for cooling
A method of calculating sensible cooling capacity of a cooling unit includes obtaining compressor capacity, subtracting compressor heat loss from the compressor capacity, subtracting latent cooling capacity from compressor capacity, and subtracting fan power loss from the compressor capacity. Methods of controlling a cooling unit and embodiments of a cooling unit are further disclosed.
US08327651B2 Transcritical fluid cooling for aerospace applications
A cooling system includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant from a subcritical state to a supercritical state, a cooler for transferring heat from the refrigerant, an expander for expanding the refrigerant in the supercritical state, an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant from the supercritical state to the subcritical state and an evaporator for transferring heat from a cooling fluid to the refrigerant in the subcritical state. Work extracted by the expander provides power to the compressor. A method for cooling a vehicle includes compressing a refrigerant from a subcritical state to a supercritical state, cooling the refrigerant, expanding the refrigerant in the supercritical state where work produced by expanding the refrigerant is used to compress the refrigerant, expanding the refrigerant from the supercritical state to the subcritical state, cooling a cooling fluid with the refrigerant in the subcritical state and cooling vehicle components with the cooling fluid.
US08327648B2 Combustor liner with integrated anti-rotation and removal feature
A combustor liner for a gas turbine engine including first and second annular liner portions engaged to one another with an interference fit. The first liner portion includes at least one anti-rotation feature extending therefrom and engaging the second liner portion and having a threaded hole defined therethrough at least substantially perpendicularly to an adjacent radially extending surface of the second liner portion for threadingly receiving a pushing tool for pushing against that surface.
US08327646B2 Forward sleeve retainer plate and method
In a combustor section, wherein a forward sleeve is disposed to encircle a leading end of an impingement sleeve comprised of first and second impingement sleeve parts abutted along a longitudinal junction thereof, a retainer member disposed to overlie the longitudinal junction. The retainer member is welded to at least one of said forward sleeve and the impingement sleeve. The retainer member has first and second axial end edges disposed transverse to the longitudinal junction, and at least one of the axial end edges has a cutout defined therein and disposed to overlie the longitudinal junction.
US08327645B2 Isentropic compression inlet for supersonic aircraft
A supersonic inlet employs relaxed isentropic compression to improve net propulsive force by shaping the compression surface of the inlet. Relaxed isentropic compression shaping of the inlet compression surface functions to reduce cowl lip surface angles, thereby improving inlet drag characteristics and interference drag characteristics. Supersonic inlets in accordance with the invention also demonstrate reductions in peak sonic boom overpressure while maintaining performance.
US08327644B2 Micro-turbine combustor
A micro gas turbine engine for use in a turbo heater or co-generation application is described. The micro gas turbine engine includes a fuel delivery system which minimizes the development of deposits in the air-fuel passageway. To this end, a fuel delivery channel formed between a fuel deflector and a slinger body is formed with a contoured or undulating surface. A fuel deflector ring is interposed between the fuel delivery channel and the slinger impeller to facilitate the flow of the air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber.
US08327642B2 Multiple tube premixing device
The present application provides a premixer for a combustor. The premixer may include a fuel plenum with a number of fuel tubes and a burner tube with a number of air tubes. The fuel tubes extend about the air tubes.
US08327638B2 Hydraulic drive apparatus and hydraulically-driven vehicle
The object of the present invention is to allow an operator to easily perform desired operations with high hydraulic efficiency, without an increase in difficulty of performing operations. A hydraulic drive apparatus of the present invention includes a pump control unit 31 that includes: a pump reference command value setting unit 31a that sets a pump reference command value for a hydraulic pump 10 in accordance with the engine speed of an engine 3; a pump correction command value calculating unit 31b that sets a pump command value by determining an inching rate in accordance with the amount of operation when an inching operation is performed, and correcting the pump reference command value in accordance with the inching rate; and a pump control command value setting unit 31c that sets a pump control command value for controlling the capacity of the hydraulic pump 10, based on the pump command value set by the pump correction command value calculating unit 31b.
US08327632B2 Exhaust system comprising catalysed soot filter
An exhaust system which has a catalysed soot filter (CSF), a control unit, and a catalyzed sensor. The exhaust system, controllable by the control unit, can increase hydrocarbon (HC) and/or carbon monoxide (CO) content in an exhaust gas flowing into the CSF resulting in combustion of the HC and/or CO in the CSF, a temperature increase of the CSF, and combustion of particulate matter collected on the CSF. The catalyzed sensor is disposed between an engine manifold and the CSF, and combusts CO and/or HC in the exhaust gas and inputs the control unit with a datum correlating with an enthalpy of combustion of HC and/or CO in the exhaust gas, thereby controlling the content of the combustible HC and/or CO in the exhaust gas flowing into the CSF. The catalysed sensor is the only catalysed component in the exhaust system disposed between the engine and the CSF.
US08327628B2 Gasoline particulate filter regeneration and diagnostics
A method for operating a spark-ignition engine having a three-way catalyst and a particulate filter downstream thereof, comprising: oscillating an exhaust air-fuel ratio entering the particulate filter to generate air-fuel ratio oscillations downstream of the particulate filter, while increasing exhaust temperature; when the downstream oscillations are sufficiently dissipated, enleaning the exhaust air-fuel ratio entering the particulate filter; and reducing the enleanment when an exhaust operating parameter is beyond a threshold amount.
US08327625B2 Method for regenerating soot filters in the exhaust gas system of a lean mix engine, and exhaust gas system therefor
To adhere to legal exhaust-gas regulations, the exhaust gases of a lean-burn engine must be freed from soot particles and nitrogen oxides. It is proposed that the cylinders of the lean-burn engine be divided into two groups which discharge their exhaust gases into two associated exhaust lines which each comprise a soot filter and which are merged at an opening-in point into a common exhaust line. The common exhaust line comprises the catalytic converter for the removal of the nitrogen oxides. By regenerating the two soot filters at different times, the exhaust-gas temperature in the common exhaust line is limited to a mean temperature between the exhaust-gas temperature of normal operation and that of regeneration operation, and the catalytic converter for the removal of the nitrogen oxides is preserved.
US08327619B2 Method for operating an internal combustion engine
In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, the engine includes a plurality of cylinders each of which having at least one valve of a first type, an inlet valve, and at least one valve of a second type, an exhaust valve, arranged in an end part of the cylinder, each of the cylinders further having a piston movably arranged therein, the piston being adapted to reciprocate between a first end position and a second end position, wherein the first end position is located closer to the valves than the lower end position, the engine being adapted to allow deactivation of at least one cylinder by reducing its supply of fuel, the engine further being adapted to allow varying opening times of the inlet valves and/or the exhaust valves. The method includes extending the total opening time of at least one valve type of a deactivated cylinder compared to the opening time of the same valve type when the cylinder is active, the extension of the total opening time being performed such that at least one valve of the type is open at least partly both during a first engine stroke, wherein the piston moves in a direction towards its second end position, as well as during a second consecutive engine stroke, wherein the piston moves in a direction towards its first end position.
US08327611B2 Methods for the joint wrapping of bags with their contents, applying machine and packet of bags containing “snack” thus obtained
A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed.
US08327604B2 Mini-truss thin-sheet panel assembly
A mini-truss thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component.
US08327596B2 Connector system for building studs
A structural building system includes a plurality of pultruded fiberglass reinforced structure components configured to be used as a structural frame member of a building and a plurality of connectors. Each connector is configured to be mounted to one end of a first pultruded structural component and includes a mounting section that is couplable to a second pultruded structural component so as to connect the first and second structural components at right angles to each other.
US08327594B2 Recreational vehicle roofing system
A roof system for a mobile occupancy structure having a roof substrate and a roof member mounted to the mobile occupancy structure may include a roof membrane having at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) membrane layer affixed to the roof substrate. The roof system may also include a sealant disposed about or adjacent the roof member with the sealant being adhered to the TPV membrane layer. The TPV membrane layer includes a TPV polymer bonding additive and the sealant includes a sealant polymer bonding additive with the TPV polymer bonding additive and sealant polymer bonding additive interacting to promote adhesion of the sealant with the TPV membrane layer. The sealant may be a substantially solid sealant having at least approximately 90% solids by weight prior to being applied about the roof member.
US08327592B2 Structural reinforcing system components
A structural reinforcing panel system for reinforcing a structure against lateral or shear and uplift loads. The system includes a structural reinforcing panel which is installed between the studs in a wall of the structure. The panel is connected to the foundation of the structure and the sill or header. Two or more panels may be connected together at a corner, within a wall, ceiling or floor. The roof rafters of the structure may be attached to a top plate bracket mounted to the sill plate, which may also be connected to one or more structural reinforcing panels, provides uplift load support for the structure. For structures built on piers, a pier mount bracket provides a linkage to one or more structural reinforcing panels.
US08327590B2 Roofing system support assembly
A support assembly for supporting a retrofit roof to be installed above an existing roof made of preformed panels. Elongated support assembly members are positioned along the roof line to provide additional points of attachment for the new roof, while at the same time forming a substantially even plane for new roof panels. Some of the support members fit in the channels between the ridges of the preformed panels, which can be R-panels or standing seam panels. Transverse top members secure the channel-mounted members in place, while strapping members positioned atop the top members form additional lateral support for the new roof. A plurality of bracket support assemblies is secured between the top members to the roofing panels to elevate the new roof support. The bracket support assemblies are formed of two engageable parts to increase resistance to wind forces.
US08327585B2 Weatherseal with removable protective coating
A new method of making and manufacturing foam weather stripping, using a foam filled profile that is encapsulated with an outer liner and a removable film. The film is precisely introduced to the liner using adjustable guides. Just before the film is introduced to the liner the release liner is striped from the film and carried away using a scrap takeaway system for recycling. The liner and film are then introduced into proprietary tooling where the foam, liner, insert, and film is folded upon itself. After the actual construction of the said profile, it is then inserted into a door or window using a kerf or tape application. After the installation of the weather-stripping in the door or window it can then be painted or finished in a variety of ways. After the finish has dried the film protecting the weather strip can then be pealed away exposing a clean undisturbed weather strip.
US08327584B2 Glass run channel
A glass run channel, wherein at least one of interior and exterior side wall portions are made of a foamable polymer material that is foamed, wherein at least one of an interior covering layer that covers at least a portion of a first surface, which includes a surface of an interior decoration portion and a surface of an interior connecting portion, and an exterior covering layer that covers at least a portion of a second surface, which includes a surface of an exterior decoration portion and a surface of an exterior connecting portion, is formed, so as to cover the at least one decoration portion that is made of the foamable polymer material, and wherein the at least one covering layer is made of a second polymer material which has a foaming ratio smaller than that of the foamable polymer material or which is not foamed.
US08327582B2 Vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus
A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, a first end, and a second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube. A media material is insertable into the grow tube wherein the grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.
US08327575B1 Fishing rod holder attachable to a dock
A fishing rod holder device for temporarily securing to a dock. The device features a mounting base, a pole holding tube extending upwardly at an angle from the mounting base, a channel aperture disposed in the mounting base; and a locking means for securing the mounting base to a dock in a tool-free and hardware-free manner. The locking means features a locking means base dispose don the mounting base, a sliding tube telescopically received in the locking means base, a shaft extending through both the sliding tube and locking means base, a first T-bar disposed on the shaft above the sliding tube and a second T-bar disposed on the shaft below the mounting base. The second T-bar can be moved upwardly toward the mounting base to compress planks of a dock to secure the device to the dock.
US08327572B2 Insulated gun protection article
A tight, insulating enclosure for a rifle or shotgun is provided. Such an enclosure envelops the wooden stock and other wooden portions of a suitable firearm, at least, to protect the wooden surfaces thereof during storage, transportation, and utilization. The enclosure itself contains rubberized foam components to impart insulation around the wooden portions as protection against hard and/or extended surfaces that may bump, scratch, dent, or otherwise disfigure the wooden portions of a rifle or shotgun. Furthermore, the enclosure is of a single construction with suitable cut-out portions for movable parts, such as a trigger, a clip, a scope, and the like and is secured around the target firearm in a tight-fitting fashion in order to protect the noted surfaces, as well as provide shock absorption during firing. In such a manner, the enclosure permits access at all times to the necessary movable components while ensuring a snug fit around the delicate portions of the rifle or shotgun.
US08327569B2 Firearm buttstock assembly and method
A firearm buttstock includes a buttstock body having first, second and third passages. A transfer member is received in the second passage and a retaining member is received in the third passage. A firearm is also disclosed that has a receiver extension. The firearm buttstock can be supported on the firearm such that the receiver extension is received within the first passage. A method of assembling a firearm buttstock assembly is also included.
US08327568B1 Gunstock system having an internal magazine
A gunstock system having an internal magazine for storage of ammunition cartridges and for providing ambidextrous delivery of the ammunition cartridges. The gunstock has a vertically-oriented internal magazine having an upper opening and a lower reload/discharge opening, an operable cover for closing the upper opening, a biasing element, such as a spring, extending from the cover within the internal magazine to apply downward pressure upon the ammunition cartridges, and biased-retaining arms for operatively opening and closing the reload/discharge opening to permit and restrict removal of the ammunition cartridges from the internal magazine. The ammunition cartridges exit the reload/discharge opening in a forward manner and along the bottom of the gunstock. The gunstock has a bore extending therethrough from a rearward to a forward end of the gunstock for receiving a bolt to secure the gunstock to the receiver or adjacent portion of the firearm.
US08327567B2 Multiple frame topology system
A flexible, scalable multiple frame topology system capable of a wide range of multiple frame geometric topologies. Specifically a series of photographs, a series of photographic letters, or any series of flat, semi-flat, or three-dimensional display objects are displayable in a wide variety of display geometries: a horizontal line of frames, multiple, stacked, horizontal lines of frames, a vertical array of frames, multiple vertical arrays of frames, staggered arrays of frames, diagonal arrays of frames, crossword arrays of frames, and any combinations thereof. Also the disclosed display method is capable of displaying three-dimensional objects on shelves, or glass display cases, shadow boxes, on hooks, interlocking into the display cases—and the geometric display can mix a number of different display frames, for instance, a series of flat framed items with a three dimensional objects at each end of the array. Finally, the multiple clip frame system is a cost effective, visually balanced method, and aesthetically pleasing way to show any display object.
US08327566B2 Wristband form including a wristband and an extension therefor
A form having a wristband and, optionally, detachable labels, includes a printable face ply and a liner ply. The printable face ply has an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower surface. The face ply may include first and second adjacent portions, with the first portion of the face ply die cut to form a detachable wristband having first and second ends and an upper and a lower surface, with pressure sensitive adhesive on the lower surface of the detachable wristband adjacent the first and second ends, and with the second portion of the face ply die cut to form the series of detachable labels. The first portion of the face ply is also die cut to form an extender band having first and second ends and an upper and a lower surface, with pressure sensitive adhesive on the lower surface of the extender band adjacent the first and second ends. One of the extender band and the wristband defines an opening through which one of the first and second ends of the other of the extender band and the wristband can extend. As a result, the wristband and the extender band can be secured together by adhesive at their respective overlapping ends to increase effectively the length of the wristband. Variations in construction include providing adhesive at fewer than all of the wristband and extender band ends, and only having a single portion face ply.
US08327565B2 Fence wrapping assembly and a method of utilizing the same
A fence wrapping assembly for retaining a panel of sheet material adjacent one or both of a front and back of a fence. The panel has one or more pockets formed therein; a carrier is received in each pocket and a mounting member engages each carrier and secures the same to one of a first and second fence post. A tensioning device extends between the first and second fence posts and engages the panel. The device is adjustable to apply tension to the panel. Advertising graphics are applied to the panel's exterior surface.
US08327564B2 Repeatably displaceable emanating element display
One aspect relates to generating a repeatably displaceable emanating element display that may display at least part of an at least one synchronously modifiable oriented image based at least in part on alterable vehicle-related information, wherein the repeatably displaceable emanating element display may be synchronously modified as perceivable by a viewer at least partially by synchronizing an at least one repeatably displaceable display emanating element based at least in part on an orientation of the repeatably displaceable emanating element display as synchronously modified as perceivable by the viewer.
US08327559B2 Climate configurable sole and shoe
Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.
US08327550B2 Blade clamp for reciprocating saw
A jigsaw drive shaft is connected to a blade by the blade clamp of the present invention. The blade clamp comprises a clamp body mounted securely to the drive shaft by a bracket. The clamp body has a hollow portion formed to receive an upper portion the jigsaw blade. The clamp body also includes a hollow tubular extension. A cam body is pivotable about an axis through a cylindrical bore such that cam surfaces move in and out of contact with an interior surface of the clamp body to engage or release the blade. A spring biases the cam body into engagement with the clamp body surface. The user must press on a protrusion of the cam body to pivot the cam surfaces way from the clamp surface and against the force of the spring.
US08327545B2 Razor cartridges with perforated blade assemblies
A razor cartridge comprising a housing, a guard disposed toward a front portion of the housing, a cap disposed toward a rear portion of the housing, a plurality of bent blade assemblies, wherein at least one of the blade assemblies comprises one or more perforations along a length of the assembly. In another embodiment, a razor cartridge comprising a housing, a guard disposed toward a front portion of the housing, a cap disposed toward a rear portion of the housing, a plurality of integrally formed bent blade assemblies, wherein each of the blade assemblies comprises one or more perforations along a length of the assembly.
US08327544B2 Razor
A razor which includes at least one razor blade, a container for a shaving composition and an electrically powered actuating mechanism, for causing shaving composition from the container to be discharged from the shaving head.
US08327541B2 Method of assembling a differential mechanism
A differential gear casing of flower pot construction has an outer surface which is configured for receiving a crown wheel, whereby the crown wheel can be pressed onto the outer surface by different amounts for different applications. The outer surface is free from projections such that the crown wheel can be mounted on the outer surface from any axial direction. The outer surface defines a band on the differential gear casing and is parallel with a central axis of the differential gear casing. The crown wheel is secured to the differential gear casing using an axial weld line. In other embodiments, the crown wheel and/or a cover for the differential gear casing are secured in place using axial and/or radial weld lines.
US08327539B2 System and method for facilitating proper assembly of an exhaust system
A system and method are disclosed for facilitating proper assembly of an exhaust system. The system includes a first modular exhaust treatment unit connectable to a second modular exhaust treatment unit. At one end, the first modular exhaust treatment unit includes a substantially continuous collar that integrates a first docking element therein. The second modular exhaust treatment unit includes a second docking element configured to engage the first docking element. When connected, the first and second docking elements operate to rotationally align and properly order the first and second modular exhaust treatment units.
US08327536B2 Method of manufacturing high-speed connector inserts and cables
High speed connector inserts and cables having improved heat conduction, high strength, and may be manufactured in a reliable manner. One example may provide a connector insert having several paths by which heat may be removed from circuitry in the cable insert. In one example, heat may be removed from one or more circuits by forming a thermal path between a circuit and a shield of the connector insert. Another path may include one or more pads on a side of an integrated circuit board that are soldered directly to the shield. A braiding surrounding a cable may be soldered or otherwise thermally connected to the shield. Another example may provide a cable having a braiding that includes one or more types of fibers, such as aramid fibers. Another example may provide for increased manufacturability by using a wire comb and a solder bar.
US08327532B2 Method for releasing a microelectronic assembly from a carrier substrate
Methods for forming a microelectronic assembly (82) are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a device substrate (50) having a plurality of electronic components (42) coupled thereto, and providing a carrier substrate (54) having first and second opposing surfaces (60, 62) and including a plurality of openings (58) extending between the first and second opposing surfaces (60, 62) and a plurality of depressions (64) formed on the first opposing surface (60). The method further includes attaching the device substrate (50) to the first opposing surface (60) of the carrier substrate (54) using an adhesive material (56) such that at least some of the adhesive material (56) is adjacent to at least some of the plurality of depressions (64), and removing the device substrate (50) from the carrier substrate (54).
US08327529B1 Assembly tool system
An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body, a first vacuum channel defined within the body, and a first locating pin attached to the body. The first locating pin has a shaft portion arranged within a surrounding portion of the body. The first locating pin is configured to engage a first alignment feature of a hard drive component at a first contact area to align the hard drive component with the assembly tool. The body is configured to couple the first vacuum channel to a vacuum source and to facilitate particle evacuation from the first contact area via the first vacuum channel when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source.
US08327527B2 Integrated reed switch
This invention relates to reed switches, and more particularly to micro-miniaturized reed switches and batch microfabrication techniques used to fabricate micro-miniaturized reed switches. The present invention can provide miniaturized reed switches with more consistent operating parameters, and that can be produced more efficiently than conventional reed switches. The present invention can also provide methods of making miniaturized reed switches using microfabrication techniques. The present invention can use lithographic-based fabrication to enable monolithic construction of a reed switch. Microlithography can repeatedly form micrometer dimensions with tight tolerances over large arrays of devices which, if the patterns are translated into materials appropriate for electromechanical devices, can provide for repeatable and consistent electromechanical operation. For example, tight dimensional control of the gap between two reeds in a reed switch or a reed and a fixed contact can provide consistency of performance between reed switches. Thus, the present invention can allow the commonly regarded reed switch specification of sensitivity, or “Ampere-turns” required to close a reed switch, to be tightly controlled with a commensurate reduction in spread in sensitivity across reed switch production lots.
US08327525B2 Magnetic head slider testing method
A step portion for mounting a row bar is provided at a table stepping down from the face of the table, and by lowering a pair of hooks crossing over the step portion in its width direction, a row bar held by the hooks is mounted on the step portion. While interposing the row bar mounted on the step portion between a pair of hooks and a side face of the step portion, the side in longitudinal direction of the row bar and the bottom face thereof are butted to the bottom face and the standing up side face of the step portion to position two axes of the row bar among XYZ directions, successively, positioning of the row bar in one remaining direction along longitudinal direction of the row bar mounted on the step portion is performed by moving the table in the one remaining axial direction.
US08327521B2 Method for production and using a capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducer
Methods are provided for production of pre-collapsed capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (cMUTs). Methods disclosed generally include the steps of obtaining a nearly completed traditional cMUT structure prior to etching and sealing the membrane, defining holes through the membrane of the cMUT structure for each electrode ring fixed relative to the top face of the membrane, applying a bias voltage across the membrane and substrate of the cMUT structure so as to collapse the areas of the membrane proximate to the holes to or toward the substrate, fixing and sealing the collapsed areas of the membrane to the substrate by applying an encasing layer, and discontinuing or reducing the bias voltage. CMUT assemblies are provided, including packaged assemblies, integrated assemblies with an integrated circuit/chip (e.g., a beam-steering chip) and a cMUT/lens assembly. Advantageous cMUT-based applications utilizing the disclosed pre-collapsed cMUTs are also provided, e.g., ultrasound transducer-based applications, catheter-based applications, needle-based applications and flowmeter applications.
US08327518B2 Method for manufacturing a bendable tube
With a method for manufacturing a bendable tube, which is preferably envisaged for an endoscopic instrument, first a tube is separated into several tube sections in a manner such that adjacent tube sections engage into one another with a positive fit in the axis direction of the tube. After the separation of the tube into several tube sections, one envisages peripherally arranging means for providing a positive fit transversely to the axis direction of the tube, on the regions of the tube sections, which are situated in engagement with one another.
US08327513B2 Buckle assembly having single release for multiple belt connectors
A buckle assembly for a vehicle restraint system where the buckle assembly is adapted to receive a plurality of belt connectors, with the belt connectors being simultaneously released upon moving at least one handle to a release position.
US08327512B2 Slide switch for buckle apparatus
A slide switch installed in a buckle apparatus includes a body 20, a slider 30 held slidably in the body 20, the slider 30 sliding when pressed by a movable part of the buckle apparatus, fixed contacts 41 to 43 placed in a direction in which the slider slides, on a surface of the body 20 that faces the slider 30, a movable piece 44 sliding on the surface of the body 20 on which the fixed contacts 41 to 43 are placed. The slider 30 has a size that obscures the fixed contacts 41 to 43 in the entire range in which the slider 30 slides. The fixed contacts 41 to 43 are unlikely to be affected by foreign matter etc. and adherence of foreign matter that degrades performance can be prevented.
US08327511B2 Fixing device for the assembly and quick release of objects
The fixing device for the assembly and quick release of objects includes a holding element that can be fixed to one of the objects to be held together, and a retaining device that can be fixed to another one of the objects to be held together and engage the holding element. The retaining device includes a plurality of separable parts that can be held closely together around the holding element by a disengageable pre-tensioning device. The separable parts are connected to each other by an elastically deformable mechanisms which stretch to in order to draw the parts located at a distance from each other together, while the pre-tensioning device includes a link wound around the parts in order to keep them closed on the holding element, at least one end of the link being fixed to a tensioning mechanism.
US08327510B2 Temporary pants hemming device
A device and method for temporary hemming/cuffing children's pants legs is disclosed. A base member and a securement member sandwich material to be hemmed between one another. The base member and the securement member are operatively engaged with one another by way of tab extending axially from the securement member, which are engageable with lip portions of the base member. When the securement member and the base member sandwich the material to be hemmed, portions of the material, especially any seams, are positioned within spaces or passages defined by the tabs.
US08327509B2 Liquid-tight slide fastener
A liquid-tight slide fastener, wherein a pair of right and left coil-like coupling element rows, through which a core thread is respectively passed, is attached by sewing along opposing side edges of a pair of right and left fastener tapes, the fastener tapes having a liquid-tight layer on one surface thereof, and the core thread is coated with a water repellent agent or oil repellent agent. Consequently, even if water or oil invades into a space portion in the coupling element rows through a joint portion in the liquid-tight slide fastener, the core thread repels the water or oil, thereby blocking a further invasion of water or oil, and exerting excellent water repellency or oil repellency without provision of a water stop flap.
US08327508B2 Slide fastener
The slide fastener comprises elements, and a slider, the slide fastener opening and closing a horizontal opening/closing portion and a vertical opening/closing portion with one operation by sliding the slider along the elements. The slide fastener includes a horizontal functional section and a vertical functional section. The horizontal functional section includes element heads which are meshed with and unmeshed from each other, and horizontal fastener tapes. The vertical functional section includes element legs extending vertically to the horizontal direction and bending into a hook-like shape, holding portions which are formed by distal ends of the element legs, and a vertical fastener tape.
US08327507B2 Web adjuster for vehicle seat harness
A child-restraint system is adapted for use with a juvenile vehicle seat. The child-restraint system includes a frame configured to be mounted on the juvenile vehicle seat and a web clamp coupled to the frame. The web clamp is configured to clamp a web passing under the web clamp and through a web-receiving channel formed in the frame.
US08327503B2 Surface treating appliance
A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a device generating a flow of fluid in the form of a motor and fan, housed in a main body. A hose and wand assembly, a surface treating head and a rotary change over valve are also provided. The valve is selectively rotatable so as to allow fluid flow from either the surface-treating head or the hose. A support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a retracted position. The change over valve and support assembly are arranged so that motion of the support assembly between the supporting and retracted positions induces rotary motion of the change over valve.
US08327495B1 Window wiper system
A window wiper system featuring a first wiper component for wiping a side door window and a side mirror component featuring a means of wiping its mirrored surface. The first wiper component features a first wiper arm and blade pivotally attached to the side door of and a first motor for oscillating the first wiper blade in a first and second direction across the window. The side mirror component features a base having a front panel with a mirrored surface, a pivot arm attached to a first gear on the front panel, a motor operatively connected to the first gear, and a second wiper blade pivotally attached to the pivot arm, when the pivot arm is pivoted in the first or second direction the second wiper blade is moved over the mirrored surface.
US08327494B2 Brush mitt
A brush mitt includes a brush cover and a handle cover. A loop on the brush cover receives a handle of a brush of the type such as commonly used for washing vehicles. The handle cover wraps around the end of the handle and a brush cover attachment strap passes through the loop on the brush cover to secure the handle cover to the brush cover. The brush mitt prevents damage to delicate surfaces, such as the painted surface of vehicles, that might be caused by either the brush bristles or impact with the handle of the brush.
US08327491B2 Illuminated flashing toothbrush and method of use
A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. A pliant base on the handle can be used to activate the activation device to initiate the illumination circuit.
US08327488B2 Actuator and electric toothbrush using the same
An actuator allows miniaturization by realizing back-and-forth rotating motion of, for example, an electric brush without a drive transmitting mechanism which constitutes a separate entity from a drive source. In a movable body (160) of this actuator (100), an outer yoke (110) is provided with inner wall planes (112a and 113a) located opposing each other spaced a predetermined interval apart and magnets (121 and 123) of different magnetic poles opposing each other in the inner walls planes (112a and 113a). The movable body (160) has a center yoke (140) located between the magnets (121 and 124) through air gaps. The movable body (160) is provided with a shaft (150). The fixed body (180) has a coil (170) which is located in the air gaps and which circles the center yoke (140). The fixed body (180) movably supports the movable body (160) through elastic bodies (190). An alternating current supplying section (195) supplies to the coil (170) the alternating current of a frequency virtually equal to the resonance frequency of the movable body (160).
US08327486B2 Deployable ramp assembly
A deployable ramp assembly including a fixed ramp portion and a pivotable ramp portion connected thereto through a direct pivot connection to pivot between stowed and deployed positions defined at a first angle from one another, a cover member pivotally connected to the fixed portion to pivot between closed and opened positions defined at a second angle from one another which is substantially smaller than the first angle, a drive assembly pivoting the cover member between the closed and opened positions, and a multiplier assembly interconnecting the pivotable portion and the cover member to transfer the pivoting motion of the cover member to the pivotable portion in an amplified manner, the multiplier assembly bringing the pivotable portion in the stowed position when the cover member is in the closed position and the pivotable portion in the deployed position when the cover member is in the opened position.
US08327484B2 Method for smoothing articles of clothing and tunnel finisher
A tunnel finisher in which the articles of clothing (14) are impinged on with steam pulses in a discontinuous fashion. This lowers the steam requirement. It is additionally provided that other points of the article of clothing (14) are continuously impinged on with steam, as a result of which no damage to the articles of clothing (14) occurs during the steam impingement. It is finally provided that transport hangers (15), on which the articles of clothing (14) hang while being transported through the tunnel finisher, are rotated in opposite directions, as a result of which halves of adjacent articles of clothing (14) alternately assume relatively large and relatively small spacings relative to one another. In this way, the articles of clothing (14) can be impinged on effectively and with steam.
US08327482B2 Two-piece lightweight litter system
This invention is directed to a durable, compact, two-piece, light weight, load sustaining litter system for the transport of humans, animals or objects. The litter system comprises a litter frame, a fabric disposed between the structure of the frame, at least one hinge and at least one coupling mechanism. The litter system may be quickly assembled under adverse conditions and may be particularly beneficial in transporting individuals who are injured, disabled and/or incapable of movement under combat and/or emergency conditions.
US08327481B2 Device for providing elements for survival
A device for providing elements of survival, including two components that attached together form a sealed compartment. One side of the compartment is substantially flat to enable the transportation of persons or materials, and has a number of handles to facilitate transportation.
US08327480B2 Birthing bed lift off foot section
A patient-support apparatus includes receivers for supporting a patient-support deck. The patient-support deck is configured to engage the receivers to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism.
US08327479B2 Steering mechanisms for hospital beds
A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.
US08327478B2 Fabric case
A mattress and/or seat cushion for reducing pain and anaesthetization of parts of the human body include a stretchable fabric case made of textile threads and elastomer or rubber threads woven together to form a stretchable fabric. The case has a top layer with a top surface and a bottom surface and a bottom layer with a top or inner surface and a bottom or outer surface and the size to cover a cushion for a seat or mattress that fits on a cot or bed. The seat cushion or mattress also includes a relatively thin resilient pad disposed within the fabric case adjacent the bottom surface of the top layer and includes a number of passageways extending therethrough. In addition, a mass of cleaned sand and mountain salt is disposed within the fabric case below the resilient pad and below the bottom layer. Also included is a means for pumping air and medication into and out of the mattress which will impinge upon and pass around the body of an individual in order to wholly or partly enclose the person in a micro climate to promote healing, prevent bed sores and the like.
US08327477B2 Localized microclimate management
An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.
US08327473B2 Sauna device
A sauna cabinet is humidified and heated without airborne perceivable water drops by the use of a fine spray. The user can thus remain comfortably in the sauna cabinet that is free of airborne perceivable water drops. The user's view is also not clouded by mist. Accordingly, the user can enjoy viewing images and reading books in the sauna cabinet, and a user's sensible temperature distribution in the sauna cabinet is also uniform. This sauna equipment thus provides uniform temperature and humidity even in a large bathroom. The sauna equipment includes a first circulator and a second circulator for circulating air in the sauna cabinet, an air heater for heating supplied air, and a water atomizer for turning supplied water into fine water drops.
US08327472B2 Flushing arrangement for a WC and method of operating such a flushing arrangement
The flushing arrangement has a toilet bowl (2) which has an inlet (3) and an outlet (21) and, between these, means (8, 20) for generating a pulse. By means of the pulse, water (13) which is present in a U-bend (4) and forms a stench trap can be accelerated, for a flushing operation, in the direction of the outlet (21). Said means (8, 20) are arranged in the descending region of the toilet bowl (2) and, during flushing, generate a downwardly directed flow cone (14, 14′). The flow narrows downwardly and at a saddle point (26) forms a wall jet (28) which cleans the U-bend (4) particularly thoroughly.
US08327471B2 Seat assembly for a toilet
A mounting assembly mounts a seat to a toilet having a base with a pair of mounting holes. The mounting assembly includes a base member and first and second members for insertion into first and second of the pairs of mounting holes, respectively. The first member is interconnected to the base member. The second member is interconnected to the base member and spaced apart from the first member by a distance. The distance between the first member and the second member is adjustable for creating a clamping force between the first and second members and the first and second mounting holes, respectively.
US08327464B2 Slidable permanent fastener
The invention is a slidable fastening device that is sewn into a garment and replaces a static seam of the garment. The fastener has a male portion and a female portion that are permanently engaged with each other and slide up and down with respect to each other. The fastener is hidden from view such that a casual observer does not notice that the static seam has been replaced.
US08327462B2 Device for dispersing and dampening impact forces
A device for dispersing and dampening impact forces that includes a first sheet structure and a second sheet structure that are joined together at a boundary zone. The boundary zone joins the first sheet structure and the second sheet structure together to define at least one gas-tight chamber having two sides. A gas is contained within the gas-tight chamber at a pressure within a predetermined range of acceptable pressures for dispersing impact forces translated against one side of the device such that a blunt force trauma producing impact force is not transferred through the device to a wearer's body disposed proximal to the other side of the device.
US08332957B2 Storage device
A storage device has a data erasing function. A controller of a storage device, such as an USB, has a lost timer section and an emergency timer section. Both timer sections halt clocking operation as a result of initiation of use of the storage device by an authorized user. The lost timer section commences clocking operation as a result of completion of use of the storage device by the authorized user. The emergency timer section commences clocking operation as a result of unauthorized removal of the storage device. When either the lost timer section or the emergency timer section outputs a count-up signal, data in flash ROM are erased.
US08332952B2 Time window based canary solutions for browser security
Tools and techniques related to time window based canary solutions for browser security are provided. These tools may receive requests to generate canary values in connection with providing content maintained on server systems, and compute canary values in response to these requests. These canary values may be based on identity information associated with different users, site-specific values associated with websites accessed by these users, and representations of time windows associated with the requests.
US08332947B1 Security threat reporting in light of local security tools
When a client receives a potential threat source (PTS), a user of the client may desire to make an informed decision regarding the PTS. The PTS can be, for example, an email or instant message with an embedded executable, a link to a network destination (e.g., included in search engine results or an email, or webpage), or an executable file (e.g., downloaded from a website). The PTS is identified and characterized to establish a threat rating. The threat rating can then be presented to the user, so as to inform the user as to the PTS riskiness. The threat rating is determined in light of the local security tools available. If there are no local security tools that mitigate the threat of the PTS, then a security tool that is known to mitigate the threat can be identified and recommended to the user.
US08332941B2 Exploit nonspecific host intrusion prevention/detection methods and systems and smart filters therefor
Exploit nonspecific host intrusion prevention/detection methods, systems and smart filters are described. Portion of network traffic is captured and searched for a network traffic pattern, comprising: searching for a branch instruction transferring control to a first address in the memory; provided the first instruction is found, searching for a subroutine call instruction within a first predetermined interval in the memory starting from the first address and pointing to a second address in the memory; provided the second instruction is found, searching for a third instruction at a third address in the memory, located at a second predetermined interval from the second address; provided the third instruction is a fetch instruction, indicating the presence of the exploit; provided the third instruction is a branch instruction, transferring control to a fourth address in the memory, and provided a fetch instruction is located at the fourth address, indicating the presence of the exploit.
US08332940B2 Techniques for securing a computing environment
Techniques for securing a computing environment are disclosed. Specifically, the invention allows the execution of any software application with administrator permissions on any computing device. This is done while preventing any of the software applications executed by the users, to perform harmful operations on the device. To this end, a user having only guest access permissions is allowed to perform operations as if the user has administrator permissions.
US08332937B1 Access using images
A computer-implemented method may include presenting to a user multiple images, multiple identifiers and a challenge to select one of the identifiers for each of the images, receiving the selected identifiers from the user, and providing access to a computing service based on a comparison of the selected identifiers to an answer to the challenge.
US08332936B1 Computer application pre-permissioning
A computer-implemented method of pre-permissioning a computer application is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from a user to install a software application, identifying one or more computing services required for operation of the software application, presenting the one or more computing services to the user for review, determining whether the user approves installation of the computer application, and installing the application on a computing device assigned to the user if the user approves installation of the computer application.
US08332935B2 System and method for encrypted smart card pin entry
A smart card, system, and method for securely authorizing a user or user device using the smart card is provided. The smart card is configured to provide, upon initialization or a request for authentication, a public key to the user input device such that the PIN or password entered by the user is encrypted before transmission to the smart card via a smart card reader. The smart card then decrypts the PIN or password to authorize the user. Preferably, the smart card is configured to provide both a public key and a nonce to the user input device, which then encrypts a concatenation or other combination of the nonce and the user-input PIN or password before transmission to the smart card. The smart card reader thus never receives a copy of the PIN or password in the clear, allowing the smart card to be used with untrusted smart card readers.
US08332934B2 Unit using operating system and image forming apparatus using the same
A chip mountable on a customer replaceable unit monitoring memory (CRUM) unit used in an image forming job includes a central processing unit (CPU) with an operating system (OS) thereof, which is separate from an OS of the image forming apparatus, to perform at least one of authentication and cryptographic data communication with a main body of an image forming apparatus by executing one cryptographic algorithm corresponding to a set state from among a plurality of pre-provided cryptographic algorithms, using the OS thereof. The security of a unit on which the chip is mounted can thereby be reinforced and random changes of data of the unit can be prevented.
US08332931B1 Processing commands according to authorization
Devices, systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with processing commands according to authorization are described. In one embodiment, a chip includes a secure module configured to store secure firmware, and to execute the secure firmware. The secure firmware prevents the secure module from at least partially processing a command that originated from an untrusted source. The chip also includes an unsecure module configured to store unsecure firmware, and to execute the unsecure firmware. The unsecure firmware permits the unsecure module to process a command having originated from an untrusted source. The chip is configured where the unsecure firmware is separately updateable from the secure firmware.
US08332929B1 Method and apparatus for process enforced configuration management
A system for and method of automatically enforcing a configuration change process for change requests of one or more configurable element within one or more configurable computation systems. The system comprises means for managing a configuration change process for one or more configurable elements within a corresponding configurable computation system, means for generation a configuration request, means for applying a set of authorization rules to the configuration change requests to generate selective authorization of the CEs, and means for selectively locking and unlocking changes to configurable elements within the configurable computational systems.
US08332928B2 Location attestation service
In one embodiment a computer system comprises a processor and a memory module coupled to the processor and comprising logic instructions stored in a computer readable medium. The logic instructions, when executed, configure the processor to initiate, in a client computing device, a service request, in response to the service request, initiate a request for a location attestation certificate, and complete the client service request when the location attestation certificate is granted.
US08332926B2 Efficient modification of packet filters in a wireless communication network
Techniques for modifying packet filters in a wireless communication network are described. In one scheme, packet filters may be performed with multiple operations, if needed. The operation(s) to be performed and the order of performing the operation(s) may be dependent on the number of existing packet filters to be replaced (N) and the number of new packet filters (M). If N=M, then N packet filters in a traffic filter template may be replaced with a single operation. If N>M, then M packet filters in the traffic filter template may be replaced first, and N−M packet filters may be deleted from the traffic filter template next. If N
US08332925B2 System and method for distributed multi-processing security gateway
A system and method for a distributed multi-processing security gateway establishes a host side session, selects a proxy network address for a server based on network information, and using the proxy network address to establish a server side session. The proxy network address is selected such that a same processing element is assigned to process data packets from the server side session and the host side session. The network information includes a security gateway network address and a host network address. By assigning processing elements in this manner, higher capable security gateways are provided.
US08332924B2 Microchips with multiple internal hardware-based firewalls and dies
A microchip comprising a first internal hardware-based firewall configured to deny access to a first portion of the microchip from a network; a general purpose microprocessor including two general purpose cores or general purpose processing units; at least two dies having been made by a separate fabrication processes and assembled into a package with separate die sections connected directly; and a memory component located inside of a second internal hardware-based firewall that is located between the memory component and one of the cores or processing units with which the memory component is associated. Wherein a first core is located within the first microchip portion protected by the first firewall; a second core is located within a second microchip portion not protected by the first firewall; and the second core is separated from the first core by the first firewall and is located between the first firewall and the network.
US08332919B2 Distributed authentication system and distributed authentication method
[Subject] In a distributed authentication system, if a terminal including a plurality of communication devices changes a communication device to another communication device during using a service, the service under use can be used in succession, and the number of times for execution by the user can reduced.[Solving Means] An authentication-information management unit (5) registers authentication information of the user authenticated by each authentication unit (4), and allows sharing of said authentication information. A session-information management device (24) of a service providing unit (2) manages session information including a session identifier of a session established between the same and the terminal unit (3). More specifically, the service providing unit 2 performs individualized management of sessions established between the same and the terminal unit (3). The session-information management device (24) achieves a continuous provision of the service by authorization of provision of the service to the terminal unit (3) based on the individualized management of said session information.
US08332918B2 Techniques for real-time adaptive password policies
Techniques real-time adaptive password policies are presented. Patterns for passwords are regularly analyzed along with other factors associated with the patterns to dynamically determine password strength values. The strength values can change over time based on usage statistics. When a strength value falls below an acceptable threshold, passwords associated with that particular pattern can be downgraded or rejected in real-time and existing policy can be adapted to reflect the undesirability of that pattern.
US08332917B2 Providing secure dynamic role selection and managing privileged user access from a client device
An approach is provided that receives a first role selection from a client device. Each of the roles includes various user accounts provisioned to access various software applications. An authentication challenge is retrieved. The authentication challenge is based upon the role selection that was received from the client device. The authentication challenge is transmitted to the client device. An authentication submission is received from the client device. This authentication submission is authenticated and, if the authentication is successful, then the client device access is granted access to software applications using the provisioned user accounts that were included in the role selection. In addition, audit data of usage of the software applications by the client device is recorded. The audit data includes identification of the provisioned user accounts used to access the software applications using the role selection.
US08332916B2 User identification system and a method thereof
A service providing system using the biometrics identification without inputting the user ID poses the problem that the consideration of a service is erroneously claimed to the registered user not using the service due to the erroneous identification. According to this invention, the threshold of the value of the degree of similarity for user identification is set strictly for each registered biometrics information of the user in accordance with the declaration of the loss caused by the erroneous identification.
US08332910B2 Method and apparatus for selective data control
A method of selectively controlling communication between a supervisory processor and a subscriber is provided. The method includes receiving a stream of data at the supervisory processor, controlling transmission of the stream of data from the supervisory processor to the subscriber based on an associated supervisory processor configuration, receiving an enabling configuration at the supervisory processor which alters the supervisory processor configuration, and transmitting at least a portion of the controlled stream of data from the supervisory processor to the subscriber based on the supervisory processor configuration.
US08332907B2 Detection and management of controlled files
A remote device may receive a policy definition, search a file system for files that are to be protected, and disposition identified files to protect the files. After completing the protection, a report is generated and transmitted to a centralized location. The policy definition may include keywords, directory paths, metadata, or other information that may be used to identify files for protection. After identification, the files may be dispositioned by removal, tagging, encrypting, applying rights management, or other actions.
US08332903B2 System, apparatus and method of providing personal broadcasting service according to scheduling
A system, apparatus, and method of providing a personal broadcasting service according to scheduling are provided. The system for providing a personal broadcasting service includes a producer client which produces and transmits a broadcasting schedule, a broadcasting server which establishes a broadcasting channel according to the broadcasting schedule and provides broadcasting content produced by the producer client through the broadcasting channel, and a viewer client which receives the broadcasting content through the broadcasting channel.
US08332902B2 Method and system of providing switch broadcast television
A method and system of providing switched broadcasting of content to a number of consumers. The content may be transmitted in pieces over broadcast and switched transmission tiers. The broadcast tier being characterized by the continuous transmission of content and the switched tier being characterized by on demand or request based transmission of content.
US08332901B2 Method, system and apparatus for establishing a packet-based connection with a dial up modem
Apparatus for establishing a packet-based connection between a video display equipment (such as a set-top box) having an analog modem and a remote computer. The translation apparatus receives a connection initiation request from the video display apparatus and responsive to the connection initiation request establishes a modem connection with the video display apparatus. The translation apparatus further receives communication data from the video display apparatus via the modem connection and transmits the communication data to the remote computing apparatus via a packet-based network. The translation apparatus can also receive communication data from the remote computer and relay the same to the video display apparatus. The connection can be established upon powering up of the video display apparatus, upon loading of an Interactive TV application or upon other pre-determined event. The connection can be maintained “always-on” or substantially “always-on”.
US08332898B2 Apparatus, systems and methods to synchronize communication of content to a presentation device and a mobile device
A programming communication synchronizer embodiment communicates a portion of a program to a receiving device during a first time period, communicates a corresponding portion of the program to a mobile device during a second time period, and coordinates the first time period with the second time period so that the portion of the program is deliverable to a presentation device coupleable to the receiving device at approximately the same time the corresponding portion of the program is deliverable to the mobile device.
US08332890B2 Efficiently identifying television stations in a user friendly environment
A method, system and computer program product for identifying television stations in a user-friendly environment. An entertainment unit configured to receive broadcast signals for a plurality of television stations may display folders, e.g., news folders, where each folder may be associated with a particular classification. A classification may refer to a particular type of broadcast, e.g., news, sports, cartoons, movies. Each folder, e.g., news folder, may comprise one or more indications, e.g., icon of CNN™, associated with one or more television stations, e.g., CNN™, in the same classification, e.g., news, as the folder. Furthermore, the entertainment unit may display one or more indications associated with one or more television stations based on content-based input from the viewer. Upon the viewer selecting a particular indication, the television station associated with that indication may be displayed.
US08332888B2 Communicating video content
A method is disclosed that includes receiving a selection of a channel at a set-top box device. In response to the selection of the channel, a still image associated with a program being transmitted via the selected channel is displayed at a display device. The method further includes receiving a multicast stream of video content associated with the selected channel at the set-top box device. At least a portion of the multicast stream is received while the still image is displayed at the display device. The method also includes transmitting the video content to the display device.
US08332883B2 Providing actionable insights based on physiological responses from viewers of media
Embodiments are described that enable remote and interactive access, navigation, and analysis of reactions from viewers to a media instance. The reactions include physiological responses, survey results, verbatim feedback, event-based metadata, and derived statistics for indicators of success and failure from the viewers. The reactions are aggregated, and an interface enables remote access and navigation of the media instance, aggregated physiological responses synchronized with the media instance, survey results, and/or verbatim feedback related to the media instance. This enables users to interactively divide, dissect, parse, and analyze the reactions as they prefer. This automation provides an automated process enabling non-experts to understand complex physiological data, and to organize presentation of complex data according to their needs so as to present conclusions as appropriate to the media instance.
US08332877B2 Coordinated actions of kernel and userspace components
A system for and method of coordinating actions of components between userspace and kernel are described. The system comprises a processor; zero or more hardware components coupled with the processor; and a memory coupled with the processor and comprising a set of processor-executable instructions. The instructions comprise a component handling state machine responsive to at least one of a kernel component or a userspace component; and at least one component interface thread in communication with the component handling state machine and configured to interact with at least one of the zero of more hardware components responsive to a signal from the component handling state machine.
US08332873B2 Dynamic application instance placement in data center environments
A method for determining an application instance placement in a set of machines under one or more resource constraints includes the following steps. An estimate is computed of a value of the first metric that can be achieved by a current application instance placement and a current application load distribution. A new application instance placement and a new application load distribution are determined, wherein the new application instance placement and the new load distribution optimize the first metric.
US08332869B2 Systems and methods for providing wake on LAN (WoL) support
A system includes a management controller coupled to and configured to manage a plurality of information handling systems. Each of the information handling systems may include a network interface device configured to receive wake-up messages remotely via a network. The management controller is operable to receive a wake-up message remotely via the network; identify a particular one of the information handling systems to be awakened from a non-awake state based on an address included in the wake-up message; and forward the wake-up message to the particular information handling system to cause the particular information handling system to awaken. The network interface device of the particular information handling system may remain unpowered while the wake-up message is received and forwarded by the management controller.
US08332864B2 Business process automation
A system for business processes within and between organizations and/or individuals may be automated using standards-based, service-oriented business process automation architectures based on XML and Web Services Standards is described. An execution framework for the business processes is also described. Further aspects include a decomposition methodology for deconstructing business process specifications into business flows, business rules and business states. The business flows (FIG. 9, #214), rules (FIG. 9, #214) and states (FIG. 9, #214) may be defined in declarative languages and include the interaction, cooperation and coordination between the flow, rules and state engines, and the execution model for business processes within the framework.
US08332861B1 Virtualized temporary instant capacity
A system, and a corresponding method, implemented on a processor, allows for monitoring and control of temporary instant capacity (TiCAP) resources in a computer system. The system includes a resource management system (RMS), which includes a RMS monitor that tracks a workload executing on the computer system and determines when workload demand exceeds allocated non-TiCAP resource capacity, whereby a resource shortfall is generated, and a RMS processor module that compares the resource shortfall to granularity of supply of the TiCAP resources and that generates a TiCAP transfer control request based on the comparison. The system further includes a temporary instant capacity (TiCAP) system that monitors and controls allocation of TiCAP resources on the computer system, and which includes a RMS detection module that receives the request to transfer control of the TiCAP resources to the RMS, and a transfer module that transfers control of the TiCAP resources based on the request.
US08332860B1 Systems and methods for path-based tier-aware dynamic capacity management in storage network environments
A dynamic approach for managing capacity in a storage environments accounting for various resource types, tiers, access paths, relationships among different storage environment components, as well as managing capacity in terms of resource planning and consumption is provided. Resource planning and consumption processes are used to allocate and reserve resources of different types and different tiers to each access path in the network. Capacity information for different resources types and tiers is automatically aggregated from different network components at different stages of a resource management cycle. The aggregated information may be used to estimate future resource needs or determine deviations between projected and actual status from which adjustments may be made to better predict future capacity needs.
US08332858B2 Lock suitability analysis during execution of computer program under test
A method and computer program product for detecting an attempt to engage a synchronization object. A tracking list for a line of code that attempted to engage the synchronization object is updated.
US08332857B1 Database system having a regulator that performs workload regulation based on optimizer estimates
A database system includes an optimizer to generate resource estimates regarding execution of a request in the database system, and a regulator to monitor execution of a request and to adjust a priority level of the request based on the monitored execution and based on the resource estimates provided by the optimizer.
US08332854B2 Virtualized thread scheduling for hardware thread optimization based on hardware resource parameter summaries of instruction blocks in execution groups
Embodiments are disclosed herein related to scheduling of virtualized runtime threads to hardware threads that share hardware resources to improve processing performance. For example, one embodiment provides a computing system that includes a scheduler to schedule execution of virtualized source code. The virtualized source code may include virtualized runtime threads that may be scheduled by the scheduler onto hardware threads that share hardware resources. The scheduler may include a decoder to catalogue hardware resource parameters used by the virtualized source code. Furthermore, the scheduler may include a virtualization engine to schedule execution of the virtualized runtime threads onto the hardware threads based the hardware resource parameters and a hardware-specific profile of the computing system.
US08332852B2 Thread-to-processor assignment based on affinity identifiers
For each thread of a computer program to be executed on a multiple-processor computer system, an affinity identifier is associated to the thread by the computer program. The affinity identifiers of the threads denote how closely related the threads are. For each thread, a processor of the multiple-processor computer system on which the thread is to be executed is selected based on the affinity identifiers of the threads, by an operating system being executed on the multiple-processor computer system and in relation to which the computer programs are to be executed. Each thread is then executed by the processor selected for the thread.
US08332848B2 Mechanism for staged upgrades of a virtual machine system
In one embodiment, a mechanism for staged upgrades of a virtual machine system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a minimum number of virtual desktop servers (VDSs) necessary to host one or more VMs associated with the VDSs, migrating in a live manner the one or more VMs to the minimum number of VDSs, upgrading the non-upgraded VDSs that are not hosting any VMs, repeating the migrating and upgrading until all of the VDSs are upgraded, load balancing the VMs among the upgraded VDSs, and upgrading each of the VMs upon hosting of the VM by an upgraded VDS.
US08332845B2 Compile timing based on execution frequency of a procedure
A recovery virtual machine acquires execution frequency information from a file, and converts a procedure, of which execution frequency is high in the execution frequency information acquired, to native code, and the time for starting the conversion is thereby reduced. Furthermore, by performing conversion at a timing at which a target procedure is invoked, load occurring due to the conversion is distributed, to prevent occurrence of failure in execution of an application caused by the load occurring due to the conversion.
US08332841B2 System and method for creating platform-specific self-extracting client packages using a production server
System and method for creating platform-specific self-extracting client packages using a production server are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises compiling a source file on a first build server comprising a first computing platform to produce a first executable seed file for the first computing platform and compiling the source file on a second build server comprising a second computing platform to produce a second executable seed file for the second computing platform; and providing the first and second executable seed files to a production server comprising the first computing platform. The production server uses the first executable seed file to create a first client package and a second client package, wherein the first client package is designed to be installed and execute on a first workstation running on the first computing platform and the second client package is designed to be installed and execute on a second workstation running on the second computing platform.
US08332839B2 Method and system for modifying firmware image settings within data storage device controllers
Embodiments of the invention include a method for modifying firmware settings within a data storage controller, such as a data storage controller used in a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) storage array. The method includes extracting a sub-module from a firmware image stored in the controller, stripping off the sub-module's header, decompressing the remaining compressed image by replacing the stripped sub-module header and an extended image header in the compressed image with an extended header image that allows conventional decompression, and separating the decompressed image into its executable code and at least one settings group. The method reinitializes the executable code to restore its validity, modifies one or more values of one or more settings groups, creates a new sub-module using the reinitialized executable code and the modified settings groups, and replaces the original settings groups in the firmware image with the modified settings groups, thereby modifying the firmware settings of the data storage controller.
US08332828B2 System for translating diverse programming languages
A computer language translator that translates all or any portion thereof of source code in an original computer language to source code in a target computer language, which may then be translated back to the original language while still maintaining concept, syntax, form of expression, and formatting of the original source code.
US08332827B2 Produce graph oriented programming framework with scenario support
Embodiments of a producer graph oriented programming framework with scenario support have been presented. In one embodiment, a request to evaluate potential impacts by a change on an application program is received. The application program includes a set of producers, each having at least an instance and a method associated with the instance. Responsive to the request, the application program may be simulated with the change while the existing states and existing outputs of the producers are preserved.
US08332826B2 Software process monitor
A monitor program executes a set of client processes upon reboot of a computer, starts, stops and monitors client processes running on the computer, and/or detects and recovers automatically from process crashes. The program monitors a client process using a supervisory thread it creates when the client process is started, and uses the process's handle to detect its termination. When process termination is detected, the state table within the monitor program is checked to determine if the client process crashed or was exited normally. If the exit was the result of a crash, the program can automatically execute crash recovery using a preconfigured plan.
US08332825B2 Dynamically monitoring application behavior
A dynamic verification system is described that enables application developers to safely include significant custom business logic in their applications. The dynamic verification system receives application behavior criteria that specify behavior of an application of interest to an application host. The system executes an application and instruments an application execution environment to detect application behavior that meets the application behavior criteria. The system determines when the application has performed an action that satisfies the application behavior criteria and provides a notification about the application behavior that occurred that a system administrator can use to take action against the application.
US08332824B2 Binding between net technologies and SQL server statements
Methods, systems, and computer code for (i) performance-monitoring a multi-tier application including a .NET tier and a database tier; and (ii) for visually presenting performance-data to a user are disclosed. In some embodiments, a multi-tiered performance data interface, for example, including a .NET tier performance data interface and a database tier performance data interface operatively coupled to the .NET tier performance data interface, is provided. In some embodiments, the .NET tier performance data interface is configured to present .NET stack data and the database performance data interface is configured to present internal database performance data, for example, wait times (e.g. relative magnitudes of different types of wait times). Techniques for matching .NET-tier requests to execute SQL statements with database-tier executions of SQL statements are also disclosed.
US08332822B2 Technologies for code failure proneness estimation
The present examples provide technologies for estimating code failure proneness probabilities for a code set and/or the files that make up the set. The code set being evaluated is typically comprised of binary and/or source files that embody the software for which the estimates are desired. The estimates are typically based on a set of selected code metrics, the code metrics typically selected based on corresponding failures of a previous version of the software. A historically variant metric feedback factor may also be calculated and code metric values classified relative to a baseline code set embodying the previous version of the software.
US08332821B2 Using encoding to detect security bugs
A system that facilitates detecting security flaws in a web site that receives and transmits untrusted content is described herein. The system includes a receiver component that receives test content that corresponds to a field on a web page that, when the web site is online, is configured to receive user-generated content, wherein the test content includes non-malicious data. An encoder component encodes each character of the test content regardless of form or content of the test content to generate encoded content. A display component displays encoded content and non-encoded content of the web page to a tester on a computer screen, wherein the display component causes the encoded content to be displayed in a visually distinct manner from the non-encoded content.
US08332819B2 Diagnostic and trouble-shooting methods in a wireless control and sensor network
A method of performing diagnostics on a first hierarchical device operable within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes compiling application code configured to control the first hierarchical device such that the application code includes a plurality of internal variables, providing a diagnostic module configured to monitor the plurality of internal variables, collecting internal variable diagnostic data related to the monitored plurality of internal variables, uploading the collected internal variable diagnostic data to a second hierarchical device, performing, at the second first hierarchical device, a layered diagnostic analysis on the internal variable diagnostic data, and identifying a first hierarchical device problem based on the analyzed internal variable diagnostic data.
US08332817B2 Certifying a software application based on identifying interface usage
Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism for certifying the compatibility of a software product by identifying the interfaces (API or ABI) used by that product. The source code or object code of a component is analyzed by a tool that traces which interfaces and data structures of an ABI/API are being utilized. For example, an ISV or IHV may be required to run the tool on their respective components in order to have that component certified with a particular version of an operating system and submit the results to a certification service. The certification service may collect this API/ABI information into an integrated database. The certification service may then use this database to analyze the impact of changes to an operating system at the binary interface level, proactively notify vendors prior to these changes, test compatibility and emulation libraries, and certify components are compatible with an operating system without the need of significant testing.
US08332807B2 Waste determinants identification and elimination process model within a software factory operating environment
Within the context of a software factory, process sensors detect time consuming activities that extend beyond an estimated predetermined completion timeline for a project. These process sensors also detect wait states that are caused by processes and activities of tasks that are not critical to completing the project. A process analysis is used to determine if defined added value processes and activities identified in a value stream analysis are interdependent to a critical path for executing the project. If the defined added value processes and activities identified in the value stream analysis are determined to not be interdependent to the critical path for executing the project, then a determination is made that performance of the defined added value processes and activities identified in the value stream analysis is wasteful and such processes and activities are eliminated from the process.
US08332797B2 Parameterized dummy cell insertion for process enhancement
The present disclosure relates to parameterized dummy cell insertion for process enhancement and methods for fabricating the same. In accordance with one or more embodiments, methods include providing an integrated circuit (IC) design layout with defined pixel-units, simulating thermal effect to the IC design layout including each pixel-unit, generating a thermal effect map of the IC design layout including each pixel-unit, determining a target absorption value for the IC design layout, and performing thermal dummy cell insertion to each pixel-unit of the IC design layout based on the determined target absorption value.
US08332796B2 FPGA with hybrid interconnect
An Application-Specific Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device or fabric is described for use in applications requiring fast reconfigurability of devices in the field, enabling multiple personalities for re-using silicon resources (like arrays of large multipliers in DSP applications) from moment-to-moment for implementing different hardware algorithms. In a general purpose FPGA device or fabric, this fast reconfigurability is normally implemented by special reconfiguration support circuitry and/or additional configuration memory. Unfortunately, this flexibility requires a large amount of programmable routing resource and silicon area—limiting the viability in volume production applications. This invention describes how multi-program FPGA functionalities may be migrated to smaller die by constructing implementations with a hybrid FPGA/ASIC interconnect structure. These implementations retain multi-program capability while requiring a much smaller silicon area than a conventional FPGA when customized for a particular set of user applications.
US08332794B2 Circuits and methods for programmable transistor array
A programmable transistor array circuit is disclosed comprising a semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of basic transistor units (BTUs) arranged in rows and columns of uniformly spaced cells, the BTUs further comprising PMOS transistor units (PTUs), NMOS transistor units (NTUs) and dummy transistor units (DTUs) each BTU having conductors arranged in a single direction running through the BTUs and the conductors being uniformly spaced with respect to each other. The arrangement of the BTUs is subject to restricted design rules. Logical transistor units (LTUs) are formed from the BTUs using first and second layers of metallization. Methods for producing integrated circuits are disclosed forming programmable transistor arrays and implementing customer specified system designs upon the programmable transistor arrays.
US08332792B2 Implementing and checking electronic circuits with flexible ramptime limits and tools for performing the same
An apparatus and a method of generating a flexible ramptime limit for an electronic circuit, a computer program product that performs the same method, and a method of manufacturing an electronic circuit employing a flexible ramptime limit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for generating a flexible ramptime limit includes: (1) calculating a frequency based ramptime limit for the electronic circuit, (2) obtaining a library based ramptime limit for the electronic circuit, (3) determining a minimum ramptime limit between the frequency based ramptime limit and the library based ramptime limit and (4) selecting the minimum ramptime limit as the flexible ramptime limit.
US08332790B1 Capacitive decoupling method and module
The present invention is directed to a capacitive decoupling module and method for an integrated circuit that features providing multiple capacitive elements to decouple the power rails from the integrated circuit. The multiple capacitive elements are spaced-apart, along a first direction, from the integrated circuit. A first set of capacitive elements is closer to the integrated circuit than a second set of capacitive elements. The first set has a smaller capacitance than the second set.
US08332789B2 Power supply optimization for electrical circuits designed over the internet
A method may include receiving an input from an optimization control that indicates a value along a scale, wherein the value is indicative of a design tradeoff between at least optimization for a first parameter of an electrical design and an optimization for a second parameter of the electrical design, wherein the value places an emphasis on the first parameter and an emphasis on the second parameter such that when the value on the scale is closer to the first parameter a larger emphasis is placed on the first parameter of the electrical design and when the value on the scale is closer to the second parameter a larger emphasis is placed on the second parameter of the electrical design. The method may further include choosing components for the electrical design based on the value indicated using the optimization control, the emphases affecting the components selected for the electrical design.
US08332787B2 Reusable structured hardware description language design component
A method includes removing a code segment from a hardware description language design to create a modified hardware description language design. The code segment represents at least one time sensitive path in the hardware description language design. The method includes creating a delta list of differences between the modified hardware description language design and a physical hardware representation that is logically equivalent to the hardware description language design. The method includes extracting a portion of the physical hardware representation that corresponds to the time sensitive path based, at least in part, on the delta list. The method also includes creating a structured hardware description language design of the time sensitive path using the extracted portion of the physical hardware representation, wherein the structured hardware description language design comprises structural information of the extracted portion of the physical hardware representation.
US08332780B2 Method and system for displaying drop down list boxes
A method and system for displaying a drop down list box. The method and system may include associating a history record with a drop down list box. The method and system may also include associating a filter box with the drop down list box. the method and system may also include associating a unique identifier with each choice in the drop down list box. The method and system may also include associating a hierarchical structure containing more detailed information about choices in the drop down list box with the drop down list box. Finally, the method and system may include displaying the choices in the drop down list box to a user as a function of at least one of the associated history record, filter box, unique identifier, or hierarchical structure.
US08332778B2 Image processing apparatus and control method thereof for selecting and displaying related image content of primary image content
There is provided an image processing apparatus which comprises a receiver which receives primary image content; a communicator which communicates with at least one supply source which supplies related image content of the primary image content; a signal processor which processes and outputs the primary image content; and a controller which controls the communicator to request the supply source to supply the related image content, and controls the signal processor to process and play the related image content supplied from the supply source in response to the request if a user selects a key to play the related image content of the primary image content while the primary image content received by the receiver is processed by the signal processor.
US08332772B2 Providing structured visualizations of expressions in an expressions editor
A computer readable storage medium comprises executable instructions to provide a workspace for a user to define an expression with expression components from a graphical palette associated with the workspace. Placeholders are indicated in the workspace for the expression components to be added by the user. The placeholders are associated with a data type. The data type is enforced for each placeholder. A structured visual representation of the expression is provided on the workspace.
US08332766B2 Methods and systems for preventing unauthorized access to patient information
An exemplary method includes displaying a graphical user interface configured to include a patient list displayed therein, receiving user input representative of a search term comprising one or more characters selected to identify a particular patient included within a plurality of patients, dynamically updating the patient list in response to the received user input to only include a plurality of entries that contain the search term, each of the entries comprising patient information associated with a distinct one of the patients, and preventing one or more non-search term characters contained within each of the entries of the patient list from being displayed within the graphical user interface. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
US08332764B2 Editing device, information processing device, editing method, and editing program product
Effort during screen transition editing is reduced. An editing device for editing transitions each between a plurality of display screens, comprising: a transition display unit which displays a transition diagram window for entering the transition; a screen layout unit which places screen nodes representing specified display screens in the transition diagram window; a transition layout unit which places a specified transition from a display screen before the transition to a display screen after the transition into the transition diagram window as a link from the screen node representing the display screen before the transition to the screen node representing the display screen after the transition; a transition condition input unit which allows a user to enter a transition condition for performing the transition represented by the link; a transition condition storage unit which stores the transition condition for performing the transition represented by the link, associating the transition condition with the link; and a generation unit which generates a transition rule for performing the transition between the plurality of display screens displayed by a display device on the basis of the link and the transition condition stored in the transition condition storage unit.
US08332761B2 Multiple profiles for a user in a synchronous conferencing environment
A method, system, and computer program product for managing multiple profiles in a synchronous conferencing system. A synchronous conferencing account is provided for a first user of the synchronous conferencing system. The synchronous conferencing account includes a plurality of user profiles for the first user. The user profiles identify the first user differently. Each user profile is associated with one or more data fields identifying the first user. The data fields may include any or all of a name, a nickname, a login name, and an avatar. A request from a second user of the synchronous conferencing system to communicate with the first user is received. The request includes an identification of the second user. One of the user profiles is selected based on the identification of the second user. The data fields associated with the selected user profile are transmitted to the second user.
US08332760B2 Dynamically mapping chat session invitation history
A method, system, and program are provided for dynamically mapping chat session invitation history. A chat controller for facilitating a chat session enables chat participants to invite additional users to join in the chat session. The chat controller dynamically generates a mapping of the chat participants to graphically represent a separate correspondence between each invited additional user and each inviting chat participant. The mapping is displayed within a user interface of a current participant or an invited additional user. Further, the displayed mapping is dynamically updated to reflect additional invitation history as the chat session continues.
US08332756B2 System and method for inserting a graphic object into a text based message
A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component. A user of the device selects one of the graphic objects from the table by employing the respective one of the input event components mapped to the predefined input associated with the graphic object in the table.
US08332755B2 Force-feedback within telepresence
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates replicating a telepresence session with a real world physical meeting. A telepresence session can be initiated within a communication framework that includes two or more virtually represented users that communicate therein. A trigger component can monitor the telepresence session in real time to identify a participant interaction with an object, wherein the object is at least one of a real world physical object or a virtually represented object within the telepresence session. A feedback component can implement a force feedback to at least one participant within the telepresence session based upon the identified participant interaction with the object, wherein the force feedback is employed via a device associated with at least one participant.
US08332748B1 Multi-directional auto-complete menu
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques completing a user entry in an entry field displayed on a user interface of a computing device. An entry field is displayed on a display of a computing device. In response to a user entering at least one character into the entry field, two or more distinct auto-complete menus are displayed. Each auto-complete menu is included in a separate display element, and each auto-complete menu contains suggestions that correspond to the current at least one character in the entry field. A computer-implemented method for pre-fetching search query results is also described.
US08332744B2 Translation of documents
A translation method reduces the time required for display of the translation of a web page. Based on a translation request, a translation service server requests a translation engine translate an HTML document. The translation service server also extracts image tags from the HTML, and transmits the dummy tags to the browser based on the image tags. The browser requests image data based on the image tags, and obtains image data. The translation service server receives the translation from the translation engine, and transmits it to the browser.
US08332742B2 Method, system and computer program product for providing digital content
A method performed by a computer system. The method includes storing a version of a mass-produced printed paper, identifying at least a subset of characters within the version, and in response to the identified subset, forming at least one hyperlink within the version, the version being displayable on a display device as a likeness of the paper including an indicator of a hyperlink.
US08332736B2 Decoder with resiliency to handle errors in a received data stream
A decoder provided according to an aspect of the present invention determines a type of each network abstraction layer (NAL) unit, and discards a NAL unit when the size of the NAL unit is inconsistent with the size according to the determined type. According to another aspect, a decoder corrects for errors in the non-pay load portions and uses the corrected non-pay load portions to recover the original data contained in the payload portions of the data stream. In an embodiment, various global parameters (which are applicable to the data stream unless changed further in the data stream) and the values in the slice headers are examined to correct the parameters in the slice headers. According to one more aspect, an end of frame is reliably detected by using an expected number of macro-blocks in a frame and a set of logical conditions of slice header parameters.
US08332735B1 Generating a log-likelihood ratio for signal processing
A method for decoding an encoded message is described. The method includes obtaining a set of metrics which includes first and second state metrics, and first and second branch metrics. First and second offset values for the iteration are obtained. The first state and branch metrics are added together to obtain a first partial result. The second state and branch metrics are added together to obtain a second partial result. The second partial result is subtracted from the first partial result to obtain a difference. The first partial result and the first offset value are added together to obtain a first result. The second partial result and the second offset value are added together to obtain a second result. Either the first result or the second result is selected for output responsive to the difference. A log correction term is selected responsive to the difference.
US08332734B2 Rate matching device and method for a date communication system
A device and method for rate matching channel-encoded symbols in a data communication system. The rate matching device and method can be applied to a data communication system which uses one or both of a non-systematic code (such as a convolutional code or a linear block code) and a systematic code (such as a turbo code). In one aspect, the rate matching device includes a plurality of rate matching blocks, the number of the rate matching blocks being equal to a reciprocal of a coding rate of a channel encoder. The rate matching device can rate match the symbols encoded with a non-systematic code or the symbols encoded with a systematic code, by changing initial parameters including the number of input symbols, the number of output symbols, and the puncturing or repetition pattern determining parameters.
US08332726B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells arrayed capable of storing information in accordance with variations in threshold voltage. A likelihood calculator has a plurality of likelihood calculation algorithms for deriving a likelihood value about a stored data bit from a threshold value read out of the memory cell. An error correction unit executes error correction through iterative processing using the likelihood value obtained at the likelihood calculator. A likelihood calculator controller changes among the likelihood calculation algorithms in the likelihood calculator based on a certain value of the number of iterations in the iterative processing obtained from the error correction unit.
US08332721B2 Enhanced error detection in multilink serdes channels
A method for receiving packet data at a communication channel and transmitting the packet data over serial links of the communication channel. The packet data is sliced into n-bit data portions which are concatenated with a header prior to transmitting an n-bit portion across one of the serial links of the communication channel. The header includes a CRC to provide improved error detection.
US08332720B2 Apparatus and method for decoding in mobile communication system
Provided are an apparatus and a method for improving the performance of a decoder by improving a decoding speed when correcting an error of a control signal in Long Term Evolution (LTE). The apparatus includes an error determination unit for performing a traceback operation on a received signal, and simultaneously determining if an error has been generated to the received signal.
US08332717B2 Method of improving the iterative decoding of codes
Disclosed is a method of improving iterative decoding of short codes within a demodulator. The vector of metrics of the bits considered at the output of the demodulator is decoded. The value of the check code of the CRC of the decoded word is compared with a predetermined value. If the value of the CRC is considered to form an acceptable message for the decoding step, the decoded word is transmitted to the recipient. If the value of the CRC is incompatible with a correctly decoded message, then the parameters for iterative decoding of the initial message are modified that were received from the demodulator and executing at least one new iterative decoding step with these new parameters.
US08332715B2 Test pattern generating method, device, and program
A test pattern generating device generates a test pattern with respect to a semiconductor circuit having first and second common circuits and a non-common circuit, wherein each of the common circuits has a scan chain for checking an operation of the circuit by applying a test pattern from the outside of the circuit. A set of scan chains and a set of assumed faults are created for each of the common circuits. Any of the common circuits is determined as the common circuit of a first test target. After the determined common circuit of the first test target is subjected to ATPG and detection of circuit fault, a test pattern generated in successful ATPG about the common circuit of the first test target is diverted to the common circuit determined as the second test target, and ATPG and detection of a circuit fault of the non-common circuit part.
US08332713B2 Communication method using code packet in wireless network
The present invention, in preferred aspects, provides a communication method using a network coding packet in a wireless network, with reduced occurrence of negative acknowledgements, between a access point and plural mobile terminals. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a communication method using a network coding packet in a wireless network comprises: (a) transmitting plural downlink multicast packets, each containing serial numbers of packets, to the first and second mobile terminals sequentially; (b) receiving a first negative acknowledgement from the first mobile terminal; (c) receiving a second negative acknowledgement from the first mobile terminal or the second negative acknowledgement skipping the first negative acknowledgement on occurrence of the first packet error at the second mobile terminal; and (d) transmitting a restoration packet containing exclusive OR packet of all errored packets in the restoration period defined in reference to the second negative acknowledgement from the first and second mobile terminals.
US08332712B2 Apparatus and method for supporting hybrid ARQ in broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for supporting Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) in a broadband wireless communication system are provided. A method of performing HARQ by a Mobile Station (MS) in a wireless communication system includes receiving a control message including resource allocation information, decoding the control message, if the decoding is successful, determining whether a previous control message is lost, and if the previous control message is lost, transmitting one of a null signal and a specific indicator through a response channel.
US08332702B2 Method and apparatus for hybrid automatic repeat request transmission
A method and apparatus for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) transmission are disclosed. If a packet has not been successfully transmitted, it is determined whether an HARQ early termination condition is met. If the HARQ early termination condition is met, the HARQ process is terminated and the packet is discarded at the HARQ level. The HARQ early termination condition is met if a positive acknowledgement (ACK) has not been received until the number of retransmissions reaches a predetermined limit that is dynamically configured based on channel condition, measurement, etc. Alternatively, the HARQ early termination condition is met if a transmit power required for successful transmission of the packet is much higher than an actual transmit power. Alternatively, the HARQ early termination condition is met if a transport format combination (TFC) selected for retransmission is different from an optimal TFC. A higher layer may be notified of the early HARQ termination.
US08332701B2 Address generation apparatus and method for quadratic permutation polynomial interleaver de-interleaver
An address generation apparatus for a quadratic permutation polynomial (QPP) interleaver is provided. It comprises a basic recursive unit, and L recursive units represented by first recursive unit up to Lth recursive units. The apparatus inputs a plurality of configurable parameters according to a QPP function Π(i)=(f1i+f2i2) mod k, generates a plurality of interleaver addresses in serial via the basic recursive unit, and generates L groups of corresponding interleaver addresses via the first up to the Lth recursive units, wherein Π(i) is the i-th interleaver address generated by the apparatus, f1 and f2 are QPP coefficients, and k is information block length of an input sequence, 0≦i≦k−1.
US08332695B2 Data storage device tester
A data storage device (DSD) tester for testing a DSD is disclosed. The DSD tester comprises a plurality of bays, a screen, and control circuitry operable to detect when a first DSD has been inserted into a first bay. Independent of operator input, a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the screen is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been inserted into the first bay. Independent of operator input, a DSD test is automatically executed on the first DSD. When the first DSD is removed from the first bay, independent of operator input, the GUI is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been removed from the first bay.
US08332693B2 Method and apparatus for failure notification
A method and an apparatus for failure notification are provided. The method includes: sending, when it is detected that a failure occurs in a multicast label switch path, failure information to a downstream node of a multicast tree where a failed point locates, where the multicast label switch path is established based on a multicast label distribution protocol; and forwarding the failure information through the downstream node, where the failure information arrives at a leaf node of the multicast tree where the failed point locates. According to the method and the apparatus for failure notification of the present invention, finally, the failure information is transmitted to a leaf node. After the failure information is obtained, the leaf node may take appropriate measure to ensure the normal service and improve the reliability of the network.
US08332690B1 Method and apparatus for managing failures in a datacenter
A method and apparatus for providing information to mitigate a current failure in a datacenter is described. The method comprises processing historical data regarding at least one failure. The historical data includes at least one action related to the at least one failure. The method further includes determining information for mitigating the current failure based on the historical data.
US08332689B2 Systems, methods, and computer program products for instant recovery of image level backups
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for instant recovery of a virtual machine (VM) from a compressed image level backup without fully extracting the image level backup file's contents to production storage. The method receives restore parameters, initializes a virtual storage, and attaches the virtual storage to a hypervisor configured to launch a recovered VM. The method stores virtual disk data changes inflicted by a running operating system (OS), applications, and users in a changes storage. The method provides the ability to migrate the actual VM disk state (taking into account changed disk data blocks accumulated in changes storage) so as to prevent data loss resulting from the VM running during the recovery and accessing virtual storage, to production storage without downtime. In embodiments, the method displays received restore parameters in an interactive interface and delivers the recovery results via an automated message.
US08332686B2 Tape data recovery
A method for recovering data from a failed tape cartridge is presented. The reliability of a tape cartridge is assessed via the number of read errors encountered. If the number or read errors is excessive, the tape cartridge is deemed unreliable and the tape cartridge is restricted from storing anymore data. A search is performed to look for duplicate data and if found a copy of the duplicate data is stored to a replacement tape cartridge. The replacement tape cartridge assumes all identity of the original failed tape cartridge.
US08332685B2 Method of determining defects in information storage medium, recording/reproducing apparatus using the same, and information storage medium
A method of determining whether a defect exists on an information storage medium is provided along with a recording/reproducing apparatus using the same. Such a method comprises: seeking a defect entry whose state information indicates that a defect block or a replacement block has been re-initialized without certification from a defect list for managing an information storage medium and including state information of the defect block and state information of the replacement block, wherein the medium includes a spare area for recording the replacement block to replace the defect block occurring in a user data area on the medium; and certifying the defect block or the replacement block registered in the sought defect entry. As a result, defect information can be effectively rearranged for quick re-initialization without certification in order to improve the performance of a drive system.
US08332683B2 Data processing system and image processing system
A data processor comprising: a bus control circuit adapted to be interfaced with a synchronous DRAM which can be accessed in synchronism with a clock signal; a plurality of data processing modules coupled to said bus control circuit for producing data and addresses for accessing a memory; and a clock driver for feeding intrinsic operation clocks to said data processing modules and for feeding the clock signal for accessing said memory in synchronism with the operations of said data processing modules to be operated by the operation clock signals, to the outside.
US08332682B2 Interface control device
An interface control device includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, an interface controller and a clock supplying unit. The first interface is used to communicate with a first information processing device and obtain a first clock signal from the first information processing device. The second interface is used to communicate using a second clock signal with a second information processing device different from the first information processing device. The third interface is used to communicate with a controller of a data-storage medium. The interface controller performs an interface control for the first, second and third interfaces. Moreover, the clock supplying unit supplies the first clock signal to the third interface while communications through the second interface have not been established.
US08332679B2 Methods and apparatuses for managing power by leveraging intermediate power margins
Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to manage a power of a system that leverage intermediate power margins are described. One or more subsystems of the system are operated at one or more performance points. A power consumed by the one or more subsystems at each of the one or more performance points is measured. An operational power of the one or more subsystems at the one or more performance points is determined. The one or more subsystems are operated at well-known conditions at the one or more performance points. The operational power may be adjusted based on data associated with the one or more subsystems. The operational power is provided to a power lookup table. The power is distributed among the one or more subsystems based on the operational power.
US08332677B2 System and method for portable power source management
A host system is provided comprising including a power source configured to provide power to a first auxiliary device; and a host power manager configured to monitor an available power level of the power source; and direct the power source to reduce power provided to the first auxiliary device based upon the available power level, wherein the reduced power is greater than zero.
US08332676B2 Methods of preparing a power saving state, universal serial bus device and universal serial bus host
Methods of preparing a power saving state, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a USB host are provided. A method of preparing a power saving state comprises sending a request from a USB device to a USB host, the USB host being connected to the USB device via a USB and the request requesting that the USB host shall stop any bus traffic on the USB. Another method of preparing a power saving state comprises receiving, at a USB host, a request from a USB device, the USB device being connected to the USB host via a USB and the request requesting that the USB host shall stop any bus traffic on the USB. A USB device and a USB host are configured to carry out the respective methods.
US08332675B2 Latency based platform coordination
In some embodiments, an electronic apparatus comprises at least one processor, a plurality of components, and a policy engine comprising logic to receive latency data from one or more components in the electronic device, compute a minimum latency tolerance value from the latency data, and determine a power management policy from the minimum latency tolerance value.
US08332672B2 Optimized compensation in a voltage regulator
Multiple components of a computer system may be capable of entering wake and sleep states. The power consumption of a processor during wake state may draw significant amount of current. In order to keep power consumption of a voltage regulator low, a two-phase voltage regulator may be used during wake state. During sleep state, since power consumption is lower, the two-phase voltage regulator may be operated in a single-phase mode to further reduce voltage regulator power consumption.
US08332662B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit and testing method thereof
A semiconductor integrated circuit including a detector and a secure checker. The detector generates a detection signal upon sensing an abnormal state in an operating environment of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The secure checker generates a check signal to find an operating condition of the detector and receives the detection signal. The detector activates the detection signal in response to the check signal.
US08332660B2 Providing secure services to a non-secure application
A data processor for processing data in a secure mode having access to secure data that is not accessible to the data processor when processing data in the non-secure mode. A further processing device for performing a task in response to a request from the data processor issued from the non-secure mode. The further processing device including a secure data store not accessible to processes running on the data processor when in the non-secure mode. Prior to issuing requests, the data processor in the secure mode performs a set up operation on the further data processing device storing secure data in the secure data store. In response to receipt of the request from the data processor operating in the non-secure mode, the further data processing device performs the task using data stored in the secure data store to access any secure data required.
US08332659B2 Signal quality monitoring to defeat microchip exploitation
Method and apparatus and associated method of detecting microchip tampering may include a conductive element in electrical communication with multiple sensors for verifying that signal degradation occurs at an expected region of the conductive element. A detected variance from the expected region may automatically trigger an action for impeding an integrated circuit exploitation process.
US08332657B1 Global copy protection system for digital home networks
A method for providing local security of audio and video content during transmission and storage within digital home networks. Scrambled content may be recorded in all conditions, however, only authorized copies are processed for descrambling and viewing. Content is protected within a network by rebundling the keys required for descrambling, e.g., the TDES keys, into a new ECM (LECM), which is protected by a local public key.
US08332656B2 Systems and methods for secure supply chain management and inventory control
Systems for encoding and reading RFID tags on a collection of items are shown. One embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of items, where each item possesses an item identifier string, and a plurality of RFID tags, where an RFID tag is affixed to each of the items and each RFID tag is encoded with a code word element generated using at least all of the item identifier strings. In many embodiments, the collection is a plurality of goods contained within a case, pallet, container or storage area.
US08332655B2 Method for order invariant correlated encrypting of data and SQL queries for maintaining data privacy and securely resolving customer defects
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for debugging a computer system is provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method includes encrypting data and query program instructions using correlated order invariant encrypting, the data and query program instructions operating in a customer computer system. The encrypted data and encrypted query program instructions are then transferred to a servicing entity having a test system. The encrypted data and encrypted query program instructions are run on the test system to generate a set of results. The set of results are then used to generate a diagnosis of a problem with the customer computer system. Thus the customer problem can be resolved without the servicing entity having access to the customer's data and query program instructions.
US08332654B2 Secure framework for invoking server-side APIs using AJAX
Techniques for securely invoking a server-side API from client-side Web application code using AJAX. In one set of embodiments, a request to invoke a server-side API is received from a client-side component of a Web application, where the request is sent asynchronously using AJAX. One or more security handlers are then invoked to process the request in a manner that mitigates various security attacks. In one embodiment, a security handler is invoked to defend against a plurality of different types of Web application/AJAX security attacks. In another embodiment, authentication and authorization security handlers are invoked to authenticate a user of the Web application that originated the request and determine whether the user is authorized to call the server-side API. In yet another embodiment, configuration is implemented at the data storage tier to enforce user-access and data security on data that is retrieved/stored as a result of invoking the server-side API.
US08332653B2 Secure processing environment
Secure operations and components may be integrated into a conventional processing system executing a standard operating system. A secure processing environment where trusted secure application code is executed may be provided for performing secure operations. In this environment, the applications and components may access all of the components in the system including secure components. An open processing environment is provided for performing conventional operations. Conventional application code may be executed in the open environment. In the open environment, access may only be provided to open components. That is, open applications and components may not be allowed to access the secure components in the system. In this way, a secure processing environment may be provided that allows secure and non-secure applications to be simultaneously executed while protecting sensitive data and operations.
US08332651B2 Method of generating a password protocol using elliptic polynomial cryptography
The method of generating password protocols based upon elliptic polynomial cryptography provides for the generation of password protocols based on the elliptic polynomial discrete logarithm problem. It is well known that an elliptic polynomial discrete logarithm problem is a computationally “difficult” or “hard” problem.
US08332645B2 Method, apparatus and product for RFID authentication
A method and apparatus for repeated communication sessions between a sender (e.g., RFID tag) and a receiver (RFID reader) that employs a proactive information security scheme is based on the assumption that the information exchanged during at least one of every n successive communication sessions is not exposed to an adversary. The sender and the receiver maintain a vector of n entries that is repeatedly refreshed by pairwise XORING entries, with a new vector of n entries that is randomly chosen by the sender and sent to the receiver as a part of each communication session. Also, a computational secure scheme based on the information secure scheme is employed to ensure that even in the case that the adversary listens to all the information exchanges, the communication between the sender and the receiver is secure. In particular, the scheme can be used in the domain of remote controls (e.g., for cars).
US08332641B2 Authenticated debug access for field returns
Under the direction of a first party, an integrated circuit (IC) device is configured to temporarily enable access to a debug interface of the IC device via authentication of the first party by a challenge/response process using a key of the IC device and a challenge value generated at the IC device. The first party then may conduct a software evaluation of the IC device via the debug interface. In response to failing to identify an issue with the IC device from the software evaluation, the first party can permanently enable open access to the debug interface while authenticated and provide the IC device to a second party. Under the direction of the second party, a hardware evaluation of the IC device is conducted via the debug interface that was permanently opened by the first party.
US08332638B2 Secure data parser method and system
The present invention provides a method and system for securing sensitive data from unauthorized access or use. The method and system of the present invention is useful in a wide variety of settings, including commercial settings generally available to the public which may be extremely large or small with respect to the number of users. The method and system of the present invention is also useful in a more private setting, such as with a corporation or governmental agency, as well as between corporation, governmental agencies or any other entity.
US08332631B2 Secure software licensing and provisioning using hardware based security engine
Provisioning a license and an application program from a first server to a computing platform over a network. The host application derives a symmetric key at least in part from a user password, and sends the license to a license management firmware component of a security engine, in a message signed by the symmetric key. The license management firmware component derives the symmetric key at least in part from the user password stored in a secure storage of the security engine, verifies the signature on the message using the symmetric key, verifies the first server's signature on the license, decrypts the license using a first private key of the license management firmware component corresponding to the first public key to obtain the second key, and sends the second key to the host application, which decrypts the application program using the second key.
US08332629B2 Mail certificate responder
A method and apparatus for generating a mail certificate is described. A client determines whether the client possesses a certificate. If a certificate is needed, the client sends a request to a certificate responder for a new certificate in response to the determination. The certificate responder generates and sends the new certificate back to the client.
US08332627B1 Mutual authentication
Mutual authentication systems and methods are described that comprise an authenticating server that is available across a network and capable of authenticating a user based on credentials provided by the user. An embeddable object provided by the authenticating server and containing a passphrase that identifies the server to the user. A credentials entry mechanism identifies the user to the authenticating server. A user device displays an Outer Page that can request authentication. The authenticating server verifies the source of the request and provides the passphrase to the user device. The display of the passphrase confirms the identity of the authenticating server to the user. The source of the request can be verified using a secure cookie. The embeddable object can be provided in a second page and can prevent display of the passphrase if user input is not directed to the second page.
US08332626B2 Method and apparatus for authentication token-based service redirection
A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium is provided. According to an embodiment, a method includes, receiving a message from a client. The method further includes, forwarding the message to a first service when the message includes an authentication token, where the authentication token indicates that the client can access the first service. The method further includes, forwarding the message to a second service when the message excludes the authentication token. The receiving the message from the client and the forwarding the message to the first service occur over a confidential channel.
US08332622B2 Branching to target address by adding value selected from programmable offset table to base address specified in branch instruction
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a programmable table which allows software to define a plurality of branching functions, each of which maps a vector of condition codes to a branch offset. This technique allows for a flexible multi-way branching functionality, using a conditional branch outcome table that can be specified by a programmer. Any instruction can specify the evaluation of arbitrary conditional expressions to compute the values for the condition codes, and can choose a particular branching function. When the processor executes the instruction, the processor's arithmetic/logical functional units evaluate the conditional expressions and then the processor performs the branch operation, according to the specified branching function.
US08332618B2 Out-of-order X86 microprocessor with fast shift-by-zero handling
An out-of-order execution microprocessor includes a register alias table configured to generate a first indicator that indicates whether an instruction is dependent upon a condition code result of a shift instruction. The microprocessor also includes a first execution unit configured to execute the shift instruction and to generate a second indicator that indicates whether a shift amount of the shift instruction is zero. The microprocessor also includes a second execution unit configured to receive the first and second indicators and to generate a replay signal to cause the instruction to be replayed if the first indicator indicates the instruction is dependent upon the condition code result of the shift instruction and a second indicator indicates the shift amount of the shift instruction is zero.
US08332614B2 System, method and computer program product for providing a programmable quiesce filtering register
Storing translation lookaside buffer (TLB) entries are in a TLB1 at the processor. The TLB1 includes entries associated with main storage accesses of programs executing in a guest mode in a current zone and entries associated with main storage accesses of firmware executing in a host mode. A quiesce interruption request is received at the processor that includes a requesting zone indicator. The processor is either executing in the host mode and has no zone or in the guest mode with the current zone. The requesting zone indicator and the contents of a programmable filtering register that indicates exceptions to filtering performed by the processor is used to determine if filtering should be performed. The quiesce interruption request may be filtered based on the requesting zone indicator even after the mode switches from the guest mode to the host mode.
US08332607B2 Non-volatile memory storage device and operation method thereof
A non-volatile memory storage device has a non-volatile memory, e.g., a flash memory, and a controller coupled to the non-volatile memory. The controller comprises a plurality of control circuits and an arbitration circuit. Each control circuit is configured to generate a request to update the chip-enable (CE) signals for non-volatile memory, and the arbitration circuit is configured to determine when the requests are acknowledged. The arbitration circuit generates acknowledge signals to the control circuits when all of the requests of the control circuits have been received by the arbitration circuit. The CE signals for non-volatile memory are updated when requests are acknowledged.
US08332605B2 Reorganization of a fragmented directory of a storage data structure comprised of the fragmented directory and members
A directory and members are allocated to store a data set, wherein the directory stores pointers to the members to allow data stored in the members to be accessed. The directory is expanded to accommodate an expansion of the data set, causing the directory to be stored in non-contiguous pages and becoming fragmented. A computational device determines that a threshold that measures a level of fragmentation of the directory relative to an amount of storage allocated for the data set has been exceeded. The computational device reorganizes the fragmented directory, into a reorganized directory that is stored in contiguous pages at the end of the data set, in response to determining that the threshold has been exceeded.
US08332602B2 Computer system and method of managing status thereof
There is disclosed a data storage system used in a computer environment where there are plural host computers and plural storage array controllers. When a remote copy is made while assuring the order of writing across plural storage array controllers, one of the host computers gains copy information about all the storage array controllers associated with the remote copy as a representative. The representative one of the storage array controllers collects and stores copy statuses which are individually managed by the storage array controllers for which a remote copy is made. The host computer gains the copy statuses from the representative controller using an instruction to gain the copy statuses.
US08332601B2 Storage controller having virtual volume
To shorten time necessary for performing backup of data in a virtual volume managed by a storage controller to a backup destination storage device. A secondary volume including storage areas of the same number as the number of first primary virtual areas is created with respect to a primary virtual volume (a virtual logical volume to be an I/O destination from an external device) including plural primary virtual areas. The first primary virtual areas are primary virtual areas to which actual areas are allocated. Data copy is performed from the primary virtual volume to the secondary volume. At the time of backup to the backup destination storage device, data backup is performed from the secondary volume to the backup destination storage device.
US08332598B2 Memory micro-tiling request reordering
According to one embodiment, a memory controller is disclosed. The memory controller includes assignment logic, a reorder table and a transaction assembler. The assignment logic receives a request to access a memory channel and assigns the request to access one of two or more independently addressable subchannels within the channel. The reorder table includes two or more table elements. Each table element includes a shared address component and an independent address component corresponding to each of the two or more independently addressable subchannels. The transaction assembler combines the shared and independent address components in a reorder table element and issue a single memory transaction.
US08332597B1 Synchronization of external memory accesses in a dataflow machine
Approaches for synchronizing memory accesses in a dataflow computing system. A compute operation in the dataflow computing system is commenced in response to availability in a dataflow memory of each operand that is required to perform the compute operation. Output data from a compute operation is stored in the dataflow memory at completion of the compute operation. Write and read operations are supported for accessing an external memory. Accesses to the external memory are synchronized by storing synchronization tokens in the data flow memory. Each synchronization token signals when an address in the external memory may be accessed.
US08332596B2 Multiple error management in a multiprocessor computer system
An error message handling buffer comprises a first buffer and a second buffer. A first index is associated with the first buffer and a second index is associated with the second buffer. A buffer controller is operable to write and read messages in the buffer, such that messages are written to the buffer of the first and second buffers that has a buffer index value lesser than the buffer size, and read from the other of the first and second buffers, the other buffer having an index value greater than or equal to the buffer size.
US08332593B2 Memory space management and mapping for memory area network
A mechanism for simultaneous multiple host access to shared centralized memory space via a virtualization protocol utilizing a network transport. The invention combines local memory interfacing with the handling of multiple hosts implementing virtualized memory-mapped I/O systems, such that the memory becomes a global resource. The end result is a widely distributed memory-mapped computer cluster, sharing a 2^64 byte memory space.
US08332586B2 Information processing system for measuring the cache effect in a virtual capacity
The present invention obtains with high precision, in a storage system, the effect of additional installation or removal of cache memory, that is, the change of the cache hit rate and the performance of the storage system at that time. For achieving this, when executing normal cache control in the operational environment of the storage system, the cache hit rate when the cache memory capacity has changed is also obtained. Furthermore, with reference to the obtained cache hit rate, the peak performance of the storage system is obtained. Furthermore, with reference to the target performance, the cache memory and the number of disks and other resources that are additionally required are obtained.
US08332584B2 Method of combining and managing file systems for memory space and a computer system
A method of managing memory storage space and a computer system using the same uses a computer including a storage device and an expansion slot. The method has the steps of: detecting whether there is a memory card in the expansion slot; combining the storage space of the storage device and the memory card to form a combined storage space; and using application software to manage the combined storage space. At least one file stored in the combined storage space may be selected to move between the storage device and the memory card via the application software.
US08332582B2 Storage system, storage device, and control method thereof
A storage system including a storage device which includes media for storing data from a host computer, a medium controller for controlling the media, a plurality of channel controllers for connecting to the host computer through a channel and a cache memory for temporarily storing data from the host computer, wherein the media have a restriction on a number of writing times. The storage device includes a bus for directly transferring data from the medium controller to the channel controller.
US08332581B2 Stale track initialization in a storage controller
Deleting a data volume from a storage system and freeing its storage space to make it available to be allocated to a new volume is accomplished by only zeroing associated metadata for the tracks contained in the freed storage space which is then reused in a new volume allocation and an attempt is made by the new volume to read a first record R0 of a track. A determination is made as to whether a first user record R1 of the volume is stale If the first record R0 is stale. If record R1 is stale, the metadata or track format description (TFD) is modified whereby the entire track is indicated as being uninitialized and the first record R0 is uninitialized. If record R1 is not stale, the first record R0 is regenerated and the TFD is modified whereby the entire track is indicated as being initialized.
US08332579B2 Data storage apparatus and method of writing data
According to one embodiment, a data storage apparatus includes a flash memory and a controller for controlling the flash memory. The flash memory is configured to store data is written in units of a prescribed size. In order to write data smaller than the prescribe size, the controller first isolates attribute data from each save data item of the prescribed size, which has been read from any flash memory, and then stores the attribute data to an attribute data memory, and finally transfers the user data contained in the save data, to a save data memory.
US08332578B2 Method and system to improve the performance of a multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory
A method and system to improve the performance of a multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory. In one embodiment of the invention, the metadata associated with the data stored in a MLC NAND flash memory is stored only in one or more lower pages of the MLC NAND flash memory. The MLC NAND flash memory has lower and upper pages, where the lower pages have a faster programming time or rate than the upper pages in one embodiment of the invention. By storing the metadata only in the pages of the MLC NAND flash memory that have low latencies of programming, the quality of service (QoS) of the MLC NAND flash memory can be improved.
US08332574B2 Method for efficient storage of metadata in flash memory
User data are stored in a memory that includes one or more blocks of pages by, for one of the blocks, and optionally for all of the blocks, whenever writing any of the user data to that block, writing the block according to a predefined plan for specifying, with respect to each page of that block, a portion of the user data that is to be written to that page. Alternatively or additionally, each page that stores user data has associated therewith a metadatum related to the age of the user data stored therein; and, for one of the blocks, at any time that two or more of the pages of that block store user data, a common value of the metadatum is associated with all such pages.
US08332573B2 Method and apparatus for performing address mapping in virtual file system of storage unit having a plurality of non-volatile data storage media
Provided are a method and apparatus capable of reducing a metadata processing time associated with address mapping performed to input/output burst data at a high speed in a virtual file system of a storage unit having a plurality of non-volatile data storage media. The method includes: determining a block group including a block included in each of a plurality of the non-volatile data storage media; determining an access unit including each page included in the determined block group; and mapping an address of input/output data to the determined block group and the access unit. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce an address mapping processing time in the virtual file system that may function as a bottleneck in high-speed input/output in a large-capacity storage unit.
US08332569B2 Nonvolatile memory system using data interleaving scheme
A memory system comprises a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices configured for interleaved access. Programming times are measured and recorded for various memory cell regions of the nonvolatile memory devices, and interleaving units are formed by memory cell regions having different programming times.
US08332567B2 Apparatus and methods to communicatively couple field devices to controllers in a process control system
Example apparatus and methods to communicatively couple field devices to controllers in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a first interface configured to receive first information from a field device using a first communication protocol. The example apparatus also includes a communication processor communicatively coupled to the first interface and configured to encode the first information for communication via a bus using a second communication protocol. In addition, the example apparatus includes a second interface communicatively coupled to the communication processor and the bus and configured to communicate the first information via the bus using the second communication protocol. The bus is configured to use the second communication protocol to communicate second information associated with another field device.
US08332564B2 Data processing apparatus and method for connection to interconnect circuitry
A data processing apparatus has a main controller for executing a programmable sequence of instructions including a transaction sequence of instructions used to process a transaction to be initiated by the data processing apparatus. The transaction sequence of instructions is programmed dependent on the interconnect protocol. The data processing apparatus has an interconnect interface unit including a plurality of queues with at least one send queue for issuing outbound payload information to the interconnect circuitry, and at least one receive queue for receiving inbound payload information from the interconnect circuitry. An interface controller is provided for pushing the outbound payload information on to the at least one send queue and popping the inbound payload information from the at least one receive queue, under the control of commands issued by the main controller. The interconnect interface unit has an interconnect port for communicating with the interconnect circuitry.
US08332563B2 Interface for bridging out-of-band information from a downstream communication link to an upstream communication link
A device includes a first interface to receive a signal from a first communication link, wherein the receive signal includes out-of-band (OOB) information. A detector coupled to the first interface detects the OOB information. An encoder coupled to the detector encodes the OOB information into one or more symbols (e.g., control characters). A second interface is coupled to the encoder and a second communication link (e.g., a serial transport path). The second interface transmits the symbols on the second communication link. The device also includes mechanisms for preventing false presence detection of terminating devices.
US08332561B2 Network adapter, method, and computer program product
A network adapter for plugging into a host computer is provided. The network adapter may include an internal memory and connection means for connecting the host computer to a communications network. The network adapter may include resident application software stored in the network adapter's internal memory, whereby the resident application software automatically activates when the network adapter is plugged into the host computer.
US08332557B2 System, apparatus, and method for broadcasting USB data streams
Exemplary embodiments are directed to broadcasting data on a USB system. The system includes a USB host and multiple broadcast-capable USB devices. Each USB device includes at least a default control endpoint for receiving control information and an isochronous sink endpoint for receiving a broadcast stream. The USB host programs a shared device address to an address register of each USB device such that all broadcast-capable USB devices programmed to that shared device address will accept the broadcast stream. One of the USB devices at the shared device address is set as a primary broadcast slave that will respond to non-isochronous transfers to the shared device address. All other USB devices with the shared device address are set to secondary slaves that ignore non-isochronous transfers to the shared device address.
US08332553B2 Method and apparatus for accessing a contacts database and telephone services
Embodiments described herein provide a method and technique for operating a computing device. An interface is displayed for enabling the computing device to control a voicemail system. The interface includes one or more display objects, wherein each display object is selectable by a user to enter a command input assigned to that display object. A selection is detected of any one of the one or more display objects, and the command input assigned to the display object is identified. A signal tone is generated corresponding to the command input. The signal input may be transmitted across a network to the voicemail system to communicate a command to the voicemail system.
US08332550B1 Method and apparatus for a hot-swappable input/output device with programmable over-voltage clamp protection
A method of operating an input/output interface is described. The method comprises eliminating a current path into an output pin of an input/output interface while the input/output interface receives an operational power signal during a first mode of operation; and enabling the current path into the output pin of the input/output interface to limit a voltage magnitude externally applied to the output pin of the input/output interface during a second mode of operation.
US08332545B1 USB switch which allows primary USB connection in response to USB signaling
System and method controlling connectivity within a device. A device may be coupled to a host device. In response to the coupling, low power logic (e.g., an embedded device) of the device may be coupled to the host device. The low power logic may perform enumeration with the host device using only power provided by the host device. The low power logic may also charge a battery of the device using power provided by the host device. Device circuitry of the device may provide a signal for coupling to the host device. In response, the device circuitry may be coupled to the host device and may perform device enumeration with the host device.
US08332542B2 Communication with input/output system devices
A computer program product for procuring information from entities in a network via an Input/Output (I/O) processing system includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes receiving, at a channel subsystem, at least one network topology information request from an operating system. The method also includes building at least one command request that includes the at least one network topology information request, and sending the at least one command request from the channel subsystem to at least one network entity. The method further includes receiving a response to the at least one command request from the at least one network entity by the channel subsystem, and forwarding the response from the channel subsystem to the operating system.
US08332541B2 Methods and apparatus for communicating and/or using discovery information
Methods and apparatus related to peer/network/service discovery in a mobile wireless system, e.g., an ad hoc peer-to-peer network are described. Transmission of discovery information, e.g., upper layer discovery information, is divided into a number of portions to be transmitted separately over time. Transmission of the individual portions is structured so as to enable flexibility in the frequency of the peer discovery transmissions as well as the monitoring of such transmissions. Various embodiments facilitate rapid discovery and/or secure discovery, e.g., selective discovery by trusted peers.
US08332539B2 Binary data serialization system using machine dependant data alignment
A binary data transfer system is described to transfer data from data source (31) to data destination (32). The system partitions placement and type data from binary data to be transferred as independent data streams and retains binary format of data source (31) including type information, padding information and endian information for the network transfer. This eliminates data parsing overheads at a data source (31) and reduces data parsing overheads required at a data destination (32). In this system, data destination (32) decodes transferred binary data using software code (47) transferred from data source (31). This transferred software code (47) optionally decodes base sixty four encoding and uses the type information, padding information and endian information to extract data from binary data stream at data destination (32).This system is applicable to any binary data transfer system between any data source and destination like a web browser client that accesses a server on the web. Hence combining native data format of a data source (31) along with transfer of software code to decode and encode such data at data destination (32), eliminates processing overheads at server and reduces processing overheads at client.
US08332538B2 Hierarchical application programming interface for communication middleware in partially connected mobile ad hoc networks
An application programming interface and related system is presented for a middleware communication space that provides asynchronous message delivery service for partially connected mobile ad hoc networks. Embodiments of the present invention use mobile devices to bridge separated islands of networks and store and propagate messages. The system and software architecture supports methods for messaging caching, transferring and routing. More specifically, embodiments provide methods and systems that extend a communication space concept into a distributed environment and combine it with the standard Web Services technologies, i.e, SOAP, and WS series protocols. The communication space provides an extension of Web Services to mobile ad hoc networks and provides asynchronous message caching, transferring and routing.
US08332537B1 Establishing a bypass channel between queue managers
A method, system, and medium are provided for establishing a bypass channel for communicating messages that would cause an error when they are communicated over their normal channel. The error may be caused by writing a message in an unexpected character set. Embodiments of the invention are practiced in a messaging-middleware environment. Channels are used to communicate messages between components associated with the messaging-middleware application.
US08332536B2 Content protection continuity through authorized chains of components
Provided is a method for the distribution and control of digital content such that Quality of Experience (QoE) is maintained. Content is protected from when the content is encrypted to when it is used. To ensure the QoE of particular content, a content owner embeds a list of required or preferred components that must be employed to render the content. The content owner's list of required or preferred components specifies specific components “trusted” to correctly process the content. The specified chain of preferred components is compared to possible devices in the system that processes the content. If there are multiple acceptable devices for a specific link, a preference system is employed to determine the device that executed the particular part of the chain. The preference system is based upon a number of factors, such as, but not limited to, performance characteristics, user preferences, expected stability, power requirements and system preferences.
US08332535B2 System and method for providing privacy and limited exposure services for location based services
A system and method is provided for providing privacy and limited exposure services for location based services. The system includes at least one module configured to provide fictitious location or route information of a mobile user to selected users or group of users based on a mobile user provided profile.
US08332534B2 Techniques to improve multiple collocated device networking over single wireless communication networks
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a wireless station (STA) capable of communicating with an access point (AP), wherein the STA is capable of representing itself to the AP as a Group-of-Stations. The Group-of-Stations may be a plurality of networking devices (such as virtual stations) in an embodiment of the present invention and the Group-of-Stations may be defined by adding an Information Element (IE) to an Association/Reassociation request; or the Group of Stations may be defined by using masking operations on a MAC address.
US08332529B1 Media content including introduced code
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for obtaining and performing programs in conjunction with media content rendering. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining media data and associated data, including time codes corresponding to both the media data and the associated data, the media data including at least one of video data and audio data; introducing a program in the associated data, the program having an associated time code from the time codes; and providing the media data and the associated data, with the program introduced therein, to one or more media player programs for rendering of the media data to an output device in accordance with the time codes relative to a start time and for performing one or more instructions defined by the program in coordination with the rendering based on the associated time code for the program.
US08332526B2 Data communication protocol including negotiation and command compounding
Described is a data communication protocol, in which a client and server negotiate in a manner that does not require the client to retry negotiation when servers are not capable of the client-desired protocol. In one example implementation, the desired protocol is SMB 2.0 or greater. The protocol describes a create command with possibly additional context data attached for built-in extensibility, and a compound command comprising a plurality of related commands or unrelated commands. A multi-channel command requests data transfer on a separate data channel, a signed capability verification may be used to ensure that a secure connection is established, and the protocol provides the ability to transfer extended error data from the server in response to a request.
US08332523B2 Architecture to enable keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) access to a target from a remote client
A keyboard, video and mouse over an Internet Protocol (IP) switch in which the master and target interfaces share the same IP address and access to the target interfaces from the client is via a Transmission Control Protocol/IP network. The master is able to determine into which switch port the target interface is connected by reading media access control address tables of a switch chipset. Such provides immediate association for a target interface, i.e., the Ethernet port number.
US08332521B2 Internet-pad specification, the internet-pad specification may include a touch sensitive screen, a digital camera, a document application, an e-mail application, icons over the touch sensitive screen for user selection, a wireless communication unit for wireless connectivity, a digital content application for playing digital content, and an operating system supporting application programming interface (API)
An Internet-Pad is disclosed and enabled. The Internet-Pad is a mobile digital Pad with access to Internet. The product specification of the Internet-Pad may include a digital camera, a touch sensitive screen, a graphical user interface over the touch sensitive screen, an e-mail application, an editing application, an Internet browsing application, an Internet-Pad operating system, and a wireless communication unit for accessing a wireless network. The e-mail application including a GUI with icons over the touch sensitive screen for selection. The Internet-Pad operating system may provide an object model or an application programming interface (API) to facilitate one or more applications to run at the Internet-Pad. The Internet-Pad may include applications for managing digital documents, audio digital content, or video digital content for rendering or playing. The digital content may be encoded, encrypted, or compressed. The Internet-Pad may wireless synchronize, transfer, or stream the digital content to other devices.
US08332520B2 Web server for managing session and method thereof
A web server that can be flexibly changed may include storage for a session state; a reception unit for receiving the session state while associating it with a primary HTTP request, from a terminal; storage for the received session state which is accessed as an HTTP session object by a processing program for responsive to the received primary HTTP request; a unit for accessing the stored session state responsive to executing an access instruction contained in the processing program; and a return unit for reading the session state from the storage unit responsive to executing an instruction generating an HTTP response contained in the processing program, setting the session state to the primary HTTP response as a parameter to be transmitted by the terminal in association with a secondary HTTP request, and returning the set primary HTTP response to the terminal.
US08332513B2 Method and device for detecting connectivity termination of internet protocol version 6 access networks
The present invention discloses a method and device for detecting connectivity termination in an IPv6 access network based on a DHCP service model. The method for detecting connectivity termination according to the invention comprises the steps of: creating an entry of the subscriber connectivity cache list corresponding to the subscriber terminal in the access node when the IPv6 connectivity between the subscriber terminal and the access node is established successfully; querying the entry of the neighbor cache list corresponding to the subscriber terminal based on the polling time set in the entry of the subscriber connectivity cache list; deciding whether the connectivity of the subscriber terminal is normal based on the entry information corresponding to the subscriber terminal of the subscriber connectivity cache list and neighbor cache list; and performing termination processing on the connectivity of the subscriber terminal logging off abnormally.
US08332510B2 Proxy detection by service processor
Embodiments provide methods, apparatus, and systems that enable an embedded processor to detect and configure one or more network access settings. The network access settings may enable the embedded processor to communicate over a network, via out-of-band messages, with a management server or service. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.
US08332508B1 Extensible management server
An extensible management server (XMS) is disclosed that includes a management interface, a scripting engine, and a data store having management scripts and a management class library stored therein. The management interface provides functionality for receiving and responding to commands received from a management application to execute management scripts, add management scripts, delete management scripts, edits management scripts, and provide a listing of management scripts. The management scripts include functionality for retrieving and setting management data on managed computers. The management scripts are configured to utilize classes contained in the management class library to perform the actual interaction with the managed server computers for retrieving or setting management data.
US08332505B2 Method to automatically determine host to LUN (logical unit number) path availability for multi path attached storage systems
The present disclosure provides testing of a storage system. The test may compare the storage array controller LUNs which may be configured to be accessible by a host with the LUNs which are currently available to prevent a zero path scenario from occurring. The test may verify at least one path exists for each LUN to a storage controller of a storage array before injecting an error into another storage controller of the storage array. The present disclosure also provides verification of the configuration of a storage system. The configuration verification may verify that the storage array controller LUNs which are configured to be accessible by a host are actually accessible by the host. If the configuration verification is unable to verify the configuration of storage system, the configuration verification may display an error.
US08332504B2 Method for testing connectivity of software applications hosted on networked computers
A method for verifying the connectivity of software applications hosted on networked computers. The connectivity of hosted function applications to be loaded into networked computers is verified and validated using quasi-hosted function applications that simulate the communications functions (i.e., connectivity) of those hosted function applications. The quasi-hosted function applications are run on the same hardware that the real hosted function applications will be run on. Furthermore, the connectivity of a real hosted function application loaded into one computer can be verified and validated by simulating communications of that real hosted function application with a multiplicity of quasi-hosted function applications running on the networked computers.
US08332502B1 Business to business network management event detection and response system and method
A network management system includes an automatic reconnaissance (resolution) component which, in one embodiment, includes four main operational components, namely a real-time parse/analysis component, a data merge component, a data analysis component, and a response capability component. These four components interact to provide real-time event recognition and response. The network management system efficiently receives, parses, and comprehends a large amount of event and statistical data that could be indicative of a network systems operation failure with resultant response actions initiated through such an infrastructure improving mean time to recovery.
US08332501B2 High availability for intelligent applications in storage networks
Methods and apparatus provide formation and management of intelligent application clusters in a storage area network. Disk arbitration mechanisms ensure that a cluster is owned by a single member. In the event of a network partition, each cluster member involved arbitrates to gain ownership of a cluster. High availability mechanisms allow monitoring of system resources and effective failover capabilities.
US08332493B2 Directory server plug-in call ordering
A method and apparatus for ordering callbacks for server plug-ins of a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directory server. Each plug-in registers with the LDAP server and has a designated priority and set of dependencies. The priority and dependency data are stored in an LDAP callback configuration entry or set of entries. The LDAP server analyzes the priority and dependencies to determine the order of each plug-in or individual callback relative to one another. This allows the LDAP directory server and LDAP operations to rely on the order of callbacks thereby improving the efficiency of the system.
US08332488B1 Multi-level cache with synch
Disclosed in one example is a data access method in which a request for application data from a first application is received. The application data is searched for in a first cache and responsive to a miss from the first cache, a second cache is contacted over a network and searched. Responsive to a miss from the second cache, a third cache is contacted over a network and searched. The third cache being specific to one of a plurality of geographical areas, the third cache storing data for the first application and a plurality of other applications executing in that geographical area, the searching for the application data in the third cache including searching data stored by the plurality of other applications and data stored by the first application. If the third cache misses, a persistent store is contacted over a network and searched. If any of the first, second, or third caches hits, receiving the application data.
US08332486B2 Apparatus and method for multimedia file streaming in portable terminal
An apparatus and method for multimedia file streaming are provided. In a method for multimedia file streaming in a receiving portable terminal, the method includes determining meta data included in a received packet, generating new meta data having a circular-type media data offset on the basis of the meta data, storing media data included in the packet received in a circular manner according to the media data offset included in the new meta data, and loading the media data stored according to the media data offset included in the new meta data.
US08332479B2 Enterprise application server system and method
An application server system includes a main server and one or more clients controlled by the main server. The clients execute one or more applications in one or more virtual client environments. Each virtual client environment includes a lightweight server operable to instantiate one or more application objects in response to receiving configuration information from the main server. The application objects are each associated with an application being executed at the client. The application objects store operating information related to the associated application. The lightweight server is further operable to receive operating information from the application objects relating to the operation of the associated applications and to communicate the received information to the main server. Furthermore, the lightweight server is operable to control the applications based on at least one of: (i) the configuration information received from the main server and (ii) further instructions received from the main server after instantiation of an application object.
US08332475B2 Messaging system and method
A method of message communication via a messaging system between one or more originating communication devices assigned to a sender and one or more destination communication devices assigned to a receiver, a messaging system, a service center and a client thereof. The method comprising: before delivery to the receiver, obtaining by a messaging system a message having initial characteristics comprising message format and message layout; adapting at least one of said initial characteristics of the message in accordance with at least one criterion selected from a group comprising: —criterion related to message communication capabilities of the destination communication device with regard to message communication capabilities of the originating communication device; —criterion related to message displaying capabilities of the destination communication device with regard to message communication capabilities of the originating communication device; —criterion related to communication media between originating and destination device; and facilitating delivery of the adapted message to the receiver.
US08332474B2 Personal directory services with directed communication
Included are systems and methods for directing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving a listing for a data provider, the listing including a plurality of criteria related to the data provider and receiving an indication to add at least a portion of the listing to a personal directory. Other embodiments include adding at least a portion of the listing to the personal directory and receiving an indication from the data provider to send data to the personal directory.
US08332472B2 Peer to peer system for supporting time shift service
The present invention discloses a Peer to Peer system for supporting time shift service, which includes: a media source system, used for dividing the input live broadcasting stream into media blocks to form media block sequence, grouping every predetermined number of the media blocks into media segment, and sending the media segment to each of several nodes; a media distribution management system, used for managing the state information of the media segments on the several nodes and realizing positioning function of the media segments, and several nodes, each of the several nodes comprises a playing buffer, a storage buffer, and a disk buffer.
US08332466B1 Network based healthcare management system
A network based healthcare management system is provided. The system includes a plurality of client workstations and a plurality of healthspace service processors. The healthspace service processors access at least one database remotely disposed relative to the client workstations with the healthspace service processors providing access to predetermined healthspace resources. The system further includes a healthspace service interface unit operably coupled to the client workstations and healthspace service processors to selectively actuate at least one of the healthspace service processors responsive to the client workstations. The healthspace service interface unit including an efficiency module which adaptively maintains a plurality of parametric indicia with respect to optimum healthspace resource utilization.
US08332463B2 Distributed storage system, connection information notifying method, and recording medium in which distributed storage program is recorded
A distributed storage system that includes: a plurality of node apparatuses connected to a plurality of different networks through a high order apparatus group or a low order apparatus group, the distributed storage system comprising: a first node apparatus that includes: a first storage unit which stores connection relationship information on the high order apparatus group and the low order apparatus group connected through the network; and a second node apparatus that includes: an acquisition unit which acquires first connection information, which indicates the high order apparatus group or the low order apparatus group that is a connection destination of the node apparatus, from the first node apparatus based on location information indicating locations of the plurality of node apparatuses; and a transmission unit which transmits the first connection information acquired by the acquisition unit to any of the plurality of node apparatuses included in the distributed storage system.
US08332462B2 Correlating groups of application systems
Implementations of a computer-implemented method include instantiating a first computer program that is executable using one or more processors, using the first computer program, defining a first group comprising a plurality of application systems and a second group comprising a plurality of application systems, correlating the plurality of application systems within the first group to generate a correlation model, storing the correlation model in a computer-readable storage medium, and providing a target group comprising a plurality of application systems based on the correlation model.
US08332461B2 Task migration system and method thereof
A task migration system is provided which transmits a migration request signal for a plurality of first tasks to a migration manager using a resource manager, transmits information used in response to the migration request signal from a migration initiation handler to the migration manager when a first task, of which a migration point is in a capture ready state, among the plurality of first tasks is received from a processor, and captures, using the migration manager, the migration point of the first task in the capture ready state, in response to a migration request signal for the first task in the capture ready state, so that the first task with the captured migration point migrates to a second task.
US08332457B2 Tile architectural style for privacy-preserved distributed computing
A method and system for privacy-preserved distributed computing on large networks using a tile-based architecture is disclosed. An expression for a tile seed assembly characterizing a problem, such as an NP-complete problem, may be determined. The solution to the tile seed assembly is a full tile assembly including a plurality of tile types. In a network of participating nodes, a tile type may be assigned to each node. A description of a tile type specific to a node may be provided to each node. A tile seed assembly may be established on selected nodes. Through progressive recruitment and replication, the tile assembly may mature, in response to the problem being solvable, into a full tile assembly having a solution. The solution may be received by the client computer.
US08332448B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit having a random number and oscillator circuit for variably controlling stored data
The invention reduces unnecessary electromagnetic radiation noise due to an operation clock signal generated by an oscillator circuit. Random number data outputted by a random number generation circuit is stored in a frequency variable data register. The data stored in the frequency variable data register is replaced by random number data sequentially generated by the random number generation circuit. An oscillator circuit is a circuit generating a clock signal, and the clock signal is supplied as an operation clock signal to an internal circuit through an operation clock signal generation circuit. The frequency of the clock signal from the oscillator circuit is variably controlled in response to the random number data stored in the frequency variable data register. A frequency variable range control register which stores control data for controlling the range of the frequency variably controlled in response to the random number data stored in the frequency variable data register is further provided.
US08332435B2 Method and system for customizing a user interface to an on-demand database service
In embodiments, methods and systems for customizing a user interface to an on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for customizing a user interface to an on-demand database service can enable embodiments to provide a user interface designed by a tenant of the on-demand database service. The customization can include including third party content into the customized user interface, overriding a standard object, and providing content inline at a specified location.
US08332434B2 Method and system for finding appropriate semantic web ontology terms from words
A system and method to map a set of words to a set of ontology terms, the method including determining a starting point for ontologies including terms matching a set of words, determining a term set corresponding to the set of words in an ontology context of each of the starting points, ranking the term sets determined for all of the starting points, and providing an output of the term sets in a ranked order.
US08332429B2 Photography assistant and method for assisting a user in photographing landmarks and scenes
A method and system to help photographers to take better quality pictures of landmarks and scenes are disclosed. A user is guided with examples of existing quality images, which are extracted from a database, of the same or similar landmarks or scenes. The method includes taking a query photograph that may include an image associated with a GPS location and other metadata, and using information extracted from the image to retrieve existing, similar images. The images retrieved may be ordered according to different criteria. When a user selects one as a model image, the user is provided with assistance for taking a target photograph of similar quality.
US08332428B2 Browse hierarchies customized for rules based custom catalogs
An arbitrary number of custom catalogs for an arbitrary number of customers can be published from a single database of seller catalog data. Custom browse hierarchies can be generated for each of the custom catalogs. The custom catalogs are subsets of the catalog database, and are generated in accordance with a set of rules that defines the scope of the content of the custom catalog. The rule sets define a series of sequential searches by which a subset of the product SKUs contained in the database are returned. A primary hierarchy is maintained that can have a scope coextensive with the primary database. Custom browse hierarchies can be pruned to render their scope approximately coextensive with each subset. The custom catalog subsets and the custom browse hierarchies are generated periodically through a virtual publication process.