Document Document Title
US08333354B2 Structure having a mounting means
A structure for removable attachment to a substantially vertical surface for example of glass, glazed tiles or metal. The structure includes a suction disk for sealingly contacting a surface, a pulling member attached to the suction disk for drawing a part of the suction disk away from the surface, so that a partial vacuum is created between the suction disk and the surface. Rotation of the rotatable member draws the pulling member and respective part of the suction disk away from the surface. An intermediate member is provided which engages the suction disk and supports the rotatable member. A structural member is mounted in or on the intermediate member. The outer diameter of the rotatable member is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the adjacent part of the intermediate member, so that a user's fingers will grip the rotatable member without catching on parts of the intermediate member.
US08333341B2 Reel with drum center support ring
A wooden cable reel has a drum made of a plurality of staves and flanges secured at the ends of the drum. A steel support ring is rolled from a strip to have a diameter corresponding to the interior diameter of the drum and the ends of the strip are welded together. The support ring extends around the interior of the drum intermediate its ends and is secured to the drum from the inside by fasteners extending through the ring and into the interior surface of the drum. The support ring resists inwardly directed forces applied to the drum when cable is wound onto the reel and thus prevents the drum from deforming or collapsing.
US08333338B2 Comminuting tool and comminuting device with such a comminuting tool, as well as a method for determining the state of wear of such a comminuting tool
A device for the determination of the state of wear of comminuting tools a comminuting tool, a comminuting device with such a comminuting tool, and a corresponding method. A reference surface is provided on the comminuting tool, the surface from which the distance A0, A1 to the active edges of the comminuting tool can be determined. The degree of wear then results from a comparison of the original distance A0 in an unused comminuting tool with the distance A1 reduced due to wear after a certain period of use. The thereby achieved advantage is that the state of wear can be determined independent of the general wear of the comminuting device. A distortion of the measurement result caused by this is therefore ruled out.
US08333334B1 Electro-spray coating head applicator
A rotary spray head for atomizing and dispersing fluidized coating material within a bearing stream. The rotary spray head has a plurality of elongated contoured material dispersing portals positioned to define multiple overlapping product stream flow across a diffuser surface imparting translateral product stream homogenation and adaptive proportional edge shear for an improved coating dispersal pattern.
US08333331B1 Laminar bell water display
A decorative water display provides a laminar water bell. A gas burner may be provided inside the laminar water bell to produce a decorative flame. A laminar nozzle having an outlet arranged to eject a laminar jet of water upwardly in a substantially vertical direction may strike an impactor suspended directly above the outlet of the laminar nozzle such that the laminar jet of water forms the laminar water bell. Alternatively, a vertical pipe may supply water to a thin annular region between two plates such that water flowing between the two plates assumes a generally laminar flow characteristic and forms the laminar water bell when ejected from between the two plates. Alternatively, a hemispherical nozzle may have a slot arranged to eject a sheet of water upwardly to form a segment of the laminar water bell.
US08333329B2 Atomizing desuperheater shutoff apparatus and method
The present invention is directed to a desuperheater spraying valve assembly. More particularly, the invention provides a new and improved valve assembly, whereby cooling liquid may be controllably injected into a gas or a liquid stream, typically steam, to selectively maintain the gas or liquid at a predetermined temperature level. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, a class V valve assembly is disclosed. It comprises an actuator coupled to a plug with a valve seat in the proximity of said plug. The plug is affixed to an actuator rod which transverses the body of the valve assembly. A spray tube may be affixed to said valve seat and at least one spray nozzle is affixed to a to the spray tube. The plug and said valve seat are conical in shape as to when said plug is inserted into said valve, they form a seal.
US08333317B2 System and method for authenticating the proximity of a wireless token to a computing device
Access to secured services may be controlled based on the proximity of a wireless token to a computing device through which access to the secured services is obtained. An authorized user may be provided access to a service only when a wireless token assigned to the user is in the proximity of the computing device. A user's credential may be stored on an RFID token and an RFID reader may be implemented within a security boundary on the computing device. Thus, the credential may be passed to the security boundary without passing through the computing device via software messages or applications. The security boundary may be provided, in part, by incorporating the RFID reader onto the same chip as a cryptographic processing component. Once the information is received by the RFID reader it may be encrypted within the chip. As a result, the information may never be presented in the clear outside of the chip. The cryptographic processing component may cryptographically encrypt/sign the credential received from the token so that assurance may be provided to a service provider that the credentials came from a token that was proximate to the computing device. An RFID reader, cryptographic processing components and a wireless network controller may be implemented on a single chip in a mobile device.
US08333316B2 Recording the power distribution hierarchy in datacenters
A power consuming device is configured to be electrically connected to a power connection point of a power distribution system of a datacenter. The power distribution system includes a hierarchy of power supply equipment. A first label is associated with the power connection point and includes power supply information that indicates the power connection point's place in the hierarchy of power supply equipment. A second label is associated with the power consuming device and includes identification information that identifies the power consuming device. A reader is configured to read the first label to obtain the power supply information and to read the second label to obtain the identification information. An electrical connection management system is configured to receive the power supply information and the identification information obtained by the reader such that the electrical connection management system records the connection of the power consuming device to the power connection point and the power connection point's place in the hierarchy of power supply equipment.
US08333315B2 Method for connecting conducting wire to electric heating film
A method for connecting a conducting wire to an electric heating film is provided. The method includes: first, opening a groove on an electric heating film carrier; then, placing one end of a connecting wire in the groove; afterwards, pouring a conductive adhesive into the groove; and finally, heating the electric heating film carrier, so that the electric heating film carrier is just melted and the connecting wire and the conductive adhesive are merged into a whole; and cooling the electric heating film carrier, and solidifying the conductive adhesive. The electric heating film carrier is made of various dielectric materials such as glass, ceramics, enamel, mica, quartz, and microcrystalline glass. Two sides of the electric heating film carrier are coated with layered electrodes, and the layered electrodes are connected in series to the electric heating film. The groove is disposed in the middle of the layered electrode, and the groove is an annular groove. The connecting wire is a pure silver wire. The conductive adhesive is a silver paste. The connection between the electric heating film carrier and the connecting wire achieved by the foregoing method is very firm, and the reliability is greatly improved.
US08333314B2 Structure for joining members
A structure for joining members which is suited for joining of thin members together and suited for joining of members made of different materials. The structure includes a nut, a first member superposed on the nut such that a preliminarily formed hole on the first member is contiguous with the threaded hole of the nut, and a second member superposed on the first member so as to cover the hole.
US08333302B2 Wine dispenser
An upstanding cylinder and a loading lid are produced respectively from glass. On the upper face of the bottom plate of the cylinder, a substance-pooling concave in which wine lees and tartar are pooled is formed. Owing to this constitution, there is little risk that the external air enters through a gap between the sliding faces of these members into the wine-pooling section in the cylinder and causes the oxidation of the wine. Since the cylinder comprises glass, the wine can be stored under almost the same conditions as in bottles. Further, sanitary precautions can be easily taken. Furthermore, problems such as the sticking of the cylinder to the loading lid due to stainless steel rust and so on can be overcome.
US08333293B2 Waste disposal device
A waste disposal device comprises a container having a top opening. The container provides access to an inner cavity that receives a bag with opened and closed ends. A pivoting lid closes/opens access to the opening. An actuation mechanism has a user-actuated interface. A linkage connected to the interface opens/closes the lid. A pair of jaws is connected to the linkage. The jaws move between a clamped position, in which the jaws close off a portion of the bag, and an opened position, in which the jaws are separated to allow waste to reach the closed end. The jaws and the lid are actuated concurrently by a single degree of actuation on the interface, allowing the lid to open and close while the jaws move from the clamped to the opened position, and back to the clamped position. A method for disposal of a waste object is also provided.
US08333292B2 Disposal container with locking closure
A lid for covering an interior of a medical waste receptacle base. The lid includes a cover having a generally circular opening. The opening including an upper rim surrounding an upper central axis and a lower rim surrounding a lower central axis that is non-co-linear with the upper central axis. The lid includes a generally circular closure sized for blocking the opening. The lid includes a guide extending along the cover. In the open position, the closure is at least partially out of alignment with the opening. In the closed position, a center axis of the closure is aligned with the upper central axis to block the opening. The closure is moveable from the closed position to a locked position in which the center axis of the closure is coincident with the lower central axis.
US08333291B2 Housing formed from extruded panels
A joint for a housing for electrical components has a series of extruded panels connected edge to edge. The first edge includes a slot defined by an inner wall and an outer wall and the second edge includes a blade inserted into the slot, the blade and the flexible wall including cooperating shoulders. The blade and slot are at an angle to the outer surface where a rib engages into an outer recess to seal the outer surface at the joint. A bridging member spans the joint to prevent spreading, while locking the flexible wall and carrying internal components. The housing can form a post or a receptacle on top of the post. The bridging members connect to end plates by screws extending though the plates so as to form an internal structure for the housing. Some of the connected panels can include cooling fins forming a cooling duct.
US08333289B2 Package for laundry scent additive
A package for a particulate laundry scent additive.
US08333286B2 Baby bottle having temperature sensitive valve with shape memory actuator
A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.
US08333284B2 Clip for convertible card row
When displayed, greeting cards are typically organized on a display fixture having multiple rows or levels upon which to sit the cards. Each row then has a front wall to hold in the card, yet is short enough to still view a portion of the greeting card above the wall. Because display fixtures are manufactured to have a specified amount of rows or levels at a specified depth, in order to adjust the specifications of a display fixture, other pieces may be used, for example, by attaching to the display fixture a convertible row to add another level or tier between set rows of the display fixture. By providing another row using a convertible row, another set of greeting cards may be displayed between cards displayed on other rows of the original display fixture, increasing the density of the overall display. Further, when an extra row is not desired, such a convertible row may be pushed flush against the back of the display fixture, while still attached, allowing the full depth of the row of the display fixture to be used. To support the convertible row when in use, a divider or support clip is provided. The divider clip may both separate greeting cards within a row of the display fixture and support a convertible row adjacent thereto. The divider clip includes a clipping mechanism to attach the divider clip to the display fixture and an adjustable portion capable of adjusting itself to support an adjacent convertible row.
US08333279B2 Expandable insulated packaging
A packaging system comprising a panel and a storage device, wherein the panel comprises an insulator and a primary pouch enclosing the insulator. The primary pouch may have a ventilation hole. The storage device is configured to contain the panel in a compressed state. The storage device may be a secondary impermeable pouch, a set of rigid or semi-rigid platforms, or a set of restraint devices. The packaging system may be compressed using a press.
US08333277B2 Paint roller sleeve storage container
A storage container for paint roller sleeve includes a lid of a container in which the lid of the container has a hole in its center and a slit that extends radially to the circumferential edge of the lid to permit the roller frame to be remain attached to the roller sleeve while the roller sleeve is housed within the container via this slit. A strap holds at one end a plug for insertion into the hole in the center of the lid and at the other end of the strap a hinge fastens the strap to the lid.
US08333275B2 Portable jar holder
A tray for holding canning jars comprising a plurality of wells arranged in a first row, second row and third row, each well comprising a bottom surface with ridges. The ridges in the first and third rows comprise an inner circle, two first opposing crescents, and two second opposing crescents. The ridges in the second row comprise a first semicircle and a second semicircle. The two first opposing crescents are situated opposite one another, and the two second opposing crescents are situated opposite one another on the bottom of the well and at a ninety-degree angle relative to the first opposing crescents. The first semicircle is situated opposite the second semicircle and is closer to the center of the bottom surface of the well than the second semicircle.
US08333274B1 Sorting system with linear synchronous motor drive
The present invention relates to a sorting system including a conveyor comprising a plurality of carts for carrying articles, in particular for sorting articles such as parcels and baggage. The conveyor has a linear synchronous motor drive system with stators arranged along a track which the carts follow. Accordingly, embodiments include an improved sorting system that provides an improved energy utilization and efficiency. Reaction elements are mounted on each of the carts. The reaction elements each comprise a number of permanent magnets arranged on a carrier plate. The magnets on reaction elements of adjacent carts are arranged to form a row of magnets with constant pitch and alternating polarity, said row having an interruption situated at a transition between adjacent carts. A maximum number of coils in the stator may thereby be active at the same time, when driving the conveyor.
US08333271B2 Convertible luggage
A convertible luggage or storage case having wheels and a telescoping or extending handle that may extend generally linearly from a retracted position to at least one, and preferably a plurality, of extended positions, so that case may be wheeled from one location to another. Handle may include a pair of arms and a cross-piece and also may pivot about an end opposite the cross-piece to form a leg, which may be part of a stand for case. Prior to pivoting, a second leg having a pair of arms and a cross-piece may be located generally coplanar with the handle or first leg, preferably in the interior space between arms. The second leg may pivot at a point between the cross-piece and the opposite end, and an end of the second leg may be located in a groove. As such, the first and second legs may cooperate to form a stand for the case, elevating the case for convenience.
US08333266B2 Brake system and method and two-wheeled vehicle using the same
In the specification and drawing a new brake system and a two-wheeled vehicle using the same are described. The new brake system includes a first brake to apply a first brake force on a first wheel of a vehicle and transfers the first brake force to physically actuate a second brake to brake a second wheel of the vehicle. A new-designed cantilever brake is disclosed to transfer the first brake force to actuate the second brake.
US08333265B2 Elevator system with regulated input power
A device (22) manages power source variations in an elevator system. The device includes a transformer (60) having a primary (62) and a secondary (64). An input of the elevator system is connected to the secondary (64). Tap switches (66a, 66b, 66c, 66d) are connected to the transformer (60) such that each tap switch is connected to a tap point (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d) on the transformer (60). A controller (54) operates the tap switches (66a, 66b, 66c, 66d) based on a sensed power source output to provide power on the secondary (64) within a tolerance band of the elevator system.
US08333264B2 Side cover having fluid level control for a transmission
A side cover for use in a transmission includes an inner surface and a wall. The wall extends along the outer periphery of the side cover. The inner surface and the wall cooperate to define a cavity. A fluid control valve is disposed in the bottom of the side cover within the cavity. The fluid control valve controls the height of hydraulic fluid in the side cover by varying flow to the sump. The cavity includes a fluid storage portion in communication with the valve. The fluid storage portion has a volume that is greater at a bottom of the side cover than at a top of the side cover. The fluid storage portion controls the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the valve.
US08333262B1 Reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle
A reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or the like includes a gender-specific back pad assembly that supports a number of removable, optional attachments allowing customization for user preference or job environment. Gender-specific angled wing portions of the back pad contain an armor layer and extra padding to protect the bony protrusions of both the male and female pelvis. A “one size fits all” approach includes a waistband having length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range. Each component and sub-system of the sit harness is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and minimize stresses on a user's body. The back pad features interchangeable lumbar support pads. Optional, removable features include a seat, an abdominal support, and a body harness for use with a fall restraint device. Interchangeable suspension bridges allow user attachment to a wide range of support systems.
US08333260B1 Deep insertion vented earpiece system
A deep insertion vented earpiece system is described including resilient earpieces shaped to a wearer's ear canal for a conformal fit. A receptacle is provided within the outer surface of each earpiece for releasably receiving an audio plug. The audio plugs include a miniature loudspeaker and a pair of external ribs for mating with a corresponding pair of grooves formed along the periphery of the receptacle. This rib and groove feature provides for a secure retention of the audio plugs while enabling a simple removal operation. Each earpiece includes an audio passage to conduct the audio signal from the loudspeaker and a vent passage to enable continuous venting of the wearer's ear to atmosphere.
US08333257B2 Object movement system and method
Systems and methods for moving objects facilitate quick and inexpensive relocation of the target objects. Operator safety is enhanced by eliminating the need to apply manual force to urge a target object into motion, and by inclusion of features such as automatic braking responsive to motor cut-off. Through use of the present system, a user may move a target object, for example a trailer intended for use behind a vehicle, into and/or out of a storage location in a simplified and more efficient manner.
US08333254B2 Steering mechanism with a ring disposed about an outer diameter of a drill bit and method for drilling
In one aspect of the present invention, a steering assembly for downhole directional drilling comprises a drill bit comprising a cutting portion and an outer diameter. A steering ring disposed around the outer diameter, and at least one biasing mechanism disposed intermediate the outer diameter and the steering ring. The at least one biasing mechanism is configured to move the steering ring with respect to the outer diameter.
US08333247B2 Hydro-pneumatic extinguisher
The present disclosure provides for an advantageous extinguisher or discharge assembly. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for an improved hydro-pneumatic fire extinguisher or discharge assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for an improved hydro-pneumatic fire extinguisher or discharge assembly that is configured and dimensioned to fire or release a fire fighting agent (e.g., a fluid and/or liquid based fire fighting agent) while the extinguisher/assembly is oriented in any position or angle relative to gravity.
US08333242B2 Thermothickener polymer and surfactant composition and methods of employing the composition
A thermothickening composition includes a surfactant; and a thermothickening polymer that is the product of at least the following monomers: a non-ionic hydrosoluble unsaturated amide monomer; an ionic monomer; and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid half ester having a heat sensitive functional group.
US08333240B2 Reduced carbon footprint settable compositions for use in subterranean formations
An example method of cementing in a subterranean formation includes determining a settable composition for use in the subterranean formation; calculating a total carbon footprint of the settable composition; determining at least one additive for use in the settable composition, wherein the additive replaces at least a portion of the settable composition and reduces the total carbon footprint of the settable composition; preparing the settable composition comprising the additive; placing the settable composition comprising the additive in the subterranean formation; and allowing the settable composition comprising the additive to set in the subterranean formation. Additional embodiments of the present invention include determining an amount of reduction in the carbon footprint of the settable composition; and/or communicating the amount of reduction in the carbon footprint of the settable composition to a customer or end user.
US08333235B2 Heat dissipation system with a plate evaporator
A heat dissipation system is provided. The heat dissipation system includes: an evaporator having a plate chamber with the wick structures which has a plurality of pore sizes arranged in the plate chamber, a condenser, a vapor line, and a liquid line. The two-phase circulation of the vapor-condensate in the heat dissipation system, especially in the heat dissipation system with a plate evaporator, can effectively increase the heat conductivity of the plate heat source such as electronic chip. The design and composition of the wick structures are enormously decreased the turning-on temperature of the heat dissipation system and maintained the heat dissipation system in the balancing state under the low heat source power.
US08333230B2 Casting methods
A casting device includes a covered crucible having a top opening and a bottom orifice, a lid covering the top opening, a stopper rod sealing the bottom orifice, and a reusable mold having at least one chamber, a top end of the chamber being open to and positioned below the bottom orifice and a vacuum tap into the chamber being below the top end of the chamber. A casting method includes charging a crucible with a solid material and covering the crucible, heating the crucible, melting the material, evacuating a chamber of a mold to less than 1 atm absolute through a vacuum tap into the chamber, draining the melted material into the evacuated chamber, solidifying the material in the chamber, and removing the solidified material from the chamber without damaging the chamber.
US08333229B2 Draft arrester
A draft arrester for an overhead door. An exemplary embodiment may include a flexible draft curtain extending between a ceiling structure and a wound-up portion of the overhead door. The draft arrester may include a follower assembly, which may include one or more rollers arranged to roll against the overhead door. An exemplary embodiment may include a repositionable arm arranged to press the rollers against the wound-up portion of the door.
US08333226B2 Pneumatic tire with tread having first axial grooves and circumferential grooves including wavy circumferential groove
A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion (2) provided with a wavy circumferential groove (7) and a plurality of axial grooves (4). At the junction (5) of each axial groove (4) with the wavy circumferential groove (7), a acute-angled corner (6) is formed. At the junction (5), the axial groove (4) has a toe-side edge (4r) intersecting a junction-side edge (7a) of the wavy circumferential groove (7) at a first point (P1), and a heel-side edge (4f) intersecting the junction-side edge (7a) at a third point (P3). The first point (P1) is positioned between a second intersecting point (P2) and a junction-side maximum amplitude points (RL0) wherein the second intersecting point (P2) is that between the junction-side edge (7a) and a maximally-inclined tangent (Ka) to an opposite-of-junction-side edge (7b) of the wavy circumferential groove (7), and the junction-side maximum amplitude point (RL0) is a point on the junction-side edge (7a) at which the junction-side edge (7a) protrude maximally towards the junction-side.
US08333220B2 Double layer woven fabric
A double layer woven fabric for use in various applications, including recreational applications such as pool covers. The fabric is formed by two layers of yarns secured together. At least one layer (and, in one embodiment, both layers) of yarns comprises at least two types of yarn of differing geometrical shapes that are preferably positioned alternately across the fabric. The yarns of one shape help to block sunlight while the yarns of the other shape help to ensure that open channels are formed through the fabric for water flow.
US08333216B2 Blow-off valve for turbo blower
A blow-off valve for a turbo blower 1000 has a body part 100 which includes a cylinder part 110, a valve-guide plate 130 on the cylinder part 110 and a head part 150 covering the valve-guide plate 130. In the cylinder part 110, a blow-connection opening 1038 connected with a blow opening 2500 of the turbo blower 2000 and a blow-off opening 1058 to blow off the emission air from the turbo blower 2000. A spool valve 300 is provided and a blow-pressure spool 380 is located at space connected with the blow-connection opening 1038 and a blow-pressure opposing spool 330 is located between the valve-guide plate 130 and the head part 150 and a stem of the spool valve penetrates the valve-guide plate 130 and is supported thereby. A three-way solenoid valve 20 is mounted on the head part 150.
US08333209B2 Lattice supporting framework
A lattice support structure has lattice bars pivotally connected to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them, with the connecting lattice bars being connected directly or indirectly to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and increased on the folding apart of the lattice support structure.
US08333197B2 Multiple dose condensation aerosol devices and methods of forming condensation aerosols
Devices and methods of entraining a substance within an airflow are disclosed. Condensation aerosol delivery devices and methods of consistently producing multiple doses of a substance, such as a drug, having high purity, high yield, characterized by a particle size distribution appropriate for pulmonary delivery, and which can be administered to a user in a single dose are also disclosed.
US08333194B2 High flow therapy device utilizing a non-sealing respiratory interface and related methods
A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient.
US08333191B2 Method and arrangement for detecting a leak in anesthesia system
A method and arrangement for detecting a leak in an anesthesia system. The method includes controlling respiratory movements by means of ventilator gas flows and measuring the ventilator gas flow added for an inspiration and removed for an expiration. The method also includes supplying a fresh gas flow for a respiration and measuring the fresh gas flow added for the respiration. The method further includes receiving information indicative of the measured gas flows, determining based on said received information both the gas volume added and the gas volume removed and comparing these determined gas volumes to each other. The method also includes determining based on comparing the anesthesia system leakage.
US08333186B2 Parabolic trough solar reflector with an independently supported collector tube
A parabolic trough solar collector system has a parabolic reflector used with an independently supported collector tube. The parabolic reflector has a reflective surface formed on a reflective surface support structure, supported by a circular support beam. This assembly rests on a plurality of support and drive rollers supported by a roller support arm, supported by a roller support column. The parabolic reflector assembly rotates against the rollers along a single axis to maintain a focus line of the parabolic reflector surface at the same location as the center of the circle described by the outer edge of the circular support beam. Located at this same focus line is the independently supported collector tube not attached to the parabolic trough reflector. The collector tube is supported on pipe roller hangers, which in turn are supported by a wire catenary system connected to support towers which straddle the parabolic reflector.
US08333185B1 Solar fluid heater and applications for the same
This invention provides a solar fluid heating assembly that generally increases efficiency by reflecting the sun's energy onto heat generating surfaces that face away from the sun. It also provides an aesthetic structure that is readily installed in a variety of outdoor settings and can be used as a boundary fence in certain applications. In an illustrative embodiment, the solar heater comprises one or more conduits and a reflective mechanism, such that in use, heat energy falls onto a front surface of the conduit, thereby heating water or another fluid within the conduit, and heat energy is reflected by the reflective mechanism onto another surface of the conduit, thereby further heating the fluid within the conduit. The assembly can include one or more conduits between a first and a second panel, wherein at least one outwardly facing portion of the first panel is substantially transparent to solar heat energy passing therethrough in the direction of the conduits and at least one portion, typically an inner surface, of the second panel orientated toward the conduits is reflective of solar heat energy. The second panel can be curved or corrugated. This illustrative assembly includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The assembly can be a standalone unit, or an assembly (fence) of interconnected operative sections. The assembly can be used to heat shower water, among other applications.
US08333183B2 Cooking range including an air circulation mechanism
A cooking range includes a cook top section having a heating body configured to cook foods; an oven section having a cavity and a door, wherein the cavity has a rack configured to accommodate foods and the door is configured to open or close the cavity; a heating source configured to provide heat to the cavity when the cooking range is operated; and an air circulation mechanism having a first duct, a second duct and a fan and configured to discharge air provided from the first duct positioned at a surface of the cavity through the second duct in response to rotation of the fan, wherein the air circulation mechanism is configured to discharge air from the top section through the second duct while the air provided from the first duct is discharged.
US08333181B1 Paintball marker with quick access receiver
A paintball marker with a barrel having a bore dimensioned to receive a frangible projectile. The marker has a receiver defining an interior cavity with a breech area. The receiver includes a flip top portion that is, in some embodiments, pivotally connected to the receiver. The flip top portion is configured to pivot between an open position that provides access to the interior cavity and a closed position that blocks access to the interior cavity. A valve arrangement is provided to selectively allow flow between a supply of compressed gas and the breech area to propel frangible projectiles through the barrel. The marker has a firing assembly configured to actuate the valve arrangement in response to actuation of a trigger.
US08333180B2 Moveable arrow rest
An arrow rest for supporting an arrow shaft with respect to an archery bow. A support element is moveably mounted between a first position or a load position and a second position or a launch position. In the launch position, the arrow shaft can be forced into, such as by the forces of gravity, a centered location or a preferred shooting position.
US08333179B2 Method for taking the outgassing of fuel from the engine oil of an internal combustion engine into account
The invention deals with a method for operating an internal combustion engine with engine oil as the lubricant, wherein a fuel mass flow outgassing from the engine oil is ascertained and is taken into account via a map-based pilot control during the metering of a quantity of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine and wherein a fuel/air ratio supplied to the internal combustion engine is determined. Provision is made in the method according to the invention for a mass flow offset determined from the deviation of the fuel/air ratio supplied to the internal combustion engine from a nominal value to be taken into account when the metering of the quantity of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine occurs during an effective duration of the map-based pilot control. The mass flow offset takes the deviation into account, which remained after the correction by a map-based pilot control of the quantity of fuel metered, on the basis of the modeled outgassing of fuel from the engine oil, and said mass flow offset balances the lambda controller in this way. The mass flow offset can by way of example have the effect of shortening the duration injection. The mixture deviations as a result of different boiling curves of the components of the fuel blend, which cannot be completely taken into account by the map-based pilot control under all operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, can in this way be compensated.
US08333177B2 Motor vehicle fuel system having multiple fuel tanks
A fuel system (10) of an engine (16) has a first fuel tank (12), a second fuel tank (14), and a pump (36) for pumping fuel from the tanks to the engine. A first valve mechanism (32) is selectively operable to a first position that allows fuel to be pumped concurrently from both the first and second tanks to the engine, a second position that allows fuel to be pumped from the first tank, but not the second, and a third position that allows fuel to be pumped from the second tank, but not the first. A second valve mechanism (34) is selectively operable to a first position that allows fuel to return from the engine concurrently to both the first and second tanks, a second position that allows fuel to return to the first tank, but not the second, and a third position that allows fuel to return to the second tank, but not the first.
US08333170B2 Buckstay system
A buckstay system is described comprising horizontal buckstays for the walls of a steam generator, for example in plural vertically space assemblies tied with vertical buckstays, in which a buckstay extends generally horizontally across each wall such as to form a connected pair with an adjacent buckstay at each corner; an elongate tie bar formation extends across each wall such as to form a fixedly mounted pair with an adjacent tie bar formation at each corner; an anchor assembly associated with each buckstay and providing engagement means by which each buckstay engages with a respective tie bar; and each horizontal buckstay is split to comprise at least two rigid elongate buckstay elements mounted together to be relatively slideable in a buckstay longitudinal direction.
US08333168B2 Top-fill hummingbird feeder with twist bottle valve
A liquid bird feeder provides a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottleneck extension at its other end, and a liquid tray having a well adapted to receive the bottleneck extension and at least one feeding port. The sidewall of the well is provided with at least one drain hole and the sidewall of the bottleneck extension with at least one port. The container and bottleneck extension are rotatable within the well to selectively align and misalign the port with the well drain hole to respectively open and close the drain hole upon rotation of the container. In an alternate embodiment, the bottleneck extension is fitted with a collar rotatable with the container. The collar is received in the liquid tray well and includes at least one port. A liquid flow path is formed in the liquid tray for each feeding port to reduce the volume of nectar in the tray at any given time.
US08333164B2 Coating apparatus comprising a metering device
A coating apparatus for serially coating workpieces with different shades or colors is disclosed. A metering device comprises a plunger-type dosing mechanism or a metering pump that has a separate inlet with an integrated color valve for each of the most commonly used colors is located in or near the sprayer of the coating apparatus. A separate color changer can be provided for less frequently used colors. The outlet of said color changer may be connected to another inlet of the metering mechanism or to the discharge valve of the sprayer via a separate metering mechanism.
US08333162B2 Covered marine deck structure for rope contact
A marine deck structure for rope contact having an impermeable cover for the purpose of preventing chaffing and wear of ropes is disclosed. Provided is a marine deck structure, such as a bullnose, or H-Bit covered with a durable impermeable cover that protects the structure from the harsh elements and provides a smooth low abrading surface. In another embodiment, rope chaffing surfaces on a marine vessel or dock are covered with an impermeable cover to reduce rope wear. The impermeable cover in one embodiment comprises ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). A number of ways of covering the marine deck structures are provided, such as positioning cover sheets around or on the support member and attaching the cover by, for example, welding, adhering, or thermally shrinking.
US08333161B2 Seed furrow closing apparatus
A seed furrow closing wheel has a generally dish-shaped body defined by a central portion and a notched outer flange portion that circumscribes the central portion and projects obliquely outwardly from the plane thereof. The notched flange portion is configured to present a series of circumferentially spaced, non-radial, obliquely projecting teeth that function to fragment and squeeze together opposite sidewalls of the seed furrow when a pair of the wheels are rolled along opposite sides of the furrow outboard of the furrow itself, crumbling the sidewalls and covering the seeds.
US08333160B2 Detachable tool cart
Disclosed is a detachable tool cart comprising a main frame, at least a toolbox and at least a handle. The main frame includes poles standing in parallel and wire plates. Each pole has a wheel, and each wire plate has rings designated around to be locked upon corresponding poles. A position assembly is applied to fix a ring on the pole and, therefore, the poles and the wire plates construct a layered main frame. The toolbox includes two polygonal box members which are able to be placed on the wire plate with trays for placing tools or parts. The handle has two sleeves to clasp onto corresponding poles.
US08333156B2 Method and device for controlling the drive of a magnetic levitation vehicle on a magnetic levitation track
A method provides for the traction control of a maglev car on a maglev track. A levitation magnetic field is produced by supplying a levitation magnetic flux on the car side to at least two levitation magnets to produce a defined air gap between the maglev car and a reaction rail on the track side. A stator current is supplied to the stator to produce a propulsion force on the maglev track, the propulsion force acts upon the maglev car being determined by the magnetic coupling between the magnetic stator field and the magnetic levitation field. An oscillating movement of the maglev car in relation to the magnetic stator field is dampened by changing the magnetic coupling between the magnetic stator field and the magnetic levitation field on the car side. The levitation magnets are operated on the car side with at least two different individual levitation magnetic fluxes.
US08333150B2 Method for operating a web-fed printing press
A method for starting up a web-fed printing press is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes: a) a first start-up sequence is executed while using predetermined preset parameters that are specific to the printing press and/or the print job for the color register adjustment, cut-off compensator control and the ink density control; b) the web-fed printing press is subsequently stopped, where copies printed during the first start-up sequence are evaluated with respect to the color register, the cut-off compensator and the ink density, and where the preset parameters are adjusted as a function of this evaluation while the printing press is stopped; c) following this, a second start-up sequence is executed, where the preset parameters that are adjusted during the standstill are not used for printing until defined printing press speeds are reached and/or exceeded.
US08333149B2 Drying equipment with false air treatment for printing machines
A ventilation and drying equipment for printing machines, including ovens operable to dry solvent on a printed support travelling through the ovens passages into and out of the ovens through which false or ambient air can enter the oven from the outside. At least one false air suppression device for which each printing unit covers at least one of the passages and which is maintained at a pressure lower than the air pressure inside the oven, to prevent false air from entering the oven through the at least one passage. Each false air suppression device is connected with a common recirculation duct in order to share the false air coming from each printing unit with the whole press.
US08333146B2 Twine end wrap adjustment for agricultural baler
An end wrap adjustment that may be used with an agricultural baler twine wrapping system. More particularly, an end wrap adjustment for improved adjustment of the end wrap location, without the use of tools. The end wrap adjustment provides for the adjustment of the location of the twine at the ends of the bale depending on one or more factors, such as the crop type, storage conditions, operator preference, etc. On one side, the twine dispensing assembly may include a first end wrap adjustment for controlling the position of the twine arm, and hence the twine with respect to an end or side of the bale when the bale wrapping system is in an extended position. On an opposite side, the twine cutting assembly may include a second end wrap adjustment for controlling the position of the twine with respect to an opposite end or side of the bale when the bale wrapping system is in a home position.
US08333141B2 Recoil absorbing assembly for automatic weapons
A recoil absorbing assembly is provided for automatic weapons secured to a weapon cradle having a fixed portion and a portion movable longitudinally thereto, the fixed cradle portion being rotatably mounted to a support, including a recoil absorbing spring and friction device arranged in connection with the cradle portions. Further the friction device includes a main shaft provided with angled friction blocks and a movable bearing housing surrounding the main shaft and having free floating pistons as to cooperate with the friction blocks, the recoil absorbing spring being situated on the main shaft in elongation of the bearing housing.
US08333134B1 Nut driver with nut selecting capability
A nut driver includes a nut driver handle; a nut driver shank extending from the nut driver handle; a nut driver socket having a socket opening on the nut driver shank; at least a portion of at least one of the nut driver handle, the nut driver shank and the nut driver socket having one of a plurality of colors; and a plurality of colored nut selection strips having a plurality of lengths, respectively, on the nut driver shank. One of the nut selection strips has the same color as at least a portion of at least one of the nut driver handle, the nut driver shank and the nut driver socket. The plurality of lengths, respectively, of the plurality of colored nut selection strips corresponds to a plurality of nut sizes, respectively.
US08333133B2 System to enable high speed operation of socket type ratchet wrenches and other tools
A drive system cooperates with other tools, such as the drive mechanism of a socket type ratchet wrench to enable a user to use the wrench for its intended purpose at high speed by pulling an endless belt. The belt is contained within a chamber created by the attachment system in a manner to allow the belt to engage with an outer surface of a pulley. The pulley connected to the drive shaft of the socket type ratchet wrench to cause force to be transferred from the belt to the wrench drive shaft. The system utilized a cover operably coupled to the pulley to contain the belt while minimizing interference with the wrench. The cover contains the belt while also allowing an opposite end of the belt to hang loose and thus be easily accessible by a user.
US08333129B2 Robotic manipulator arm
In one embodiment, a robotic manipulator arm includes a robotic joint, a rotational position sensor, and a control system. The rotational position sensor is coupled to the main housing of the robotic joint. The control system is connected to the rotational position sensor. During normal rotational motion toward a commanded motor position of joint output, the control system determines that normal joint un-slipped motion is occurring with respect to the joint output in response to the motor input commands. Responsive to joint slip during commanded motor motion, the control system compares position data from the rotational position sensor to commanded motor position to generate an error value and, based on the error value, compensates for the joint slip.
US08333127B2 Seven speed dual clutch transmission with four axes of rotation
A transmission connectable to an input member and has an output member, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a reverse shaft, 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 transmission input members and the output member.
US08333125B2 Environmentally friendly, energy-economic system for testing fuel cell stacks
Disclosed is a system with which fuel cell stacks can be tested automatically or manually so that production of pollutants and consumption of electricity are little. The system runs various analyses and tests on the fuel cell stacks and provides operative conditions such as temperatures and fluid flows needed in the tests.
US08333123B2 Sample processing apparatus and sample information display apparatus
A sample processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of measuring units, each of which measures a sample; a sample conveyance unit for conveying a sample to at least one of the plurality of measurement units; a display unit; and a display controller for controlling the display unit to display an analysis result of a sample which the analysis result has been obtained based on the measurement by at least one of the plurality of measurement units, and controlling the display unit to display conveyance status information indicating a conveyance status of the sample which analysis result has not been obtained yet based on the measurement by at least one of the plurality of measurement units, is disclosed. A sample information display apparatus is also disclosed.
US08333120B2 Measuring transducer of vibration-type, as well as an in-line measuring device having such a measuring transducer
A measuring transducer comprises: a transducer housing, an inlet-side, flow divider having exactly four spaced flow openings and an outlet-side, housing end by means of an outlet-side, flow divider having exactly four spaced flow openings; as well as exactly four, straight, measuring tubes connected to the flow dividers. Each of the four measuring tubes opens with an inlet-side, measuring tube end into one the flow openings and with an outlet-side, measuring tube end into one the flow openings of the outlet-side, flow divider. Additionally, the measuring transducer includes an electromechanical exciter mechanism, wherein the exciter mechanism is embodied in such a manner, that, therewith, the measuring tubes are excitable pairwise to execute opposite phase bending oscillations in, in each case, a shared imaginary plane of oscillation. The measuring transducer is suitable, especially, for measuring a density and/or a mass flow rate of a medium flowing in a pipeline, at least at times, with a mass flow rate of more than 2200 t/h.
US08333115B1 Inspection apparatus and method for irregular shaped, closed cavity structures
An ultrasonic inspection apparatus operable within a channel associated with a structure is described. The apparatus includes at least one transducer and a holder. The holder includes a material having a flexibility and tensile strength such that a spring force is provided for maintaining a position of said holder within the channel of the structure. The holder includes a plurality of transducer indexing nodes therein for mounting of the transducers, and each node provides a single point of contact between the holder and the transducer. The transducer indexing nodes are fabricated having a material flexibility and tensile strength with respect to a remainder of the holder for positioning of the transducers along surface variances that define the channel.
US08333114B2 Microstructure inspecting device, and microstructure inspecting method
A microstructure inspecting device 10 which measures a damping characteristic value of a moving portion of a microstructure includes a pressure wave generating device 1 and a pulse generating device 2 which apply an impact to the moving portion without directly contacting the microstructure, and a vibrometer 4 which measures a displacement of the moving portion for a predetermined period of time after the start of free vibration of the moving portion without contacting the moving portion. The pressure wave generating device 1 is a sound wave generating element of thermal excitation type, a piezoelectric sound wave generating element, or an electromagnetic vibration element, and is driven by a pulse signal of the pulse generating device 2. The pressure wave generating device 1 using the sound wave generating element of thermal excitation type may include a thermally conductive substrate, a heat-insulating layer formed of nano-crystal silicon in one principal surface of the substrate, an insulating layer formed on the heat-insulating layer, and a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer and emitting heat when being supplied with current containing alternating current components.
US08333113B2 Triaxial acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor includes a substrate and a first mass element, which is connected to the substrate in such a way that the first mass element is rotatable about an axis, the first mass element being connected to a second mass element in such a way that the second mass element is movable along a first direction parallel to the axis, and the first mass element being connected to a third mass element in such a way that the third mass element is movable along a second direction perpendicular to the axis.
US08333112B2 Frequency tuning of disc resonator gyroscopes via resonator mass perturbation based on an identified model
Techniques for reducing the frequency split between the Coriolis-coupled modes in disc resonator gyroscopes (DRGs) by perturbing the mass distribution on the disc resonator based on an identified model are disclosed. A model-identification method of tuning a resonator comprises perturbing the mass and measuring a frequency response matrix of the resonator. The frequency response matrix includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs and the resonator has a plurality of coupled resonance modes. A reduced structural mechanics matrix model of the resonator in sensor and actuator coordinates is identified from the measured frequency response matrix and analyzed to determine generalized eigenvectors of the structural mechanics model and their variations due to selected mass perturbations which is then estimated to improve degeneracy of the plurality of coupled resonance modes based on the generalized eigenvectors of the mass and the stiffness.
US08333110B2 Device for analyzing the step-by-step injection rate provided by a fuel injection system used in a high power heat engine
The invention relates to a device that includes: a first chamber (3) for measuring a constant volume, and in which the fuel is injected; pressure (5a, 5b) and temperature (6) sensors associated with said first chamber (3); and a second measuring chamber (8) located downstream from the first, into which the fuel drained from the first chamber is sent. The volume of the second chamber (8) varies according to the movement of a piston (11), the movement of which is measured by means of a sensor (13). One or more additional measuring chambers (8a, 8b, . . . 8n) of variable volumes are connected in parallel with the second chamber (8) and also receive the fuel drained from the first chamber (3), the volumes received in said different chambers being added up to obtain the total volume supplied for a single injection step. The device can be used for high injection rates.
US08333108B2 Detection system for localizing defective seals in heat exchangers
The present invention relates to the field of automotive heat exchanger assemblies, and, in particular, assemblies with cores with headers and end tanks and/or male and female connections. The present invention also relates to a method of making a positive leak path to determine leaks prior to employment of heat exchanger assembles. The present invention further relates to a method of determining whether or not a leak seal is temporary by providing a positive leak path at the point of assembly or initial evaluation or testing a heat exchanger.
US08333103B2 Calibration of a force measuring system for large bend angles of a catheter
A method for calibrating a force measuring probe comprises providing a probe having an insertion tube with a distal tip, a joint comprising a resilient member, a joint sensor in conjunction with a processor coupled to the probe wherein the processor has a memory of an axial displacement threshold for the joint stored therein; applying force to the distal tip; measuring the displacement and deflection of the distal tip; correlating the measured displacement and deflection of the distal tip to the applied force and storing the correlation in the memory until reaching the axial displacement threshold; applying force greater than the axial displacement threshold to the distal tip to define a new force value; measuring the position of the distal tip in a plane transverse to the direction of force exerted on the distal tip; correlating the measured position of the distal tip in the plane transverse to the direction of force to the new force value and storing the correlation in the memory until reaching a pre-established upper limit for the new force value.
US08333101B2 Shiftable transfer apparatus for transferring workpiece to press
A shiftable workpiece transfer apparatus for transferring a workpiece to a press while simultaneously shifting the workpiece centerline. Such a transfer apparatus includes cooperating workpiece transfer tables, the movement of which is directed by respective guide rails. A first workpiece transfer table is directed along a path that is substantially parallel to the centerline of the press line. The second workpiece transfer table is directed along a path that is skewed with respect to the centerline of the press line by an amount sufficient to produce a desired shift of the workpiece centerline. As the second transfer table moves along the skewed guide rail and toward the first transfer table, the workpiece is automatically moved across the surface of the first transfer table to a desired centerline offset point.
US08333098B2 Bending method
A bending method for forming, in a material in which several straight portions extending in parallel with each other and a first-end side coupling portion and a second-end side coupling portion provided alternately to couple first-end portions and second-end portions, respectively, of adjacent ones of the straight portions with each other are successively formed, folded portions respectively in a pair of the straight portions provided on both sides of the first-end side coupling portion. A length from one of the folded portions to the first-end side coupling portion is different from a length from the other of the folded portions. The bending method includes shaping the material such that the first-end side coupling portion is inclined with respect to a direction orthogonal to the pair of the straight portions in accordance with a difference between the lengths of the folded portions to be respectively formed in both the straight portions; and thereafter forming the folded portions in both the straight portions at the same time. The folded portions being bent in the same direction as each other.
US08333096B2 Method of forming three-dimensional multi-plane beam
A method includes, in combination, a roll former with rolls configured to form a structural beam from sheet material, and a sweep unit for longitudinally sweeping a beam in any of vertical, horizontal, or combination directions. The sweep unit has a first pair of forming rolls positioned to engage first opposing sides of the structural beam and has a second pair of forming rolls positioned to engage second opposing sides of the structural beam. The sweep unit movably supports the first and second pairs of forming rolls so that any selected one of the forming rolls continuously engages an associated side of the structural beam while an associated one of the forming rolls opposing the selected one forming roll moves downstream and around the selected one forming roll. This provides a very stable beam-bending condition promoting dimensional stability during the sweeping process, and hence dimensional accuracy and repeatability.
US08333090B2 Process for manufacturing a low-attenuation optical fiber
A process for manufacturing an optical fiber, includes the steps of: a) producing a soot core preform by depositing a core material on a substrate; b) removing the substrate from the soot preform leaving an axial cavity along the longitudinal axis of the soot core preform; (c) drying and consolidating the soot core preform so as to obtain a glass core preform having an axial hole corresponding to the axial cavity; d) reducing a diameter of the axial hole; and e) stretching the glass core preform so as to substantially close the axial hole, wherein the process further includes the step of measuring at least one geometric characteristic of the axial hole of the glass core preform.
US08333086B2 Condenser and cooling device
In the condenser provided with two of the degassing chambers separated by a cooling fluid, communication between the degassing chambers is prevented even if a pressure difference is increased between the degassing chambers. The condenser has the housing having the vapor inflow port connectable to the discharge portion of the compressor, the first degassing chamber, in the housing, communicating with the vapor inflow port, and the second degassing chamber, in the housing, arranged above the first degassing chamber across the partition portion, and the passing portion for permitting a cooling fluid to flow from the second degassing chamber to the first degassing chamber, wherein the first degassing chamber is separated from the second degassing chamber by the cooling fluid in the passing portion, and the passing portion has a pressure head space for containing a specified volume of cooling fluid so as to absorb a variation in a pressure difference between the first degassing chamber and the second degassing chamber.
US08333082B2 Condensate/water leak control switch
An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.
US08333081B2 Ice dispensing technology
An ice-making device includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part opening and closing the duct. A sensor part senses whether the duct-covering part closes the duct and a control part controls the duct-covering part to open the duct when the sensor part senses that the duct-covering part fails to close the duct and the duct-covering part has been attempting to close the duct for at least a preset period of time.
US08333078B2 Method and system for controlling an aircraft air conditioning system with optimised fuel consumption
In a method for controlling an aircraft air conditioning system, a correlation is established between a plurality of values of a process air mass flow supplied to an air conditioning unit of the aircraft air conditioning system and the fuel consumption of the aircraft. A correlation is also established between a plurality of values of an ambient air mass flow which is used to cool the process air mass flow supplied to the air conditioning unit of the aircraft air conditioning system and the fuel consumption of the aircraft. The process air mass flow and the ambient air mass flow are controlled in dependence on a predetermined cooling capacity of the aircraft air conditioning system such that the fuel consumption of the aircraft is minimized.
US08333077B2 Replaceable orifice for combustion tuning and related method
A boss and orifice plate assembly comprising an annular boss adapted to be secured in a hole formed in a combustor component, said boss formed with an annular seat supporting a replaceable orifice plate, and an annular retaining ring groove adjacent said seat, said seat extending radially inwardly of said annular retaining ring groove; and a retaining ring seated in said retaining ring groove and at least partially and resiliently engaged between a surface of said groove and a surface of said orifice plate.
US08333074B2 Method and apparatus for incorporating a low pressure fluid into a high pressure fluid, and increasing the efficiency of the rankine cycle in a power plant
A mixing device for incorporating a light gas at low pressure into a working fluid at a very high pressure includes a mixing section in the form of a truncated conical section between the an inlet and an outlet, a plurality of inlets for the light gas into the mixing section, and a plurality of passages through the truncated conical section into a cylindrical section leading to the outlet.
US08333072B2 Wastegate control system and method
A wastegate control system and a method for the wastegate control system is disclosed. The wastegate control system includes an ambient pressure sensor, a throttle angle sensor, an ignition timing sensor, a knock sensor, an intake charge temperature sensor and an intake charge humidity sensor. A wastegate is controlled according to information received from these sensors.
US08333071B2 Method and a system to control turbine inlet temperature
A method and system to control an engine to maintain turbine inlet temperature utilizes two temperature thresholds: a control initiation temperature and a maximum hardware temperature. An engine parameter is adjusted in a closed-loop manner based on an error, which is a difference between a setpoint temperature and the turbine inlet temperature. The setpoint temperature is initially the control initiation temperature. However, after control over turbine inlet temperature is established, the setpoint temperature ramps gradually to maximum hardware temperature. In one embodiment, the engine parameter is engine torque. Other engine parameters affecting turbine inlet temperature include timing and duration of fuel injection pulses, EGR rate, gear selection, and intake throttle position, any of which can be used in place of, or in combination with, torque for controlling turbine inlet temperature.
US08333070B2 Mechanical energy storage method and device
Provided is an energy storage system configured to accumulate energy for subsequent discharge. One embodiment includes an indirect energy storage assembly configured to accept energy input from a direct storage assembly. The indirect energy storage assembly includes a converter for lifting a mass, a speed reducer coupled to the converter for increasing torque provided, and a mass coupled to the speed reducer for generating potential energy when raised. In one embodiment, the direct energy storage assembly produces energy based on descent of a mass, the descent controlled by operation of a speed increaser coupled to a generator. In one example, the speed increaser provides an input:output ratio of at least 1:100. The speed increaser can be configured based on parameters of the generator (e.g., speed and torque). The mass of the direct energy storage assembly can include a float for lifting the mass responsive to water level.
US08333067B2 Engine and vehicle
An engine includes a cylinder, an exhaust port, an exhaust valve, a secondary air supply pipe, and an electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve is opened in a predetermined time period after a point in time when a lift amount of the exhaust valve reaches about half a maximum value during a time period in which an opening of the exhaust port is opened. This causes air to be supplied from a secondary air supply pipe to the exhaust port.
US08333062B2 Method for monitoring ammonia storage in an exhaust aftertreatment system
A method for monitoring the ammonia-selective catalyst reduction device includes monitoring states of parameters of the exhaust gas feedstream upstream of the ammonia-selective catalyst reduction device, analytically segmenting the ammonia-selective catalyst reduction device into a plurality of discrete substrate elements, sequentially calculating a change in ammonia storage for each of the discrete substrate elements, and determining a total ammonia storage concentration on the ammonia-selective catalyst reduction device based upon the sequentially calculated change in ammonia storage for each of the discrete substrate elements.
US08333060B2 Micro reaction turbine with integrated combustion chamber and rotor
When the compressor is a multistage compressor, each compression space includes an inlet arranged in the vicinity of the center axis and an outlet arranged in the vicinity of the outer circumference of the turbine wheel, and there is a connecting conduit between the outlet of a first compressor stage and the inlet of a second compressor stage. The connecting conduit is delimited by a first wall of the space of the first compressor stage and a second wall of the space of the second compressor stage. Each wall can be a friction disk.
US08333058B2 Self-leveling four-bar linkage for suspending a header of an agricultural implement
A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.
US08333057B2 Automatic header lateral tilt to ground speed response
A method for adjusting the lateral tilt of a combine header. The method includes receiving, at a control system, a plurality of output voltages from a plurality of potentiometers; determining, by the control system, at least one adjustment signal; determining, by the control system, a rate for transmitting the at least one adjustment signal; transmitting, by the control system, the at least one adjustment signal at the determined rate to at least one adjustment mechanism operably connected to control system; and adjusting, by the at least one adjustment mechanism, the lateral tilt of the combine header in response to the at least one adjustment signal. The rate for transmitting the signal is determined based upon one or more of a forward speed of the combine, the weight of the combine head, and an input selection made by an operator of the combine.
US08333056B2 Non-binding cutterhead for cutting aquatic vegetation
A cutterhead for cutting aquatic vegetation, includes a cutterhead shroud, stationary teeth secured to the shroud, and a drum rotatably mounted within the shroud and bearing a flight of vanes cooperating with the teeth to cut vegetation. In accordance with the non-binding aspect of the cutterhead, each vane has an edge that rises gradually from a trailing end adjacent (during drum rotation) to a stationary tooth, to provide a clearance area adjacent the vane into which a respective tooth may be deflected during cutting without impinging upon an associated vane, and thus without causing binding of the cutterhead in the event of such deflection. Each vane may have a curvilinear edge extending from its cutting end to a surface of the drum at its trailing end. The edge defines a two-dimensional profile having a trailing end tangent forming an angle of not more than 70 degrees with the drum.
US08333055B2 Process for filling a shrinkable container
The invention relates to a process for filling a plastic container (1) having a high degree of molecular orientation with a liquid, which process comprises the following steps: filling of the container (1) with a liquid at high temperature; cooling the walls (5) of the container (1) during the filling step; sealing of the container (1); cooling of the walls (5) of the container (1) during the sealing step; passive shrinkage of the container (1) following said sealing step; and cooling of the walls (5) of the container (1) following the shrinkage step. The invention also relates to a device for implementing said process and to a container thus obtained.
US08333052B2 Machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products
In a machine for filling capsules, each of which defined by a bottom and a cap, with pharmaceutical products, the bottoms and the caps of the capsules are moved forward in sequence about a plurality of wheels provided with at least two actuating members movable under the control of respective tappets engaged in respective cams to open and close the capsules themselves, respectively; the cams being obtained on the outer surface of a drum mounted to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axes of the wheels.
US08333049B2 Door assembly using a two piece end cap
This invention relates to a door assembly comprising a pair of door skins which are mechanically secured together to define a top and bottom opening. The top and bottom openings receive an end cap therein to complete the door. The end cap of the present invention is comprised of two separate pieces, namely a locking clip and a beam, whereby the locking clip is slidably engaged with the beam to form the end cap. This allows a manufacturer to form the locking clip with a first material and the beam with a second material, depending on the specific requirements of the door.
US08333047B2 Method for strengthening a structure and associated anchorage unit
The invention therefore proposes an anchorage unit for anchoring at least one prestressing member, capable of being tensioned, onto a structural component to be strengthened or repaired by additional prestressing. The anchorage unit includes means of fixing onto the structural component and means of anchoring the prestressing member located adjacent to a first side of the anchorage unit oriented towards a regular section of the prestressing member. The fixing means are located adjacent to a second side, opposite the first side, of the anchorage unit, which is so provided that it may be put into traction when the prestressing member is tensioned.
US08333046B2 Platform, in particular interior platform for tubular tower
A platform (2) in an interior platform for a tubular tower such as a windmill tower (24) made from steel is disclosed—and more specifically, a platform (2) adapted to be assembled in situ from construction element members in order to fit the inside wall (22) of the tower (24), comprising a basic, preferably circular, center module (4), radial, telescoping supporting beam members (6), wherein the construction element members are modules (10, 12 and 14) which are independent of the diameter of the platform (2), and two-piece pivotable modules (16) which incline for mounting as a periphery ring next to the inside wall (22) of the tower (24).
US08333043B2 Apparatus for thermally hygrometrically processing air, particularly for classified environments for food preparing processes
An apparatus for thermally hygrometrically processing and conditioning air for classified environments and preparing foods. The apparatus has a stainless steel inner bottom and monolithic thermally insulated panels. The panels have an outer wall and an inner wall therebetween a thermally insulating material is arranged.
US08333042B2 Slip-stop
Element to prevent slipping on surfaces, where the surfaces are provided with a plurality of apertures, characterized in that the element comprises a base plate, and that a plurality of towers extend upwards from said base plate, where the towers have a cross section at least at an upper part, corresponding to the shape of the apertures in the surface, and that the towers are arranged on the base plate in a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the apertures in the surface.
US08333041B2 Method of assembling UL compliant building integrated photovoltaic conversion system
Methods are described for integrating a UL compliant power generating system within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.
US08333039B2 Movable building
A building includes a wall and a roof. The wall encloses an enclosed area, and the wall comprises a plurality of standardized modules, each having an inner space used as a room. The roof covers the enclosed area. The standardized modules are standardized, and thus very convenient to manufacture. In addition, the standardized modules can be transported quickly and efficiently, therefore, the building as disclosed is convenient and reliable to construct and dismantle.
US08333037B2 Pet door module with integral security panel and cassette portal
The present pet door panel or module includes an interior pocket flap assembly cassette opening and an external frame forming a security panel track permitting a flap assembly cassette and security panel to be slidably received or removed to facilitate changing the height of the portal opening in the pet door panel or module to accommodate various size pets in the field by the consumer without the need for tools.
US08333033B2 Device and method for growing vegetation
A device and method for growing vegetation. The device and method can be used for repairing a divot in a grass lawn. The device includes a packet having a water-soluble film surface that contains a mixture of soil and seeds. An example device includes a water-containing device in the packet. When the packet is placed on the ground, such as the divot, and subjected to water, the film dissolves so that the mixture comes into contact with the ground and the seeds can begin to germinate and grow.
US08333032B1 Encasement devices and methods for planting mangroves
Cylindrical encasement devices and methods for planting mangrove propagules or seedlings along shorelines and non-native environments. The devices can use interior (or exterior) longitudinal grooves or thinned channels or lines of holes that hinge the device along the longitudinal axis to facilitate increases in displacement which results in acceleration of plant development and adaptation, improving survivability and reproductive maturity to establish self-sustaining mangrove trees and forests. A manufacturing enables control of the structure, color and opacity, to facilitate applications in habitat creation, restoration, shoreline stabilization, erosion control, and environmental remediation. Safe and easy removal of the device from the environment occurs without harm and damage.
US08333031B2 Device and method for luring aquatic animals
Devices, methods of manufacture, kits and methods of use for attracting aquatic animals to be caught are provided. In various embodiments the device includes a body, with an interior bar extending lengthwise in a channel in the body, an anterior loop and exterior loop on the anterior end and posterior ends of the bar respectively, a plate set into a transverse dorsal exterior slot in the body, and a weight in an interior chamber. The anterior loop of the device is attached to a vessel and the posterior loop is attached to one or more lures for hooking aquatic animals. In various embodiments the device is manufactured and/or painted to resemble a bait fish.
US08333030B2 Fishing line guide for fishing rod and method for manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a fishing line guide includes a step of cutting a plate to form a guide including a holding part, a step for forming a ring-shaped holder by pressing the holding part such that a first opening is formed at one end of the holder and a second opening is formed at the other end of the holder, a step for inserting a ceramic ring into the holder to extend through the first opening and the second opening so that the ceramic ring is in contact with the inner surface of the holder in the first opening and is spaced apart from the inner surface of the holder in the second opening, and a step of filling an adhesive in a space between the ceramic ring and the inner surface of the holder in the second opening.
US08333029B1 Extreme duty machine gun barrel
An extreme duty machine gun barrel has body having a central bore. The rear opening of the body includes a chamber formed to receive a cartridge. The body has a surface layer covering all surfaces of the body. The body has a diffusion layer extending below the surface layer into an underlying material of the body. The central bore may have rifling defined by lands and grooves formed in the bore. An interior portion of the body may have a hardness of at least 50 HRC and not greater than 55 HRC after the surface layer and diffusion layer are created on the body. The surface layer and diffusion layer may be created by subjecting the body to a ferritic nitrocarburizing treatment followed by an oxy nitrocarburizing treatment. The nitrocarburizing treatments may be repeated. The body may be AISI H13 grade tool steel.
US08333023B2 Composite footwear insole, and method of manufacturing same
A composite footwear insole has a front portion (2) designed to interact with the foot at the metatarsal region and at least partly at the plantar arch, and a rear portion (3) designed to interact with the heel. The rear portion (3) has at least one layer (4) of gel material whose size is at least substantially equal to that of the rear portion (3) to uniformly support the heel and absorb stresses acting thereon.
US08333022B2 Articles of footwear
A footbed promotes complimentary movement and proprioceptive feedback of a user's foot (e.g., to help an adult balance on an uneven surface) while wearing the article of footwear. The footbed includes a base and a plurality of pads. The base has a first side opposite a second side, each extending from a forefoot region to a heel region. A first portion of each pad extends away from the first side of the base and a second portion of each pad extends away from the second side of the base. The second side of the base is positionable adjacent to an outsole of an article of footwear such that the first side of the base is adjacent a user's foot during use of the article of footwear. Each pad is movable substantially independently of the each of the other pads, relative to the base.
US08333019B2 Laundry dryer having an air duct
A laundry dryer with a blower and an air duct configured to convey a flow of air toward the blower. The air duct includes one or more flow chambers with curved sections. The curved sections are configured to deflect the flow of air toward the blower. The laundry dryer also includes a displacement member disposed in the flow chamber in front of the blower and configured to produce an irrotational flow onto a wheel of the blower so as to reduce a formation of vortices.
US08333016B1 Sundial for telling solar time and clock time across a range of latitudes and longitudes
A sundial for telling apparent solar time and clock time across a range of latitudes and longitudes. A solar dial is formed with an index point and a noon hour point. A plurality of concentric latitude indicia are centered at the index point and at least one map indicium is overlaid by the concentric latitude indicia where the map indicium has geographic latitudes corresponding with the concentric latitude indicia on the solar dial. The solar dial also includes a plurality of solar time indicia radiating generally outward from the index point drawn with respect to the noon hour point according to the hour line equation at each concentric latitude indicia intercept. An elongated gnomon projects from the index point, whereby the sun's shadow cast by the gnomon intersects the solar time indicia in relation to the concentric latitude indicia to provide a reading of apparent solar time for the user's location on the map indicium.
US08333014B2 Method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head
A method for manufacturing a liquid ejecting head is provided. The liquid ejecting head has nozzle openings and ejects liquid supplied through a liquid supply passage from the nozzle openings. The manufacturing method includes: disposing a filtering member between a first supply member and a second supply member, the first supply member having one part of the liquid supply passage formed therein, the second supply member having the other part or another part of the liquid supply passage formed therein, the second supply member being disposed over one surface of the first supply member; and injecting a resin material over the one surface of the first supply member to cover a part of the second supply member for molding a fixation member and fixing the first supply member and the second supply member into a single-piece member as a result of the molding, wherein a convex is formed on a surface of the fixation member in the mold fixation of the first supply member and the second supply member, and a concave is formed in the surface of the fixation member in the mold fixation of the first supply member and the second supply member.
US08333012B2 Method of forming electrode placement and connection systems
Electrode placement and connection systems are described which allow for the electrical connection and maintenance of one or more electrodes positioned on a substrate which is subjected to a variety of mechanical stresses. Such a system may include an imaging hood having an aperture through which transparent fluid is flowed and one or more electrodes positioned along or about the hood. As the hood is configured between a low-profile and opened configuration, these electrodes may remain electrically coupled despite the mechanical stresses subjected to the electrodes and the connections thereto.
US08333002B2 Surface finishing method for stainless steel material and manufacturing method for metal gasket
In a surface finishing method for a stainless steel material, excimer irradiation is made on a surface of the stainless steel material by emitting ultraviolet light to improve wetness. Then, a surface finishing is applied on the surface of the stainless steel material wherein the wetness is improved. In manufacturing a gasket, the stainless steel material or plate is cut in a predetermined shape, and holes and bead are formed in the metal formation plate. Then, the plate may be assembled with other plate.
US08333001B2 Method of shortening a well car
A method of shortening an end of a well car includes removing a plurality of parts that would inhibit the shortening process; cutting a shear plate and a set of side sill angles at a location on the well side of the end assembly; detaching the end assembly from a main body of the well car; on each side of the main body: cutting the top tube at a location above a monument plate that is just beyond a reinforcement plate attached to the monument plate; cutting through a weld between the monument and reinforcement plates and a side sheet; cutting through the side sheet generally at the attachment location of the monument and reinforcement plates; and cutting the shear plate of the main body with a contoured cut such that the remaining shear plate has a contoured pattern substantially matching the cut shear plate under the removed end assembly.
US08332999B2 Method and device for securely loading and mounting a tubular device in a flexible wall and manufacturing method for said loading device
An improved method and device for securely inserting a tubular element (30) into a through-aperture (40) in a flexible wall (60) accessible from one side only. The tubular element has a retainer (31, 32) projecting transversely at each end thereof, said retainer being resiliently foldable towards the axis of said tubular element. The element is inserted into a loading tube (11), wherein the retainers are automatically folded into the correct orientation by an automatic bending means (18). The bending means is part of a self-contained device for inserting said tubular element (30) into said through-aperture (40).
US08332998B2 Shot-peening process
A method of shot peening in which with respect to a carburized and quenched metal part, only its surface abnormal layer detrimental to the fatigue strength thereof is scraped without scraping of the martensitic structure underlying the surface abnormal layer, namely, in which the fatigue strength can be rendered stable and enhanced without surface cracking. As bombardment shot, use is made of a shot with hardness higher than that (first hardness) of the surface abnormal layer occurring at a surface layer portion of metal part prior to shot peening but lower than that (second hardness) of the martensitic structure.
US08332997B2 Dental prosthesis manufacturing machine
A dental prosthesis manufacturing machine is disclosed. The machine includes two spindles each having a roughing tool and a finishing tool, a workpiece holder for holding a workpiece which forms the dental prosthesis, and a base supporting the two spindles and the workpiece holder. The machine is capable of simply alternating the roughing tool with the finishing tool according to the accuracy required when the workpiece is machined.
US08332996B2 Conductive paste composition for inner electrodes and method of manufacturing multilayer capacitor
Provided are a conductive paste composition for inner electrodes and a method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic capacitor using the same. The conductive paste composition for inner electrodes includes a metal powder having an average particle size ranging from 50 nm to 300 nm, and 4 to 10 parts by weight of a binder resin. The binder resin contains at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a high-molecular-weight polyvinylbutyral resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 250 thousand to 400 thousand, a low-molecular-weight polyvinylbutyral resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 50 thousand to 150 thousand, and a rosin ester.
US08332992B2 Device at a card for cotton, synthetic fibres and the like, in which at least one flat bar having a flat clothing is present
In a device at a card in which at least one flat bar having a flat clothing is present, wherein the flat clothing, preferably small wire hooks, arranged in a strip-shaped supporting layer, is attached to the flat bar and lies opposite to the clothing of a roller, for example of the cylinder, and at least the regions of the flat clothing that face the flat bar consist of an iron material, especially of steel, there is present between the flat bar and the regions of the flat clothing that face the flat bar at least one magnetic element. In order to increase the degree of adhesive forces between flat bar and clothing element in a structurally simple manner, the supporting body of the clothing strip comprises a sheet-like structure that consists at least in part of a ferromagnetic material.
US08332990B2 Windshield wiper blade and suited for removal of solid material
A wiper blade device with a durable mesh sponge member attached between two removable wiper blade members. The combination sponge and wiper blade construction provides a unitary device that combines the two distinct functions of cleaning solids and wiping water from vehicular windshields. The device further provides minimal windshield obstruction given its construction, improving current wiper blade capabilities without degrading visibility or impacting safety of the vehicle. The device may comprise a wiper blade refill attachable to a wiper blade mount, providing the practitioner with an improved windshield wiper blade that is cost effective and one that requires no modification of the vehicle to implement.
US08332983B1 Rotary brush assembly for street sweeper
A rotating brush assembly for a street sweeper utilizes a hub to connect a hydraulic pump to a rotatable brush plate. A collar on the hub extends upwardly from a base flange and a tapered bore extends through the collar and the base flange and receives a mating tapered portion of a rotatable shaft of the pump. A downwardly extending rim on the bottom of the base flange locates the hub relative to a central aperture in the brush plate. The bottom of the base flange includes a recess which extends upwardly from the rim. The tapered bore communicates with the recess. The recess receives a threaded bottom portion of the rotatable shaft of the pump and a nut which is disposed on the threaded portion of the pump shaft.
US08332980B2 Washing household appliance and control method thereof
An appliance having a drain pump with a motor adapted to be supplied with an alternating supply voltage. A controller is adapted to monitor a current value supplied to the motor and to control the frequency of the supply voltage among a plurality of predetermined frequencies when the drain pump is operated in a full drainage mode. A storage medium associated with the controller stores for each predetermined frequency a maximum current value, a minimum current value and an optimal current value. The controller may stores computer implemented instructions for (a) determining if the monitored current value is between the maximum current value and the minimum current value, (b) comparing the monitored current value with the optimal current value, and (c) adjusting the frequency of the alternating supply voltage among the plurality of predetermined frequencies to cause the monitored current to more closely match the optimal current value.
US08332979B2 Cushion bladder with middle layer having gaps and various positioned interior welds
A cushioning device has a first material and an opposing second material that are sealed together at the peripheral edges to form a first (right) side, a first (head) end, a second (left) side, and a second (foot) end. Positioned between the first material and the second material is a middle material. The middle material has a top side, a bottom side, a first gap between the first side and the middle material and a second gap between the second side and the middle material. In addition, the first material is sealed to the middle material's top side at a first set of locations to form a first set of interior welds. The second surface is sealed to the middle material's bottom surface at a second set of locations to form a second set of interior welds. The first set of interior welds on the middle material's top surface and the second set of interior welds on the middle material's bottom surface are not superimposed on each other or overlap each other.
US08332973B2 Bed to a sofa conversion frame
A bed to a sofa conversion frame includes a backrest, a footer (optional) and a pair of armrests adapted to be solid state or assembled together to form a sofa frame around a traditional bed and it base frame. The pair of armrests forms a base for mounting the backrest and the footer via corresponding mounting hardware and mounting slots. Both the backrest and the footer may be a solid state unit or an assembly and/or foldable to provide easy storage.
US08332969B2 Automatic control and battery power supply
An automatic control and battery power supply for a bathroom odor removal unit. The power supply comprising: a housing, the housing comprising: a top face in generally orthogonal communication with a toilet tank face; a toilet tank face in generally orthogonal communication with a bottom face; a sensor face in communication with the top face, and the toilet tank face, and where the angle between the sensor face and the toilet tank face is obtuse; a hanger connectable to the housing, and configured to hang from the upper edge of a toilet tank with the housing outside of and generally to one side of the toilet tank; a sensor located on the sensor face.
US08332968B1 Pants with expandable pouch
An elongated crotch section is combined with seam construction to provide comfort to the wearer. Two front pieces and two back pieces are formed into or stitched to a waist band. A two piece center section forming a crotch of the boxer is without multiple seams. Seams are only on the sides and a single horizontal seam connects the two pieces of the crotch portion. The two piece crotch component forms an elongated pouch to hold the male genitalia. There is no junction of multiple seams at the groin or inseam.
US08332965B1 Modesty hospital gown
A hospital garment comprising a substantially rectangular main panel and a smaller flap panel seamed to an end of a free edge of the main garment. In one position, the flap panel extends across the back of the patient and is connected by ribbons to the main panel so as to conceal the buttocks and back of the patient's leg and in another orientation of the flap panel, the flap panel does not conceal the buttocks and back of the patient's leg.
US08332964B2 Element protection system
An element protection system for protecting wearers from cold and/or wet weather includes a garment portion having a torso section surrounding a torso-receiving cavity and a pair of sleeves, and a storage case portion including a bottom wall and a surrounding sidewall providing a main compartment sized and configured for receiving the garment portion therein. Thus, the garment portion can be stowed in the main compartment. The garment portion extends from the upper margin of the storage case portion, and a reinforcing panel extends from the upper margin over a part of a back panel of the garment portion in covering relationship to the wearers buttocks. The back panel of the garment portion includes a port sized and configured to permit passage therethrough of a strap attachable to a safety harness which can be used to restrain the torso of someone wearing the element protection system.
US08332963B2 Protective garment with curved and protected extremities
A protective garment including a body portion and an extremity permanently coupled to the body portion. The extremity includes a joint that provides the extremity with a bent position forming an acute angle relative to a vertical axis when the extremity is at rest without an arm or leg of a wearer received therein.
US08336111B2 Communication device and method for securing data
A communication device and method for securing data include connecting a processor and at least one storage device via active pins of a switch in the communication device, and setting a secure command for securing data stored in the at least one storage device. The communication device and method further include invoking the secure command to delete the data in the at least one storage device, if text data of a received message matches the secure command, and switching the active pins to the inactive pins so as to disconnect the processor and the at least one storage device, thereby disabling the at least one storage device.
US08336109B2 Method and apparatus for processing rights object
A method and apparatus for processing a Rights Object (RO) are provided. A method for upgrading the RO includes: acquiring, by a Digital Rights Management (DRM) Agent, RO related information of the RO that requires updating from a Secure Removable Media (SRM) Agent; providing, by the DRM Agent, the RO related information to a Rights Issuer (RI), and obtaining a new RO from the RI; and interacting, by the DRM Agent, with the SRM Agent to upgrade the RO that requires updating on the SRM by means of the new RO. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the DRM Agent acquires RO related information which is stored on the SRM and does not have Move rights, and interacts with the RI to move the RO out from the SRM, so as to move the RO without the Move rights out from the SRM, thus extending an application of the RO without the Move rights.
US08336108B2 Method and system for collaboration involving enterprise nodes
A method and system for a communication network containing both trusted peers and untrusted hosts within the network. Trusted peers can collaborate with each other to observe and monitor the activity of the untrusted hosts. In addition, a trusted peer instantiated with a virtual machine can have an operating system kernel collaborate with a hypervisor to determine whether threats are present. A trusted peer that needs particular functionality installed can collaborate with other trusted peers and with an administrative console to have that functionality installed. An untrusted host can have a driver directly inserted into it by an administration console, which will facilitate in the collaboration process.
US08336099B2 Methods, hardware products, and computer program products for implementing introspection data comparison utilizing hypervisor guest introspection data
Introspection data comparison is implemented utilizing hypervisor guest introspection data. A hypervisor shim on a hypervisor is used to construct one or more workload management components that are independent from a participating pool member of a pool comprising a guest having a guest memory and a guest operating system. The hypervisor collects a first set of data. The guest sends a second set of data comprising guest memory data from the guest memory. The first set of data is compared with the second set of data to detect at least one of a potential security intrusion or an anomalous deviation between the first set of data and the second set of data. A policy manager takes action based upon a result of the comparison of the first and second sets of data.
US08336098B2 Method and apparatus for classifying harmful packet
A network apparatus and method of classifying received packets in a security system, the method comprises parsing a received packet and extracting a payload from the parsed packet; scanning the payload to check whether or not a predetermined signature code is included in the payload; if it is determined from the result of the scanning that the predetermined signature code is included in the payload, generating a presumptive signature based on information included in the predetermined signature code; and determining whether or not the generated presumptive signature is identical with a signature corresponding to the predetermined signature code, and allocating an classification identifier (ID) to the received packet according to the result of the determination, thereby classifying the received packet according to the classification ID, wherein the predetermined signature code is formed by a part of the signature corresponding to the signature code.
US08336097B2 Apparatus and method for monitoring and protecting system resources from web browser
An apparatus and method for preventing an attempt to perform malicious activities using web browser weaknesses are provided. A file protection module monitors attempts to access at least one file resource when the web browser executes a program, and allows or denies access. A registry protection module monitors attempts to access at least one registry resource when the web browser executes a program, and allows or denies access. A process protection module monitors attempts to execute or terminate at least one process when the web browser executes a program, and allows or denies the execution or termination.
US08336096B2 Access control apparatus, image display apparatus, and program thereof
An access control apparatus including a memory section that stores information; an authentication information memory section that stores at least first stored user authentication information and second stored user authentication information corresponding to a user; an input section in which first inputted user authentication information and second inputted user authentication information are inputted; a judgment section that judges whether the first inputted user authentication information matches the first stored user authentication information; a registration section that stores a second inputted authentication information in the authentication information memory section, if the judgment sections judges that the first inputted authentication information matches the first stored user authentication information; and an approval section that approves access to the information stored in the memory section for a predetermined time period if the judgment section judges that: (1) the first inputted authentication information matches the first stored user authentication information, and (2) the second inputted authentication information matches the second stored authentication information.
US08336091B2 Multi-level authentication
Approaches for performing a multiple level authentication on an entity are provided. A primary authentication credential and a secondary authentication credential may be established for a user account. The primary authentication credential uniquely identifies a particular account of the software application. The secondary authentication credential uniquely identifies an entity, such as a user, application, or device, authorized to use the particular user account. Upon receiving a request to access the software application using the particular user account, a determination is made as to whether the request is accompanied by the primary authentication credentials and a secondary authentication credential associated with the particular user account. Upon determining that the request is accompanied by valid primary and secondary authentication credentials for the user account, limited access, based upon the secondary authentication credential, to the software application using the particular user account is granted.
US08336085B2 Tuning product policy using observed evidence of customer behavior
A computer adapted for pay-as-you go or other metered use has a policy for determined what measurements to take to detect fraud as well as steps to take when fraud is found. To optimize between good performance and sufficient tests to reduce the risk of fraud, a policy is developed based on observation of the users behavior, using data taken at the computer, data from a payment processor or both. After analysis, an updated policy is securely loaded at the computer to determine what, and how often to measure for suspected fraud.
US08336084B2 Communication using multiple apparatus identities
A system for broadcasting multiple public identities corresponding to the same apparatus. For example, each public identity may correspond to different operational environments, while none of the public identities disclose a private identity that uniquely and permanently identifies the apparatus. This allows apparatuses to keep their unique identity a secret while still being able to communicate with other apparatuses in various environments.
US08336080B2 Methods and apparatus for rating device security and automatically assessing security compliance
Automatic Security Compliance Assessment (ASCA) systems and methods are provided for automatically generating and determining a security rating for a plurality of Settings Objects (SOs), where each of the SOs define particular configurations of subsystems of a wireless computing device. Each SO collectively defines a collection of Values specified for Configurable Attributes that can be used to define a different configuration for a particular subsystem associated with a particular Setting Class that is used to guide the creation of that particular SO. The server can store a group of security rating templates, each of which includes the information needed to determine an expected security rating for any SOs created per a particular Settings Class. For any combination of device settings, the resultant SOs can be used to generate an expected security rating. In addition, a security interaction template (SIT) and security test scripts can be generated that correspond to each particular group of SOs, and can be used to produce an Overall Device Security Rating (ODSR) for that particular group of SOs or a sub-set thereof.
US08336075B2 Information distribution system, program-for-management-apparatus recording medium, and program-for-information-processor recording medium
A content distribution system includes a node to which content is distributed via a network and a distribution management server for managing a content distribution status.The node receives content, detects an information amount of received content, and, on the basis of the detected information amount, outputs a distribution completion notification indicative of a reception status of corresponding content.On the other hand, the distribution management server receives the distribution completion notification for each node, and stores the received distribution completion information for each node.
US08336074B2 System and method for facilitating fast-forwarding of first-run programs
A system and method are disclosed for facilitating fast-forwarding by viewers through a first-run program beyond the current broadcast point. In one embodiment, the first-run program is distributed before its scheduled publication time, and may be viewed at any time after the publication time. In a second embodiment, content is distributed on or after the publication time, but at a rate greater than the normal viewing rate. In a third embodiment, content is distributed on demand after the publication time by a media distribution server. In a fourth embodiment, a viewer participating in a multicast session of the content requests content beyond the current broadcast point. The viewer is switched to a unicast session, and the requested content is transmitted to the viewer. In alternative embodiments, a release code may be provided to control the time after which the viewer will be permitted to view program segments beyond the current broadcast point.
US08336064B2 Electronic apparatus for driving an optical disc and having a reduced size and/or thickness
Disclosed is an electronic apparatus including a main body portion, a tray main body, a tray auxiliary portion, a first top panel, and a second top panel. The tray main body is capable of being taken into and out of the main body portion and includes a mounted portion, a drive portion, an optical system, and a first store portion. The tray auxiliary portion includes a second store portion that is integrated with the first store portion of the tray main body to form a space capable of storing the optical disc mounted on the mounted portion.
US08336063B2 Efficient linking and loading for late binding and platform retargeting
A method of producing an executable image from an object file without shared library support from the operating system, wherein the executable image requires a shared library file in order to resolve at least one of the symbols called for in the object file. A method of optimizing the loading of a previously linked file into working memory in a computer for executing in a single address space of the working memory, the file containing an instruction to make an indirect jump to a location in a shared library through an import section of the file. A method for optimizing the loading of a previously linked file into working memory in a computer for executing in a single address space of the working memory, the file containing plural sections with number-filled padding between the end of each section and a succeeding page boundary. A method of optimizing the loading of a previously linked file into working memory in a computer for executing in a memory sharable with other executables. This method includes selecting a portion of code in the previously linked file, removing the portion of code from the previously linked file, and constructing a dynamically linked library file containing the portion of the code, the dynamically linked library file being available to plural files including the previously linked-file. A method of converting an image which has been previously linked for executing in an unshared memory into an image optimized for use with virtual memory.
US08336062B2 Administration device for image processing device uses plug-in application
When a plug-in application “HDD Backup Utility” is designated by the user from the start menu, an administration program is started. The administration program receives information as to which plug-in application was designated, and based on the received information, places a function button for the designated plug-in application (here, “backup” and “restore” buttons corresponding to HDD Backup Utility) in a “HOME” display area. The user can readily find and select the button in the HOME display area. In this manner, the function button for the designated plug-in application is displayed in the position easily accessible by the user.
US08336061B2 Driver configuration
A method and apparatus for performing driver configuration operations without a system reboot is disclosed. In one embodiment, a network server's adapter driver receives a request to change a configuration of a selected instance of a plurality of instances. In response, the adapter driver may then determine if there is data flow through the selected instance. If there is no data flow through the selected instance, the method includes blocking subsequent data flow and subsequent information requests issued to the adapter driver. The selected instance may then be reinitializing without rebooting the server.
US08336056B1 Multi-threaded system for data management
A multi-threaded system for data management and other computationally intensive applications. The invention takes advantage of multi-core processors to attain high performance. Multi-core processors provide high performance by executing programs in parallel. The amount of performance gained is strongly dependent on the software implementation. To take advantage of the multi-core architecture, applications should be multi-threaded. The invention provides a uniform, configurable, and a consistent multi-threaded software structure that increases performance by distribution of tasks and workload between threads and allocating threads to different processing units, so as to run programs in parallel. The uniform structure of the threads, the ease of configuring the software, and its modularity simplify execution of complex projects and expedite application development.
US08336055B2 Determining the status of virtual storage in the first memory within the first operating system and reserving resources for use by augmenting operating system
A method for determining status of system resources in a computer system includes loading a first operating system into a first memory, wherein the first operating system discovers system resources and reserves a number of the system resources for use of an augmenting operating system, loading the augmenting operating system into a second memory reserved for the augmenting operating system by the first operating system, accessing the first memory from the augmenting operating system and obtaining data, running a process on the augmenting operating system to perform a computation using the data obtained from the first memory, and outputting the results of the computation using the system resources reserved for the augmenting operating system.
US08336053B2 Transaction management
A method and transaction processing system for managing transaction processing tasks are provided. The transaction processing system comprises a transaction log, a log management policy, a log manager and a dispatcher. The method comprises maintaining a transaction log of recoverable changes made by transaction processing tasks and storing a log management policy including at least one log threshold. Usage of the log by transaction processing tasks is then monitored to determine when a log threshold is reached. When a log threshold is reached the active task having the oldest log entry of all active tasks is identified and its dispatching priority is increased. This increases the likelihood that the identified task will be dispatched, and should mean that the task will more quickly reach normal completion.
US08336052B2 Management, control, and monitoring of workload including unrelated processes of different containers
A first computer program runs in user memory space of a computing environment, and a second computer program runs in kernel memory space of the computing environment. The first computer program determines processes that constitute a workload. The second computer program creates a workload identifier corresponding to the workload, and associates the processes with the workload identifier. The first computer program requests metrics regarding the workload. In response, the second computer program collects such metrics by collecting metrics regarding the processes that constitute the workload and that are associated with the workload identifier The second computer program reports the metrics regarding the workload to the first computer program.
US08336051B2 Systems and methods for grouped request execution
A server architecture performs concurrent information processing in a server system on a multi-core processor environment. The architecture supports simultaneous processing requests comprising multiple classes of queries and/or executing transactions in an application server and/or database server. Requests, which are made in an asynchronous manner, are structured with hash values to enable similar requests to be grouped together. The similar requests are grouped into a group session. All of the requests in the group session are executed at the same time. Accordingly, similar database inserts can be grouped and executed as a single request. The architecture minimizes thread-switching overhead by exploiting inherent parallelism in the inflowing requests. The threads and requests are de-coupled and hence any lock request only makes the execution threads take up another request instead of waiting until the lock is acquired. As such, the threads never go into sleep/wait mode and system resources are utilized more efficiently.
US08336050B2 Shared memory inter-process communication of virtual machines using virtual synchrony
A mechanism for virtual synchrony total order messaging for virtual machines is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes receiving a request to reserve a block of memory in a shared memory segment, reserving the block of memory, and providing a start address of the reserved block of memory to a virtual machine (VM) that sent the request in order for the VM to copy a message from an application of the VM into the reserved block of memory, wherein the application communicates with other applications on other VMs using virtual synchrony. The method may further include sending a new message available request to all of the other VMs, wherein the new message available request includes the start address of the reserved block of memory and a length of the message, and tracking the VMs that access the reserved block of memory.
US08336046B2 Dynamic VM cloning on request from application based on mapping of virtual hardware configuration to the identified physical hardware resources
Methods and apparatuses enable creation of a virtual machine (VM) clone initiated through application or service logic. The application requests generation of a VM clone from within the runtime execution of the application. The request is serviced by a VM generator, which identifies a state of the VM to clone and identifies hardware resources on which to create the VM clone. Based on a determination of what resources on which to generate the VM clone, the VM generator creates the VM clone on the determined resources, having the identified state. In one embodiment, a use case of resource copy or reference copy is selected for each resource. In one embodiment, the VM generator considers a number of factors in determining where to instantiate the VM clone. The parameters may include hints or preference parameters sent by the application and/or resource loading or performance.
US08336044B2 Method and system for deploying a software image
A method and system for efficiently deploying (also sometimes referred to as distributing and/or installing) a computer device's software image using a single portable image using an alternate partition for loading the image on the storage (hard drive) along with selected patches chosen for the configuration of the computer. The single image is processed using delta image patching technology to allow the single image to be customized and operable (work on) the particular computer, where the single portable image is adapted to operate on a large number of diverse computer device platforms.
US08336042B2 System and method for managing data originating from and destined for a motor vehicle
A system for managing data originating from and destined for a motor vehicle, including: a first data communication unit permanently disposed on-board the vehicle; a second data communication unit disposed at a distance from the vehicle; and at least two devices for transmitting, receiving and storing data originating from and destined for the vehicle, the device communicating data with the first and second communication units, interfacing with a user of the vehicle and including a data storage. The second communication unit can be a computer terminal connected to a computer network, such as the Internet and/or an intranet, providing access to an interactive computer application, such as to transmit data originating from the vehicle and to receive the data destined for the data transmission, reception and storage devices and the vehicle. The storage devices can synchronize non-custom data that have become obsolete.
US08336039B2 Program, apparatus, and method of optimizing a Java object
An apparatus, method and article of manufacture tangibly embodying computer readable instructions for optimizing a Java object on a target computer program. The apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing a value of the object and management information on the object in association with each other; a code generation unit for generating, from the target computer program, optimized code and unoptimized code; a switching unit for switching from executing the target computer program using the optimized code to executing the target computer program using the unoptimized code in response to an event in which the value of the object is written while the target computer program is executed by using the optimized code; and a management unit for managing the object by accessing the management information by a non-detection write operation in which writing to the object is performed without being detected.
US08336037B1 JNI-minimizing data structures for XML parsing
Client Native method Interface (CNI) minimizing eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML) parsing is provided using array pair data structures. An empty array pair is passed to an engine from client code via a CNI call. The engine parses the XML document and fills the array pair with fixed width elements. The filled array pair is passed back to client code. The client code iterates through the elements in the array pair and invokes the appropriate handlers or builds appropriate tree objects for Document Object Model parsing. Thus, one CNI call passes the empty array pair from client code to the engine, and the filled array pair is returned from the engine to client code. Individual sets of CNI calls for each element are avoided, minimizing the number of CNI calls. Further, since elements in the array pair are of fixed width, they can be processed more efficiently by the client code.
US08336036B2 System and method for translating high programming level languages code into hardware description language code
The present invention is directed to a method and system for translating a high programming level language code such as C, C++, Fortran, Java or the like into a HDL code such as Verilog or VHDL. The system includes: a C-to-C source translator which reads user API from a translation-targeted high level language code marked with the user API, separates the translation-targeted high level language code into a hardware code part and a software code part, and stores the hardware code part and the software code part in separate files; a main compiler which compiles the stored software code part; a translator which translates the stored hardware code part into a HDL code including one or more block modules and one top module; a main core which executes the compiled software code part; and a dedicated hardware which executes the HDL code.
US08336033B2 Method and system for generating a hierarchical tree representing stack traces
A system and method are provided to generate a hierarchical tree representing stack traces. In one embodiment, stack trace elements in a plurality of stack traces relating to profiling of an application executing at a first virtual machine are identified, the stack trace elements relating to profiling events being detected during the profiling of the application. The identified stack trace elements are sorted as one of parent elements; parent/child elements, or child elements based on a number of times a stack trace element has appeared in the plurality of stack traces and its relationship with other elements in the plurality of stack traces. A tree having nodes to represent the stack trace elements is created such that that the child elements branch from the parent/child elements or the parent elements, and the parent/child elements branch from the parent elements.
US08336028B2 Evaluating software sustainability based on organizational information
Mechanisms for evaluating software sustainability are provided. The illustrative embodiments provide code scanning tools for identifying authors of portions of a software product and various attributes about the development, maintenance, and improvement of portions of the software product over time. This information may be correlated with organizational information to identify portions of the software product that may be lacking in sustainability by the persons currently associated with the software organization. Moreover, this information may be used to obtain information regarding the relative quality of the composition or conception of portions of the software product, portions of the software product that have required a relatively larger amount of resources to develop over time, a relative indication of which portions of the software product are “harder” or “easier” to sustain and who is associated with those portions of the software product, and the like.
US08336024B2 Extracting ontological information from software design data
A method, computer System and computer program product for generating ontological information from design data are disclosed. The design data has a plurality of classes, the classes having at least one association with another class. The design data is processed on the basis of rules to identify environmental artifacts. The design data is processed on the basis of rules to identify implementation artifacts. All classes that are implementation artifacts are eliminated from the design data. New associations for non-eliminated design data that have broken class associations as a result of the elimination are established. The design data remaining following the elimination is processed to preserve environmental artifact relationships between the retained classes to generate an ontology.
US08336022B2 Method and apparatus for creating a configurable browser-based forms application
A method and system are provided for implementing a configurable browser-based form application. A configurable application toolset is provided, having a plurality of reusable browser-based form application components, or shells, that are configured in response to a received set of configuration parameters. Based on the configuration parameters, the toolset can be used to create any number of browser-based form applications. The application includes a browser-based form, a database, and rules governing the collection and storage of gathered and stored data. All of the configuration parameters are stored as data, so that no recompiling or modification of compiled software code in the shells is required when changes are needed, or an entirely new browser-based form application is desired. This reduces cost and time in software development.
US08336016B2 Eliminating, coalescing, or bypassing ports in memory array representations
Mechanisms are provided in a design environment for eliminating, coalescing, or bypassing ports. The design environment comprises one mechanism to eliminate unnecessary ports in arrays using disabled and disconnected pin information. The design environment may comprise another mechanism to combine and reduce the number of array ports using address comparisons. The design environment may comprise another mechanism to combine and reduce the number of array ports using disjoint enable comparisons. The design environment may comprise one mechanism to combine and reduce the number of array ports using “don't care” computations. The design environment may comprise another mechanism to reduce the number of array ports through bypassing write-to-read paths around arrays.
US08336014B1 Computationally efficient modeling and simulation of large scale systems
A method of simulating operation of a VLSI interconnect structure having capacitive and inductive coupling between nodes thereof. A matrix X and a matrix Y containing different combinations of passive circuit element values for the interconnect structure are obtained where the element values for each matrix include inductance L and inverse capacitance P. An adjacency matrix A associated with the interconnect structure is obtained. Numerical integration is used to solve first and second equations, each including as a factor the product of the inverse matrix X−1 and at least one other matrix, with first equation including X−1Y, X−1A, and X−1P, and the second equation including X−1A and X−1P.
US08336004B2 Dimension assurance of mask using plurality of types of pattern ambient environment
According to a mask verifying method of the embodiment, a difference between an actual dimension of a mask pattern and a simulation dimension is calculated as a computational estimated value. Moreover, a difference between an actual dimension of the mask pattern that is actually measured and a dimension on pattern data is calculated as an actually-measured difference. Then, it is verified whether a mask pattern dimension passes or fails based on the calculated value. When calculating the computational estimated value, a model function, which is set based on each correspondence relationship between an actual dimension and a mask simulation dimension of a test pattern, which includes a plurality of types of pattern ambient environments, to the mask pattern.
US08336003B2 Method for designing optical lithography masks for directed self-assembly
A method and a computer system for designing an optical photomask for forming a prepattern opening in a photoresist layer on a substrate wherein the photoresist layer and the prepattern opening are coated with a self-assembly material that undergoes directed self-assembly to form a directed self-assembly pattern. The methods includes: generating a mask design shape from a target design shape; generating a sub-resolution assist feature design shape based on the mask design shape; using a computer to generate a prepattern shape based on the sub-resolution assist feature design shape; and using a computer to evaluate if a directed self-assembly pattern of the self-assembly material based on the prepattern shape is within specified ranges of dimensional and positional targets of the target design shape on the substrate.
US08336002B2 IC design flow enhancement with CMP simulation
An integrated circuit (IC) design method includes providing IC design layout data; simulating a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process to a material layer based on the IC design layout, to generate various geometrical parameters; extracting resistance and capacitance based on the various geometrical parameters from the simulating of the CMP process; and performing circuit timing analysis based on the extracted resistance and capacitance.
US08336001B2 Method for improving yield rate using redundant wire insertion
A method and apparatus for manufacturing an integrated circuit (IC), the method including, generating, by a graphical construction unit, a first graph corresponding to a first net of the IC, the first graph representing a pin of the first net as a vertex, and a connection between two pins of the first net as an edge, the first graph further corresponding to a first IC layout; identifying a first and a second pair of unconnected vertices in the first graph for inserting a first and a second redundant edge, respectively, the first redundant edge and the second redundant edge forming a first connected loop and a second connected loop, respectively, each loop further including at least two edges of the first graph; calculating a tolerance ratio for the first redundant edge and the second redundant edge; sorting the first and second redundant edge based on their tolerance ratio; calculating a yield rate change of the first IC layout associated with inserting one of the first or second redundant edge with a highest tolerance ratio, and updating the first IC layout to include the redundant edge with the highest tolerance ratio if the yield rate change is greater than zero; and calculating the yield rate change of the first IC layout associated with inserting the first or second redundant edge having a second highest tolerance ratio, and updating the first IC layout to include the redundant edge with the second highest tolerance ratio if the yield rate change is greater than zero.
US08335993B1 Enhanced touch sensitive interface and methods and software for making and using the same
Interfaces, circuits, architectures, devices, systems and methods for displaying, controlling, using and/or designing a virtual keyboard are disclosed. The interface generally includes a touch sensitive display having a virtual keyboard area and a viewing area. The virtual keyboard area includes a plurality of the virtual buttons. Prior to selection of a virtual button, each of the virtual buttons has a first appearance and includes a plurality of alphanumeric, graphical, and/or iconic characters. The interface further includes logic configured to receive an input from the touch sensitive display in response to a virtual button being selected, and send an output to instruct the touch sensitive display to display a second appearance of the selected virtual button. The circuits, architectures, devices, systems, and methods generally include those that embody and/or implement one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
US08335992B2 Visual indication of settings changes on a ventilator graphical user interface
This disclosure describes improved systems and methods for visualizing the application of changes to respiratory settings in a ventilatory system. Specifically, the present disclosure provides for a setup animation window that may be easily accessed from a setup icon, for example, and also provides for a settings animation window that may be easily accessed from any number of displayed ventilatory settings. In fact, the setup animation window may be directly accessed by touching, clicking, or otherwise selecting the setup icon and may expand from the setup icon to display any number of settings access elements. Alternatively, the settings animation window may be directly accessed by touching, clicking, or otherwise selecting any one of the displayed ventilatory settings and may expand from the displayed ventilatory settings to provide corresponding settings access elements. The corresponding settings access elements each corresponding to an individual ventilatory setting of the displayed ventilatory settings and useful for efficiently adjusting the displayed ventilatory settings. Ventilatory settings may be changed and accepted via either animation window. In one embodiment, upon accepting settings changes from the settings animation window, settings may appear to visually float or fade into the displayed ventilatory settings. In this embodiment, clinicians may view the settings changes as they are accepted and applied to the GUI.
US08335986B2 Previewing different types of documents
This is directed to a preview application for displaying several documents simultaneously in a single window, where the several documents are displayed as books. To view the pages of a document, the preview application can open the book and display the pages of the document (e.g., in a one or two-dimensional array). A user can also search for particular terms within the several documents. In response to a search, the preview application can filter the pages of the several documents and only display those pages that include the search terms. The displayed pages can be ordered in any suitable manner, including for example by search rank.
US08335985B2 Document use managing system, document processing apparatus, manipulation authority managing apparatus, document managing apparatus and computer readable medium
In response to an instruction to copy data from a first electronic document to a second electronic document, a protected document generating section of a document processing apparatus newly generates a third electronic document as a copying result. A combining requesting section requests combining of pieces of manipulation authority information (policies) to be applied to the first and second electronic documents, respectively. In response to the request, a policy combining section of a policy managing apparatus combines the two pieces of manipulation authority information together into third manipulation authority information. A protected document registering section registers the third electronic document and the third manipulation authority information in a document DB.
US08335978B2 Liquid container
In a semiconductor storage device 10 included in a liquid container 20, on reception of an encoding request for encoding readout data, a write-read controller 140 changes over the position of a switch 141 to output encoded readout data, which is obtained by an encoding operation in a data encoding circuit 150, to a data signal terminal SDAT. In the case of no reception of the encoding request for encoding the readout data, on the other hand, the write-read controller 140 changes over the position of the switch 141 to output raw data read out from a memory array 100 to the data signal terminal SDAT.
US08335973B2 Processing module, error correction decoding circuit, and processing method for error locator polynomial
A Euclid processing module for obtaining an error locator polynomial of a binary BCH code in an error correction decoding circuit, in which error corrections of words are performed, includes registers, a shifter, a zero insertion unit, selectors and a sequencer. Coefficients of polynomials Ri (z) and Bi (z) stored in the registers are subjected to Galois field calculations by the processing module. Results of the calculations and the data of the registers are shifted by the shifter. Some of the coefficients are erased by the zero insertion unit and stored in registers by controlling the selectors with the sequencer. A necessary polynomial σ (z) is calculated by repeated processing of the processing module. The Euclid processing module decreases a logic scale and simplifies controlling logic in a state of small latency and high operating frequency.
US08335969B2 Error resilience methods for multi-protocol encapsulation forward error correction implementations
Systems, devices, and methods for error detection and correction in digital communication are disclosed. One such method comprises: storing data received in TS packets into an MPE-FEC frame buffer of a receiver according to locations indicated by an MPE-FEC frame buffer write pointer; and storing reliability information regarding said data separately therefrom, said reliability information including addresses of one or more locations in said MPE-FEC frame buffer to be marked for erasure. One such device is a receiver comprising an MPE-FEC frame buffer and an FEC decoder. The FEC decoder is configured to store data received in TS packets into the MPE-FEC buffer according to locations indicated by an MPE-FEC frame buffer write pointer. The FEC decoder is further configured to store reliability information regarding the data separately therefrom, the reliability information including addresses of one or more locations in the MPE-FEC frame buffer to be marked for erasure.
US08335968B1 Method and apparatus for determining codeword interleaver parameters
Modem selection of codeword interleaver parameters given standard based, operator based and channel based communication channel performance constraints. A processor implements processes for characterizing the forward error correction codeword and interleaver solution space in terms of expressions from which targeted portions of the solution space may be identified prior to evaluation of the magnitude of the coefficients of the corresponding nodes thereof for compliance with the to communication channel performance constraints.
US08335965B2 Semiconductor device and method of controlling the same
A decoding section for decoding inputted first data; a first memory for being adapted to store second data obtained by decoding the first data; a second memory for being adapted to store error information on an error in decoding of the first data; and an output section for outputting the second data, wherein when the output section reads and outputs the second data from the first memory, the output section reads and outputs, as data corresponding to an error of the first data, second data stored in the second memory and serving as a decoding result of the other part of the first data based on the error information stored in the second memory.
US08335962B2 Interleaver apparatus and receiver for a signal generated by the interleaver apparatus
A convolution interleaver for processing a codeword derived from an input block of symbols using a redundancy-adding coding, and having more symbols than the input block, wherein the codeword has a sequence of interleaving units, wherein each interleaving unit has at least two symbols, includes an interleaver. The interleaver changes the sequence of interleaving units to obtain an interleaved codeword having a changed sequence of interleaving units. In particular, the order of the symbols within an interleaving unit is not changed by the interleaver. The order of the interleaving units in the codeword among each other or with respect to a previous or subsequent codeword is changed, however.
US08335957B2 Apparatus and method for allocating ACK/NACK channel in wireless communication system
An apparatus is capable of allocating an ACK/NACK channel in a wireless communication system. The apparatus performs a method for allocating the ACK/NACK channel at a base station that includes generating ACK/NACK channel allocation information of a packet transmitted to a terminal; inserting the ACK/NACK channel allocation information into the packet using a padding area indicative of a size difference of data carried by the packet and an Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) block; and transmitting the packet comprising the inserted ACK/NACK channel allocation information to a terminal to service.
US08335953B2 IR gating SC signals during TAP Clock-DR and Pause-DR states
The disclosure describes novel methods and apparatuses for controlling a device's TCA circuit when the device exists in a JTAG daisy-chain arrangement with other devices. The methods and apparatuses allow the TCA test pattern set used during device manufacturing to be reused when the device is placed in a JTAG daisy-chain arrangement with other devices, such as in a customers system using the device. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure.
US08335952B2 Tap and scan test port with IR lock out output
Connection circuitry couples scan test port (STP) circuitry to test access port (TAP) circuitry. The connection circuitry has inputs connected to scan circuitry control output leads from the TAP circuitry, a select input lead, and a clock input lead. The connection circuitry has outputs connected to a scan enable (SE) input lead, a capture select (CS) input lead, and the scan clock (CK) input lead of the STP circuitry. The connection circuitry includes a multiplexer having a control input connected with a clock select lead from the TAP circuitry, an input connected with a functional clock lead, an input connected with the clock input lead, an input connected with a Clock-DR lead from the TAP circuitry, an OFF lead, and an output connected with the scan clock input lead.
US08335951B2 Methods and system for verifying memory device integrity
A method for verifying memory device integrity includes identifying at least one memory block corresponding to at least one memory location within a memory device. The memory block is associated with a prior checksum. It is determined whether the first memory block is designated read-only. A current checksum is calculated based at least in part on data within the memory block. When the first memory block is designated read-only, and the prior checksum represents expected data within the first memory block, it is determined whether the current checksum is equal to the prior checksum. When the current checksum is not equal to the prior checksum, a verification failure for the first memory block is indicated via a notification interface. A system for verifying memory device integrity is also disclosed.
US08335949B2 Tunable early-stopping for decoders
A method of decoding channel outputs using an iterative decoder to provide hard decisions on information bits includes activating each SISO decoder of the iterative decoder to provide soft-decisions associated with the information bits. The method also includes computing a fidelity estimate and stopping decoding based on the fidelity estimate.
US08335947B2 Availability analysis tool
According to one embodiment, an availability analysis tool includes executable code that is operable to calculate an availability value for a system having a number of operational units. The executable code may receive one or more reliability metrics for each operational unit and designate one or more reliability metrics for at least spare unit associated with the operational unit to be similar to the one or more reliability metrics. An availability value for the system may be calculated according to the reliability metrics of the operational unit and its associated at least one hot or cold spare unit. The executable code may then output this calculated availability value to the user interface.
US08335946B2 Method for centralization of process sequence checking
A method for centralization of process sequence checking includes defining a set of steps in a sequence for a process and defining an order of steps in said set of steps. The method includes determining whether one of said steps started independently of others of said steps and determining whether one of said steps completed independently of others of said steps. The method includes determining whether the sequence started, determining whether the sequence completed, and determining whether a sequence fault occurred.
US08335943B2 Systems and methods for stateful session failover between multi-core appliances
The present disclosure presents systems and methods for maintaining operation of stateful sessions by a secondary multi-core appliance upon failover of a first multi-core appliance. A stateful session failover module of primary appliance may receive session states from each of the cores of the primary appliance. The stateful session failover module may communicate the session states of the cores of the primary appliance to a stateful session failover module of the secondary appliance. The stateful session failover module of the secondary appliance may update each of the cores of the secondary appliance with the session states. Upon failover, cores of the secondary appliance may maintain operation and features of the sessions handled by the primary appliance prior to failover using the received state sessions for each session maintained.
US08335939B2 Notebook computer
A notebook computer includes a keyboard, a display, a light source arranged on the keyboard or the display, and a light source control circuit. The light source control circuit includes first to third electronic switches. A control terminal of the first electronic switch is connected to a working voltage terminal. A first terminal of the first electronic switch is connected to a first terminal of the light source and a first terminal of the third electronic switch. A second terminal of the light source is connected to a standby voltage terminal. A control terminal of the second electronic switch is connected to a sleep signal terminal. A first terminal of the second electronic switch is connected to the standby voltage terminal and a control terminal of the third electronic switch. Second terminals of the first to third electronic switches are grounded.
US08335936B2 Power node with network switch
A power node provides energy management and network expansion features in a networked data communications and control environment that may be utilized in an energy management system implementing a method of managing energy. Network expansion may be provided by integrating a networking bridge from a power line network to one or more wired network ports or a wireless network. The power outlet on the power node providing power to a device may be identified and associated with information about the device.
US08335935B2 Power management based on automatic workload detection
An electronic device includes a kernel, a power manager to control power to a hardware component, and a neural network to monitor the kernel to recognize performance of a function of the electronic device. The neural network sends a signal to the power manager to reduce or turn off power to the hardware component based on information generated during monitoring of the kernel. The information may provide an indication of hit symbols for hardware components which are to be powered and/or hardware components which do not require power based on one or more operations performed by the kernel.
US08335933B2 Two-party storage of encrypted sensitive information
A secure storage system secures information of a client by first encrypting the information with a first key to generate first-key encrypted data. The secure storage system then encrypts with a second key the first-key encrypted data and the first key to generate second-key encrypted data. The system provides the client with a first portion of the second-key encrypted data. The system stores a second portion of the second-key encrypted data and the second key. When the confidential information is needed, the client provides the first portion. The system retrieves the second portion. The system then decrypts with the second key the first portion and the second portion to generate the first-key encrypted data and the first key. The system then decrypts with the first key the first-key encrypted data to generate the unsecure confidential information.
US08335931B2 Interconnectable personal computer architectures that provide secure, portable, and persistent computing environments
Disclosed are interconnectable personal computer architectures comprising secure, portable and persistent computing environments that provide secure computing sessions with persistence. The computing environments are implemented using a secure non-computing client device, such as a USB device, that interfaces with a host computer and, optionally, a trusted server. The secure non-computing client device is used to instantiate a secure BIOS and a secure cold or warm boot of the host computer, from the client device, in a host protected area of the host computer, or from the trusted server. The client device comprises a security device, such a trusted platform module, that encrypts and decrypts data transferred between the client apparatus and the host computer to provide a sealed computing environment on the host computer. The client device may implement keyboard logger attack prevention. The client device may also implement a high assurance guard to protect applications. The client device may also comprise security wrapper software that encapsulates malware processed by the host computer. Computing methods and software are also disclosed.
US08335927B2 Authentication method and apparatus
An authentication method for use in an apparatus having a function, a function to execute a first program that executes a predetermined process after first user authentication with biometrics authentication is performed and does not have a network connection function, and a function to execute a second program that is invoked after the first program is executed, executed after second user authentication and has a network connection function comprises executing the first program in forgery detection mode regardless of a result of a user determination if biometrics authentication with forgery is detected at the time of the first user authentication, invoking the second program in the forgery detection mode after the first program is executed in the forgery detection mode, and notifying a device connected to an external network of forgery detection information by using the network connection function after the second program is invoked in the forgery detection mode.
US08335926B2 Computer system and biometric authentication apparatus for use in a computer system
A computer system for identifying an individual using a biometric characteristic of the individual includes a biometric sensor for generating a first code, and a controller including a memory for storing the first code and a dynamic binary code conversion algorithm. When the controller receives a sensor code from the biometric sensor, it compares the sensor code with the first code stored in the memory, and if the identity between the sensor code and the first code is verified, the controller generates a first binary code by means of the dynamic binary code conversion algorithm and outputs the first binary code from which the computer system generates a second binary code by means of the dynamic binary code conversion algorithm. The computer system then verifies the identity of the individual if the second binary code matches the first binary code.
US08335923B2 Method for compatibility checking of a measuring system comprising a measurement transmitter and a sensor
In a method for compatibility checking of a measuring system including a measurement transmitter and a sensor, a first signature is externally created for an identifying data set and is stored in the measurement transmitter. After transmission of the identifying data set from the measurement transmitter to the sensor, a second signature is calculated for the identifying data set in the sensor. If the signatures match, then the measurement transmitter and the sensor are compatible and the measurement transmitter can access data and/or functions of the sensor.
US08335922B2 Recording medium, digital information verification apparatus, and digital information verification method
Certification/verification of authenticity and integrity of a digital document can be achieved, using meta information and content information and third-party certification thereof is achieved.A digital information verification program stored in a recording medium according to the present invention allows a computer to determine presence/absence of any change made to the digital information and identify the changed part by the following steps: generating the feature amount information with respect to the digital information to be verified and registering it in association with the digital document; in the case where any operation is made to the digital information, acquiring the feature amount information (meta information related parameters and content information related parameters) of the meta information and content information concerning the operation, the feature amount information including the same items (meta information and content information) as those of the feature amount information related to the digital information before being operated; and comparing the feature amount information before and after the operation.
US08335916B2 Secure request handling using a kernel level cache
The present invention discloses a system, method, apparatus, and computer usable product code for handling requests. The invention can include a kernel level cache, a request handling service, and a transport layer security service. The kernel level cache can store request handling data. The request handling service can handle secure requests at a transport layer of a kernel when request handling data is present in the kernel level cache. The transport layer security service can handle encryption/decryption operations for the secure requests and request responses at the transport layer.
US08335915B2 Encryption based security system for network storage
The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides an encryption based security system for network storage that separates the ability to access storage from the ability to access the stored data. This is achieved by keeping all the data encrypted on the storage devices. Logically, the invention comprises a device that has two network interfaces: one is a clear text network interface that connects to one or more clients, and the other is a secure network interface that is connected to one or more persistent storage servers. Functionally, each network interface supports multiple network nodes. That is, the clear text network interface supports multiple client machines, and the secure network interface supports one or more storage servers.
US08335913B2 Method and system for restoring system configuration after disorderly shutdown
Disclosed are techniques for recovering system configuration settings, such as remote management, of an information handling system following a disorderly shutdown. A restart controller detects a disorderly shutdown of an information handling system and, in response, sets a disorderly shutdown flag and restarts the information handling system. During the restart, the basic input/output system (BIOS) checks the disorderly shutdown flag as part of its power-on housekeeping. In response to determining the disorderly shutdown flag has been set, the BIOS reconfigures the system configuration settings, such as the power management scheme, of the information handling system so as to enable one or more remote wake mechanisms, such as wake-on-LAN or wake-on-ring. The BIOS then performs an orderly shutdown of the information handling system to place the information handling system in a low-power state, from which the information handling system can be awoken via the remote wake mechanism.
US08335912B2 Logical map table for detecting dependency conditions between instructions having varying width operand values
Techniques and structures are described which allow the detection of certain dependency conditions, including evil twin conditions, during the execution of computer instructions. Information used to detect dependencies may be stored in a logical map table, which may include a content-addressable memory. The logical map table may maintain a logical register to physical register mapping, including entries dedicated to physical registers available as rename registers. In one embodiment, each entry in the logical map table includes a first value usable to indicate whether only a portion of the physical register is valid and whether the physical register includes the most recent update to the logical register being renamed. Use of this first value may allow precise detection of dependency conditions, including evil twin conditions, upon an instruction reading from at least two portions of a logical register having an entry in the logical map table whose first value is set.
US08335911B2 Dynamic allocation of resources in a threaded, heterogeneous processor
Systems and methods for efficient dynamic utilization of shared resources in a processor. A processor comprises a front end pipeline, an execution pipeline, and a commit pipeline, wherein each pipeline comprises a shared resource with entries configured to be allocated for use in each clock cycle by each of a plurality of threads supported by the processor. To avoid starvation of any active thread, the processor further comprises circuitry configured to ensure each active thread is able to allocate at least a predetermined quota of entries of each shared resource. Each pipe stage of a total pipeline for the processor may include at least one dynamically allocated shared resource configured not to starve any active thread. Dynamic allocation of shared resources between a plurality of threads may yield higher performance over static allocation. In addition, dynamic allocation may require relatively little overhead for activation/deactivation of threads.
US08335908B2 Data processing apparatus for storing address translations
Memory address translation buffering circuitry is provided comprising a primary storage bank and a secondary storage bank. Storage bank accessing circuitry is provided to perform a parallel lookup of the primary storage bank and the secondary storage bank for virtual to physical address translation entries. Buffering management circuitry is configured to transfer an address translation entry between the primary storage bank and the secondary storage bank dependent upon an occupancy level of at least one of the primary storage bank and secondary storage bank.
US08335907B2 Micro-update architecture for address tables
Methods of maintaining an address table for mapping logical addresses to physical addresses include continuously consolidating main address maps and an update address map, and periodically compacting the update address map. Consolidating includes selecting a main address map, reading valid mapping entries from the main and update address maps, constructing a mapping set including the valid mapping entries, and writing the mapping set to a second main address map. The update address map is compacted if a criterion is met, and includes copying the valid mapping entries to an unwritten block or metablock and assigning the unwritten block or metablock as a new update address map. The length of consolidation may depend on the average length of compacted mapping entries following a compaction operation. Increased performance due to lower maintenance overhead may result by using these methods.
US08335902B1 Systems and methods for performing backup operations of virtual machine files
Backup systems and methods are disclosed for a virtual computing environment. Certain examples include a system having a backup management server that communicates with a host server having at least one virtual machine. The management server coordinates with the host server to perform backup copies of entire virtual machine disks from outside the guest operating system of the virtual machine. In certain examples, such backup systems further utilize a volume shadow copy service executing on the host server to quiesce virtual machine applications to put data in a consistent state to be backed up. The backup system then utilizes hypervisor snapshot capabilities of the host server to record intended changes to the virtual machine disk files while such files are being copied (e.g., backed up) by the host server. Such recorded changes can be later committed to the virtual machine disk files once the backup operation has completed.
US08335886B2 Wear leveling method for non-volatile memory device having single and multi level memory cell blocks
A method of executing a wear leveling operation within a non-volatile memory including a single-level memory cell block (SLC) and a multi-level memory cell block (MLC) is disclosed. The method includes calculating an average erase point in relation to a number of programming/erase (P/E) operations applied to a logical block address (LBA), a SLC mode usage point in relation to a number of the P/E operations applied to the SLC, a MLC mode usage point in relation to a number of the P/E operations applied to the MLC, and a wear value in relation to the average erase point, the SLC mode usage point, and the MLC mode usage point; and then if the wear value exceeds a defined threshold value, performing the wear leveling operation.
US08335880B2 System and method for provisioning a remote resource for an electronic device
The disclosure recites a device, system and method for provisioning resources from a server in a network to a mobile electronic device. The method comprises at the mobile electronic device: generating and sending a network registration request to the server to allow the server to determine whether the mobile electronic device is in a device registry linking resources managed by the server; waiting for a data transmission from the server, the data transmission containing text and a link to the resource that can receive the data transmission at the mobile electronic device; incorporating text and a link from the data transmission into a graphical user interface (GUI) generated on a display of the mobile electronic device to provide an interface to activate the link from the mobile electronic device; and generating an indicator on the GUI that the resource is new, if the resource is new to the mobile electronic device.
US08335878B2 Multiport memory architecture, devices and systems including the same, and methods of using the same
A multiport memory architecture, systems including the same and methods for using the same. The architecture generally includes (a) a memory array; (b) a plurality of ports configured to receive and/or transmit data; and (c) a plurality of port buffers, each of which is configured to transmit the data to and/or receive the data from one or more of the ports, and all of which are configured to (i) transmit the data to the memory array on a first common bus and (ii) receive the data from the memory array on a second common bus. The systems generally include those that embody one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The methods generally relate to writing blocks of data to, reading blocks of data from, and/or transferring blocks of data across a memory. The present invention advantageously reduces latency in data communications, particularly in network switches, by tightly coupling port buffers to the main memory and advantageously using point-to-point communications over long segments of the memory read and write paths, thereby reducing routing congestion and enabling the elimination of a FIFO. The invention advantageously shrinks chip size and provides increased data transmission rates and throughput, and in preferred embodiments, reduced resistance and/or capacitance in the memory read and write busses.
US08335876B2 User programmable computer peripheral using a peripheral action language
A peripheral input device for a computer utilizes the USB (or equivalent) connectivity standard to deliver complex inputs to the computer. The input device includes an onboard microcontroller that uses the peripheral action language of the invention to generate the complex inputs in response to simple user inputs. The microcontroller is connected o) to an action table and sequence table and a library of Local Device emulation functions that are accessed in response to any user input (a local event) to determine the programmed action(s) to be generated in response to the event. The invention may be embodied in a mouse, keyboard, or other peripheral device, or in a stand-alone module connected between conventional input devices and a digital machine.
US08335872B2 Systems and methods for fast seek and scan functions in a digital radio broadcast receiver
Methods and systems for advancing to another service from a plurality of services in a digital radio broadcast receiver are described. The methods and systems include the steps of receiving an instruction to advance to another service from a man-machine interface of the digital radio broadcast receiver, selecting an entry from a set of entries stored in a memory of the digital radio broadcast receiver responsive to the instruction, wherein each entry identifies a service, and wherein at least some of said services correspond to services identified as receivable, tuning to a first service identified by the selected entry, rendering content received on the first service at the digital radio broadcast receiver, and updating the set of entries stored in the memory of the digital radio broadcast receiver based on at least one criteria.
US08335866B2 Asymmetrical serial communications
In some embodiments a Universal Serial Bus cable includes a first differential pair to transmit bus signals, and a second differential pair to transmit bus signals in a same direction as the bus signals transmitted by the first differential pair. In this manner, a bandwidth of the Universal Serial Bus cable is doubled in that same direction. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08335865B2 USB device communication apparatus, systems, and methods
Some embodiments include methods and apparatus to decode a functional request embedded in a portion of a standard device request, and execute the functional request by a universal serial bus (USB) device. The standard device request can include a Get_Descriptor request. Other embodiments are described.
US08335864B2 TCP/IP stack-based operating system
Systems and corresponding methods include a system having an operating system based wholly around a protocol stack, such as a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack. The system may include a central processing unit (CPU) including the operating system embedded therein, and a network interface coupled with a network and the CPU. The network may be the Internet. The operating system is fundamentally a state machine. The kernel of the operating system is fundamentally just a protocol stack for communicating with one or more devices of the network via the network interface. The protocol stack may be a TCP/IP protocol stack, UDP/IP stack or combinations thereof. A chip may be provided that includes the TCP/IP stack state machine-based operating system embedded in a CPU. The resultant chip may be ultra low power, miniscule in size, and IP-centric.
US08335861B2 Method and system for processing correction field information
A method and system for processing correction field information are provided. The method includes: receiving a packet, and obtaining a first correction value carried by the packet; obtaining first time information and second time information; obtaining a second correction value according to the first correction value and the first time information; setting the second correction value in the packet; setting the second time information in the packet; obtaining third time information and fourth time information; obtaining a third correction value according to the second correction value, the second time information, the third time information, and the fourth time information; and setting the third correction value in the packet. The processing of the time information and the processing of the correction field information are performed with a set of processing mechanism, and the implementation is simpler.
US08335845B2 Web application management method and web system
Operability of a web application comprising dynamic contents is evaluated continuously with high precision. In a web application execution system 1000, a web server apparatus 121 responsive to a request from a client apparatus 101 and a log server apparatus 141 are connected via a network 161. The log server apparatus 141 stores an operation log obtained when the web application is operated on the web browser in accordance with a manual having a description of an operation method of the web application, as a first operation log, stores another operation log obtained when the web application is operated in the client apparatus 101, as a second operation log, and transmits difference information between the first and second operation logs to the web server apparatus 121, the client apparatus 101 or a different external apparatus 181 to cause the difference information to be at least displayed or recorded.
US08335842B2 Premises management networking
Some embodiments of a method for premises management networking include monitoring premises management devices connected to a gateway at a premises; controlling premises management devices connected to the gateway at the premises; receiving, at the premises, an uplink-initiation signal associated with a network operations center server; and in response to the uplink-initiation signal, initiating, from the gateway at the premises, communications between the gateway and the network operations center server; and communicating, during the communications between the gateway and the network operations center server, information associated with the premises management devices.
US08335839B2 Systems and methods for using network architecture planning tools
A method of planning a network architecture includes receiving at a host computer system a request from a user computer to initiate a network architecture planning process, in response to the request, transmitting an electronic file comprising a first display screen to the user computer, wherein the first display screen comprises a question relating to a parameter of the network architecture, receiving at the host computer system a first response to the question, transmitting at least a second electronic file comprising a second display screen to the user computer, wherein the second display screen comprises context-sensitive content based on at least one previous response, receiving at the host computer system at least a second response to the at least a second display screen, determining at least a first action based on the first response and the at least a second response, and transmitting information relating to the at least a first action for display at the user computer.
US08335838B2 Web page load time prediction and simulation
Web page load time prediction is achieved by simulating and adjusting the load times of web objects in a webpage to determined adjustments that optimize an overall page load time (PLT) of the webpage. The webpage load time prediction includes extracting a parental dependency graph (PDG) for the webpage. The PDG encapsulates one or more dependency relationships for each web object in the webpage. The prediction further includes determining an original PLT and original timing information of a webpage. The prediction also includes simulating a page loading of the webpage based on adjusted timing information of each web object and the PDG to estimate a new PLT of the webpage. The prediction additionally includes comparing the original PLT of the webpage to the new PLT of the webpage to determine whether the adjusted timing information increased or decreased the new PLT of the webpage.
US08335834B2 Authentication of electronic data
Systems and techniques for transmitting electronic data by receiving, at a communications system host, electronic data transmitted from a sender and addressed to an intended recipient; authenticating the electronic data based on attributes of the electronic data and appending information to the electronic data indicating that the electronic data has been authenticated.
US08335833B1 Systems and methods for timeshifting messages
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media that may be used to present messages posted on messaging networks to a user in a time-shifted manner are provided. One method includes transmitting a request to a server to provide messages posted by users of one or more messaging services. Each of the messages has a timestamp associated therewith that falls within a time range associated with the request. The method further includes receiving the messages from the server and correlating, for each of the messages, the time at which the message was originally posted with a time in the time range associated with the request. The method further includes transmitting, to one or more display devices, display data representing the messages. Display of each of the messages is shifted based on the correlation such that the messages are displayed in substantially the same manner as if the messages had been viewed live.
US08335832B2 Method for releasing buffered data of a serving gateway
A method for releasing buffered data of a Serving Gateway is disclosed□ the Serving Gateway (Serving GW) buffers downlink data sent to a user and sends a data notification message to a Mobility Management Entity (MME); after receiving the data notification message, the MME initiates a paging to the user and sets a paging timer, if the paging timer expires and no paging response of the user is received, the MME sends a notification message to the Serving GW to inform the Serving GW that there is no paging response from the user; and after receiving the notification message, the Serving GW releases the buffered downlink data. With this method, the Serving GW can release buffered data in time without causing wrong release of the buffered data, so the system efficiency can be improved.
US08335828B2 Access by data communication of an E-mail addressed to storage device
The present invention discloses a storage device connected through an internal network with an external network. The storage device includes a storage medium for storing files and an access unit for carrying out data communication of an e-mail with an attached file for accessing the storage medium with a terminal that is coupled with the external network. The access unit accepts access to the storage medium from the terminal by carrying out the data communication of the e-mail.
US08335825B2 Personal directory services with presence indication
Included are embodiments of a method for communicating data. One embodiment, among others includes receiving a request from a user to contact the at least one data provider associated with at least one listing stored in a user-defined directory and in response to receiving the request, facilitating activation of instant messaging logic, where the instant messaging logic is configured to refrain from displaying presence information associated with the user.
US08335823B2 System and method for processing encoded messages
Systems and methods for processing encoded messages within a wireless communication system. A server within the wireless communication system provides one or more indications to a mobile device as to certain conditions existing with respect to an encoded message. The mobile device performs a different message processing function based upon whether the indication is provided. The indications may include indicating whether a message exceeds a message size threshold and/or may indicate whether a partial message is being sent.
US08335822B2 Peer-to-peer trading platform with search caching
A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed in which a network-based interaction environment includes a plurality of peer-to-peer nodes being able to communicate directly with each other using a peer-to-peer protocol and a peer-to-peer client application, the plurality of peer-to-peer nodes including a first peer-to-peer client, a second peer-to-peer client, and a third peer-to-peer client, a first peer-to-peer client application running on the first peer-to-peer client to process persistent item information on the first peer-to-peer client, the persistent item information being related to an item being offered by a first user of the first peer-to-peer client application, a second peer-to-peer client application running on the second peer-to-peer client to cache the persistent item information on the second peer-to-peer client; and a third peer-to-peer client application running on the third peer-to-peer client to search a cache of the second peer-to-peer client for the persistent item information related to the item being offered by the first user.
US08335817B1 Message passing within a web based application framework
A container application is a native application that allows a web based application to access a computer's resources such as messaging, also known as interprocess communications. If a container application is associated with a window, then the web based application can alter or control many, or all, aspects of the container application's content area and meta user interfaces (UIs). Web based applications are downloaded from application servers and run inside container applications. A web based application can use messaging for drag and drop and other capabilities and thereby more tightly integrate with the user's desktop environment.
US08335813B2 Systems, methods, and protocols for process migration and group membership management
A system, method, and set of protocols for dynamic group communication are provided for enabling dynamic process migration and dynamic group membership management. A process in a group receives and distributes a migration signal. Group communication continues while the processes in the group asynchronously reach a global superstep and then a synchronization point. The processes then spawn a new process on a new device and update group membership information. The new process operates in continuous execution with the new group.
US08335812B2 Methods and apparatus for efficient complex long multiplication and covariance matrix implementation
Efficient computation of complex long multiplication results and an efficient calculation of a covariance matrix are described. A parallel array VLIW digital signal processor is employed along with specialized complex long multiplication instructions and communication operations between the processing elements which are overlapped with computation to provide very high performance operation. Successive iterations of a loop of tightly packed VLIWs may be used allowing the complex multiplication pipeline hardware to be efficiently used.
US08335808B2 Method and apparatus for processing multiple decomposed data for calculating key equation polynomials in decoding error correction code
The invention is a method of calculating a key equation polynomial. The key equation comprises an errata locator polynomial and an errata evaluator polynomial. The errata locator polynomial decomposes to a plurality of coefficients. Some or all of the plurality of coefficients are formed by adding up decomposed data. The method comprises a coefficient calculation procedure for the errata locator polynomial of updating at least two coefficients, or two decomposed data of the coefficient calculation procedure, or a combination of the above in a single clock cycle simultaneously to get the errata locator polynomial.
US08335806B2 Marking algorithm for garbage collection using a rescan map
A method for garbage collection, involving identifying a first object referenced by a second object, determining whether the address of the first object is lower than a pointer position, in response to determining that the address of the first object is lower than the pointer position, adding an identifier for the first object to a mark stack, determining whether a number of identifiers in the mark stack has reached a flush threshold, in response to determining that the number of identifiers in the mark stack has reached the flush threshold, setting a set of marks included in a mark bitmap to grey, setting a region field of a rescan map to indicate that a region of the mark bitmap includes any of the set of marks, and performing a rescan of the region based on the region field.
US08335805B2 Universal data management interface
A universal data management interface (UDMI) system includes a processing system generates a visual interface through which a user can access, manage, and manipulate data on plural different types of remote databases. The UDMI connects to multiple standard database management systems and to allow multiple users to access, manage, and manipulate data within each of the multiple standard database management systems. The UDMI also allows multiple virtual databases that reside in a single database to be available as a network service.
US08335802B2 Distributing repository information
A computer-implemented method of distributing information retrieved from one or more data repositories includes: invoking a producer method to generate a document using data retrieved from one or more data repositories; invoking a converter method to convert the generated document to an output format; and invoking a distributor method to distribute the converted document through a distribution channel. The methods may be implemented in a framework that allows flexible implementation of one or more additional methods. The methods may belong to respective producer, converter and distributor classes.
US08335801B2 System and method for matching content between sources
In a method and system for matching content between content sources, a first set of metadata describing a first content item is compared to a second set of metadata describing a second content item. Based on the comparing, an accuracy score is generated. The accuracy score indicates an amount of similarity between the first set of metadata and the second set of metadata. The accuracy score is compared to a predetermined accuracy threshold value. Based on the accuracy score being greater than or equal to the predetermined accuracy threshold value, a determination is made that the first content item and the second content item are a match. Based on the accuracy score being less than the predetermined accuracy threshold value, a determination is made that the first content item and the second content item are not a match.
US08335800B2 Querying markup language data sources using a relational query processor
An XML wrapper queries an XML document in an on-the-fly manner so that only parent nodes in the document that satisfy the query are extracted and then unnested. The parent nodes and associated descendent nodes are located using XPath expressions contained as options in data definition language (DDL) statements. The parent nodes satisfying the query and associated descendent nodes are extracted and stored outside of a database according to a relational schema. The wrapper facilitates applications that use convention SQL queries and views to operate on that information stored according to the relational schema. The wrapper also responds to query optimizer requests for costs associated with queries against external data sources associated with the wrapper.
US08335797B2 Document management server, document managing method, and program
An access control list, indicating contents of user operatable authorization, is set in an electronic file or folder stored in a document management server. The server receives from MFP a registering electronic file, location information of the electronic file and destination information including a notification destination user to which registration is notified. If no notification destination user is registered in ACL, the server transmits the notification of registration and the electronic file to PC of the notification destination user and receives a notification of electronic file reception from PC. The server sends the user in ACL a notification of notification destination user's reception of electronic file. In the case of multiple received electronic files and destination information, the server creates an acknowledgement mail describing link destination information specifying storage locations of electronic files, and transmits the mail to a transmission destination specified by destination information according to a designation signal.
US08335796B2 Recipe providing system and method thereof
A recipe providing system and a recipe providing method for presenting a suitable recipe that matches to a user request on specific foodstuff basis and/or specific cooking process basis. A recipe element storing unit stores a recipe element data related to recipes. The recipe elements are hierarchized according to cooking process of one recipe and each of the recipe element has link information to a finished-dish for which the recipe element is used. A recipe generating means retrieves/extracts recipe element data from the recipe element storing unit in accordance with user's recipe request, and generates a recipe. A recipe sending means sends the recipe generated by the recipe generating means to users.
US08335786B2 Multi-media content identification using multi-level content signature correlation and fast similarity search
A method is presented for large media data base query and media entry identification based on multi-level similarity search and reference-query entry correlation. Media content fingerprinting detects unique features and generates discriminative descriptors and signatures used to form preliminary reference data base. The preliminary reference data base is processed and a subset-set of it is selected to form a final reference data base. To identify a media query a fast similarity search is performed first on the reference database resulting in a preliminary set of likely matching videos. For each preliminary likely matching video a further multi-level correlation is performed which includes iterative refinement, sub-sequence merging, and final result classification.
US08335784B2 Visual search and three-dimensional results
Methods, systems, graphical user interfaces, and computer-readable media for visually searching and exploring a set of objects are provided. A computer system executes a method that generates three-dimensional representations or two-dimensional representations for a set of objects in response to a user interaction with an interface that displays the three-dimensional representations or the two-dimensional representations. The interface includes filter controls, sorting controls, and classification controls, which are dynamically altered based on the content of a user query or the attributes of the objects in the three-dimensional representations or two-dimensional representations.
US08335781B2 Optimization engine in a multi-tenant database system
More efficient querying of a multi-tenant database using dynamic tuning of database indices. A layer of meta-data associates data items with tenants, e.g., via tags, and the meta-data is used to optimize searches by channeling processing resources during a query to only those pieces of data bearing the relevant tenant's unique tag.
US08335779B2 Method and apparatus for gathering, categorizing and parameterizing data
An apparatus for and a method of gathering new data form a specific data source, categorizing this data into a hierarchical directory structure, and building parameters to further describe this data. A harvesting system is an application that can organize and locate external data; the harvesting system can be used to navigate, organize and locate this data. The harvesting system utilizes a defined data model, referred to as a core data structure, that describes the logical structure of the data. Within the core data structure are pointers, which refer back to the source data. The loading process can be manually done, or can be automatically accomplished using this harvesting process.
US08335777B2 Advanced directory services
Included are embodiments for providing advanced directory services. One embodiment of a method includes receiving categorical data related to a desired listing, wherein the categorical data is configured to describe at least one category associated with the listing, wherein the at least one listing includes at least one communications address. Other embodiments include receiving sub-categorical data related to the desired listing, wherein the sub-categorical data is configured to describe at least one sub-category associated with the at least one category. Still other embodiments include sending a search request for at least one listing, wherein the at least one listing is associated with the received categorical data and wherein the at least one listing is associated with the received sub-categorical data.
US08335774B2 Replacing a master media file
Methods, systems and program products for replacing a master media file. Data indicates characteristics of a first user's multiple media files. At least one of the multiple media files matches content in a master media file. The content in the matching media file is of a second quality that is higher than the first quality of the master media file. A server system stores the matching media file in place of the master media file. The server system receives a request from a second user for content matching the master media file, and accesses quality parameters that indicate the second user can access a version of the content at a third quality that is less than the second quality. A media file that contains the requested content at the third quality is generated and sent to the second user.
US08335768B1 Selecting data in backup data sets for grooming and transferring
A method for grooming a backup data set is disclosed. The method comprises receiving data associated with one or more restore points associated with the backup data set. The method further comprises automatically selecting one or more of said one or more restore points for retention, removal, or transfer.
US08335764B2 Multicast address search including multiple search modes
An information handling system (IHS) includes a network adapter having a hardware address store that stores multicast addresses and a device driver that stores multicast addresses in a software address store. When there is no more storage space available in the hardware address store for multicast addresses, the device driver stores multicast addresses in the software address store. When the IHS receives a multicast information packet, the network adapter searches the hardware address store for a multicast address corresponding to that multicast information packet. If the search of the hardware address store does not find that multicast address, then the device driver searches the software address store for that multicast address. The IHS may prioritize the multicast addresses in the hardware address store and the software address store on a most frequently used basis, a most recently used basis or a most popular basis. For example, the hardware address store may store addresses that are more frequently used than those in the software address store.
US08335760B1 Grid computing system to manage utility service content
A grid computing system for managing utility service content. A grid computing system comprises at least one node for storing utility service content and a repository for storing user profiles that define respective portions of the utility service content. The grid computing system further comprises a grid distributed resource manager coupled to the node storing the utility service content and the repository storing user profiles. The grid distributed resource manager is operable to access a requested portion of the utility service content from the node based on a received user profile.
US08335754B2 Representing a document using a semantic structure
A method, system and computer program product for generating a document representation are disclosed. The system includes a server and a client computer, and the method involves: receiving into memory a resource containing at least one sentence of text; producing a tree comprising tree elements indicating parts-of-speech and grammatical relations between the tree elements; producing semantic structures each having three tree elements to represent a simple clause (subject-predicate-object); and storing a semantic network of semantic structures and connections therebetween. The semantic network may be created from a user provided root concept. Output representations include concept maps, facts listings, text summaries, tag clouds, indices; and an annotated text. The system interactively modifies semantic networks in response to user feedback, and produces personal semantic networks and document use histories.
US08335750B1 Associative pattern memory with vertical sensors, amplitude sampling, adjacent hashes and fuzzy hashes
Pattern recognition based on associative pattern memory (APM) and properties of cycles generated by finite cellular automata. APM addresses (e.g., positions in a two dimensional array) represent states. Cycles are repeating sequences of addresses. Each state is mapped to a “randomly” selected region within the input pattern. Each feature extracted from this region determines one of many next states. All next states (one for each feature type) and all sampled regions are assigned to each state randomly upon APM initialization. The process progresses from state to state, sampling regions of the pattern until the state-transition sequence repeats (generates a cycle). Each feature pattern is represented by one cycle, however different cycles can be derived from one pattern depending on the initial state. Some embodiments use a refractory period assuring a minimum cycle length, making it likely that any given pattern yields only one cycle independent of the initial state.
US08335748B2 System and method for dimensional rating of a mailpiece
A mailing machine for the creation of mailpieces includes a print station and a transport system for passing a length of the label material through the print station to receive information on a face surface of the label material. A processor is adapted to store rating information based upon the weight and dimensions of the mailpiece and is operatively coupled to, and controls, the print station and transport system. In a first operating mode, the processor prints rating information on a length of label material, and in a second operating mode, the processor prints postage indicia on the face surface of the label material based upon the rating information for subsequent application to a mailpiece. In the second operating mode, the postage indicia may optionally be printed on the label material or directly on the face surface of the mailpiece envelope.
US08335741B2 System and method for interactively simulating a credit-worthiness score
A system and method is provided to allow a consumer to interactively explore his credit score by submitting hypothetical values based on his actual credit data. The system uses the consumer's real credit data and the submitted hypothetical values to calculate a simulated credit score based on a simulator scorecard. The consumer may then observe the changes in the resultant scores. The system and the scorecard may utilize fewer data elements than a complete credit-worthiness scorecard and may instead focus on the key elements affecting a consumer's credit score. The system may be implemented in part on a web server or as a stand-alone application. The system may also update the score dynamically as the consumer adjusts the hypothetical values or may require the consumer to affirmatively submit the new hypothetical data.
US08335736B2 Computer system and method for determining optimal asset allocation
A computer system is provided for selecting an asset allocation for an investment portfolio intended to produce a target payout starting at a target date. The computer system is programmed to receive inputs that may relate to the target payout, the target date and a nominal rate of contributions to the investment portfolio. The computer system calculates a plurality of simulated investment outcomes based on assumed investment return rates and assumed inflation rates. The assumed investment return rates and assumed inflation rates are randomly selected in multi-year clusters from historical data. The computer system selects the asset allocation based on relative performance of the assumed asset allocations in the simulated investment outcomes.
US08335729B2 Delivery and pricing information in exposure management
An exposure management system may include customizable pricing and delivery components interfacing with existing organizational systems and third party systems. The pricing component may enable an organization to enter variable pricing terms, such as customizable pricing formulas that depend on a published price averaged over time. Data used in the pricing formulas and terms may be obtained electronically from various sources. The delivery component may enable the exposure management system to measure risks associated with split or periodic deliveries. The delivery component may also interface with existing systems, such as ERP, CRM, and inventory management systems, to verify that deliveries actually occurred. Methods and devices are provided.
US08335727B2 Group content on demand access control
Digital content on demand (CoD) is provided under a group purchase option that permits separately located users to receive access on demand to a desired content with group-related benefits including discounted price discount or synchronized viewing.
US08335725B2 Methods for determining customer motivations in purchasing decisions
Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining motivator counts associated with purchase selections are presented herein. A data store can be configured to store purchase selections of respective products. A server can be configured to determine an incremental purchase time between a first purchase selection of the purchase selections and a second purchase selection of the purchase selections. Further, the server can be configured to determine a standard deviation of incremental purchase times between respective purchase selections of the purchase selections. Furthermore, the server can be configured to increment a prime motivator count associated with the second purchase selection based on the incremental purchase time and the standard deviation.
US08335722B2 Local shopping and inventory
Estimating product inventory comprises determining a rate of sales events for a product and an amount of time that has elapsed since a previous product availability estimate fro the product. Then, a new product availability estimate for the product is determined based on the rate sales events for the product. The rate of sales events for the product can be determined based on product data feeds from the merchant or other sales data.
US08335718B2 Content item slot scheduling
Content item presentation slots (e.g., advertisement slots) can be grouped into a slot group so that more than one presenter (e.g., advertiser) can share a corresponding number of slots on the publisher's property over a defined time period. The presenters can be scheduled to the slots within the slot group to maximize a performance measurement (e.g., number of clicks) that each presenter realizes according to budget constraints that are defined by the presenters.
US08335716B2 Multimedia advertisement exchange
An advertisement exchange obtains characteristics associated with multimedia advertisements such as commercial slots in a commercial pod, banners in a video, announcements in an audio program, etc. Characteristics may include demographic information, advertisement type, survey information, etc. Advertisement slots are offered with information on advertisement slot characteristics and may be selected, purchased, exchanged, and analyzed by advertisers, individuals, corporations, and firms. Advertisement slot characteristics may be changed in real-time as placement of advertisements in surrounding slots changes the characteristics of a particular slot. Advertisements may be automatically matched with advertisement slots based on advertisement slot characteristics and advertisement characteristics.
US08335714B2 Identification of users for advertising using data with missing values
A method and system for identifying users for advertising. Users, attributes, and first web sites provided by ISPs accessed by the users are identified. First data including content of the first web sites and user time spent thereon are received from ISPs and analyzed to determine first attribute values indicative of user interest. Second data received from ISPs include content of second web sites and user time spent thereon. Second attribute values, derived from questionnaires completed by the users, indicate interest in each attribute by each user. Third attribute values are determined by combining the first and second attribute values. The third attribute values are processed to identify users to which a product or service may be advertised. The identified users are communicated to a service provider or product provider. The first, second, or third attribute values may have missing values, which are determined by correlation and linear regression.
US08335713B2 Providing reciprocal links in webpage development system
A method of assisting a website designer in establishing an arrangement between a first website being designed by the website designer and a second website in order to market the first website at the second website upon the activation of the first website on the internet is provided. The method includes, during design of the first website, receiving information at a user interface indicating a type of an element for marketing that is to be displayed at the second website, and information specifying the second website at which the element is to be displayed; saving the information at a first database that is coupled to the user interface; obtaining the element for marketing of the type indicated; and causing the display of the element for marketing at the second website when the first website is activated with respect to the internet. The element for marketing includes at least one of a banner ad concerning the first website and a link to the first website. Further provided is a method of assisting a website designer in establishing an e-commerce feature on a first website being designed by the website designer for access by third parties upon the activation of the first website on the internet, wherein the e-commerce feature is at least one of a shopping cart and an auction.
US08335711B2 Method of assessing a parking fee based upon vehicle make and model
A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes providing a vehicle registration card containing a vehicle make and model and a parking fee collection device. The parking fee collection device has an associated database containing a parking fee charged for each vehicle make and model. The vehicle make and model is entered into the parking fee collection device for a selected vehicle and a parking fee is assessed based upon the vehicle make and model.
US08335710B2 Unidirectionally protected, fully automated asset allocation and asset monitoring apparatuses, and a corresponding method
A computer-aided asset allocation and asset monitoring apparatus comprising a unidirectional, data-protected control signal apparatus, in which data from locally arranged, protected databases can be transferred via a network to the asset allocation and asset monitoring apparatus and can be evaluated and in which electronic control signals and/or control data can be transmitted to at least one authorized receiver station.
US08335704B2 Methods and apparatus for work management and routing
Methods and apparatus for service-level based and/or skills-based assignment of a work item to one (or more) of a plurality of resources based on fitness, for example, of skills required by the former to those provided by the latter. Assignment takes into account the level of stress on the work item and/or resources, such that the number of resources fit for assignment varies as the level of stress varies. Systems according to the invention can be used, by way of example, to route a call or other request made by a customer to a service center. The requirements for processing the call (determined, for example, by an incoming call operator) are matched against the skill sets of available customer service agents, taking call and/or resource stress levels into account. For example, some implementations may match an incoming call having a low stress factor (e.g., a newly received call from a standard customer) to a smaller pool of agents with both required and desired skills, while assigning a call with a higher stress factor to a larger pool of agents with at least required skills. Other embodiments may match an incoming call having a low stress factor to the larger pool of agents having at least the required skills, while assigning a call with a higher stress factor (e.g., a call from a priority customer) to an agent from the smaller pool of agents who have both required and desired skills.
US08335701B1 System and method for determining opportunities and peer information for insurance policies
Systems and methods for providing insurance companies with historical data indicating their placement results versus peer insurance companies with a broker and proactively identify upcoming policy opportunities from a broker. The systems and methods configured to store placement information for insurance policies, receive policy criteria selection information from a user, wherein at least a portion of the policy criteria selection information is unique to an insurance company associated with the user, determine opportunity information based on the policy criteria selection information, the opportunity information including data for insurance policies that are one of scheduled to expire and scheduled for submission to insurance companies within a predetermined time frame, determine historical information based on the policy criteria selection information, the historical information including performance metrics for the insurance company and average performance metrics for peer insurance companies and provide the opportunity information and historical information to the user.
US08335696B2 Indexed competition health care network method
There is provided a method for producing a price competitive health care system. A website, which is hosted on a computer server, is created for establishing a health care network. Providers are solicited to join the health care network and a plurality of providers apply by sending applications, including credentials, to the website from the providers' computers via the internet. The credentials of the providers are examined. Those with appropriate credentials are approved. The approved providers send to the website a number equal to the percentage of a known index which the approved providers are willing to charge for their goods and/or services. The website is accessed by patients who may be interested in purchasing the services or the goods of one or more of the approved providers, which access is accomplished from the patients' computers via the internet.
US08335691B2 Attaching audio generated scripts to graphical representations of applications
A computer implemented method, a computer program product, and a data processing system attach audio generated scripts to graphical representations of applications. A mobile device records an audio instruction. The mobile device then converts the audio instruction into a command script and associates the command script with a document identifier. The mobile device then forwards the document identifier and the associated command script to a target location. The command script can then be utilized at the target location to make changes to a document identified by the document identifier.
US08335688B2 Document transcription system training
A system is provided for training an acoustic model for use in speech recognition. In particular, such a system may be used to perform training based on a spoken audio stream and a non-literal transcript of the spoken audio stream. Such a system may identify text in the non-literal transcript which represents concepts having multiple spoken forms. The system may attempt to identify the actual spoken form in the audio stream which produced the corresponding text in the non-literal transcript, and thereby produce a revised transcript which more accurately represents the spoken audio stream. The revised, and more accurate, transcript may be used to train the acoustic model, thereby producing a better acoustic model than that which would be produced using conventional techniques, which perform training based directly on the original non-literal transcript.
US08335684B2 Interchangeable noise feedback coding and code excited linear prediction encoders
A system and method for encoding and decoding speech signals that includes a specially-designed Code Excited Linear Prediction (CELP) encoder and a vector quantization (VQ) based Noise Feedback Coding (NFC) decoder or that includes a specially-designed VQ-based NFC encoder and a CELP decoder. The VQ based NFC decoder may be a VQ based two-stage NFC (TSNFC) decoder. The specially-designed VQ-based NFC encoder may be a specially-designed VQ based TSNFC encoder. In each system, the encoder receives an input speech signal and encodes it to generate an encoded bit stream. The decoder receives the encoded bit stream and decodes it to generate an output speech signal. A system and method is also described in which a single decoder receives and decodes both CELP-encoded audio signals as well as VQ-based NFC-encoded audio signals.
US08335683B2 System for using statistical classifiers for spoken language understanding
The present invention involves using one or more statistical classifiers in order to perform task classification on natural language inputs. In another embodiment, the statistical classifiers can be used in conjunction with a rule-based classifier to perform task classification.
US08335676B2 Method for calculating force acting on interface between immiscible fluids in fluid simulation
A method for calculating a force acting on an interface between immiscible fluids in an SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) based fluid simulation includes: calculating a force caused by viscosities of the fluids; calculating a force caused by pressures of the fluids; calculating an external force applied to the fluids from outside; and calculating an interactive force caused by interaction between the fluids. The force acting on the interface between the immiscible fluids are obtained by using sum of the force caused by the viscosities, the force caused by the pressures, the external force and the interactive force. The interactive force is a surface tensional force calculated based on a pressure acting on the interface between the fluids.
US08335673B2 Modeling complex hiearchical systems across space and time
A system model of a real-world system includes a multi-level hierarchy of Capabilities, where each Capability includes a Verb specifying an action and an Object acted on by the Verb. The system model also contains one or more multi-level Performer hierarchies, where each Performer hierarchy includes a plurality of Performers each having an associated lifecycle and at least one associated Capability provided or required by the Performer. In addition, a multi-level Location hierarchy associates one of a plurality of Locations with each Performer. A plurality of Capability Instances define requirement and provision of Capabilities by Performers in the one or more multi-level Performer hierarchies. In response to a query specifying a Location and a time, a view of the system model for the specified Location and time is output.
US08335670B2 Probabilistic uncertainty estimator
A system for determining the calibration factor uncertainty of a radiation sensor. A computing device accepts a mathematical model of the sensor, sample, and other items affecting the calibration factor, wherein each known mathematical model parameter is assigned its normal dimensions or values and each not-well-known parameter is assigned a variable with an upper and lower limit, and a shape parameter that describes the parameter may vary within or about the limits. Random values consistent with the upper and lower limits and shape parameters for each of the variable parameters in the model are then selected, to create a mathematical model of one possible variation of source-detector measurement configuration. The selection and calibration factor computation are then repeated a large number of times and statistical parameters describing the calibration factor and uncertainty are then computed. Another embodiment performs the steps at different energies for spectroscopic detectors.
US08335666B2 Three-dimensional model data generating method, and three dimensional model data generating apparatus
An apparatus 1 for generating three-dimensional model data is provided with: two CCD cameras 13 and 14 for imaging an attached object attached to a machine tool to generate two-dimensional image data; a first model-data storing section 19 for storing model data of the attached object, a second model-data storing section 21 for storing the model data related to at least a part of the machine tool; an edge detecting section 17 for detecting edges; a shape-feature recognizing section 18 for recognizing a shape feature; an object recognizing section 20 for recognizing the model data of the attached object imparted with the recognized shape feature; and a model-data generating section 22 for generating three-dimensional model data including the attached object and a part of the machine tool.
US08335664B2 Method and system for artifact reduction
A method is presented for obtaining characteristics of a target physical entity by providing an excitation signal to the target physical entity and simultaneously measuring the response of the target physical entity. Analog signal processing is performed on the measured response to eliminate artifacts arising from a signal path outside the target physical entity and determining the characteristics from the signal processed measured response. The excitation signal and the analog signal processing are selected such that after analog signal processing of the measured signal, the analog measured signal contains artifacts which are localized in time.
US08335655B2 Intelligent saturation control for compound specific optimization of MRM
Mass spectrometer parameters used to tune a mass spectrometer for multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) are determined from a single injection of a sample. Two or more precursor ion scans and a plurality of product ion scans for each precursor ion scan are performed from the injection. Each precursor ion scan is produced with different mass spectrometer parameters that create a different level of ion current. The mass spectra of the precursor ion scans are analyzed to determine if saturation has occurred in any of the precursor ion scans. A precursor ion scan that produces the highest ion current with the least amount of saturation is selected. The mass spectrometer parameters used to tune the mass spectrometer for MRM are determined from (1) the mass spectrometer parameters of the selected precursor ion scan and (2) the mass spectrometer parameters of product ion scans from fragments of the selected precursor ion scan.
US08335653B2 System and method of evaluating crop management
A method of and system for evaluating performance of a plant population in an area of interest is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving input data from a user, the input data representative of at least one management parameter in the group consisting of: a total plant population in a selected sampling sub-area, a spacing of an individual plant relative to a nearest adjacent plant in the sampling sub-area, and a maturity of the individual plant relative to the nearest adjacent plant in the sampling sub-area. The system analyzes the input data in accordance with a mathematical model having an objective function for predicting a performance of a plant stand represented by a net effective plant population reduced from a benchmark plant population by deduction factors related to at least one of the management parameters.
US08335652B2 Self-improving identification method
A self-improving identification method classifies specimens based on class identifiers. The system stores specimen profiles in a database that is updated with additional specimen profiles and with follow-up data that corrects classification of specimens that were initially incorrectly classified. Algorithms use the updated database to discover new class identifiers, modify thresholds of known class identifiers, and drop unnecessary class identifiers to improve classification of specimens.
US08335651B2 Estimation of propagation angles of seismic waves in geology with application to determination of propagation velocity and angle-domain imaging
The invention relates to methods and computer-readable medium to implement computing the propagation velocity of seismic waves in the earth. The invention computes the propagation velocity of seismic waves in the earth, which is a condition of obtaining an accurate image of subsurface geology that can be used to prospect for oil and gas deposits. In an embodiment, the method in a host of determining the propagation angles of reflected seismic waves, including inputting data representing reflected seismic waves, inputting a propagation velocity field, computing propagation direction vectors of a source wave field and a receiver wave field using a downward continuation Fourier domain shot record migration using the data representing the reflected seismic waves and the propagation velocity field, and transforming the propagation direction vectors into propagation angles of reflected seismic waves.
US08335647B2 Navigation based on popular user-defined paths
A device receives, from one or more user devices, one or more user-defined paths associated with a starting point and a destination point, and receives, from the one or more user devices, information associated with the one or more user-defined paths. The device also aggregates the one or more user-defined paths and the associated information, and determines one or more popular paths based on the aggregation of the one or more user-defined paths and the associated information, where the one or more popular paths are capable of being utilized by the one or more user devices for selection of a path for navigation.
US08335643B2 Point of interest search, identification, and navigation
A computer-implemented navigation method for identifying one or more points of interest (POI) in a geographic location includes calculating a navigation route and receiving a reference point input. The reference point input may be unrelated to the navigation route and usable for identifying one or more POIs. The method further includes receiving one or more search parameters for searching for one or more POIs with respect to the reference point and identifying the one or more POIs based on the search parameters and reference point. The method also includes presenting the one or more POIs on a vehicle computer display.
US08335641B2 Route guidance systems, methods, and programs
Systems, methods, and programs search for a route to a destination and set a recommended travel lane, based on the searched for route. The systems, methods, and programs provide lane guidance to lead the vehicle into the recommended lane. The systems, methods, and programs receive a current position of the vehicle and determine a movement direction of the vehicle, based on the received current position and the recommended lane. The systems, methods, and programs determine whether to provide lane guidance based on the movement direction of the vehicle.
US08335639B2 Method and device for controlling the drive of a motor vehicle
A method and a device for controlling the drive of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine (ICE) have a control device to which operating parameters of the drive and parameters influencing the driving operation of the motor vehicle are supplied. On the basis of these parameters the control device enables or terminates the implementation of fuel consumption reduction measures (STST) if specific parameter constellations are present. During the operation of the vehicle the number and/or the duration the possible fuel consumption reduction measures and fuel consumption reduction measures actually carried out are/is determined and the number and/or the duration of the possible fuel consumption reduction measures and the number and/or the duration of the fuel consumption reduction measures actually carried out are/is correlated. From this, a variable (R) is determined which represents a measure for the implementation of the possible fuel consumption reduction measures.
US08335638B2 Systems and methods for displaying off screen traffic
A system according to aspects of the present invention includes a processor, a user interface (including a display) in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory to present a first symbol on the display of the user interface that indicates the bearing to an off-scale vehicle, and to present a second symbol on the display that indicates the path of travel of the off-scale vehicle. The present invention provides a more accurate representation of the bearing and track of off-scale traffic compared to conventional traffic display systems.
US08335636B2 System and method for remotely modifying vehicle operations
A method and control system for controlling an engine in a vehicle includes broadcasting a control signal including instructions for modification of a vehicle parameter to the vehicle during operation of the engine.
US08335634B2 Transient combustion noise control in a hybrid powertrain including an HCCI engine
A method for controlling a direct injection internal combustion engine and a torque machine configured to transfer torque to a driveline responsive to an operator torque request includes operating the direct injection internal combustion engine to transfer torque to the driveline, monitoring the operator torque request, determining a time constant associated with the operator torque request, detecting a fast transient condition associated with the operator torque request, providing a restricted engine torque command as a function of the operator torque request and the time constant, and during fast transient conditions controlling engine operation to achieve the restricted engine torque command, and operating the torque machine responsive to a motor torque command, the motor torque command corresponding to a difference between the operator torque request and the restricted engine torque command.
US08335632B2 Engine boost control for multi-fuel engine
A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine and a method of operating the fuel delivery system is described. As one example, the method includes delivering a first fuel blend from a first fuel tank to the engine; delivering a second fuel blend from a second fuel tank to the engine, the proportion of said second fuel blend delivered to the engine to said first fuel blend delivered to the engine being related to the desired engine output; transferring said first fuel blend from said first fuel tank to said second fuel tank to prevent an amount of said first fuel blend and said second fuel blend in said second fuel tank from falling below a predetermined level; and boosting air delivered to the engine, the amount of boosting being related to latent heat of vaporization of said second fuel blend delivered to the engine.
US08335629B2 Method for controlling a fuel valve and/or an air valve for an internal combustion engine
A method for controlling a valve of a crank case scavenged internal combustion engine includes determining a valve control sequence, wherein the valve is controlled in consecutive periods of revolutions each having a period length of at least ten revolutions, and controlling the valve according to the valve control sequence to adjust the ratio of fuel to air in a combustible mixture delivered to an engine combustion chamber. Determining the valve control sequence for each period includes providing a number of valve shut-off positions, wherein the number of valve shut-off positions corresponds to an amount of fuel or air to be supplied to the engine during the corresponding period, and determining which revolutions of the period that the valve is to be closed.
US08335623B2 Method and apparatus for remediation of and recovery from a clutch slip event in a hybrid powertrain system
A method for operating a powertrain, including an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine, includes monitoring slip across a selectively applied clutch within the transmission to indicate a clutch slip event, and if the monitoring indicates the clutch slip event decreasing a load across the selectively applied clutch by reducing torque of at least one of the engine and the electric machine, in order to reduce the slip, thereby ending the clutch slip event.
US08335617B2 Sensor detection controller and occupant detection apparatus having the same
A sensor detection controller is used in combination with a capacitive sensor that is mounted on a seat of a vehicle in such a manner that a capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes according to whether the seat is occupied. The sensor detection controller has a fault detection mode and a normal detection mode. The sensor detection controller includes a signal source for applying an amplitude signal to the capacitive sensor, a switch for switching a signal path, through which the amplitude signal is applied, between the fault detection mode and the normal detection mode, a signal detector for detecting a change in a voltage or a current of the amplitude signal when the amplitude signal is applied, and an impedance member connected to the signal path.
US08335616B2 Individualizable post-crash assist system
A method for predicting potential injury assessment for at least one occupant of a vehicle involved in a crash event and for broadcasting assessment of the occupant to a medical response unit. An occupant seated in each seat of a vehicle is detected. Occupant data is obtained relating to physical characteristics of each occupant seated in the vehicle. A crash event involving the vehicle is detected. Vehicle dynamic data and safety restraint data during the crash event is recorded. The potential injury assessment of each occupant is predicted by an injury assessment processing module based on the vehicle dynamic data and safety restraint data obtained during the crash event and the occupant data of each occupant in the vehicle. The corresponding injury assessment of each occupant of the vehicle is broadcast to a medical response unit.
US08335614B2 Method for controlling a belt pretensioner and safety arrangement comprising a belt pretensioner
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a reversible seat belt pretensioner in a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of detecting the speed and the steering angle of the vehicle, calculating an expected turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis from the speed and the steering angle and calculating an upper and a lower turning rate limiting value using the expected turning rate, detecting the actual turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis and activating the seat belt pretensioner of the vehicle if the actual turning rate of the vehicle is greater than the upper turning rate limiting value or is less than the lower turning rate limiting value. The present invention also relates to a safety arrangement for implementing the method according to the invention.
US08335609B2 Method and system for exposing and recording embedded avionics data
A method of exposing and recording embedded avionics data using dynamically assigned labels assigns a first plurality of data labels to aircraft controller parameters designated for at least one aircraft sub-controller. A second plurality of data labels are dynamically assigned to desired embedded parameters of an aircraft main controller. At least one data word storing one of the desired embedded parameters is created. The at least one data word has one of the second plurality of data labels. The at least one data word is exposed by transmitting the at least one data word to a selective recording device. The selective recording device records the at least one data word.
US08335607B2 Method and apparatus for linking electric drive vehicles
In one embodiment a control system for linking a plurality of electrically driven road vehicles together is disclosed, the control system having: a coupling input and a coupling output disposed on each of the plurality of vehicles, each coupling input of each vehicle being configured to releasably engage each coupling output of another vehicle to provide a mechanical and electrical coupling of the plurality of vehicles together; and a control system located on each of the plurality of vehicles, the control system communicating with the coupling input and the coupling output to detect when the coupling input or the coupling output is engaged with another vehicle via a respective coupling input or coupling output, the control system being further configured to operate in a lead vehicle mode or a trailing vehicle mode when the control system detects that the coupling input or the coupling output is engaged with another vehicle, wherein the lead vehicle mode causes the control system of the lead vehicle to control another vehicle coupled to the lead vehicle and the trailing vehicle mode causes the control system to be controlled by the lead vehicle coupled to the vehicle.
US08335603B2 Vehicle, control method of vehicle, and driving apparatus
Upon the occurrence of the abnormality that the inverter for driving the motor is in the one-phase short circuited state, this inverter is stopped in the three-phase short circuited state and sets the execution torque by subtracting the counter electromotive force application torque that is applied the driveshaft due to the counter electromotive force generated by rotation of the motor and the steering angle application torque corresponding to the steering angle from the torque demand according to the step-on amount of the accelerator pedal. The engine and the inverter for driving the motor is controlled so that the vehicle is driven with the set execution torque. This enables the driving force output to the driveshaft from the engine and the motor to be in accordance with the torque demand.
US08335602B2 System and method for controlling a hybrid power propulsion unit for a permanent four wheel drive mode operation
A system for controlling a power propulsion unit of a hybrid type for a four-wheel-drive automotive vehicle that includes at least one electric motor part and at least one thermal engine part capable of driving the independent front and rear driving axles of the vehicle. The system includes a mechanism determining total torque set point from a request of the driver, a mechanism distributing the total torque set point, and a system optimizing the duty point, to dynamically determine the torques to be applied to each of the two driving axles and to optimize fuel consumption of the power propulsion group according to the drivability requested by the driver and driving conditions.
US08335601B2 System and method of automated fault analysis and diagnostic testing of an aircraft
A system for automated fault analysis and execution of post-flight or pre-flight tests for an aircraft is provided. The system includes a maintenance test client system onboard the aircraft, and a ground-based maintenance test server system that is remote from the aircraft. The maintenance test client system is configured to collect fault data for the aircraft, and to wirelessly transmit the fault data to the ground-based maintenance test server system after the aircraft has landed. The ground-based maintenance test server system is configured to receive the fault data, to generate a test checklist that is influenced by the fault data, and to transmit the test checklist to the maintenance test client system. The maintenance test client system wirelessly receives the test checklist, and initiates execution of at least one test specified in the test checklist.
US08335598B2 System and method for detecting radio frequency signals and controlling vehicle operations in response thereto
A system for determining the location of a portable wireless device with respect to a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a plurality of antennas and a controller. The antennas are positioned about the vehicle for receiving a wireless signal from the portable wireless device. The portable wireless device for being carried by a user and the wireless signal corresponding to at least one of a command and status related to a predetermined vehicle operation. The controller for being operably coupled to each antenna. The controller being configured to generate a location signal indicative of the location of the portable wireless device based on an arrival time of the wireless signal at one or more antennas of the plurality of antennas. The controller being configured to perform the predetermined vehicle operation based on the location signal.
US08335597B2 Remote-controlled mobile machine using flexible shafts
A remote-controlled mobile machine has a pair of flexible shafts (10) formed by inserting torque transmission driving wires (11) into tubes (12). One ends of the flexible shafts (10) are respectively connected to power sources (2), and the other ends thereof are respectively connected to a pair of left and right crawler mechanisms (102). The crawler mechanisms (102) are driven/controlled by remote control via the flexible shafts (10) to make the mobile machine travel.
US08335594B2 Wind farm capable of staggered disconnection
The invention relates to a method of operating a wind farm intended for connection to an electric power network, which wind farm includes at least three wind turbine generator systems. At least one actual value for a wind speed or a parameter associated with wind speed is determined for each wind turbine generator system which are divided at least temporarily into predetermined groups. A first disconnect value is assigned to one group of wind turbine generator systems and a second different disconnect value is assigned to a second group of wind turbine generator systems. Actual values are assigned to disconnect values, and compared thereto. When the actual value exceeds the disconnect value the associated group of wind turbine generator systems is automatically disconnected.
US08335591B2 Robot apparatus and method of controlling the same
A robot apparatus has a multi-link structure including a plurality of links and joints serving as link movable sections, and in which at least some of the links are driven by combination of position control and force control. The apparatus includes: position controller performing position control on the links, which are driven by position control and force control; position controller with force constraint placing the force control before the position control so as not to cause a magnitude of an external force to exceed a set value; force controller performing the force control on the links; and integrated force/position controller controlling driving of the joints by switching the position controller, the position controller with force constraint, and the force controller, and unifying the position control and the force control.
US08335590B2 System and method for adjusting an image capturing device attribute using an unused degree-of-freedom of a master control device
An image capturing device is robotically positioned and oriented in response to operator manipulation of a master control device. An unused degree-of-freedom of the master control device is used to adjust an attribute such as focusing of the image capturing device relative to a continually updated set-point. A deadband is provided to avoid inadvertent adjusting of the image capturing device attribute and haptic feedback is provided back to the master control device so that the operator is notified when adjusting of the attribute is initiated.
US08335588B2 Multi-lidded dispensing cartridge system
A cartridge for use in a dispensing system is disclosed. The cartridge includes a body having an exterior and a plurality of bins. A plurality of lids are movably attached to the body and are configured to cover a bin. A release mechanism is movable along an axis. A plurality of latches are movably attached to the body. Each latch is configured to secure the respective lid when in a first position and to release the respective lid when in a second position. The release mechanism will not cause a latch to move to the second position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a first direction. The release mechanism will cause a single latch to move to the second position while leaving the remaining latches in the first position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a second direction.
US08335586B2 Automatic vending machine
There is provided an automatic vending machine having a vending machine main unit, a gas supply unit furnished with a discharge mechanism section for discharging a gas, and a control means for controlling operation of the vending machine main unit and gas supply unit. The vending machine main unit and the gas supply unit are interconnected via the control means. The gas supply unit includes a cup-shaped breathing member to discharge gas toward the customer.
US08335583B2 Embroidery data generating device and computer-readable medium storing embroidery data generating program
An embroidery data generating apparatus that generates embroidery data for an embroidery pattern includes a boundary line acquisition device that acquires boundary line data that is data that specifies a boundary line that surrounds a closed region, a unit area arrangement device that contiguously arranges first unit areas over the entire closed region, each of the first unit areas being a rectangular area that includes a unit line segment, a coverage rate computation device that computes a coverage rate that is a ratio of the closed region in each of the first unit areas, a determination device that determines whether a stitch will be formed on the unit line segment in each of the first unit areas, based on the coverage rate, and an embroidery data generating device that generates the embroidery data for the embroidery pattern that is formed by the cross-stitches.
US08335577B2 Method of generating advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) source code and chipset using the same
A chipset for an audio player supporting Bluetooth advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP). The chipset comprises first and second processors. The first processor reads audio source data from a storage device and performs a first part of advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) source encoding. The second processor is coupled to the first processor and performs a second part of the advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) source encoding. The first and second processors collectively act as a Bluetooth host.
US08335576B1 Methods and apparatus for bridging an audio controller
The present invention enables the transparent bridging of an audio controller over a network between a host PC and a remote user interface system by providing a host module that presents the interface of an audio controller to a system bus of a host computer and a remote module that presents an audio link interface to codecs in a remote system. By bridging the controller at these interfaces, the effects of network delays and data loss can be controlled inside the user's human perception limits without introducing signal timing problems at the two specified interfaces.
US08335574B2 Power controlling device and methods of use
A device for controlling power comprising a power source input, at least one power contact or outlet, a power control relay, a digital signal input port and a digital signal detector. The device controls power from the power source input to the at least one power contact or outlet by operation of the power control relay. The power control relay opens or closes based on the presence of a digital signal or lack thereof. The detection of the presence of the digital signal or the lack thereof is accomplished by the digital signal detector electrically coupled to the digital signal input port. Detection of a digital signal may be accomplished by using one or more Ethernet signal detectors capable of detecting data transmission or the presence of PoE. Additionally, a method is taught to control power to power consuming devices by using the aforementioned device.
US08335573B2 Safety-oriented control system
For the purpose of controlling safety functions as part of a system controller which is not oriented to safety functions in an automation system, the invention provides safety modules having a sound functionality and provides a safety protocol which transmits data in the form of safety messages, wherein input and output parameters from each safety module are encapsulated by the safety protocol, and the individual safety modules are logically combined with one another in terms of data and flow by means of a data transmission link in line with the system's safety functions which are to be controlled, the data interchange taking place between the safety modules on the basis of the safety protocol.
US08335570B2 Electrical stimulation leads having RF compatibility and methods of use and manufacture
An implantable lead has an inner core, a plurality of coiled conductor guides, and a plurality of conductors. The inner core defines a plurality of lumens. Each coiled conductor guide defines a plurality of helical lumens. Each coiled conductor guide is disposed in a coiled arrangement over a portion of the inner core. Each of the conductors electrically couples at least one electrode to at least one terminal. At least one of the conductors includes a plurality of units. Each unit includes a first conductor segment extending along the inner core from a beginning point to a first position, a coiled conductor segment disposed at least partially in one of the lumens of the coiled conductor guides and extending from the first position to the second position, and a second conductor segment extending along the inner core from the second position to an endpoint.
US08335569B2 External device for communicating with an implantable medical device having data telemetry and charging integrated in a single housing
An improved embodiment of an external device for an implantable medical device system is described herein, where the external device has both circuitry for charging the implantable medical device and circuitry for telemetering data to and from the medical implant contained within a single housing. The external device in one embodiment includes orthogonal radiators in which both the radiators are used for data transfer, and in which at least one of the radiators is used for power transfer. Having charging and data telemetry circuitry fully integrated within a single external device conveniences both patient and clinician.
US08335568B2 Controlling therapy based on sleep quality
A medical device, such as an implantable medical device (IMD), determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep, and controls delivery of a therapy based on the sleep quality metric values. For example, the medical device may compare a sleep quality metric value with one or more threshold values, and adjust the therapy based on the comparison. In some embodiments, the medical device adjusts the intensity of therapy based on the comparison, e.g., increases the therapy intensity when the comparison indicates that the patient's sleep quality is poor. In some embodiments, the medical device automatically selects one of a plurality of therapy parameter set available for use in delivering therapy based on a comparison sleep quality metric values associated with respective therapy parameter sets within the plurality of available therapy parameter sets.
US08335561B1 Quantitative method for assessment of excessive daytime sleepiness
The present invention relates to a method of analyzing a subject for excessive daytime sleepiness, and more particularly to a quick (short duration), quantitative method of sleep disorder analysis. The present invention additionally relates to a method that can be used to quantitatively measure the treatment endpoints for the subject, i.e., appropriate levels of stimulants. Additionally, the present invention relates to a device for sleep disorder analysis.
US08335555B2 Radial reflection diffraction tomography
A wave-based tomographic imaging method and apparatus based upon one or more rotating radially outward oriented transmitting and receiving elements have been developed for non-destructive evaluation. At successive angular locations at a fixed radius, a predetermined transmitting element can launch a primary field and one or more predetermined receiving elements can collect the backscattered field in a “pitch/catch” operation. A Hilbert space inverse wave (HSIW) algorithm can construct images of the received scattered energy waves using operating modes chosen for a particular application. Applications include, improved intravascular imaging, bore hole tomography, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of parts having existing access holes.
US08335552B2 Method and apparatus for instrument placement
When delivering a therapy to a patient, such as a drug to a brain of a patient, an optimized delivery point can be selected. The optimized point can be based on physics, physiology, and pharmacology. The optimized point can be used for planning a surgical navigation procedure.
US08335551B2 Method and means for connecting a large number of electrodes to a measuring device
A picafina device that is an electrode for measurement of neuron electrical activity where the number of measurement points is very large, and methods of selecting a subset of available measuring electrodes on the surface of the device. The device can keep the selection for a predetermined length of time, or for an indefinite length of time, both under control of the researcher or the neurosurgeon. Selecting a different measuring pad, or a combination of pads, is equivalent to making measurement at a different location or on a nearby neuron. Several parallel measurements can be made, in which case correlations can be made between the firing of different neurons.
US08335550B2 Optical sensor device and image processing unit for measuring chemical concentrations, chemical saturations and biophysical parameters
Optical sensor devices, image processing devices, methods and computer readable code computer-readable storage media for detecting biophysical parameters, chemical concentrations, chemical saturations, vital signs and physiological information such as a malignant condition are provided. The optical sensor includes an array of photodetectors, where each photodetector is configured to detect a spectrum of light. Exemplary physiological parameters include but are not limited to a pulse rate, a biophysical or physiological property of skin, a cardiovascular property, a property related to an organ such as the liver or the kidneys, and a temperature fluctuation. Alternatively one or more parameters are detected from a food item such as food tissue, a consumable beverage such as an alcoholic beverage, a dairy product, wine, a baked good, a fruit and a vegetable.
US08335549B2 Method for power management of mobile communication terminal and mobile communication terminal using this method
A power management method of a mobile communication terminal may include sensing a characteristic of a battery coupled to the mobile communication terminal, providing a power-off suspend mode for the mobile communication terminal when the sensed battery characteristic falls below a predetermined value, and further sensing the characteristic of the battery while the mobile communication terminal is in the power-off suspend mode. This may include performing a reset of the mobile communication terminal when the further sensed characteristic rises above the predetermined value while the mobile communication terminal is in the power-off suspend mode, and performing a power-off of the mobile communication terminal when the further sensed characteristic remains below the predetermined value for a prescribed time while the mobile communication terminal is in the power-off suspend mode.
US08335547B2 System and method for providing discharge authorization to a battery-powered vehicle via a telematics system
The described method and system allows for the utilization of a telematics unit on a telematics-equipped vehicle to prevent the unauthorized discharge of a vehicle battery. A user may communicate an authorization request for allowing discharge of the vehicle battery through a telematics unit or telematics service provider (TSP) call center. If approved by the TSP call enter or telematics unit, an authorization, which may include an authorization code, is communicated to a charge controller which controls the discharge of the vehicle battery. Alternatively, the user may communicate an authorization code directly to the telematics unit which passes it on to the charge controller for approval.
US08335543B1 Content management in wireless devices with saving of content settings
A method of managing media content such as games, ring tones, screen savers and other media content stored in a wireless device, e.g. cellular phone, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of storing media content in a memory in the wireless device in a content file, separately storing settings for the media content in the memory in a settings file, and deleting the content file while simultaneously preserving storage of the settings file. The content file may be deleted in response to user action or in response to a timer expiring. If the user attempts to access deleted content, they are prompted to repurchase the content. If the content is repurchased, the saved content settings may be re-applied automatically to the repurchased content.
US08335540B2 Method and GSM system for realizing flat mobile communication, and enhanced base station
The present invention discloses an enhanced base station, which includes a Um interface functional module (1), a base station functional module (2), a controller functional module (3), and an A interface functional module (4), wherein the Um interface functional module (1), the base station functional module (2) and the A interface functional module (4) carry out the function of a BTS, and the controller functional module (3) and the A interface functional module (4) carry out the function of a BSC. The present invention also provides a method and a GSM system for realizing a flat mobile communication, wherein the enhanced base station carries out the functions of a BTS and a BSC in a conventional GSM system. Application of the present invention can decrease the number of devices for constituting the GSM system and the number of forwarding devices between a calling MS and a called MS, therefore reduce the time for service data transmission and improve the reliability of the transmission.
US08335538B1 Communication device
The communication device comprising a voice communicating implementer, an auto time adjusting implementer, a camera video displaying implementer, a calculating implementer, an italic formatting implementer, a font formatting implementer, a start up software implementer, a stereo audio data output implementer, a device vibration implementer, a photo quality setting implementer, a multiple language implementer, a caller's information displaying implementer, and an OCR implementer.
US08335533B2 Trunking and push-to-talk mechanisms for WCDMA wireless communications
Methods and systems for implementing trunking techniques in WCDMA systems for handling group calls and push-to-talk services.
US08335532B2 Session-triggered pushing of group communication data
Exemplary techniques for sending data packages, such as media objects, during group communication sessions between wireless telecommunication devices, such as push-to-talk communication sessions, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the data packages, such as discrete data packages, are queued at the transmitting wireless communication device and then sent to other group members upon establishment of channels for group communications to the group members. The data packages can also be queued at the group communication server prior to being sent to a target device.
US08335527B2 Method for providing hypertext links in mobile terminal
There are provided a method for managing and searching information in a mobile terminal and methodology for constructing the method. The method comprises: when a text is provided, preprocessing the provided text; extracting anchor text candidates in the preprocessed text; calculating relatedness between terms; determining ranking based on the relatedness using context information; and constructing a hypertext system for providing hypertext links to the provided text based on the ranking. Accordingly, there is provided a method for providing hypertext links in a mobile terminal, which provides information management and search function using the hypertext links, so that information in the mobile terminal can be constructed by the hypertext links, thereby promoting user's convenience.
US08335526B2 Location and time specific mobile participation platform
A mobile participation platform enables a wireless network operator or third party to solicit response data related to a specific time and location specific event by signaling multiple mobile device users that meet predefined qualifications. The qualifications include presence at the specific location at the specific time, and may include other characteristics, such as prior consent to receive solicitations, and particular device type or data collection functionality. The platform locates mobile devices that may qualify for participation, and generates and transmits a solicitation. Mobile devices receiving the solicitation may activate a participation client to acknowledge the solicitation and to contribute by submitting the requested response data, which may include photos, text, sensor data, audio, video and the like. The qualifications are verified, the response data is validated, and anonymity and privacy are maintained by associating the mobile device and other pertinent non-identifying information with an encrypted identifier.
US08335524B2 Method and system for providing location targeted advertisements
A method of providing advertisements to mobile devices located in a geographic region is disclosed. Current weather condition information and data representing an advertisement are obtained. A size of an advertisement area for the advertisement based on the current weather information is determined. The size of the advertisement area is decreased during a poor weather condition. A position of a first mobile device is obtained and if the position of the first mobile device is located in the advertisement area, the advertisement is provided to the first mobile device.
US08335523B2 Electronic entity and microcircuit card for electronic entity
An electronic entity and a microcircuit card that obtains an orientation of the electronic entity, sends a request containing information on the orientation, receives information relating to a positional entity linked to both a geographical position of the electronic entity and the orientation, and provides a user with information relating to the positional entity.
US08335517B2 Measurement control method, user equipment and network-side device
A measurement control method, a UE, and a network-side device are provided to solve the problem in the prior art that no measurement control solution can ensure the UE to perform a measurement and obtain a measurement result in time, as well as reduce the impact of the measurement on the performance of the UE. The method includes the following steps. The UE receives measurement indication information provided by the network side; and the UE performs a measurement after determining that the UE needs to perform the measurement according to the measurement indication information, which ensures that the UE may not perform the measurement frequently but pertinently, and reduces the impact of the measurement on the performance of the UE to the utmost extent.
US08335515B2 Radio network assignment and access system
A communications system includes remote stations coupled to a central station by a network. The system includes the network, the central station establishes a list of information about available network resources and publishes the list for the remote station. The system includes the remote stations, which identify a set of said published resources needed to establish the connection, notify the central station about the identified resources, and seize the set of identified resources to thereby establish the connection. The central station updates the list of available resources to thereby reflect the seizing of the set, and communicates the updated list to the remote stations.
US08335509B2 Cell re-selection utilizing system information length
A method for performing cell re-selection in a cellular network includes a subscriber terminal measuring received powers of neighbour cells in accordance with system information received from a current cell, selecting one of the neighbour cells as a new cell, the subscriber terminal receiving a part of the system information sent by the new cell, calculating the time used for receiving the system information of the new cell by employing the length information in the system information part sent by the new cell, and deciding whether to continue the re-selection of said new cell on the basis of the calculated time.
US08335508B2 System and method for monitoring and reporting telematics unit communication network system acquisition and scanning performance
A system and method for monitoring and reporting telematics unit communication network system acquisition and scanning performance is disclosed herein. An example of the method includes monitoring a scan of all cellular networks that are available to a vehicle telematics unit, and during the monitoring, recognizing a predetermined trigger. In response to the predetermined trigger, a memory buffer in the telematics unit stores data associated with at least one of performance or outcome of the scan. At least some of the stored data is transmitted from the telematics unit to a server in selective communication with the telematics unit.
US08335505B2 Method and apparatus for neighbor discovery in IPv6-based mobile system
A mobile station and method for neighbor discovery are provided. The mobile station comprises a mapping table storing a connection identifier (CID) prefix and a neighbor identifier, a controller generating a CID with respect to a message that will be transmitted by referring to the mapping table, and a message transmitter transmitting, by using the CID, the message to a base station connected to the mobile station.
US08335500B2 Notification of access control request and explanation indicative of the access control request on a communication device
A communication device includes a display screen upon which information is displayed. A microprocessor configured to execute at least one notification program is provided that displays a notification descriptive of an access control request on the display screen. The at least one notification program is programmed to receive data indicative of an access control request and to receive data descriptive of the access control request. Additionally, the at least one notification program is further programmed to display a notification indicative of the access control request and comprising an explanation of the access control request based on the received descriptive data.
US08335498B2 Synchronization in unified messaging systems
In one embodiment, a server maintains a plurality of fax messages associated with a user. Each fax message of the plurality of fax messages has a state that indicates at least a status of read or unread for the fax message. A HTTP connection is established between the server and a phone that serves as a client through which the plurality of fax messages are viewable. States of one or more fax messages are identified at the server and at the phone that serves as the client. One or more synchronization actions are performed, using the HTTP connection, to synchronize the one or more fax messages at the server and the one or more corresponding fax messages at the phone that serves as the client.
US08335497B2 “I am driving/busy” automatic response system for mobile phones
A cell phone which has been modified by the addition of software which responds to the press of one or more Busy keys by automatically sending a pre-typed text message to the sender of the latest text message just received or automatically answering an incoming call immediately upon pressing the Busy key and playing a pre-recorded audio message. The outgoing text or audio message can inform the sender of the incoming text or the caller that the user is driving or otherwise engaged and cannot respond immediately. In some embodiments, one or more Busy keys can be added keys or one or more existing keys on the cell phone or on the keypad of the cell phone or on a touchscreen or a visual depiction of a keypad on a touchscreen of the cell phone.
US08335495B1 Displaying business directory information on a mobile handset
The graphical display capability and the digital data communication capability of wireless mobile handsets are used to present a customized directory of a called enterprise on the display screen of the mobile handset to allow the caller to identify their desired call destination by name. A directory database stores directory information for each call destination of the enterprise. An incoming call to an enterprise IVR unit causes a directory manager to generate a request for user data which is forwarded to the mobile handset via a gateway. The mobile handset opens a data connection and forwards the user data to the directory manager. The directory manager evaluates at least one access rule in response to the user data to select relevant directory information from the directory database, and the directory manager forwards the relevant directory information to the mobile handset for display. Then the user of the mobile handset selects a call destination based on the displayed directory information.
US08335494B2 Provisioning of callback reminders on a vehicle-based computing system
One or more embodiments include a computer-implemented method and system for providing reply reminders to a vehicle occupant in a vehicle. Information indicating one or more unanswered communications from a nomadic telephone device may be wirelessly received at a vehicle computer. Time and/or date information for the unanswered communication may also be received. By automatically monitoring a passage of time, a determination may be made if one or more unanswered communications have been answered within a predefined reply period. If the one or more unanswered communications have not been answered within the predefined reply period, a reply reminder may be generated and presented in a vehicle.
US08335491B1 Mobilux system utilizing camera-equipped cellular telephones for anti-counterfeit authentication
A system for verifying the authenticity of an item. At least one cellular telephone has an image recorder, a receiver and a transmitter. A cellular telephone network receives a recorded image transmitted by the cellular telephone and forwards the recorded image to at least one remote server. An image-recognition device is accessible to the remote server, the image recognition device being configured to decode a latent image embedded within the recorded image and to generate a dataset corresponding to the latent image. A processor accessible to the remote server generates a response corresponding to the dataset and indicating the authenticity status of the item, the response being forwarded from the remote server to the receiver of the cellular telephone by means of the cellular telephone network.
US08335488B2 Key control with real time communications to remote locations
A key control system includes at least one premise, a lockbox capable of securing a key to the premise and at least one mobile telephone associated with a user and having a stored access device program capable of communicating an access request to the lockbox. The premise is subject to authorized access by others, such as the user, based on preferences of an approval party established with the system. If specified by these preferences, the mobile telephone automatically initiates a communication to a selected destination to request approval of the access request.
US08335484B1 Systems and methods for dynamically controlling an analog-to-digital converter
Systems and methods for dynamically controlling an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in order to conserve power are provided. In exemplary embodiments, a receiver device comprises a tuner configured to receive a signal, at least one programmable analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a digital signal processing hardware comprising a control logic. The exemplary control logic is configured to generate a control signal to configure components within the receiver device to conserve power at the ADC.
US08335482B2 Radio communications method, transmitter, and receiver
A communications system, including a transmitter and a receiver that performs radio communications with the transmitter in a plurality of types of communications services, the transmitter includes, a controller that controls guard intervals at a plurality of codes, which are unique to respective cells and correspond to any one of the plurality of types of communications services, so that lengths of guard intervals of the plurality of codes become same; and a transmitting unit that transmits first codes among the plurality of codes using a first band set in a transmission band, and also transmits second codes among the plurality of codes different from the first codes using a second band set in the transmission band that is different from the first band set, and the receiver includes, a receiving unit that receives the plurality of codes transmitted from the transmitter.
US08335480B2 Omni-directional and low-correlated pre-coding broadcast beamforming
Techniques are provided herein to compute beamforming weight vectors for pre-coding broadcast signals. First, system parameters for a device configured to wirelessly transmit one or more broadcast signals via a plurality of antennas are determined. Based on the system parameters a plurality of beamforming weight vectors are computed. The beamforming weight vectors are computed such that they have omni-directional like characteristics and such that correlation between beamforming weight vectors is relatively low. The plurality of beamforming weight vectors are applied to each of the one or more broadcast signals for transmission by the device to produce beamformed transmit signals for transmission via the plurality of antennas.
US08335478B2 Communication device
Provided are a first filter 63a and a second filter 63b each having a pass band in the range of a frequency band that is obtained by, for example, substantially bisecting a frequency band of f1 to f4. In that case, the regions of the first filter 63a and the second filter 63b partially overlap with each other with the center frequency f5 interposed therebetween. In practice, even if the division is not bisection, a configuration is adopted in which a frequency region of the wider band (the first frequency band 61a) closer to a second frequency band 61b side is covered by the second filter 63b. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the influence of load fluctuation in a multiband-compatible radio communication device.
US08335474B2 Correlation-based detection in a cognitive radio system
A user equipment senses a plurality of wireless signals it receives; estimates cyclic correlation of the received signals using a multi-variate sign function; determines from the estimated cyclic correlation which ones of the signals are detected based on cyclostationarity present at known cyclic frequencies; and a frequency resource is selected for opportunistic communications based on the frequencies over which were received the signals that were determined to be detected. In specific embodiments, the multi-variate sign function is bivariate; the detected signals are primary user signals and the selected frequency resource avoids frequencies on which they were received; and/or the detected signals are secondary user signals and the selected frequency resource can either avoid those frequencies on which they were received or use those frequencies for the UE's own opportunistic communications.
US08335471B2 Systems and methods for channel pairing a transmitter and a receiver
Systems and methods for channel pairing a transmitter and a receiver are provided. In this regard, a representative method, among others, includes selecting a channel in a radio frequency (RF) band; transmitting a carrier and alert tone on the selected channel in the RF band; responsive to detecting the transmitted carrier and alert tone, demodulating the carrier and alert tone on the selected channel in the RF band and producing the demodulated alert tone; and responsive to detecting the produced alert tone, using the selected channel to establish a wireless link between the transmitter and receiver.
US08335467B2 Relay method and relay station
A relay station that relays radio signals between a base transceiver station and a mobile station includes a downlink amplifier that amplifies a downlink signal from the base transceiver station to the mobile station, an uplink amplifier that amplifies an uplink signal from the mobile station to the base transceiver station, a paging response signal detection unit that detects a paging response signal with which the mobile station responds to a paging signal for paging the mobile station, and an amplification control unit that starts amplification control with respect to the downlink amplifier and the uplink amplifier when the paging response signal has been detected by the paging response signal detection unit.
US08335464B2 Cleaning brush for electrostatographic apparatus
A cleaning brush for use in an electrostatographic imaging apparatus, including a plurality of individual electrically conductive fibers secured to a brush core and having fiber tips relatively remote from the brush core, wherein the cleaning brush includes an electrically conductive plane at a surface of the brush core, or between a surface of the brush core and the electrically conductive fibers, effective for inducing an electrical potential to the conductive fibers when an electrical potential is applied to the electrically conductive plane, and at least one of a relatively non-conductive layer electrically insulating the conductive plane from the conductive fibers, or electrically insulating coatings on tips of the electrically conductive fibers remote from the brush core. The insulative, or non-conductive, layer between the fibers and the conductive plane of the brush prevent excessive current draw.
US08335462B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including: an image bearing member configured to bear the toner image; a transfer element configured to transfer the toner image to the sheet; a first application element configured to apply a transfer voltage to the transfer element; a separator configured to separate the sheet from the image bearing member, the separator including a separation electrode configured to discharge an electrical current and the separation electrode including first and second separation electrodes aligned along the transfer element; and a partition configured to project between the transfer element and the separator so as to allow a current to flow from the transfer element to the first separation electrode while the partition suppresses a current flowing from the transfer element to the second separation electrode.
US08335456B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and process cartridge
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus which is equipped with at least a latent electrostatic image forming unit, a developing unit, a transferring unit, and a fixing unit, wherein the transferring unit is configured to apply a positive electric potential to a visible image formed on the latent electrostatic image bearing member via a recording medium, the latent electrostatic image member has a surface layer which comprises a hardened material hardened by irradiating at least a trifunctional or more radical polymerizable compound having no charge transporting structure, a radical polymerizable compound having a charge transporting structure, and a reactive silicone compound having any one of an acryloyloxy group and a methacryloyloxy group, and the concentration of the reactive silicone compound is varied in between the surface part and the innerlayer part of the surface layer.
US08335452B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus having a door on a side surface of a body of the apparatus. Three pivot points for supporting the door to be capable of pivoting horizontally are disposed in the rear side of the apparatus body, in an upper section, in a middle section and in a lower section, respectively. The upper pivot point and the lower pivot point are adjustable with reference to the middle pivot point.
US08335450B1 Method for externally heating a photoreceptor
A thick film charging device is used to simultaneously heat a photoreceptor as it is being charged in order to mitigate image quality defects associated with the photoreceptor in high humidity conditions.
US08335443B2 Recording medium imaging device and image forming apparatus
There is provided a recording medium imaging device capable of properly selecting pixels used for determining the kind of the recording medium from the captured surface image to remove pixels from which the surface property of the recording medium cannot be properly determined because the pixels extremely high in light quantity are affected by some sort of dirt or scratches in determining the kind of a recording medium. This allows the determination of kind of the recording medium based on the normally captured surface image to reduce the decrease in accuracy in determining the kind of the recording medium.
US08335442B2 Hard imaging devices and hard imaging methods
Hard imaging devices and hard imaging methods are described. According to one embodiment, a hard imaging device includes an image engine configured to provide a marking agent upon media to form hard images, and a media sensing system configured to sense the media and to provide at least one signal comprising information indicative of a direction of grain of the media responsive to the sensing of the media, and processing circuitry configured to receive the at least one signal provided by the media sensing system and to control an operation of the hard imaging device using the information indicative of the direction of the grain of the media of the at least one signal.
US08335441B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
This invention is to provide a technique of always obtaining a stable output image in image formation using toner. A supplier (1217) supplies toner in a decided toner supply amount. A developing device (1206) agitates the supplied toner and supplies the agitated toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum (1203), thereby developing a toner image on the photosensitive drum (1203). A correction amount calculation unit (1106) estimates the toner charge amount by calculating a function model that approximates the variation characteristic of the toner charge amount using the toner consumption necessary for printing a print target image, the toner supply amount necessary for printing the print target image, and the toner agitation time. At least one of an image processing condition and a process condition is controlled using the estimated toner charge amount.
US08335433B2 Wavelength division multiplexing serial video signals over optical interfaces using the XFP form factor
Certain pins of an XFP connector are re-purposed to enable the connector to receive, for example, four 11.88 Gb/s serial data streams (for a receiver), or output four 11.88 Gb/s serial data streams (for a transmitter). The four data streams are wavelength division multiplexed inside the XFP module for transmission over a single optical fiber, providing a total interface capacity of 47.52 Gb/s. An XFP receiver module is defined to convert the WDM signal back to four 11.88 Gb/s serial data streams.
US08335430B2 Optical data transmission apparatus
An optical data transmission apparatus is provided, in which a first communication unit 101 and a second communication unit 102 arranged to freely move relatively to each other each include an optical signal transmission unit having a laser diode 120 for emitting single-mode light, a multi-mode optical fiber 111 for guiding a single-mode optical signal output from the laser diode 120 , converting the single-mode optical signal into a multi-mode optical signal, and outputting the multi-mode optical signal, an optical lens 112 for forming the optical signal output from the multi-mode optical fiber 111 into parallel light, and a first polarization element for passing the optical signal polarized in a predetermined direction out of optical signals output from the optical lens 112.
US08335428B2 Method and system for protection switching
A method is provided for protection switching in an optical network. The method may include establishing a baseline power level for a channel. The method may further include receiving a signal associated with the channel via each of a first path of the optical network and a second path of the optical network. The method may also include monitoring a power intensity of the signal received via the first path. The method may additionally include protection switching from the signal received via the first path to the signal received via the second path in response to a determination that the baseline power level exceeds the power intensity of the signal received via the first path by a predetermined threshold.
US08335427B1 Camera viewfinder accessory mount
A camera viewfinder accessory mount in accordance with the invention includes a receiver mountable at least in part around a camera viewfinder frame. Thread units extend from the receiver. The thread units are defined by extensions having outside threads and inside geometric surfaces. A body portion of the accessory mount has a receiver end for matingly fitting the receiver, and a distal accessory end. The body portion further includes an indexing periphery having a peripheral shape for cooperating with the inside geometric surfaces of the thread units. The body portion also includes a stop radially extending from the periphery and spacedly disposed from the receiver end. A tightening wheel of the accessory mount has internal threads cooperable with the outside threads of the thread units to tighten the body portion receiver end to the camera viewfinder frame.
US08335425B2 Playback apparatus, playback method, and program for performing stereoscopic playback
In performing stereoscopic view, a shift information memory (21) stores, as a number of pixel lengths, an offset indicating how far in a right direction or a left direction to move coordinates of pixels to realize stereoscopic view. When realizing stereoscopic view, a plane shift engine (20) moves the coordinates of image data in a graphics plane in the right direction or the left direction by the number of pixel lengths indicated by the offset. When a scale of video data targeted for stereoscopic view is changed by a basic graphics plane (15), a shift distance of pixel coordinates by the plane shift engine (20) is based on a number of pixel lengths obtained by multiplying the offset by a changed scaling factor in the horizontal direction.
US08335420B2 Hybrid fiber-rod laser
Single, or near single transverse mode waveguide definition is produced using a single homogeneous medium to transport both the pump excitation light and generated laser light. By properly configuring the pump deposition and resulting thermal power generation in the waveguide device, a thermal focusing power is established that supports perturbation-stable guided wave propagation of an appropriately configured single or near single transverse mode laser beam and/or laser pulse.
US08335418B2 Cables with bend insensitive optical fibers
A fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers, strength material surrounding the plurality of optical fibers, and a polymer jacket surrounding the strength material. If present, any lay length of the optical fibers is greater than or equal to about 500 mm. If present, any lay length of the strength material is greater than or equal to about 500 mm. When wrapped one turn around a 10 mm diameter mandrel, each of the optical fibers is configured to exhibit a bend-induced optical attenuation of less than 0.5 dB at an 850 nm wavelength.
US08335417B2 Crush-resistant fiber optic cables employing bend-resistant multimode fibers
A crush-resistant fiber optic cable is disclosed, wherein the cable includes a plurality of bend-resistant multimode optical fibers. The fibers are generally arranged longitudinally about a central axis, with no strength member arranged along the central axis. A tensile-strength layer surrounds the plurality of bend-resistant optical fibers. A protective cover surrounds the tensile-strength layer and has an outside diameter DO in the range 3 mm≦DO≦5 mm.
US08335410B2 Opto-electric hybrid module and method of manufacturing the same
An opto-electric hybrid module capable of shortening the distance between a light-emitting section or a light-receiving section of a semiconductor chip and a reflecting surface formed in a core to reduce optical losses between an opto-electric conversion substrate section and an optical waveguide section, and a method of manufacturing the same. A recessed portion (3a) is formed in a surface of an over cladding layer (3) of the optical waveguide section (W1). At least part of the light-emitting section (7a) or the light-receiving section of the semiconductor chip (7) for opto-electric conversion and at least part of a loop portion (8a) of a bonding wire (8) in the opto-electric conversion substrate section (E1) are positioned within the recessed portion (3a). This brings the light-emitting section (7a) or the light-receiving section of the semiconductor chip (7) and the reflecting surface (2a) formed in the core (2) closer to each other.
US08335407B2 Method for manufacturing optical nonreciprocal element
A novel technique is provided, which can secure sufficient adhesion of an Si layer and a magneto-optical material layer while avoiding occurrence of cracks when fabricating an optical nonreciprocal element by bonding the Si layer on which a rib waveguide is formed, and the magneto-optical material layer. The method includes forming a waveguide on the Si layer of an SOI substrate which is a first substrate, forming a first thin-film buffer layer on the aforesaid waveguide, forming a second thin-film buffer layer on an magneto-optical material layer deposited on a second substrate by using a same material as that of the aforesaid first thin-film buffer layer, and bonding the aforesaid first thin-film buffer layer and the aforesaid second thin-film buffer layer in placement where a light propagating in the aforesaid waveguide can be caused to generate nonreciprocal phase change by the aforesaid magneto-optical material layer.
US08335402B1 Method and system for detecting and recognizing text in images
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, system and computer program product for detecting and recognizing text in the images captured by cameras and scanners. First, a series of image-processing techniques is applied to detect text regions in the image. Subsequently, the detected text regions pass through different processing stages that reduce blurring and the negative effects of variable lighting. This results in the creation of multiple images that are versions of the same text region. Some of these multiple versions are sent to a character-recognition system. The resulting texts from each of the versions of the image sent to the character-recognition system are then combined to a single result, wherein the single result is detected text.
US08335397B2 Charged particle beam apparatus
In a method and apparatus for removing artifacts from an image generated a charged partial beam scanning device, a scanning method is determined, and the frequency of an artifact appearing on an image can then be determined, based on scanning method. A step 703, a frequency domain for removing an artifact can be determined from the vertical and horizontal widths determined by experimentation in advance with respect to the frequency position Photography is performed to obtain an image, which is Fourier transformed and the determined frequency domain is replaced, for example, by “0.” The resulting image is subjected to inverse Fourier transformation, and displayed and stored. The flow of such processing enables decreasing an artifact appearing on an image, depending on a scanning method. The frequency domain (vertical and horizontal widths) that is to be eliminated and a method for replacement by “0” are determined in advance, depending on the kind of inspected samples and a method can be selected depending on the kind of samples.
US08335395B2 Noise reduction apparatus having edge enhancement function and method thereof
Provided are a noise reduction apparatus having an edge enhancement function and a method thereof, in which edges in an input image can be prevented from being blurred when reducing noise in the input image and a clear output image can be obtained by reducing edge discontinuities. The noise reduction apparatus includes a window setting module which sets a portion of an input image as a window, an edge-information detection module which detects edge information regarding the window, an image processing module which performs an image processing operation on the window, and an output-image generation module which generates an output image by reflecting the edge information into one or more windows obtained by the image processing operation.
US08335393B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
The invention provides an image processing apparatus which corrects a captured image obtained by capturing an object, the apparatus comprising: an acquiring unit configured to acquire, for each pixel of the captured image, information on an object distance representing a distance to the object; a calculating unit configured to calculate, based on the information on the object distance, a difference in the object distance between a pixel of interest in the captured image and a surrounding pixel of the pixel of interest; a parameter setting unit configured to set a sharpening process parameter for the pixel of interest based on the calculated difference in the object distance; and a sharpening process unit configured to perform a sharpening process for the pixel of interest by using the set parameter.
US08335391B2 Image processing apparatus and method for target pixel noise reduction
There is provided an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of exerting a noise reduction effect corresponding to a pixel value of a target pixel. An image processing apparatus that reduces a noise included in a target pixel while reflecting a surrounding pixel located on a surrounding of the target pixel, comprises a selecting section that selects a pixel width tolerable with reference to a true value of the target pixel as a pixel value of the target pixel and correcting section that extracts either one or both pixel values, namely, a pixel value of the surrounding pixel and the pixel value of the target pixel, as a correction value for correcting the pixel value of the target pixel depending on the pixel width selected by the selecting portion.
US08335390B2 Blur function modeling for depth of field rendering
A method and apparatus of depth of field rendering which simulates larger apertures for images captured at a smaller aperture. The depth of field rendering provides selective simulation of out-of-focus effects which are attainable with cameras having a larger aperture when capturing images at a smaller aperture. A blur function model is created based on the relationship between the blur change and the aperture change. This model is used to determine the blur difference which would arise between two images taken at two different apertures. Then the out-of-focus effect is generated by blurring the image in a rendering process based on the blur difference.
US08335380B1 Method for fast, robust, multi-dimensional pattern recognition
Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
US08335379B2 System and method for cleanup of MRC images for improved compression and image quality
A method, system, and product for separating an image into a set of layers (background, foreground, and selector) and processing those layers to produce an output image of reduced size with improved compression and greater image quality. Each pixel of image data is processed based on signals produced from the set of layers and their attributes. The method includes determining values for signals being processed based on a look-up table or template, as well as changing values based on each pixel and its neighboring pixels.
US08335378B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A Y histogram creation processing unit detects the signal level (luminance level) of the Y signal component of each pixel of a frame on the basis of YUV signals, and creates a histogram by totaling the number of pixels for each signal level. In this processing, a histogram is created by adding values weighted depending on whether a region in a predetermined range around each pixel includes a monotonous pattern. A histogram shape processing unit shapes the histogram. An input/output correction characteristic creation processing unit performs normalization by cumulative addition. A correction lookup table creation processing unit creates a lookup table on the basis of the input/output correction characteristic obtained by the input/output correction characteristic creation processing unit. A Y correction processing unit corrects a Y signal on the basis of the table.
US08335368B2 Bi-directional dual-speed document processor
A document processor and method of use are disclosed. In one aspect, a document processor includes a path of travel of a document, a magnetic ink character reader, and an image scanner. The magnetic ink character reader is located along the path of travel and positioned to read magnetic characters printed on a document passing along the path of travel. The image scanner is located along the path of travel and oriented to capture an image of a surface of a document passing along the path of travel. The document processor also includes at least one drive mechanism located along the path of travel and configured to guide a document along the path of travel in a first direction during operation of the magnetic ink character reader, and further configured to guide the document along the path of travel in a second direction opposite the first direction during operation of the image scanner. The drive mechanism is configured to guide the document along the path of travel in the first direction at a first speed, and guide the document along the path of travel in a second direction at a second speed.
US08335365B2 Diagnosis assisting apparatus, diagnosis assisting method, and storage medium having a diagnosis assisting program recorded therein
A cardiac cavity region is extracted from a three dimensional functional image that represents evaluation index data of cardiac functions, and a cardiac function bulls eye image that represents the functions of the cardiac cavity is generated. Coronary artery image data are extracted from three dimensional anatomical images that represents the structures of the heart and the coronary artery, and coronary article closed surfaces that include the extracted coronary artery image data are calculated. A coronary artery bulls eye image is generated form the extracted coronary artery image data, and distances from the boundary surface of the cardiac cavity region to the coronary artery closed surfaces are calculated. Display output is controlled such that the cardiac function bulls eye image, the coronary artery bulls eye image, and data representing the distances are displayed simultaneously on the screen of a display device.
US08335356B2 Mechanical resonator optimization using shear wave damping
Provided is a fingerprint sensor including one or more mechanical devices for capturing the fingerprint. The mechanical devices include a matrix of pillars and are configured to be mechanically damped based upon an applied load. A q factor of the pillars is optimized by adjusting a distance between pillars within the matrix in accordance with a quarter shear wavelength at an operating wavelength.
US08335349B2 Method and apparatus for three-dimensional tracking of infra-red beacons
A method for processing data includes identifying a time signature of an infra-red (IR) beacon. Image data associated with the IR beacon is identified using the time signature.
US08335348B2 Visual object tracking with scale and orientation adaptation
A method of tracking an object that appears in a plurality of image frames is provided. The method includes (a) dividing an identified object of one of the plurality of image frames into a plurality of object segments and (b) tracking a location of each of the plurality of object segments in the image frame. The method also includes (c) estimating at least one of scale and orientation of the object using the location of each of the plurality of object segments and (d) obtaining position of the object using the estimated scale and orientation.
US08335346B2 Identifying whether a candidate object is from an object class
In one aspect, a method to identify a candidate object includes receiving an image of the candidate object and projecting the received image onto an image subspace. The image subspace is formed from images of known objects of a class. The method also includes determining whether the candidate object is in the object class based on the received image and the image subspace using a likelihood ratio. The likelihood ratio includes a first probability density indicating a probability an object is in the object class and a second probability density indicating a probability an object is not in the class. The first probability density and the second probability are each a function of a distance of the received image to the image subspace.
US08335344B2 Method and system for document annotation
A method for producing an electronic annotated document including embedding annotation information into an electronic annotation object having image data including an annotation, and producing the electronic annotated document using pixel information from the electronic document and the electronic annotation object. The annotation embedded information may be used to select corresponding pixel information from one of the electronic annotated object and electronic document to be provided in the electronic annotated document. A system and tangible storage medium having machine-readable instructions for producing an electronic annotated document are also disclosed.
US08335341B2 Compensated virtual scan lines
Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for providing virtual scan lines in an imaging system that compensate for the optical distortion associated with the system. In some embodiments, the virtual scan lines may be curved or angled according to their position in the Field of View (FOV) of the imaging system to compensate for the distortion. Some embodiments may provide for virtual scan lines that are preconfigured to compensate for a typical or pre-selected level and type of optical distortion. Other embodiments may be configured to measure or otherwise ascertain the actual distortion of the optical lens and/or other components of the system and generate a virtual scan line pattern that compensates for the measured distortion.
US08335340B2 Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker comprising a housing provided with a magnet unit that generates a magnetic field, and a membrane which is mounted in a frame and which is provided with an electrical conductor arranged in a pattern on the membrane, which membrane is positioned in the magnetic field in such a manner that a force is exerted when current is fed through the conductor pattern on the membrane, which force is capable of setting at least part of the membrane in motion so as to produce sound, wherein a part of the conductor pattern extends beyond the plane of the aforesaid movable part of the membrane near at least one end of the membrane. Preferably, the aforesaid part of the conductor pattern makes an angle of about 90 degrees with the aforesaid movable part of the membrane.
US08335338B2 Speaker and electronic apparatus and device using the same
The present invention relates to a loudspeaker in the acoustic field and the information communication field. The invention provides a loudspeaker that can realize a thinner size. To achieve this, the loudspeaker of the present invention is structured so that a part of a diaphragm is inserted to a dent or an opening formed at the center poles of a lower plate of a magnetic circuit. This structure allows the diaphragm to be stored within the height of the magnetic circuit, thus allowing the loudspeaker to have a thinner size.
US08335334B1 Headset convertible to monaural, binaural or stereo configuration
A convertible headset includes a headband having first and second ends, a first speaker affixed to the first end of the headband, and a termination member connected to the second end of the headband designed to be removably connectable to the second end of the headband.
US08335333B2 Speaker system
The speaker system according to the present invention is a speaker system in which a sound is emitted into a closed space from the back surface of a speaker unit, and has characteristic that gas in the closed space is physically adsorbed by a gas adsorber obtained by adding a binder to a porous material including a plurality of grains so as to perform molding. The speaker system according to the present invention is capable of reproducing, even when a small cabinet is used, low frequency sound while suppressing reduction in sound pressure level as compared to a conventional art.
US08335331B2 Multichannel sound rendering via virtualization in a stereo loudspeaker system
A speaker virtualization system provides virtual surround sound using a pair of physical loudspeakers. A multiple surround audio channels input is processed using a combination of head related transfer functions and shaped reverberation to provide widening and front/back auditory clues without requiring any kind of interaural path cancellation. The system uses a 360 degree power-response head related transfer function to provide perceptual separation of the reverberant and direct paths, along with discrete, different reverberation for left and right rendering channels to provide envelopment. By eliminating interaural path cancellation, the speaker virtualization system also produces a wider virtual surround sound effect, without dependency on head position and facing.
US08335330B2 Methods and devices for audio upmixing
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a new spatial audio enhancing system including a novel Adaptive Sound Upmixing System (ASUS). In some specific embodiments the ASUS provided converts a two-channel recording into an audio signal including four channels that can be played over four different loudspeakers. In other specific embodiments the ASUS provided converts a two-channel recording into an audio signal including five channels that can be played over five different loudspeakersn even other specific embodiments the ASUS provided converts a five-channel recording (such as those for DVD's) into an audio signal including eight channels that can be played over eight different loudspeakers. More generally, in view of this disclosure those skilled in the art will be able to adapt the ASUS to process and provide an arbitrary number of audio channels both at the input and the output.
US08335328B2 Programmable integrated microphone interface circuit
An integrated circuit for providing programmable microphone interface includes an input terminal for receiving an input signal and an output terminal for providing an output audio signal. The integrated circuit includes a bias circuit, an amplifier circuit, and two feedback circuits. The bias circuit provides a microphone bias signal to the microphone and provides a sensed microphone signal. The amplifier circuit includes a first input, a second input, and an output. The first input is configured to receive the sensed microphone signal, a first feedback signal, and a second feedback signal. The second input is configured to receive a first reference signal. The feedback circuits are in communication with the output and the first input of the amplifier circuit. In a specific embodiment, the first feedback circuit includes an RC circuit and the second feedback circuit includes an integrator.
US08335326B2 Communication method for vacuum tube replacement devices
Methods are provided for solid-state implementation of a vacuum tube replacement device (VTRD) that includes a communication interface. The communication interface enables the VTRD to command or retrieve information regarding VTRD performance, function, and status. A VTRD may communicate with other VTRDs in a target amplifier retrofitted with compatible VTRDs and to an external user interface for programming or query/response. The methods presented for the vacuum tube replacement device system(s) are equally useful for non-vacuum tube systems such as audio amplifier circuits.
US08335325B2 Audio signal processing apparatus mixing plurality of input audio signals
An audio signal processing apparatus comprises input channels, a mix bus, a volume level controller, a path disconnector that connects or disconnects a path from each input channel to the mix bus, a signal selector that select either one of a post-signal and a pre-signal, a volume adjusting operator that groups at least a part of the plurality of input channels and collectively adjusts volume levels of the grouped input channels, a mute setting device that sets muting of the grouped input channels, a mute target selector that selects either one of a first mode in which only the post-signal is muted and a second mode in which both pre-signal and post-signal are muted, and a mute controller that controls, when the mute setting device has set muting of the grouped input channels, the volume level controller to execute the muting of the grouped input channels on the first mode, and controls the path disconnector to execute the muting of the grouped input channels on the second mode.
US08335323B2 Method of and a device for processing audio data, a program element and a computer-readable medium
A device (100) for processing audio data (101), wherein the device (100) comprises a mid-frequency filter unit (105) adapted to selectively filter a mid-frequency range component of the audio data (101) in such a manner that amplitudes of different frequency sub components of the mid-frequency range component of the audio data (101) are scaled so that the scaled amplitudes reflect relations between the original amplitudes of the different frequency sub-components.
US08335316B2 Method and apparatus for data privacy in passive optical networks
One embodiment provides a system for decrypting data frames in an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON). During operation, the system maintains a local cipher counter at a local node, and receives from a remote node a data frame which is encrypted based on a remote input block and a session key. The remote input block is constructed based on the remote cipher counter and a remote block counter. The system updates the local cipher counter based on a received field located in a preamble of the data frame, truncates the local cipher counter by discarding a number of least significant bits, and constructs for the received data frame a local input block based on the truncated local cipher counter, the received field, and a local block counter. The system then decrypts the data frame based on the local input block and the session key.
US08335315B2 Decryption method and apparatus using external device or service and revocation mechanism, and decryption support method and apparatus
A method of protecting digital contents includes: requesting an external device or service to perform a part of a process of decrypting encrypted contents which correspond to a leaf node among a plurality of leaf nodes in a tree used in a revocation mechanism according to whether the leaf node has been revoked; and decrypting the encrypted contents based on a response to the request. Therefore, even when the data storage capacity of a device is small or the data processing capability thereof is low, the contents encrypted according to a broadcast encryption scheme can be decrypted.
US08335309B2 Method and communication terminal for detecting the status of a telephone receiver
The invention relates to a method for detecting the status of a telephone receiver (H) for a communication terminal (EG), wherein the telephone receiver (H) is equipped with a microphone (M) and with a loudspeaker (LS). The loudspeaker (LS) of the telephone receiver (H) is used to output a defined tone signal, and this tone signal is simultaneously picked up again by means of the microphone (M) of the telephone receiver (H). The tone signal picked up is analysed, with at least one value for at least one parameter of the tone signal picked up being ascertained, and the at least one value is used to determine the status of the telephone receiver (H).
US08335307B2 System and method for improved directory assistance including re-dial feature
A directory assistance system includes a request handling module for receiving a plurality of incoming directory assistance requests from requesters and an agent platform for handling the directory assistance requests by providing at least one listing to the requester. A record database stores a record relating to the first request, and includes a first identifier, a time and a listing entry. An incoming request tracking module tracks second incoming directory assistance requests, by reviewing a second identifier associated with the directory assistance request, comparing the second identifier against the first identifiers in the records, and if a record has a matching first identifier to second identifier from request, then, prior to the second request being sent to the agent platform, offering to automatically provide the stored listing entry from the record to the requester.
US08335305B2 Monitoring and overriding features for telephone service system
A system and method are disclosed for a user to monitor and/or override a forwarded call. Typically, the forwarded call was initially an incoming call from a caller to the user and thereafter forwarded to a remote service system, such as a remote messaging system. The system and method determine a redirecting number from which the incoming call was forwarded. The system and method then initiates a second call to the user and a voice path is established connecting the forwarded call to the second call. Thereafter, the user is notified, for example, with a distinct ring at the user's telephone, of the option that the user may monitor and override the forwarded call. The system and method can also execute procedures to actuate the options elected by the user.
US08335302B2 System and method for verifying the user's alias
The present invention provides a method and system for verifying a user alias. The method comprises: a calling terminal inserting a set alias and a calling user's own number into calling information when calling a called terminal; after the called terminal receives the calling information, when the calling terminal registers calling number display restriction or when the calling terminal cancels the calling number display restriction and the calling number of the calling is inconsistent with a calling user number stored locally in the called terminal, determining whether the calling user's own number matches successfully with the calling user number stored locally in the called terminal to display in different modes when the matching is successful and unsuccessful, respectively.
US08335296B2 Multi-leaf collimators and operating method
Multi-leaf collimators have a guide frame (1) with a plurality of metal plates (3) arranged in a displaceable fashion, by which each individual metal plate can be displaced by an electric motor (M), with the electric motor (M) being a rotary electromechanical motor (M), which operates according to the form-fit principle, with electromechanical actuators.
US08335294B2 Medical imaging system with anti-diffusion grid
The invention relates to a process for acquisition of one or more radiological image(s) of an object of a region of interest on a patient, obtained by means of a radiological imaging system, in which the system includes: a radiation source, a detector arranged opposite the source and at least one anti-diffusion grid, which process includes steps consisting of: determining characteristics of the object to be imaged; controlling, according to the characteristics determined, a movement of the anti-diffusion grid in order to position it in or remove it from an operational position between the object and the detector, in which the operational position corresponds to a position of the grid centered on the source-detector axis and parallel to the plane including the detector; and acquiring images of the structure exposed to the radiation emitted by the source.
US08335290B2 Data receiving circuit determining logic of input signal based on digital value
A receiving circuit includes a clock generation circuit that generates a clock signal, an integration filter that stores a signal potential of an input signal and generates a first storage potential in a period in which the clock signal indicates one logic, a first analog-to-digital circuit that converts the first storage potential into a first digital value, and a data determination circuit that determines a logic of the input signal on a basis of the first digital value.
US08335286B2 Methods for determining decoding order in a MIMO system with successive interference cancellation
Certain aspects provide a method for determining decoding order and reconstruction weights for decoded streams to be cancelled in a MIMO system with successive interference cancellation, based on estimates of the channel characteristics, the received composite signal and parameters of the system.
US08335285B2 Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus includes a radio-frequency transmission-reception processing unit configured to perform radio-frequency processing to a transmitted signal and a received signal; a baseband processing unit configured to perform baseband processing; a signal detecting unit configured to detect a signal from which a signal transmitted from another communication system is detected; and an interference-to-another-communication-system avoiding unit configured to suppress an interfering signal to the other communication system in radio-frequency transmission processing by the radio-frequency transmission-reception processing unit if the signal detecting unit detects a signal.
US08335283B1 Weak signal detection in wireless communication systems
A mechanism for weak signal packet detection in a wireless receiver. Cross-correlation and self-correlation operations are performed on a plurality of short training field symbols associated with a plurality of RF signals received at a plurality of receiver chains of the wireless receiver. A plurality of self-correlation outputs generated in the plurality of receiver chains are summed and the sum of the self-correlation outputs is accumulated over a predetermined number of STF symbol periods. A moving sum operation is performed on the accumulation output when the accumulation output is greater than a first predetermined threshold. A signal indicating a data packet has been detected is generated when the moving sum output is greater than a second predetermined threshold.
US08335278B2 Method for transmitting common feedback channel and transceiver therefor
Disclosed is a method for generating feedback signal patterns of common feedback channels using cyclic shift in a multiple access system, and a transceiver therefore. A method for generating feedback signal patterns includes generating first transmission symbols by adding a cyclic prefix to transmission symbols of feedback signals, and generating second and subsequent transmission symbols by cyclically shifting the first transmission symbols and then adding the cyclic prefix.
US08335277B2 Method and apparatus for checking asynchronous transmission of control signals
In a method for asynchronously transmitting control signals from a transmitter end to at least one receiver via a plurality of control lines, control signals received via the individual control lines are logically combined with one another at the receiver end and the result of the logic combination is transmitted to the transmitter end.
US08335276B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving uplink channel sounding reference signals in a wireless communication system
Provided is a method for transmitting an uplink Channel Sounding (CS) Reference Signal (RS) channel in a wireless communication system. The method includes transmitting symbols of the CS RS channel through an entire system band in a previously selected at least one of Long Blocks (LBs) constituting one time slot of a subframe; and transmitting symbols of control channels through a predetermined band in LBs remaining after symbols of the CS RS channel are applied in the time slot, by applying an orthogonal sequence determined according to the number of LBs to which symbols of the CS RS channel are applied.
US08335275B2 Method, device and system for managing lines
A method, a device, and a system for managing lines are provided. The method includes: collecting showtime parameters of user lines (11); calculating crosstalk information of the user lines according to the collected showtime parameters (12); and grouping the user lines according to the calculated crosstalk information of the user lines (13). Thus, the dynamic spectrum management (DSM) algorithm is made to be more simple and faster, and the user lines are grouped more directly and exactly.
US08335274B2 Precoder for spatial multiplexing, multiple antenna transmitter
A transmitter (100) selects a transmission rank and chooses a predetermined precoder sequence for the selected transmission rank comprising one or more precoding filters derived from a single generator matrix. During transmission, a precoder (124) spatially codes data for transmission to a remote device using different ones of the precoding filters during different precoding intervals in a precoding period according to the selected precoder sequence.
US08335271B2 Systems and methods for implementing receiver transparent Q-mode
In a receiver transparent Q-mode, i.e., a Q-mode that is only implemented by a transmitter, the receiver is unaware of the Q-mode state of the transmitter. In this type of Q-mode configuration, the transmitter could enter and exit Q-mode as desired while the receiver, could, for example, continue to function as if operating normally, such as in “showtime.” Through this approach, it is not necessary for the receiver to detect the transmitter's entry and exit of Q-mode.
US08335267B2 Mobile station and a base station
A mobile station includes a control unit configured to change at least one parameter for a retransmission packet from that of a transmission packet, where the at least one parameter is selected from a data modulation scheme; a channel coding rate; a puncturing pattern; a spreading factor; a frequency bandwidth; a frequency allocation position; and transmission power. A base station includes a retransmission format determining unit configured to determine a pattern used for changing at least one parameter for a retransmission packet from that of a transmission packet to determine a format for the retransmission packet, where the at least one parameter is selected from a data modulation scheme; a channel coding rate; a puncturing pattern; a spreading factor; a frequency bandwidth; a frequency allocation position; and transmission power; and a control signal generating unit configured to generate a control signal based on the format for the retransmission packet determined by the retransmission format determining unit.
US08335261B2 Variable length coding techniques for coded block patterns
Variable length coding (VLC) techniques are described for coded block patterns (CBPs) used in block-based video coding. In VLC of CBPs, patterns of transform coefficients that are more likely to occur are coded with shorter codes, while patterns of coefficients that are less likely to occur are coded with longer codes. According to the techniques of this disclosure, several different VLC tables are stored in the coding devices. During the encoding and decoding processes, one of the VLC tables is selected and used to perform the coding of CBPs for a given video block. The table may be selected based on a number of neighboring video blocks to the current video block that include non-zero transform coefficients. The techniques may be particularly useful in the coding of video blocks of enhancement layers in scalable video coding (SVC).
US08335260B2 Method and device for vector quantization
A method for quantizing vector. The method includes: performing a quantization process on a vector to be quantized by use of N basic codebook vectors and the adjustment vectors of each of the basic codebook vectors, generating a basic codebook vector and an adjustment vector used for quantizing the vectors to be quantized, N being a positive integer larger than or equal to 1. According to the present invention, based on the method a device for quantizing vector is disclosed. According to embodiments of the present invention, the quantization of an input vector is done by introducing the modification vectors for the base codebook vectors, therefore the memory amount of the base codebook vectors is reduced effectively, and the calculation amount is merely the calculation amount required for going through N codebooks. Therefore, the complexity of the vector quantization could be decreased effectively.
US08335258B2 Frame interpolation device and frame interpolation method
A frame interpolation device includes: a unit dividing two temporally different reference frames of moving image signal into block units; a unit detecting motion vectors in block units in accordance with correlation between blocks of the reference frames; a unit obtaining at least first and second motion vectors from the statistical amount of the motion vectors; a unit estimating the first or second motion vector for each block in accordance with the obtained first and second motion vectors; a unit translating the first and second motion vectors through a generated pixel in an interpolated frame between the reference frames, setting local areas at four points of the start and end points of the first and second motion vectors as search areas, and identifying the first or second motion vector from the search areas; and a unit performing motion compensation on the pixel by using the first or second motion vector.
US08335253B2 Video frame encoding and decoding
A video frame arithmetical context adaptive encoding and decoding scheme is presented which is based on the finding, that, for sake of a better definition of neighborhood between blocks of picture samples, i.e. the neighboring block which the syntax element to be coded or decoded relates to and the current block based on the attribute of which the assignment of a context model is conducted, and when the neighboring block lies beyond the borders or circumference of the current macroblock containing the current block, it is important to make the determination of the macroblock containing the neighboring block dependent upon as to whether the current macroblock pair region containing the current block is of a first or a second distribution type, i.e., frame or field coded.
US08335250B2 Multi-level pulse width modulation power amplifier method and apparatus
A baseband signal is processed by amplifying a first pulse width modulation radio frequency signal having a first non-negligible peak-to-peak amplitude and a second non-negligible peak-to-peak amplitude larger than the first non-negligible peak-to-peak amplitude. A second pulse width modulation radio frequency signal is also amplified, the second pulse width modulation radio frequency signal having a third non-negligible peak-to-peak amplitude approximately equal to the second non-negligible peak-to-peak amplitude of the first pulse width modulation signal when the baseband signal power is at or above the second threshold level. The amplified signals are constructively combined to form a pulse width modulation radio frequency signal comprising a plurality of non-negligible peak-to-peak amplitude levels each corresponding to a different baseband signal power range.
US08335248B2 Fast square root algorithm for MIMO equalization
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate equalization of received signals in a wireless communication environment. Using multiple transmit and/or receive antennas and MIMO technology, multiple data streams can be transmitted within a single tone. During equalization, receivers can separate data received within a tone into individual data streams. The equalization process generally is computationally expensive. Equalizer functions include the inverse operation, which can be computed using the fast square root method; however, the fast square root method involves large numbers of computations for a set of matrices, where the size of a matrix in the set of matrices increases with the number of transmit or receive antennas. Utilizing a modification of the fast square root method, a subset of the elements of the matrices can be selected and updated to reduce the number and/or complexity of computations.
US08335244B2 Data transmission method, network device, and communication system
A data transmission method, a network device, and a communication system are provided. The method includes: acquiring a frequency hopping time period and frequency hopping information when reliable transmission is required; transmitting data according to the frequency hopping information in the frequency hopping time period. Thus, the reliability of data transmission is ensured, the original network is not changed significantly, and the system overhead and resources are saved.
US08335242B2 Nitride semiconductor laser device mounted on a stem
Provided is a semiconductor laser device that is free from or suffers less from deterioration resulting from a surge or that is less likely to suffer from deterioration resulting from a surge. The semiconductor laser device has a conductive stem 101, a submount 102 fixed to the stem 101, a nitride semiconductor laser chip 103 mounted on the submount 102, pins 104 and 105 fixed to the stem 101 but insulated therefrom, a wire connecting the pin 104 to a p-electrode of the nitride semiconductor laser chip 103, a wire connecting the pin 105 to an n-electrode of the nitride semiconductor laser chip 103, and a cap 106 enclosing the nitride semiconductor laser chip 103 and the submount 102 and fixed to the stem 101.
US08335233B2 Base station apparatus and communication control method using an uplink shared channel
A base station apparatus capable of communicating with a user equipment terminal using an uplink shared channel includes a calculation unit configured to calculate path loss between the user equipment terminal and the base station apparatus; an MCS selection unit configured to select an MCS level of the shared channel based on the path loss; a first offset calculation unit configured to calculate a transmission power offset for the shared channel based on both a decoding result of the uplink shared channel and a required uplink quality; a notification unit configured to notify the user equipment terminal of a difference between the transmission power offset for the shared channel and a transmission power offset retained by the user equipment terminal; and a reception unit configured to receive the shared channel from the user equipment terminal.
US08335232B2 Method and system of renegotiating end-to-end voice over internet protocol CODECs
Systems and methods of Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) communication are provided. A particular system includes a VoIP endpoint. The VoIP endpoint is adapted to monitor a packet loss measure between the VoIP endpoint and a second VoIP endpoint during a VoIP communication using a first CODEC. The VoIP endpoint is also adapted to negotiate with the second VoIP endpoint to select a substitute CODEC having a nominal data rate that is lower than an in-use nominal data rate of the first CODEC.
US08335231B2 Hardware based zoning in fibre channel networks
Provided are methods and apparatus that enforce zoning rules by separately employing source and destination information. In certain embodiments, information uniquely identifying network destinations is provided on a destination CAM. In these embodiments, each destination identified in the destination CAM has an associated zoning decision vector provided in a results memory. The vector provides specific zoning decisions (permit or deny transmission) for specific sources on the network. The specific zoning decision to be applied to a frame under consideration is selected from a zoning decision vector by using source information taken from the frame.
US08335222B2 Extended call handling functionality using multi-network simulcasting
A method and apparatus supporting the handling of calls using simulcasting of multimedia information are disclosed. Multimedia information exchanged by an associated access device and a gateway. The access device may request for the multimedia information to be recorded during a call, request retrieval of the multimedia information, and playback the multimedia information. The gateway may store the received multimedia information locally or may communicate the multimedia information to storage. The gateway may cause a user of the access device to be notified of the availability of multimedia information for a recorded call, and may communicate the multimedia information to the access device for playback. A user may be notified if storage and bandwidth for the recording of a call is not available.
US08335219B2 System and method for router data distribution
Employing an asymmetric protocol, multiple sources reliably broadcast dynamically changing routing tables incrementally across multiple consumers from a single distributor. Each of multiple sources send current tables to the distributor using a snapshot mechanism. Message are buffered, segmented, paced by timers, and broadcast to the consumers repetitively at the distributor. Negative acknowledgments from the consumer request missing messages from the distributor after receipt of a keepalive message from the distributor. The distributor marks the missing messages and retransmits replacements from a history buffer only after firing of a resend timer. A unique Session ID included in all messages originating from each particular source facilitates reliable table distribution from multiple sources to multiple consumers via a single distributor.
US08335217B2 Method and apparatus for filtering multicast port identifier in gigabit-capable passive optical network (GPON) system
Provided is an apparatus for filtering a multicast port identifier, the apparatus including: a processor to receive an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) message from a switching unit, to verify a traffic reception request received from a subscriber terminal based on the IGMP message, and to store a value in a filtering register based on the traffic reception request; and an Optical Network Unit (ONU) Media Access Control (MAC) manager to filter a packet to be forwarded to the subscriber terminal, using a port identifier for traffic forwarding and reception with the subscriber terminal, and using the value of the filtering register indicating an existence of traffic to be forwarded to the subscriber terminal.
US08335210B1 Socket-based internet protocol for wired networks
Systems and methods for assigning unique network identifiers in a packet-switched wired network and methods for communicating with a network device in a packet-switched wired network are provided. A request for a unique network identifier for a network device is received. A socket-based unique network identifier, including an IP address and one or more ports, is assigned to the network device. The unique network identifier is created by combining an IP address and one or more ports. This allows multiple unique network identifiers to be created from a single IP address, where each unique network identifier consists of the same IP address combined with a different group of one or more ports.
US08335207B2 Link mobility tracking and its application to mobile ad hoc networks
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for tracking link mobility between two mobile nodes. Each node estimates a link mobility state of a link between itself and each of its neighbor nodes, accumulates successively the link mobility states, estimates link mobility parameters using the successively estimated link mobility states, and predicts a link availability probability using the link mobility parameters. The link mobility tracking can be applied to various routing protocols so as to implement mobility aware routing which enhance the routing performance.
US08335202B2 Sending pilots on secondary channels for improved acquisition and handoff in cellular communication
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate enhancing acquisition and handoff in a wireless network deployment by leveraging primary pilots and secondary pilots. The deployment can support more than one frequency band for operation, yet a mobile device can receive signals on one frequency band at a given time. Thus, a base station can transmit primary pilot(s) over frequency band(s) associated with operating data channel(s) as well as secondary pilot(s) over frequency band(s) that lack data channel(s) for the base station. Moreover, the base station can convey information that indicates to a mobile device whether each pilot is primary or secondary. Further, the mobile device can employ knowledge of pilot type (e.g., primary or secondary) as well as signal strength to effectuate handoff decisions; thus, disruptions in communication can be mitigated.
US08335199B2 Wireless communication method and apparatus for performing home node-B identification and access restriction
A method and a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), including a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), for identifying a closed subscriber group (CSG) cell are disclosed. The WTRU receives a broadcast from a cell including a cell identifier (ID). If the cell ID is associated with a CSG cell, the WTRU determines whether the CSG ID is programmed in the USIM. The cell broadcast may include a single bit information element (IE) indicating that the cell is a CSG cell. If the cell ID is a CSG ID, the cell ID may further include a plurality of fields which indicate at least one of a country, a region, an operator, and a home evolved Node-B (HeNB) number. The cell broadcast may further include a bit indicating whether the CSG cell is public or private. The cell broadcast may further include a bit indicating that emergency calls are allowed from all users.
US08335187B2 Routing mobile voice calls
A call routing system for use with a wireless telephone systems is disclosed. The system, which monitors the subscriber's current physical location, determines the device to which a call should be terminated, and routes the call. The device can be any IP telephone, including a cable television system adapted to IP telephony. The system routes calls without direct subscriber actions, without a second telephone number, regardless of the time of day and day of week. Various options can also apply to a call, determined by subscriber-established preferences, when specified criteria are met, or calls can be limited to/from specified telephone numbers. The system and method uses signaling techniques that will allow routing of the call, along with any authorization or restrictions, to be done remotely from the actual switching for the call. Call events are transmitted to the call routing system while the communications path of the call is held at the switching system awaiting call routing information. The identity of the subscriber is established using existing means that are used to authenticate the user. The wireless phone user does not have to enter any additional codes or identification to obtain access to the call routing system.
US08335185B2 Method of allocating resource for mobile station to support real time service
A method of efficiently allocating a resource to a mobile station to support a real time service in a radio access system is provided. The method includes grouping one or more mobile stations and allocating a group resource area for transmitting bandwidth request information for transmitting real time service data of the grouped one or more mobile stations, and allocating respective individual resource areas of the one or more mobile stations included in the group resource area. Since the method of grouping the mobile service and efficiently allocating an uplink resource are provided, it is possible to reduce message overhead and efficiently use the resource.
US08335182B2 Digital broadcasting system and method for transmitting and receiving digital broadcast signal
A digital broadcasting system and a method for transmitting and receiving digital broadcast signal are disclosed. The method of transmitting digital broadcast signal includes convolutional encoding mobile data to build SCCC blocks, generating signaling data, forming a first data group and a second data group which includes mobile service data and the signaling data, interleaving data including the mobile service data in the first and second data groups and outputting a interleaved first data group and an interleaved second data group, wherein at least one of the SCCC blocks include an extension data block from the interleaved first data group and a data block from the interleaved second data group, transmitting the digital broadcasting signal including the first data group and the second data group.
US08335174B2 System and method for registering network information strings
A system and method for registering network information strings. An information string server device receives a request to register a network information string from a computing device. The network information string may be included in a message broadcast by a string broadcast station. The information string server device determines whether the network information string has been previously registered with the information string server device. The information string server device stores the network information string in a record of an information string datastore when the network information string has not been previously registered with the information string server device. A registration acceptance message may be sent by the information string server device to the computing device when the network information string has not been previously registered with the information string server device.
US08335173B2 Inserting time of departure information in frames to support multi-channel location techniques
A device whose location is to be determined (target device) generates a plurality of frames (messages) and time of departure (TOD) timestamp information indicating when the target device transmits the plurality of frames in a sequence or burst. The target device transmits the plurality of frames and the TOD information, wherein the plurality of frames are transmitted such that at least two of the frames are on different radio frequency (RF) channels. Within a sequence or burst (or across multiple sequences or bursts), multiple widely spaced transmissions on the same channel are included to allow for estimation of the crystal frequency offset of the transmitting device. The TOD information included in the transmitted packets allows devices that receive the packets not to change their channels of operation solely for the purpose of receiving packets from the device to be located.
US08335168B2 Mobile communication system, base station apparatus, user equipment, and method
A base station apparatus includes a measurement unit, a scheduling unit, and a transmission unit. The measurement unit measures received quality of a reference signal. The scheduling unit provides scheduling information indicating allocation of a radio resource in uplink. The transmission unit transmits a control signal including the scheduling information. After a first packet is transmitted using a first frequency band, a retransmission packet of the first packet is transmitted using a second frequency band other than the first frequency band. The control signal further includes information indicating a difference between received quality in the first frequency band and that in the second frequency band. The retransmission packet is transmitted at a transmission power level determined by adding a transmission power level of the first packet to that corresponding to the difference.
US08335166B2 Method and apparatus for determining a route metric
Machine-readable media, methods, apparatus and system for determining a route metric are described. In some embodiments, a characteristic of a packet to be sent from a node to another node is analyzed. The characteristic of the packet may indicate at least one of a group consisting whether the packet is transmission quality sensitive and whether the packet is transmission throughput sensitive. Then, a weight relationship between a packet loss rate and a data rate may be determined, in which the weight relationship may vary with the characteristic of the packet. A route metric for a route from the node to the another node may be determined based upon the packet loss rate, the data rate and the weight relationship.
US08335161B2 Systems and methods for network congestion management using radio access network congestion indicators
Systems and methods for managing communications network congestion are provided. In an embodiment, the system includes a radio access network (RAN) interface configured to receive RAN congestion indicators, a congestion correlator module configured to correlate RAN congestion indicators to service congestion indicators, a database comprising a set of congestion based policy rules, a policy controller module configured to apply the congestion-based policy rules to achieve a policy decision, and a policy enforcement control point interface configured to transmit network control instructions to enforce the policy decisions. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for managing communications network congestion, that includes receiving one or more radio access network (RAN) congestion indicators, correlating the one or more RAN congestion indicators to one or more service congestion indicators, applying a congestion-based policy rule based on service congestion indicators to generate a policy decision, and implementing the policy decision.
US08335159B2 Method and system for introducing frequency selectivity into transmissions in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing network
A method of introducing frequency selectivity into transmissions in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing network is provided. The method includes generating a symbol. A plurality of delayed symbols are generated based on the symbol. The delayed symbols are transmitted from multiple transmit antennas. The symbol delay values may be different for different users depending upon the users' channel characteristics.
US08335156B2 Network connection control system
A network connection control system is provided with: a relay device that relays communication in a communication network; and a communication terminal that performs communication via the relay device. The relay device has a network information transmission section, which is information about the communication network. The communication terminal has: a lower communication section that performs communication via the relay device; a network information receiving section that receives the network information via the lower communication section; a higher communication section that performs inter-higher-section communication via the lower communication section, with another higher communication section in another communication terminal; a judgment result acquisition section that acquires a judgment result based on the received network information, about whether or not to permit the inter-higher-section communication; and a communication control section that inhibits the inter-higher-section communication until a judgment result that the inter-higher-section communication is to be permitted is acquired.
US08335151B2 Optical information recording medium, and substrate and manufacturing method for the optical information recording medium
In an optical disk including at least a rewritable phase change material and comprising a recording layer having a reflectivity of more than 15%, an address output value as an address pit signal component occupying in a reproduced signal in a non recording state is prescribed to be 0.18 though 0.27 or a numerical aperture of an address pit signal occupying in a reproduced signal in a non recording state is prescribed to be more than 0.3.
US08335146B2 Master disk exposing apparatus and the adjusting method therefor
A master disk exposing apparatus having: a turntable for rotating a master disk; moving means for horizontally moving the turntable in at least one direction; beam irradiating means for irradiating an electron beam toward the turntable, thereby forming a beam spot onto the turntable or the master disk; beam deflecting means for deflecting the beam; and control means for controlling the moving means, the beam irradiating means, and the beam deflecting means, wherein the control means includes initializing means for executing an initial operation to drive at least either the moving means or the beam deflecting means and make an origin of the beam spot coincide with a rotational center of the turntable at the time of activation. An apparatus and a method for easily adjusting a deviation between an origin of an irradiating position of the recording beam and the rotational center of the turntable are, thus, provided.
US08335144B2 Laser driving apparatus, laser driving method, optical apparatus, optical unit and pulse current generation circuit
Disclosed herein is a laser driving apparatus, including: a driving unit adapted to current drive a laser device with a current value in accordance with a level of a signal supplied thereto; and an emission light waveform correction unit adapted to receive supply of a pulsed reference signal and generate, based on a correction timing pulse interlocked with a rising edge and/or a falling edge of a pulse, a correction signal having a level different from that of the reference signal and then supply the correction signal to the driving unit so that the shape of the emission light waveform of the laser device becomes close to that of a rectangular wave.
US08335143B2 Method for inspecting optical information recording medium, inspection apparatus, optical information recording medium and recording method
A method for inspecting an optical information storage medium includes the steps of: irradiating the storage medium with a laser beam and rotating the medium by a constant linear velocity control technique by reference to the radial location at which the laser beam forms a spot on the medium; changing the rotational velocities according to the radial location on the medium between at least two linear velocities that include a first linear velocity Lv1 and a second linear velocity Lv2 higher than the first linear velocity Lv1; generating a focus error signal and/or a tracking error signal based on the light reflected from the medium; performing a focus control and/or a tracking control on the laser beam that irradiates the medium based on the focus and/or tracking error signal(s); and passing the branched outputs of control loops for the focus and/or tracking error signal(s) through predetermined types of frequency band-elimination filters for the focus and/or tracking error signal(s) to obtain residual errors of the focus and/or tracking error signal(s) and comparing the residual errors to predetermined reference values.
US08335142B2 Optical disc drive and method of controlling laser light power in optical disc drive
This invention provides an optical disc drive with more accurate and stable power control for a laser light source. An optical disc drive in an embodiment of this invention includes a monitor photodetector for receiving laser light emitted by a laser light source to monitor the laser light power. The monitor diode is a photodetector for generating an electric signal corresponding to the laser light power. A laser light controller controls drive current to the laser light source based on a result of measurement by the monitor diode. The optical disc drive measures output variations of the monitor diode and controls the gain of the monitor diode based on the result of the measurement. This gain control improves accuracy and stability in laser light control so that stability in recording/reading can be attained.
US08335140B2 Optical disc drive for recording or reproducing data on a multilayer optical disc with a layer identification region
The present invention provides a multilayer optical disc and an optical disc drive which can identify recording layers without performing tracking servo control or changing the structure of the disc. In a multilayer optical disc 100, the recording layer includes a layer identification region 101 having a recording pattern for layer identification, the layer identification region 101 including a layer specific region 102 having a specific pattern and a common region 103 having a common pattern different from the specific pattern, the layer specific region 102 being provided at a different radial position in each of the recording layers. The optical disc drive detects the layer specific region 102 having the specific pattern from the layer identification region 101 of the multilayer optical disc 100, and identifies the current layer based on the radial position of the layer specific region.
US08335135B2 Stepping motor control circuit and analogue electronic timepiece
When a stepping motor is driven to rotate by a main driving pulse, if an induced signal exceeding a reference threshold voltage is detected only in a third segment, a pulse down operation is performed, and the main driving pulse is not changed when the same is detected in at least a first and the third segments. When it is detected only in a second and the third segments, a rank-up is performed without performing the driving by a correction drive pulse and, when it is not detected in at least the third segment, the rank up operation is performed after the driving by the correction driving pulse.
US08335134B1 Clock device with daylight saving time adjustment
A clock device for switching between standard and daylight saving time. The device features a housing with standard alarm clock features. A recess is disposed in the front of the housing. A digital display piece having a front face with a first digital display and a back face with a second digital display snaps into the recess in the housing. The digital display piece can rotate such that either the first or the second digital display faces forwardly. The first digital display is adapted to display standard time and the second digital display is adapted to display daylight saving time. A time change button is disposed on housing, the time change button can pivot between a standard time position and a daylight saving time position. The time change button rotates the digital display piece such that either the first digital display faces forwardly or the second digital display faces forwardly.
US08335128B2 Single station wireless seismic data acquisition method and apparatus
A seismic data acquisition apparatus having a recorder co-located with a sensor unit in a seismic spread and a communication device for direct communication with a central recorder. A memory located in the recorder and/or in the central controller holds location parameters associated with the sensor unit, and the parameters can be updated. Methods of seismic data acquisition including sensing seismic energy and recording the sensed energy at the sensor location. Delivering the recorded information to a central recorder by manually retrieving removable memory from each recorder, by wireless transmission of the information, or by removing the information from each recorder by inductive or cable connectors and a transfer device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08335126B2 Method for compensating marine geophysical sensor measurements for effects of streamer elongation
A method for determining a longitudinal position of at least one geophysical sensor on a towed marine streamer includes measuring a parameter related to tension at least one position along the streamer. A change in length of the streamer is determined using the measured parameter. The longitudinal position of the at least one sensor is determined. A marine streamer includes at least one geophysical sensor and at least one tension sensor capable of measuring a parameter related to axial tension.
US08335120B2 Semiconductor memory circuit and control method for reading data
A semiconductor memory device includes a first memory circuits connecting to a first bit line, a second bit line and a word line, a first pre-charge control circuit connecting to a first pre-charge control line, the first bit line and the second bit line and that pre-charges the first bit line and the second bit line on the basis of the input from the first pre-charge control line, and a read control circuit having a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor and a fourth transistor, wherein the fourth transistor is brought into conduction on the basis of the input from a charged global-bit-line driver control line, the column having the first bit line and the second bit line is thus selected, and the information held in the memory circuit connecting to the driven word line among the memory circuits is output to the third bit line.
US08335119B1 Method of inspecting memory cell
A method of inspecting a memory cell is provided, including: providing a semiconductor substrate with a capacitor formed therein and a transistor formed thereon, wherein the transistor is electrically connected to the capacitor; inspecting a size of a top surface of the capacitor and a pitch between the capacitor and the transistor electrically connected thereto by an optical measuring system, thereby obtaining a first measurement data and a second measurement data; and comparing the first and second measurement data with designed specifications of the capacitor and transistor, thereby determining functionality of the memory cell comprising the capacitor and the transistor.
US08335115B2 Semiconductor memory module and semiconductor memory system having termination resistor units
A semiconductor memory module includes a memory module board having at least one semiconductor memory device, an advanced memory buffer (AMB) for receiving the data and the command/address signal from a host and providing the data and the command/address signal to the at least one semiconductor memory device, and a second termination resistor unit located on the memory module board and electrically connected to the AMB. The at least one semiconductor memory device includes a data input buffer for receiving data via a first input terminal and receiving a first reference voltage via a second input terminal, a command/address input buffer for receiving a command/address signal via a first input terminal and receiving a second reference voltage via a second input terminal, and a first termination resistor unit connected to the first input terminal of the data input buffer.
US08335114B2 Semiconductor memory device capable of shortening erase time
In a memory cell array, a plurality of memory cells connected to a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines are arranged in a matrix. A control circuit controls the potentials of said plurality of word lines and said plurality of bit lines. In an erase operation, the control circuit erases an n number of memory cells (n is a natural number equal to or larger than 2) of said plurality of memory cells at the same time using a first erase voltage, carries out a verify operation using a first verify level, finds the number of cells k (k≦n) exceeding the first verify level, determines a second erase voltage according to the number k, and carries out an erase operation again using the second erase voltage.
US08335113B2 Flash memory and data erasing method of the same
When data erasure of a flash memory is interrupted and restarted from the interrupted point, time required for the data erasure is shortened. A flash memory includes a memory cell(s), a verification circuit, and a power supply circuit. The verification circuit measures a threshold voltage of the memory cell(s) by verifying an erasure state of the memory cell(s). The power supply circuit applies, to the memory cell(s), one or more pulse voltages whose initial pulse voltage has a strength that corresponds to the measured threshold voltage.
US08335111B2 Non-volatile semiconductor storage device and method of manufacturing the same
A non-volatile semiconductor storage device includes: a memory string; a select transistor; and a carrier selection element. The select transistor has one end connected to one end of the memory string. The carrier selection element has one end connected to the other end of the select transistor, and selects a majority carrier flowing through respective bodies of the memory transistors and the select transistor. The carrier selection element includes: a third semiconductor layer; a metal layer; a second gate insulation layer; and a third conductive layer. The metal layer extends in the vertical direction. The metal layer extends in the vertical direction from the top of the third semiconductor layer. The second gate insulation layer surrounds the third semiconductor layer and the metal layer. The third conductive layer surrounds the third semiconductor layer and the metal layer via the second gate insulation layer and extends in a parallel direction.
US08335108B2 Bit line gate transistor structure for a multilevel, dual-sided nonvolatile memory cell NAND flash array
A nonvolatile memory structure with pairs of serially connected threshold voltage adjustable select transistors connected to the top and optionally to the bottom of NAND series strings of groups of the dual-sided charge-trapping nonvolatile memory cells for controlling connection of the NAND series string to an associated bit line. A first of the threshold voltage adjustable select transistors has its threshold voltage level adjusted to a first threshold voltage level and a second of the threshold voltage adjustable select transistors adjusted to a second threshold voltage level. The pair of serially connected threshold voltage adjustable select transistors is connected to a first of two associated bit lines. The NAND nonvolatile memory strings further is connected to a pair of serially connected threshold voltage adjustable bottom select transistors that is connected to the second associated bit line.
US08335107B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the same
A semiconductor memory device comprises memory blocks having a plurality of memory cells coupled to a plurality of bit lines, a first latch group coupled to a sense node and configured to store data to be programmed into memory cells, where the memory cells are coupled to the bit lines and the sense node is coupled to at least one of the bit lines, a second latch group coupled to the sense node and configured to receive data of the first latch group, and a sense node voltage control circuit configured to control a voltage of the sense node according to data stored in the first latch group.
US08335099B2 Optical memory device and method therefor
A nonvolatile memory device and method using phase changes in a substrate to alter optical properties of the substrate for the purpose of data storage. The memory device includes a substrate containing a phase change material having phases comprising amorphous and crystalline phases. The phase change material has optical properties that change depending on whether the phase change material is in the amorphous phase or the crystalline phase. The memory device is further equipped with one or more devices that generate light and transmit the light into the substrate, and one or more devices that cause the phase change material to change between the amorphous and crystalline phases thereof. At least one optical sensing device detects light that passes into the phase change material to the optical sensing device and generates electrical signals based thereon, which are converted into bit values if they exceed a threshold.
US08335097B2 Semiconductor device that converts input direct current voltage to regulated output voltage by intermittently switching on and off the input direct current voltage
A semiconductor device providing a control circuit for controlling a switching power supply apparatus includes: an intermittent-oscillation control circuit which outputs an enable signal providing instructions to execute and suspend switching alternately; a turn-on control circuit which changes between an execution state and a suspension state of the switching according to the enable signal, and outputs, only in the execution state, a turn-on signal which turns on the switching element with a switching period; and an intermittent-oscillation frequency control circuit which causes the turn-on control circuit to delay the changing between the execution state and the suspension state so that an intermittence period including periods during which the turn-on control circuit is in the execution state and the turn-on control circuit is in the suspension state falls outside of a specific time range. Intermittent oscillation is thus operated out of a specific frequency band within an audible frequency range.
US08335087B2 Method and apparatus for improving radio performance of wireless data terminal device
A wireless data terminal device comprises a detachable USB connector and a main circuit board, where at least two redundancy grounding connections are provided between the detachable USB connector and the main circuit board, and the grounding points of the at least two redundancy grounding connections are not adjacent to each other. A method for improving the radio performance of the wireless data terminal device is further provided. With the wireless data terminal device or the method for improving the radio performance of the wireless data terminal device, the connection of the grounding plane of the wireless data terminal device with the grounding plane of a computer is effectively enhanced. Therefore, the radio performance of the wireless data terminal device is improved.
US08335083B2 Apparatus and method for thermal management using vapor chamber
An apparatus includes a plurality of islands each carrying multiple cantilevers. The apparatus also includes a fluidic network having a plurality of channels separating the islands. The channels are configured to provide fluid to the islands, and the fluid at least partially fills spaces between the cantilevers and the islands. Heat from the islands vaporizes the fluid filling the spaces between the cantilevers and the islands to transfer the heat away from the islands while driving the cantilevers into oscillation. The apparatus may also include a casing configured to surround the islands and the fluidic network to create a vapor chamber, where the vapor chamber is configured to retain the vaporized fluid. The islands and the fluidic network could be formed in a single substrate, or the islands could be separate and attached together by a binder located within the channels of the fluidic network.
US08335079B2 Handheld electronic device
A handheld electronic device including a first body, a second body, a stand and a gear set is provided. The first body has a first rack. The second body is slidably coupled with the first body. The stand having a second rack is slidably coupled with the first body and located between the first body and the second body. The gear set has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion and is pivoted on the second body. The first and second engaging portions are engaged with the first and second racks respectively. When the first body is shifted a first distance with respect to the second body, the first body drives the gear set to rotate by the first rack, and the gear set drives the stand to be shifted a second distance greater than the first distance with respect to the second body by the second rack.
US08335072B1 Multilayer ceramic electronic component
There is provided a multilayer ceramic electronic component including: a lamination main body including a dielectric layer; and a plurality of inner electrode layers formed within the lamination main body and having ends exposed from one or more faces of the laminated main body, wherein when a distance between central portions of adjacent inner electrodes among the plurality of inner electrodes is T1 and a distance between non-exposed edges of the adjacent inner electrodes is T2, the ratio (T2/T1) of T2 to T1 is 0.80 to 0.95.
US08335069B2 Overvoltage protection element
An overvoltage protection element with a housing, with at least one overvoltage limiting component which is located in the housing, especially a varistor, with two terminal lugs which are each connected to a respective pole of the overvoltage limiting component in an electrically conductive manner, especially soldered or welded, and with two connecting elements for electrical connection of the overvoltage protection element to the current path or signal path to be protected. In the normal state of the overvoltage protection element, the connecting elements are each in electrically conductive contact with a respective terminal lug. The overvoltage protection element can be produced especially easily and economically by the first terminal lug and the first connecting element being integrally connected to one another and by the free end of the first connecting element which faces away from the overvoltage limiting component being made as a plug-in contact.
US08335063B2 Redundant systems, methods, and apparatus for use in arc flash prevention systems
A hub for use with a circuit protection system includes a first input port configured to communicatively couple to at least one sensor device, wherein the at least one sensor device includes a light source and at least one light sensor. The hub also includes a first output port configured to communicatively couple to at least one controller, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first input port and to the first output port. The processor is configured to receive a sensor status signal from the at least one light sensor via the first input port in response to a test pulse emitted by the light source, and transmit a hub status signal to the at least one controller via the first output port based at least in part on the sensor status signal.
US08335060B2 Hybrid fault current limiter
The present invention is related to a hybrid fault current limiter comprising a switching unit detaching a moving contact located on a cable and transmitting a trip signal if a fault current is flowed at an electric power system, a semiconductor switching unit connected in series with the switching unit and configured to be turned off to limit the flow of the fault current when the trip signal is transmitted, and a circuit breaking unit connected in parallel to the switching unit and the semiconductor switching unit and configured to limit the fault current detoured from the switching unit and the semiconductor switching unit. The present invention provides rapid treatment for the fault current problem by applying the algorithm sensing the occurrence of the fault current and the algorithm limiting the fault current simultaneously.
US08335054B2 Head suspension piezoelectric actuator with a nonconductive adhesive joining together the circumferential edge of an actuator base opening with a circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element
The piezoelectric actuator of a head suspension has an actuator base and at least a piezoelectric element, the actuator base connected to the base part of the load beam of the suspension and having at least an opening, the piezoelectric element attached to the opening and deforming in response to a voltage applied thereto to effect displacement of the front end of the load beam. A nonconductive filler is fitted into a circumferential channel defined between a circumferential edge of an opening in the actuator base and a circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element facing the circumferential edge of the opening to maintain a width of the circumferential channel. A nonconductive adhesive part is formed in the circumferential channel and joins the circumferential edge of the opening and the circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element together.
US08335053B2 Integrated touch-down pad and touch-down sensor
In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes a touch-down pad, comprising at least one shielding element positioned between a leading edge of a main magnetic pole and a trailing edge of a lower return pole; an embedded contact sensor (ECS) in an electrically isolating layer, the ECS positioned near an ABS side of the magnetic head and between the leading edge of the main magnetic pole and the trailing edge of the lower return pole; and a first thermal fly-height control (TFC) element positioned away from the ABS side of the magnetic head. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
US08335052B2 Plasmon antenna for thermally assisted magnetic head
A plasmon antenna of the present invention is used in a thermally assisted magnetic head that includes: a medium-facing surface set, parallel to an XY plane; a magnetic pole for writing, extending toward the medium-facing surface, and a plasmon antenna comprising a pair of small metal bodies irradiated with excitation light for near-field light generation propagating in a Z-axis direction. Respective corners of the small metal bodies are spaced apart opposite each other along a TE mode direction of the excitation light. A distance between the corners gives the shortest distance between the small metal bodies, and a distance from each corner to the leading end of the magnetic pole gives a shortest distance from the small metal bodies to the leading end.
US08335040B2 Head-mounted display apparatus
A head-mounted display apparatus includes an image display device, a wearing device with which the image display device is worn on a head of an observer, and an attachment member with which the image display device is attached to the wearing device. The attachment member is capable of adjusting a position of the image display device relative to the wearing device independently in a first direction and in a second direction, the first direction being defined by a virtual line connecting centers of eyes of the observer, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction and extending vertically with respect to the observer.
US08335039B2 Method of measuring aerial image of EUV mask
An apparatus for measuring an image of a pattern to be formed on a semiconductor by scanning the pattern using a scanner, the apparatus including an EUV mask including the pattern, a zoneplate lens on a first side of the EUV mask and adapted to focus EUV light on a portion of the EUV mask at a same angle as an angle at which the scanner will be disposed with respect to a normal line of the EUV mask, and a detector arranged on another side of the EUV mask and adapted to sense energy of the EUV light from the EUV mask, wherein NAzoneplate=NAscanner/n and NAdetector=NAscanner/n*σ, where NAzoneplate denotes a NA of the zoneplate lens, NAdetector denotes a NA of the detector, and NAscanner denotes a NA of the scanner, σ denotes an off-axis degree of the scanner, and n denotes a reduction magnification of the scanner.
US08335037B2 Millimeter wave band nonreciprocal device
[Problem] When a nonreciprocal device operating at 100 GHz to 300 GHz is to be realized by using a conventional magnetic material of garnet-type ferrite or spinel-type ferrite, a huge permanent magnet is required and, therefore, it is very difficult to achieve a millimeter-wave band nonreciprocal device for practical use.[Solving means] To solve this problem, there is provided a millimeter-wave band nonreciprocal device composed of a magnetic material represented by a formula ε-MxFe2-xO3 (0
US08335034B2 Optical device with a pair of diffractive optical elements
The present invention provides an optical device comprising a pair of specifically designed plate-like diffractive optical elements successively arranged in parallel to each other. Placing the two diffractive optical elements in succession and in parallel to each other in a certain distance, the combination optically corresponds to a single diffractive optical element, and it can perform similar tasks, acting as a lens, an axicon, a phase shifter, or a spiral phase plate. If one of the diffractive optical elements is rotated with respect to the other around a common central axis, the property of the optical device, like the focal length, the refractive power, helical index, or phase shift changes continuously.
US08335031B2 Optical module
An optical module 1A is an optical module, which is manufactured from an SOI substrate having a support substrate 10 and a semiconductor layer 14 disposed on a surface 10a of the support substrate 10 via an insulating layer 12, the optical module including a movable mirror 22 in which a mirror surface 22a is formed on a side face intersecting with a Y-direction, that is movable in the Y-direction, a photodiode 32 which is provided on the surface 10a of the support substrate 10, and is optically coupled to the mirror surface 22a of the movable mirror 22, a cap member 34 which is provided on the surface 10a of the support substrate 10, that airtight-seals the movable mirror 22 and the photodiode 32, and an element electrode part 36 which is provided through the support substrate 10 and the insulating layer 12, and is electrically connected to the photodiode 32. Thereby, it is possible to realize an optical module which is capable of enhancing the airtightness of an optical system including a movable mirror, and which also can be downsized.
US08335026B2 Image forming apparatus and color shift correction method thereof
In an image forming apparatus that reads an original and forms an image of the original that has been read, a skew amount of the original is calculated when the original has been read and a shift amount of each color of image data in image formation is obtained from a storage unit. A color shift correction amount for correcting color shift in an output image is calculated based on the calculated skew amount and the stored shift amount of each color, and the color shift is corrected based on that color shift correction amount.
US08335018B2 Image forming method and apparatus for reducing input image gradation
An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store a divisor matrix including at least two kinds of divisor values, and a changing unit configured to change M (M>N) gradation image data into N (N>3) gradation image data, wherein the changing unit is configured to divide a pixel value of a target pixel of the M gradation image data by a divisor value corresponding to a pixel position of the target pixel to change the M gradation image data into the N-gradation image data.
US08335017B1 Spot color rendering via feedback-based multi-objective optimization
What is disclosed is a feedback control based system and method for selecting spot color recipes for improved spot color rendition while simultaneously minimizing a function of image quality attributes formed with states defined as vectors such as L*, a*, b*, mottle, graininess, etc. Color is measured with an in-line spectrophotometer or with a full/partial width array. If the sensor is not available, then a model of the print device is used to optimize the function of image quality attributes. In one example embodiment, a spot color of interest is selected along with a set of image quality attributes to be improved for the spot colors of interest. Set points for process actuators and color recipes of the color marking device are adjusted such that a function of the image quality attributes is minimized when the spot color is rendered on the device. Various workflows are disclosed.
US08335014B2 Image forming apparatus, control method, and program for copy-forgery-inhibited dot pattern calibration
A test pattern containing plurality of patches recorded using small dot patterns and large dot patterns is printed. The dot sizes arranged in the patches are different between patches. Then the test patterns are read. The detection rate and average density of additional information embedded in each large dot pattern are obtained. A large dot pattern whose detection rate and average density fall within a reference range and are closest to ideal values is determined. The average density of each small dot pattern is obtained. A small dot pattern whose average density falls within a reference range and is closest to the average density of the determined large dot pattern is determined. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated using these dot patterns and combined with a print target image.
US08335013B2 System and method for color printer calibration employing measurement success feedback
The subject application is directed to a system and method for color printer calibration employing measurement success feedback. Color input data is received corresponding to a color printout from an associated color measurement device, the color input data including M×N discrete color areas corresponding to M rows and N columns on the printout, with M and N representing integers greater than 2. A display including a color image comprised of each of the areas arranged in M rows and N columns is then generated on a display device. Color input data is tested to determine successful measurement of colors corresponding to the color areas and a row-based indicator is generated for a successful measurement of color areas within a row. Calibration data is received of a comparison of the color printout to the display and an associated color printer is calibrated based upon the calibration data.
US08335012B2 Image forming apparatus, method, and storage medium for selecting different mode to increase a degree of gloss of a print product
An image forming apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire image data, a generation unit configured to generate a histogram based on a signal value of each pixel in the image data acquired by the acquisition unit, a derivation unit configured to derive the number of pixels matching a first condition in the histogram generated by the generation unit, and a selection unit configured to select, according to the number of pixels derived by the derivation unit, one of a fixing processing adjustment mode for increasing a degree of gloss of a print product by adjusting fixing processing and a transparent toner mode for increasing a degree of gloss of a print product by using a transparent toner.
US08335005B2 Printer system and printing method for making paper craft
A printer system includes a server capable of communicating with a printer and a client. The server stores a plurality of theme templates for making three-dimensional paper crafts. Each theme template has a plurality of marks to provide indication to make the paper craft. The marks comprise a series of sequence numbers to fold the theme templates according to the sequence numbers, and an angle number to indicate a folding angle. The server accepts edited templates from the client and sends an instruction to the printer to print the edited templates.
US08335003B2 Printing apparatus and control method thereof and program
It is determined whether or not a change request for changing an array of a plurality of items of job information on a job list screen to a second array being different from a first array is inputted via a user interface. If it is determined that the change request is inputted, a job list screen is displayed in which the array of the plurality of items of job information is changed to the second array. Display contents of the user interface are changed in response to a user operation with respect to a print job displayed on the job list screen. If the change request is inputted prior to the user operation, the job list screen in the second array is redisplayed upon the conclusion of processing due to the user operation. If the change request is not inputted prior to the user operation, the job list screen in the first array is redisplayed.
US08335002B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus determines whether a combination of print setting data and drawing data is a standard combination. The information processing apparatus converts the drawing data into drawing data of another format or converts the drawing data into image data if the combination of the print setting data and the drawing data is determined not to be the standard combination.
US08334997B2 Image forming apparatus, program and image forming system
An image forming apparatus comprising: a determining unit which determines a start time for forming an image on a recording medium; a judging unit having a first judging unit which judges whether to execute a quality improving process based on the start time; and a control unit which controls an execution of the quality improving process based on a judgment result of the first judging unit.
US08334994B2 Management apparatus, image forming apparatus management system for managing usage of the image forming apparatus
A management apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus for managing usage of the image forming apparatus is disclosed. The management apparatus includes a user data storage part for storing user identification data and use restriction data corresponding to the user identification data, and a use restriction data acquiring part for acquiring the use restriction data corresponding to the user identification data.
US08334985B2 Shape measuring apparatus and shape measuring method
A shape measuring apparatus that measures a three-dimensional shape of a measuring target has a lighting device that irradiates the measuring target placed on a stage with light, an imaging device that takes an image of the measuring target, a shape calculating device that calculates orientations of normals at a plurality of points on a surface of the measuring target from an image, the image being obtained by performing imaging with the imaging device while the lighting device irradiates the measuring target with the light, the shape calculating device calculating the three-dimensional shape of the surface of the measuring target from the calculation result of the orientations of the normals, a ranging device that measures a distance from a predetermined reference position with respect to at least one point on the surface of the measuring target, and a determination device that determines a spatial position of the three-dimensional shape of the surface of the measuring target, the three-dimensional shape being obtained by the shape calculating device using information on the distance obtained by the ranging device.
US08334983B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus is provided with an optical encoder measurement system having an irradiation system to direct an irradiation beam to a first scale. The system has optics to direct a primary diffracted beam diffracted from the first scale upon irradiation by the irradiation beam to a second scale and a detector to detect a secondary diffracted beam after interference and a second diffraction of the primary diffracted irradiation beam on the second scale to measure the position of the first scale with respect to the second scale.
US08334982B2 Systems and methods for phase measurements
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for phase measurement which address the problem of phase noise using combinations of a number of strategies including, but not limited to, common-path interferometry, phase referencing, active stabilization and differential measurement. Embodiment are directed to optical devices for imaging small biological objects with light. These embodiments can be applied to the fields of, for example, cellular physiology and neuroscience. These preferred embodiments are based on principles of phase measurements and imaging technologies. The scientific motivation for using phase measurements and imaging technologies is derived from, for example, cellular biology at the sub-micron level which can include, without limitation, imaging origins of dysplasia, cellular communication, neuronal transmission and implementation of the genetic code. The structure and dynamics of sub-cellular constituents cannot be currently studied in their native state using the existing methods and technologies including, for example, x-ray and neutron scattering. In contrast, light based techniques with nanometer resolution enable the cellular machinery to be studied in its native state. Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention include systems based on principles of interferometry and/or phase measurements and are used to study cellular physiology. These systems include principles of low coherence interferometry (LCI) using optical interferometers to measure phase, or light scattering spectroscopy (LSS) wherein interference within the cellular components themselves is used, or in the alternative the principles of LCI and LSS can be combined to result in systems of the present invention.
US08334981B2 Orthogonal-polarization mirau interferometry and beam-splitting module and interferometric system using the same
An orthogonal-polarization Mirau interferometric system is provided, wherein a narrow-band or broad-band incident light is split into a reference light and an inspection light with the polarizations thereof being orthogonal to each other by using a beam-splitting module, while projecting the inspection light on a measured object to form an object light, and then the object light and the reference light are combined to form a combined light, and thereafter, an analyzer is utilized to modulate the polarizations and the intensities of the two lights for making the two lights interfere with each other and thus create an interference pattern. The polarization of the object light and that of the reference light can be adjusted by using an analyzer to become orthogonal to each other, and the intensities of the object light and the reference light can be adjusted to about the same for producing an interference pattern with high contrast.
US08334979B2 Method for controlling the register between a printed pattern and a three-dimensional pattern on a packaging material
A method and/or an apparatus for controlling the register between print and three-dimensional structures, such as creases in the forming of a package, and a method and/or the apparatus for controlling a unit for repeated cutting-out or perforation of a material web from which the packages are formed. In the control, a focused, high intensive light beam, such as a laser line, is laid in a bisecting direction to relevant creases. The position of the crease or the creases is determined by sensing of a deflection of the projected laser line. Diffuse light from the laser line may be used in order to register the position of a register marking. If the difference between the register marking and crease differs more than a predetermined value, the creasing tool and/or printing press is automatically adjusted.
US08334978B2 Method and hand-held color measurement device for gauging a color measurement chart
In a method for gauging a color measurement chart which includes at least one row of color measurement fields, a hand-held color measurement device is moved over the color measurement fields and gauges the color measurement fields. The measurement device is guided over the color measurement fields in two measurement runs. In a first run, first color measurement data is measured using a first type of illumination light (typically, white), covering a sufficient portion of the spectrum to enable the fields to be identified by means of the first color measurement data, and the fields are identified on the basis of the first color measurement data. In a second run, second color measurement data is measured using a second type of illumination light (typically, UV), and is then assigned to the color measurement fields on the basis of the fields identified in the first run.
US08334973B2 Optical emission spectroscopy device
A spectral analysis apparatus includes a light transmissive envelope, first and second electrodes, a sleeve, and first and second electrical contacts. The light transmissive envelope contains a fluid operable to emit light when electrically energized. The first electrode is disposed upon an external surface of an end portion of the envelope external to the envelope. The second electrode is disposed upon an external surface of a second end portion external to the envelope. The sleeve defines a cavity configured to removably receive the envelope. The electrical contacts are in communication with the cavity and are configured to electrically connect to the corresponding electrode when the envelope is within the sleeve. The electrical contacts are connectable to an electrical power supply and electrically energize the fluid when connected to the electrical power supply.
US08334970B2 Detection of open cracks in eggs
A conveying device for conveying eggs comprises an endless conveyor provided with rollers extending transversely to the direction of conveyance. The rollers are arranged in pairs, and each pair of rollers forms an receiving space, in which an egg is accommodated in such a way that the egg rests on both rollers. The conveying device furthermore comprises a transfer device provided with a plurality of pick-up elements for picking up the eggs from a tray and placing the eggs on the conveyor. The pick-up elements on the transfer device can be moved from a first position in which they are positioned at a distance from each other corresponding to the distance between the individual eggs on the tray, viewed in the direction of conveyance, and a second position corresponding to the centre-to-centre distance between two receiving spaces. In use, the rollers are set in rotation, with the result that an egg resting on them is set in rotation, which is advantageous if the eggs on the conveyor have to be inspected for cracks. In this case by means of a plurality of lasers disposed in a stationary position one after the other a laser beam is directed at the egg during movement of the egg, and the light transmission of the egg surface is observed by optical observation means. Data processing means are equipped to decide on the basis of the observed light transmission whether or not an egg has a crack.
US08334967B2 Substrate support system having a plurality of contact lands
The present invention includes a substrate support system having a chuck body. The chuck body includes a body surface with a pin extending therefrom having a contact surface lying in a plane. The pin may be movably coupled to the chuck body to move with respect to the plane. The pin may also include a cross-member having multiple contact lands.
US08334966B2 Method of forming a bistable watermark
A watermark formed of a bistable material, and a method of forming the watermark, are described.
US08334963B2 Display comprising a plurality of spacer rows having first and second protruding portions and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a plurality of spacer rows that are provided outside a display region on one of a pair of substrates, and each of the spacer rows is defined by a plurality of spacers arranged in a row at predetermined intervals along an outer edge of the display region. Each spacer has a substantially elongated shape extending along the outer edge of the display region. A gap between adjacent spacers in each spacer row is defined by a slit portion having a shorter length than a longitudinal length of the spacer, and the plurality of spacer rows are entirely covered by the seal member between the pair of substrates.
US08334962B2 Gate-in-panel type liquid crystal display device with shortage-preventing pattern and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device comprises: a first substrate and a second substrate facing and spaced apart from each other, the first substrate and the second substrate including an active area, a signal input area and a pad area, the signal input area and the pad area being disposed at a periphery of the active area; a gate line and a data line on the first substrate in the active area, the gate line and the data line crossing each other; first connection lines and second connection lines in the signal input area, the first connection lines extending to the pad area and crossing the second connection lines; a gate connection pattern contacting the first connection lines and the second connection lines; a common electrode on the second substrate; a shortage-preventing pattern on the common electrode and corresponding to the gate connection pattern; a seal pattern surrounding the active area, the seal pattern including a conductive ball; and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates in the seal pattern.
US08334959B2 Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus including a sealed wiring portion connected to an electrostatic protection circuit
An electro-optical device having a display region in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix includes: switching elements each corresponding to one the plurality of pixels; a first sealed wiring portion that is formed on an element substrate so as to surround at least three sides of the display region; and a second sealed wiring portion that surrounds the first sealed wiring portion.
US08334958B2 Liquid crystal display and thin film transistor array panel therefor
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate including a first electrode and a second electrode formed thereon, a second substrate including a third electrode formed thereon, wherein the second substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate by a gap, and at least one cutout formed in the third electrode, wherein the at least one cutout is aligned with a space between the first and second electrodes.
US08334957B2 Liquid crystal display device having rectangular-shaped pixel electrodes overlapping with comb-shaped counter electrodes in plan view
The present invention realizes a bright image display by enhancing a numerical aperture of pixels. At least a portion of a pixel electrode is overlapped to a thin film transistor by way of a first insulation film, the pixel electrode is connected to an output electrode of the thin film transistor via a contact hole which is formed in the first insulation film, the counter electrode is arranged above the pixel electrode by way of a second insulation film in a state that the counter electrode is overlapped to the pixel electrode, the counter electrode is formed at a position avoiding the contact hole formed in the first insulation film as viewed in a plan view, and at least a portion of the counter electrode is overlapped to the thin film transistor.
US08334954B2 Liquid crystal display device
Each pixel region includes first, second, third and fourth liquid crystal domains that come to have first, second, third and fourth predetermined tilt directions, respectively, in response to a voltage applied. The first, second, third and fourth directions are defined such that an angle formed between any two of the four directions is approximately equal to an integral multiple of 90 degrees. The first, second, third and fourth liquid crystal domains are arranged in two columns and two rows so as to define a matrix pattern and to be adjacent to each other. An extended portion of a storage capacitor line defines at least a part of a central opaque portion that selectively shields at least a part of a boundary area, where each of the first, second, third and fourth liquid crystal domains contacts with another one of the liquid crystal domains, from incoming light. A contact hole has been cut through an insulating layer, where there is a contact portion between a drain extension line and a first electrode, and is located in a part of the central opaque portion that is closer to the liquid crystal layer.
US08334947B2 Backlight assembly and display device having the same
Provided are a backlight assembly and a display device having the same. The backlight assembly comprises an elongated first high voltage lamp extending in a first direction and having respective first and second ends. A second similar lamp is provided so as to be separated at its ends from the corresponding first and second ends of the first lamp by a first gap distance (d1) and to extend substantially, but not fully parallel to the first lamp. An intermediated gap fixing part is provided for fixing at an intermediate position along the lengths of the first and second lamps a second separation gap distance (d2) that is smaller than the first gap distance. As a result of the positioning of the smaller second gap, if it happens at all; electrical interaction noise and/or corona discharge between the high voltage lamps is encouraged to occur at the position of this smaller second gap distance (d2) rather than at the terminal ends of the lamps whereat the lamps couple via power conductors to other parts of the display system.
US08334945B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device having a back light for irradiating a liquid crystal panel with light. An LED as a light emitting element is provided on a light guide panel provided in the back light, and a reflection member is provided on an optical sheet in the vicinity of an inclined plane of the light guide panel to reflect the light going out of the inclined plane toward the light guide panel. Furthermore, a convex portion of the light guide panel is formed between a plurality of light emitting elements, and an adhesive member is also provided between the convex portion and the optical sheet to ensure tight adhesion between the light guide panel and the optical sheet.