| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08337169B2 |
System with a compressor and with a consumer in a motor vehicle
A system has a compressor and a consumer which are coupled to a drivetrain and extract energy through the drivetrain. The consumer is suitable for varying an absorption of power, which is made available to it by the drivetrain, as a function of a power which is required for compressor operation and which is supplied from the drivetrain to the compressor. A pump has at least one pump chamber which generates a pumping power during pumping operation. The pump additionally has at least one pump chamber which generates no pumping power or a reduced pumping power during pumping operation. |
| US08337167B2 |
Method for controlling a compressed air unit and a controller and compressed air unit for applying such a method
Method for controlling a compressed air unit having one or several compressed air networks, as well as a number of communicating controllers for controlling components that are part of the compressed air networks. The control of the above-mentioned components is such that none of the communicating controllers determines the operational condition of any component that is controlled by other controllers. |
| US08337160B2 |
High efficiency turbine system
A high efficiency turbine system which can increase a pressure differential between an upstream location and a downstream location. The turbine system includes a propeller attached to a shaft, which can both be located in a shroud. The shroud includes a projection, such as a brim, which protrudes inward and/or outward from the shroud. The projection includes brim units arranged asymmetrically and/or in repeating patterns to generate various vortex and swirl patterns. The brim units can have a different size, shape, width, and/or height than an adjacent brim unit. The brim units can be arranged in a non-parallel manner and can be rotatable. Furthermore, the brim units can form brim groups which can be arranged asymmetrically and/or in repeating patterns to generate various swirl patterns. The turbine system can also be used in a renewable energy system, which can be used to power electronic devices. |
| US08337150B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine apparatus
A vertical axis wind turbine apparatus includes a stationary support platform having a platform pipe fixed to the platform. The platform pipe has an axis. The apparatus also includes a power ring dimensioned and configured for rotational movement about the platform pipe and having an axis of rotation coincident with the axis of the platform pipe. The power ring includes a sleeve concentric with the platform pipe that has a plurality openings therein. A plurality of rollers is carried on the power ring and each of the rollers extends through one of the openings and abuts the platform pipe thereby facilitating rotation of the power ring about the platform pipe. A plurality of elongated blades is carried on the power ring about the periphery thereof. |
| US08337149B1 |
Gas turbine engine compressor arrangement
A gas turbine engine includes a fan section, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, a compressor section and a turbine section. The compressor section includes a low pressure compressor section and a high pressure compressor section. The turbine section is configured to drive compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio, which is provided by a combination of a pressure ratio across said low pressure compressor section and a pressure ratio across said high pressure compressor section, is greater than about 35. The pressure ratio across the high pressure compressor section is between about 7 and about 15, and a pressure ratio across the fan section is less than or equal to 1.45. |
| US08337143B2 |
Actuator in turbocharger of vehicle and method for controlling the same
Actuator in a turbocharger of a vehicle and method for controlling the same is disclosed, in which a position of a vane is followed up in controlling a PWM signal to be applied to a motor according to time for preventing an overcurrent from flowing to the motor connected to the vane of the turbocharger. |
| US08337142B2 |
System and method for reducing thrust acting on submersible pumping components
A technique is provided to facilitate pumping of fluids in a well environment. A submersible pumping system having a submersible pump incorporates features that manage thrust loads resulting from rotating impellers. The thrust reducing features cooperate with the action of the impellers in one or more pump stages to reduce forces otherwise acting on certain pump related components. |
| US08337140B2 |
System for controlling at least two variable-geometry equipments of a gas turbine engine, particularly by rack
A system for controlling at least two variable-geometry equipments of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The engine includes at least a first core rotating at a first speed and a second core rotating at a second speed. The first equipment includes at least one variable-pitch stator blade of a compressor of the first core and the second equipment includes at least one air bleed valve of a compressor of the second engine core moving between an open position at idle speed and a closed position at high speed. The system includes an actuator which actuates both equipments. |
| US08337138B2 |
Thermoformed article stack segmenting apparatus
A thermoformed article stack segmenting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a stacked article guide channel, a forward engaging drive finger, a reciprocating actuator and a rearward engaging holding finger. The stacked article guide channel is carried by the frame and configured to receive and guide a stack of inter-nested articles exiting a female die of a thermoforming trim press. The reciprocating actuator is coupled with the finger to drive the finger forward in engagement with one separated stack of articles. The actuator also drives the finger rearward in a retractable state to separate another, successive stack of articles. The rearward engaging holding finger is supported by the frame and is configured to hold the another, successive stack while driving the forward engaging drive finger forward. |
| US08337131B2 |
Head of a countersunk screw
The invention relates to the head of a countersunk screw with a lower side which has at least one supporting surface, which forms part of a rotational surface about the screw axis and can nestle against a correspondingly contoured countersunk surface of an add-on part, and has at least one depression which is delimited by a cutting edge at its end which runs downwards, as seen in the screwing-in direction of the countersunk screw. The invention is distinguished in that in front of the supporting surface, as seen in the screwing-in direction, there is an approach surface which butts against said supporting surface, is inclined radially inwards and, at its upwardly running, free end, has the cutting edge which, over its length, maintains a radial distance from the rotational surface to the inside. |
| US08337130B2 |
T-nut
A T-nut includes a cylindrical shaft section that opens at both ends and includes an internal thread at an inner peripheral surface thereof; a flange that extends outwardly from a first end portion of the shaft section; and a sealing member that seals the first-end-portion-side opening of the shaft section, and is formed of elastomeric resin. The sealing member includes a circular cylindrical portion and a dome-shaped cover, the circular cylindrical portion closely contacting the inner peripheral surface and opening at a first-end-portion side, the cover being formed continuously to an edge of the circular cylindrical portion at a second-end-portion side, a top of the cover facing the second-end-portion side, an outer peripheral surface of the circular cylindrical portion having an externally threaded long-and-narrow protruding portion that seals a space at a root of the internal thread. |
| US08337127B2 |
Latch arrangement for cargo restraint
An improved cargo restraint for installation on a preselected track mounted in or on the surface of a vehicle carrying the cargo and the restraint is mounted on a bracket which abuts the cargo to restrain the movement of the cargo and the restraint is slidingly movable on the track and has a locking position on the track wherein the bracket restrains the cargo and the restraint has no relative movement with respect to the track or the bracket or the vehicle so that there is no rattling of the restraint when in the locked position. |
| US08337125B2 |
Container adapted to be inserted in a tool holder, a tool holder and a system
A system with a container (1) and a tool holder (20) having two ends (21, 22). One of the ends of the tool holder is adapted to be secured to a machine tool and the other end is adapted for attaching a cutting edge or a cutting edge carrying unit. The tool holder includes an internal cavity (23) surrounded by a cavity wall. The cavity accommodates the container. One end of the cavity is adapted for connection to a supply for a cooling medium and the other end is connected to an outlet for cooling medium. The cavity furthermore includes an opening (25) for installation of the container. At least one gap for leading the cooling medium is formed between the container and the cavity wall. The container can be installed in a machine tool, and the container can be used to accommodate one or several sensors for measuring parameters or for receiving a damping system. |
| US08337123B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool, and cutting method using the cutting tool
A cutting insert and a cutting tool, with which concentration of stress on a flank corresponding to a first cutting edge (main cutting edge) comprising a plurality of surfaces is reduced, and to provide a cutting method using the cutting tool. |
| US08337122B2 |
Continuous semi-dense pneumatic conveying system and method
A continuous semi-dense phase conveying system comprising a vessel having a gas inlet, a particulate material inlet, and a gas and particulate material outlet, which has an operating pressure of about 15 psig or less. The system includes a rotary airlock valve for feeding particulate material into the vessel and a pressurizing gas supply which branches into a feed gas line and a bypass line. A pneumatic conveying line coupled to the gas and particulate material outlet of said the and coupled to the bypass line. The pressure of the vessel is controlled using a bypass valve on said bypass line and optimize the flow of gas and particulate matter through the pneumatic conveying line. |
| US08337120B2 |
Deformable rock bolt
A rock bolt for being grouted in a borehole, —includes an elongate cylindrical massive stem (1) with extensive lengths of stem portions (1s) separated by integrated anchors (2). The anchors are distributed with separations along the length of the stem (1). The anchors (2) are locally anchored relative to their local borehole wall portions for taking up load arising due to rock deformation. The stem portions (1s) are arranged for slipping relative to the grout or the borehole so as for each of the stems (1s) to take up local elongation strain between pairs of locally anchored preceding and consecutive anchors. |
| US08337119B2 |
Leaching chamber having a dome shaped end portion for pivotably connecting with a second chamber end portion
Arch shape cross-section leaching and stormwater chambers are connected together so that swiveled angling is obtained at the joint. Angling is accomplished by means of an integral or detachable dome end comprising a conical section. A like chamber with an ordinary end mates by overlapping the dome. Or a like chamber may have an opposing and overlapping end, which also comprises a dome. A coupling for connecting two ordinary end chambers is comprised of two spaced apart conical domes spaced apart by a connector. The connector between the domes is optionally straight or angled. The couplings enable chambers to be connected at diverse angles to each other, as well as to be connected parallel with offset, i.e., with zigzag path. |
| US08337116B2 |
Artificial flagstone for providing a surface with a natural random look
An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis. |
| US08337115B2 |
Paving stone and method for the production thereof
The paving stone (1) which can degrade environmental pollutant elements or gases, comprising a body provided with two layers, a first surface layer (2) and a second base layer (3) which are solidly overlapped, where said surface layer (2) comprises a solidified paste including cement, silica sand, titanium dioxide, zeolite and ferric oxides or FeO2, marble pebbles and recycled materials, while the base layer (3) comprises a solidified paste including cement, preferably grey, aggregate particles and recycled materials, and a method for producing said stone (1) in a continuous process. |
| US08337112B2 |
Joint and method for connecting members end to end
A joint and method for connecting elongated members end to end in which outer sleeves are anchored in blind holes extending in from each end face and a threaded rod is advanced into threaded nut receptacles affixed to the inside end of each sleeve to draw the end faces into abutment. |
| US08337109B2 |
Rotating applicator and distributor of a product, typically a cosmetic product, comprising the said applicator
The applicator (1, 1′) of a cosmetic product (6) includes a manual gripping element (2) and an application member (3) of the product (6), and is characterized in that: a) the application member (3) includes at least one fixed element (30) and one rotating element (31), forming an application roller free to rotate about the fixed element (30) about a rotation axis (10), b) the fixed element (31) is typically fixed to the manual gripping element (2), c) the fixed element (30) and the rotating element (31) are fixed by reversible or irreversible cooperation. Advantages are easier application resulting in a different appearance. |
| US08337108B2 |
Single-use cosmetic sampler
A rigid single-use cosmetic container is provided wherein the basic elements, a tubular container and an applicator wand, are integrally formed as a unitary body. The wand extends inwardly from the top of the container into a product reservoir to form of an applicator end. The wand extends upwardly from the top end of the container to form a handle which may be provided in dimensions approximating the cap on a saleable package. An applicator, e.g., a brush, may be mounted on the applicator end of the wand. The container and wand are separated by a frangible connection in the top end of the container. When the frangible connection is broken, an opening is created in the top end of the container. The opening is sized to act as a wiper to remove excess product from the applicator when the wand is drawn from the container. The bottom margin of the container sidewall is provided with a substantially reduced thickness to permit the container to be pinched and hermetically sealed after the product reservoir is filled with a quantity of product. |
| US08337105B2 |
Film-carrying system and a film-carrying device used therein
A film-carrying system and a film-carrying device used therein are provided. The film-carrying system includes a support base, a film-carrying device and a film. The film-carrying device includes a support connection part, an elastic part, and a film connection part. The support connection part is coupled to the support base while the film connection part is coupled to the film. The elastic part has a free end and a fixed end; the free end connects to the film connection part, and the fixed end connects to the support connection part. The elastic deformation of the elastic part provides the film connection part with a degree of freedom in linear displacement, and the film connection part also has a degree of freedom in angular displacement corresponding to the support connection part. |
| US08337098B2 |
Optical connector
When a light guide of a sleeve is inserted into a through-hole, a positioning rib is mounted in the holding recess and the sleeve is positioned in the housing. When a transmitting optical module is mounted in a housing space, a positioning protrusion of the sleeve enters a positioning recess of the transmitting optical module and contacts a stepped surface of the transmitting optical module. Thus, the transmitting optical module and a transmitting sleeve are positioned so as to face each other with high precision, and thereby the light transmission efficiency can be increased. |
| US08337095B2 |
Tapered-channel ferrules and optical fiber connectors employing same
Ferrules having at least one tapered fiber channel that supports at least one optical fiber are disclosed. The at least one tapered fiber channel is defined by at least one channel wall. The material making up the channel wall is at least one of deformable and removable by forcible contact by the at least one optical fiber when the optical fiber is inserted into the fiber channel. This results in the formation of an interference fit between the front channel end and the optical fiber end when the diameter of the optical fiber end exceeds the diameter of the channel front end. The fiber channel wall may optionally include at least one deformable and/or removable-by-contact protrusion, with the at least one protrusion preferably being located in the channel section adjacent the narrow front channel end. Methods of forming the ferrules are also disclosed. Single-fiber and multi-fiber optical fiber connectors that employ the ferrules are also disclosed. |
| US08337094B2 |
Fiber optic light source adapter
A light source adapter to mechanically interconnect a light box and a fiber optic cable. The adapter engages the light box and defines an interior cavity to receive a ferruled fiber optic cable. The exterior surface of the ferrule comprises a circumferential ridge and groove that reversibly interacts with a spring inside the adapter cavity. The spring is biased to require sufficient force to insert or remove the ferrule. The geometry of the circumferential ridge or groove can optionally be modified to increase or decrease the amount of force required to effect insertion or removal of the ferrule inside the cavity. |
| US08337090B2 |
Bearing support flexible ring
A bearing support ring includes a plurality of contact pads radially protruding from inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the ring. Flexible portions of the ring are defined between the contact pads and have a radial thickness less than that of the ring at the contact pads, such as to permit elastic deflection of the ring in a radial direction between the contact pads. Openings sized to permit unrestricted oil flow are provided, such as within the flexible portions of the ring. |
| US08337084B2 |
Gasket for a hydrostatic linear guide
A seal (1) for a hydrostatic linear guide with a given adjustment direction (5), with a longitudinal seal section (7, 7′) extending essentially parallel to the adjustment direction (5), and with a transverse seal section (8, 8′) extending essentially transverse to the adjustment direction (5), wherein a first sealing lip (12) extends along the longitudinal seal section (7, 7′) and a second sealing lip (14) extends along the transverse seal section (8, 8′), and wherein the longitudinal seal section (7, 7′) and the transverse seal section (8, 8′) are connected to each other. Here it is provided that the first sealing lip (12) and the second sealing lip (14) merge into each other with a constant curvature (18). With such a seal (1), both a high degree of static oil tightness and also a high degree of dynamic oil tightness are achieved for a hydrostatic linear guide. |
| US08337083B2 |
Imaging device
An intraoral sensor 1 includes: a case 4 having a first plate-shaped portion 12 and a second plate-shaped portion 16 that face each other; a photodetecting element 34 contained in the case 4 so that a light incident surface faces the first plate-shaped portion 12; a cover 6a, arranged on the outer surface of the second plate-shaped portion 16, for covering an opening 16a; and fixing members 32a and 32b, arranged between the second plate-shaped portion 16 and the cover 6a, for fixing to the case 4 a signal cable 24 connected to the photodetecting element 34 extending via the opening 16a from the inside to the outside of the case 4. This enables improvement of a connection strength between the case of the imaging device and the signal cable extending from an opposite side of the imaging surface. |
| US08337077B2 |
Unidirectional coupling-clutch runner
A unidirectional coupling-clutch runner includes a coaxial pinion and wheel which pivot relative to one another. The runner includes a first driving part angularly integral with the pinion having at least one elastic catch with the general shape, in plan view, of a C, one branch of which is elongated and terminates with a free end; and a second driving part angularly integral with the wheel and which is coplanar with the first driving part having an internal wolf-toothing. In the neutral rest position the first and second driving parts do not touch one another, the end of the elastic catches in the rest position which are not elastically deformed being located on a circumference whose diameter is larger than a circumference which goes through the top of the wolf-teeth and smaller than a circumference going through the bottom of the toothing of the second driving part. |
| US08337072B2 |
Stirring tool having blades supported at radially inward edge
Disclosed is a stirring tool which is capable of fully and efficiently mixing ingredients such as mayonnaise even in relatively small amounts. A stirring blade is mounted on a rotating shaft which is rotated by a driving force. A hollow blade cover is provided which covers the periphery of the rotating stirring blade and a portion of the edge of the stirring blade constitutes a long edge which is an edge part that faces the inner circumferential face and which extends along the inner circumferential face of the blade cover. Openings which are holes and an opening are provided at the end of the blade cover and in a peripheral wall of the blade cover for circulation of the stirred ingredients. The long edge can be seen through the holes in the peripheral wall when the rotating blade rotates. |
| US08337071B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device comprises, or consists essentially of, a housing, a solid state light emitter and conductive tracks. The conductive tracks are positioned on the housing and are coupleable with a power supply. The conductive tracks comprise a positive conductive track and a negative conductive track. Each of the solid state light emitters is in electrical contact with a positive conductive track and a negative conductive track. Another lighting device comprises a fixture and a solid state light emitter in which the fixture comprises conductive elements which are coupleable to at least one power supply and the solid state light emitter is mounted on the fixture. There is also provided a lighting device which provides light of an intensity which is at least 50 percent of its initial intensity after 50,000 hours of illumination. |
| US08337070B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module comprises a light source circuit board having a plurality of light emitters disposed thereon; a securing component for supporting the light source circuit board rigidly, the securing component comprising a holding portion and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being utilized for assembling the light source circuit board and the securing component together to form an assembly; and a casing having a receiving slot, the assembly of the light source circuit board and the securing component being detachably disposed in the receiving slot, the holding portion being utilized for a user to grip when moving the securing component, and the holding portion having a locating hole for being fastened in the casing. The backlight module is capable of reducing the risk of scratching optical films and invasion by foreign objects in a replacement process of the light source circuit board, thereby increasing the lifespan of displays. |
| US08337067B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display having the same
A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display which can achieve substantially uniform luminance over the entire display screen includes: a light-guide plate guiding incident light and having a diffusion pattern for emitting light upward, the diffusion pattern being formed on at least one of upper and lower surfaces of the light-guide plate; and a point light source assembly disposed on at least one side portion of the light-guide plate, the point light source assembly including a plurality of point-light-source elements and a support substrate, in which the point-light-source elements are disposed on the support substrate and supply the light to the light-guide plate. An edge portion of one surface of the light-guide plate, which is adjacent to the point light source assembly, includes a first region corresponding to the point-light-source elements and a second region corresponding to a position between the point-light-source elements. The diffusion pattern may be formed in such a manner that the second region has a higher density than the first region. |
| US08337062B2 |
LED lighting unit and vehicle lamp
An LED lighting unit, and a vehicle lamp using the LED lighting unit can have a favorable light distribution that can be perceived as a single, integrated lighting surface. The LED lighting unit can include a plurality of base boards, a plurality of LED light sources located on each mounting surface of the base boards, a plurality of parabolic reflectors and at least one V-shaped reflector configured to locate between the adjacent parabolic reflectors. Because each of the LED light sources is located substantially at each focus of the parabolic reflectors and the at least one V-shaped reflector, light emitted from the LED light sources can be illuminated as a single, integrated light via their reflectors. Thus, a vehicle lamp using the LED lighting unit can have a favorable light distribution that can be perceived as a single, integrated lighting surface and which can be used for a headlight, a tail lamp, etc. |
| US08337059B2 |
Control-surface-mounted landing and taxi lights
A lighting assembly for movable control surfaces of a vehicle. The light assembly includes a lens, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a housing that receives the plurality of LEDs and the lens. The housing of the light assembly is received within the movable control surface, such that the lens is flush with a surface of the movable control surface. The light assembly includes a plurality of reflectors. The plurality of LEDs is rotatably mounted within the housing. The light assembly includes a controller that controls the position of the LEDs relative to the housing, based on a received control signal. |
| US08337054B2 |
Lighting device having a rectangular illuminance pattern
A lighting device, suitable for example for urban lighting of interiors or exteriors, or for lighting of interiors and exteriors of motor vehicles, said device comprising a substantially plane substrate and one or more LED or chip-LED semiconductor light sources distributed over the substrate and electrically connected to conductive supply paths, an optical means associated to the semiconductor source or sources, designed to modify the direction of the rays of light emitted by said semiconductor source, said device being characterized in that said optical means is of a substantially semicylindrical shape and consequently has a substantially plane base, two side faces and a substantially cylindrical outer surface, said optical means has a cavity obtained starting from said base within the body of said optical means and designed to house the source or sources, said side faces and said cavity are obtained by means of a rotation about a longitudinal axis of a two-dimensional profile and are designed to reduce the transverse divergence of the beam of light at output from said device, said outer surface is of a substantially cylindrical shape and is designed to reduce the longitudinal divergence of the beam of light at output from said device; the lighting device forming the subject of the patent being characterized in that it is designed to generate an illuminance pattern or luminous-intensity pattern that is substantially uniform and has a substantially rectangular shape. |
| US08337052B2 |
LED lamp incorporating an elongated lens used for directing emitted light within a predetermined range of angles
An LED lamp includes an LED and a lens covering thereon. The LED has an optical axis. The lens includes a light incidence surface adjacent to the LED and a light emission surface opposite to the light incidence surface. A first imaginary plane and a second imaginary plane intersect at the optical axis of the LED, the light emission surface of the lens is symmetric about the first and second imaginary planes, respectively. In the first imaginary plane, light emitted from the light emission surface distribute regions which a light emitting angle of the LED lamp ranges from 0° to about 45°. In the second imaginary plane, light emitted from the light emission surface distribute regions which a light emitting angle of the LED lamp ranges from 0° to about 75°. |
| US08337050B2 |
Light source module
A light source module includes a light source and housing. The housing includes a reflecting part, an installed part, and a stop. The reflecting part includes a paraboloidal surface configured for reflecting light beams from the light source. The light source is set in a focal point of the paraboloidal surface. The installed part is configured for installing the light source. The opening is configured for transmitting light beams reflected from the paraboloidal surface. The stop is perpendicularly connected with the installed part, and configured for preventing light beams from the light source from directly passing through the opening. |
| US08337049B2 |
Bulb-type lighting source
A bulb-type lighting source employs a light-emitting element in a structure that facilitates heat dispersal. The lighting source includes a first heat sink member mounted in a bowl shaped case supporting a power supply circuit. A mounting substrate is positioned in surface contact with a surface of the heat sink member and is capable of supporting a light-emitting unit. A globe covers the light-emitting unit to permit light emission. A second heat sink member has a surface in contact with a perimeter of the mounting substrate and offset from the light-emitting unit to provide a second part in surface contact with the first heat member to facilitate the release of heat. |
| US08337045B2 |
Lighting device and lighting method
A lighting device which comprises at least a first solid state lighting device; and at least a first patterned diffuser which comprises a plurality of optical features. If the first solid state lighting device is illuminated, at least some of the light emitted by the first solid state lighting device enters the first patterned diffuser and exits the patterned diffuser. In some embodiments, the patterned diffuser emits light in a specific shape (e.g., substantially square, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal). In some embodiments, optical features are positioned on the first surface of the side of the first patterned diffuser that the emitted light enters. Also, a method of lighting which comprises illuminating one (or more) solid state lighting device which emits light which enters a patterned diffuser which comprises a plurality of optical features, and exits the patterned diffuser. |
| US08337043B2 |
Modular light fixture with power pack
A light fixture includes a first raceway disposed at a first end of the light fixture, a second raceway disposed at a second end of the light fixture, and a detachable cover that is removably coupled to the first raceway and to the second raceway. A ballast and power input wiring is coupled to the detachable cover, and an elongated lamp electrically coupled to the ballast. The light fixture also includes a power input connector having a socket portion and a plug portion, one of the socket portion and the plug portion coupled to the detachable cover and electrically connected to the power input wiring, and the other of the socket portion and the plug portion connectable to a power supply line to provide electrical power to the light fixture from a power source. |
| US08337036B2 |
Shroud plate with lighting system
A light for headgear includes a shroud plate having a shell configured to receive a goggle mount, the shell having a periphery generally conforming to a contour of the headgear; and a lighting system on the shell having at least one light. The light further includes a power unit electrically coupled to the lighting system. |
| US08337030B2 |
Solid state lighting devices having remote luminescent material-containing element, and lighting methods
A lighting device comprising a first group of solid state light emitters, an element containing luminescent material and a second group of solid state light emitters spaced from the element. In some embodiments, (1) at least 50% of light emitted by one of the first group does not mix with light emitted by the second group before the light emitted by the second group has entered the element, (2) at least 90% of exiting light emitted by the second group travels farther within the lighting device than 90% of exiting light emitted by the first group, (3) an average distance traveled by exiting light emitted by the second group is farther than an average distance traveled by exiting light emitted by the second group, and/or (4) light emitted by the first group directly exiting the lighting device exits the lighting device without being incident upon the element. |
| US08337026B2 |
Adjusting mechanism, projector, electronic whiteboard, and adjusting methods of projector and electronic whiteboard
An electronic whiteboard includes a projection unit, an adjusting mechanism, and a projection screen. The adjusting mechanism includes a fixing base, a rotary plate, and a first screw. The fixing base is adapted to be fixed to a fixing object. The rotary plate is pivotally connected to the fixing base, and is ball jointed to the projection unit. The first screw is locked on the rotary plate, and is ball jointed to the projection unit. The first screw drives the projection unit to rotate relatively to the rotary plate along a first axis when the first screw is rotated. The projection screen is adapted to be fixed to the fixing object. The projection unit is capable of projecting an image beam onto the projection screen. |
| US08337022B2 |
Rear surface projection type screen that diffracts and diffuses high luminance projection light from a projector including first and second polarizing plates
A rear projection image display apparatus that includes one or more projectors that project an image having a high luminance, a first screen having a fibrous texture and that diffracts light incident from the one or more projectors in accordance with a fiber roughness of the fibrous texture, and a second screen attached to the first screen on a side of the first screen opposite the one or more projectors and that diffuses light incident from the first screen and outputs the diffused light. |
| US08337018B2 |
Surgical microscope
A surgical microscope (10) comprises an image display module for displaying an image to be overlaid into an observation beam path of the microscope, and an image sensor for recording an image of an eye (30) of an observer looking through the microscope. According to the invention, the image display module and the image sensor are formed by a common electronic module (28) produced in integrated circuit technology. The module (28) preferably has an organic light-emitting diode, produced in OLED-on-CMOS technology, for displaying the image to be overlaid. The image sensor may be formed by CMOS-compatible photodetectors. |
| US08337007B2 |
Curable sublimation ink and sublimation transfer process using same
A transfer printing method including applying a curable sublimation ink having at least one curable component and at least one sublimation colorant in a desired pattern onto a transfer substrate to form an image on the transfer substrate at a first temperature which is below the sublimation temperature of the sublimation colorant; curing the image on the transfer substrate; and optionally, bringing the transfer substrate into contact with a final image-receiving substrate, optionally applying pressure, and heating to a second temperature which is sufficient to cause the sublimation colorant to sublime and form a permanent image on the final image-receiving substrate. |
| US08337003B2 |
Catcher including drag reducing drop contact surface
A catcher and a method of printing are provided. The catcher includes a liquid drop contact face. The liquid drop contact face includes an opening that creates an air cushion upon which liquid flows after a liquid drop contacts the drop contact face. |
| US08337001B2 |
Compact printer with static page width printhead
A printer includes an elongate support case defining a docking bay and having a personal computer interface connector protruding from a first end thereof; a print media cartridge configured to dock in the docking bay in a releasable manner; a page-width printhead assembly mounted across a second end of the support case opposite the first end, the page-width printhead assembly including a static ink ejection printhead for ejecting ink upon print media supplied from the print media cartridge; and a series of ink channel reservoirs including one reservoir for each color printed by the ink ejection printhead. The reservoirs are formed around the ink ejection printhead with feed channels progressively reducing in size to feed the printhead. |
| US08336998B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A liquid discharging-type image forming apparatus capable of securely eliminating mixed air bubbles from the ink liquid and forming a stable image. The apparatus includes: a sub tank 35 of which negative pressure amount is detected; a pump 115 sucking ink when the detected amount of the sub tank 35 is lower than a predetermined amount so that the sub tank 35 and recording heads 34 have negative pressure; a second backflow prevention unit 203 to stop the sent ink to be reserved in a second liquid container 201, which is pressurized as ink increases. When the ink is again filled in the sub tank 35, the ink is sent from the second liquid container 201 before being sent from the first liquid container. Accordingly, ink is not accumulated in the second liquid container 201, allowing the second liquid container 201 to be smaller and the image forming apparatus as a whole to be more compact. |
| US08336997B2 |
Droplet ejection device
A droplet ejection device includes a liquid ejection head, a supply flow path, a supply pump, and a supply flow path pressurizer. The supply flow path supplies the liquid to the head and for which a first depressurization threshold is specified in advance. The supply pump sucks the liquid, pressurizes the sucked liquid and supplies the sucked liquid to the head via the supply flow path, and keeps a pressure of liquid in the supply flow path near to a predetermined supply flow path target pressure. The supply flow path pressurizer pressurizes the pressure of liquid in the supply flow path if the pressure of liquid in the supply flow path falls to less than or equal to the first depressurization threshold. |
| US08336993B2 |
Print head with security assembly
A print head includes a nozzle plate, a fixing plate fixed to the nozzle plate, an oscillation sheet, and a security assembly. The fixing plate defines a receiving groove. The oscillation sheet is fixed between the fixing plate and the nozzle plate and covers the receiving groove. The security assembly includes a fixing component, an elastic component, a fixing element, an anti-detachable component, and a pointed tip extending from a distal end of the anti-detachable component. The security assembly is fixed to the fixing plate, the elastic component and the anti-detachable component are received in the receiving groove with the pointed tip pointed towards the oscillation sheet. A first end of the compressed elastic component resists against the fixing component and a second end of the elastic component resists the anti-detachable component. |
| US08336989B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus which can keep an adequate absorptivity of an ink absorbing member for a long period of time, even when such inks which react with each other are sucked through the same cap in a sucking recovery operation, by preventing a mixed ink collected by the ink absorbing member from thickening or being solidified. The ink jet recording apparatus has: a recovery unit 8 and 62 for draining ink from a black-ink discharge portion 13 for discharging black ink and a color-ink discharge portion 14 for discharging color ink which reacts with the black ink; an ink absorbing member 31 for collecting the ink which is drained by the recovery unit and separating the ink into a solid part 41 and a liquid part 42; and an ink introduction unit 7 for introducing the ink which is drained by the recovery unit, into the ink absorbing member. |
| US08336988B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus
A fluid ejecting apparatus which ejects fluid from ejection nozzles provided on an ejection head includes a rotation body which is provided so as to be opposed to a nozzle face on which the ejection nozzles are formed and rotates about an rotation axis parallel with the nozzle face, a fluid reception portion which is provided on the rotation body at a surface opposed to the nozzle face and has a recess at which the fluid is received from the ejection nozzles, and a lid member which closes a lid on the recess by abutting against the fluid reception portion in conjunction with rotation of the rotation body when the rotation body rotates in the direction in which the fluid reception portion is separated from the position opposed to the nozzle face. |
| US08336982B2 |
Fluid ejection printing with automatic print mode switching
A method of printing a document using a fluid-ejection printing device includes receiving gray scale image data for the document, and identifying at least one area fill feature of the image data. It is determined whether the at least one area fill feature will be printed with a combination of different black inks and is likely to produce a visible image defect if printed in an N-pass bidirectional print mode, where N is an integer. Non-fill regions of the image data are printed using the N-pass bidirectional print mode. The method further includes automatically switching to an M-pass bidirectional print mode for printing the at least one area fill feature when it is determined that the at least one area fill feature will be printed with a combination of different black inks and is likely to produce a visible image defect, where M is an integer greater than N. |
| US08336976B2 |
Keeping device for refrigerator and refrigerator having the same
In a keeping device for a refrigerator, a moving shelf is installed to adjust the space between door baskets according to the height of food items received in the door baskets. When the moving shelf is folded, a long food item can be stably received, and when the folded moving shelf is unfolded, the receiving space can be extended to receive more food items. Also, because moving support portions supporting the moving shelf are provided at both sides, collision noise can be reduced when the moving shelf is unfolded, and because a restraining unit is provided between the moving shelf and the door, the folded state of the moving shelf can be stably maintained. In addition, because the keeping device is hung and fixed such that it is tightly attached to the door, the keeping space can be extended. |
| US08336974B2 |
Door of refrigerator and method for manufacturing the same
In a refrigerator door in which a decoration member is mounted to a door frame using a foam material, the foam material fills a space formed between the decoration member mounted to a front side of the door frame and a rear panel mounted to a rear side of the door frame. Accordingly, the decoration member can be fixed to the door frame through direct contact with the foam material. |
| US08336970B2 |
Link and link assembly for track-type machine
A link for a track-type machine is disclosed. The link may have a body portion. The link may also have an aperture extending through the body portion. The aperture may have a cylindrical portion. Additionally, the aperture may have an annular groove formed in the cylindrical portion. The aperture may also have a tapered portion. The tapered portion may abut the cylindrical portion, and may taper toward the cylindrical portion. |
| US08336968B2 |
Brake apparatus for two-wheeled vehicle
A brake apparatus for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a hydraulic brake, which receives a hydraulic force to thereby generate a braking force, and a braking force control unit, which controls the braking force by increasing or decreasing the hydraulic pressure. The two-wheeled vehicle includes an engine disposed between a front wheel and a rear wheel. The engine includes a crankcase disposed downward thereof and a cylinder extending upwardly from a front portion of the crankcase. The braking force control unit is disposed in a space surrounded by the cylinder at a position forward thereof and the crankcase at a position downward thereof, respectively. The brake apparatus for a two-wheeled vehicle is capable of promoting enhanced maneuverability, achieving sufficient durability performance, and improving electric connection performance. |
| US08336966B2 |
Support pin component and vehicle seat having a support pin component
A support pin component for attachment to a reclining part of a vehicle seat and for insertion into a support receiver of a support frame, and a vehicle seat having a support pin component. The support pin component comprises an attachment region configured for attachment to a reclining part of a vehicle seat, and a pin, preferably having an internal thread, configured for pivotable insertion into a support receiver of a seat frame. The support pin component is a shaped part of sheet steel. |
| US08336958B2 |
Motor vehicle
A motor vehicle has at least one vehicle seat (3) and a trim part (1) that extends in the vehicle transverse direction (FQ) behind the vehicle seat (3). A cross member (2) is arranged below and/or behind the trim part (1). The trim part (1) carries a protective element (11) on an end face (6) of the trim part (1) that faces the vehicle seat (3) to protect the trim part (1) from damage caused by contact with the vehicle seat (3). |
| US08336957B2 |
Tray table
A tray table assembly comprises a table body, at least one arm, and at least one table stop. The at least one arm is pivotally coupled to the table body. The at least one arm is also pivotally coupled to a pivot shaft interior to at least one location where a passenger seat back is pivotally coupled to the pivot shaft. The at least one table stop is fixedly coupled to the pivot shaft adjacent the location where the at least one arm is pivotally coupled to the pivot shaft. The tray table assembly may be coupled to a passenger seat back comprising a recess and may be configured to substantially fit within the recess. |
| US08336956B2 |
Table stop assembly
Described are table stop assemblies having a mounting block having at least one receptacle, at least one stop coupled to the receptacle, and at least one arm knuckle. The arm knuckle includes a side, a first end, and a second end, wherein the side is pivotally coupled to the mounting block, the first end is pivotally coupled to a tray table, and the second end is configured to contact the stop when the tray table is in a deployed position. As examples, the position of the stop is adjustable relative to the receptacle, and the tray table in the deployed position includes a surface that forms an angle relative to a horizontal axis that is controlled by the position of the stop. |
| US08336955B2 |
Erroneous operation preventing device and stowable vehicle seat
A seat has an erroneous operation preventing device for, locking movement of a seat strap to regulate the stowing or folding operation, the device including a movable member provided on a seat back side to be abutted with the strap, a first connecting member that is connectable to the movable member, a second connecting member connected to the first connecting member through a first connecting portion, a strap connecting member connected to the second connecting member through a second connecting portion and locked to one end portion side of the strap, and a regulator for regulating the movable member or the first connecting member movably toward one side, wherein the first connecting member is supported on a first movable shaft provided on the seat back side, and the first connecting portion is arranged to be moved to cross a straight line connecting the shaft portion and the second connecting portion. |
| US08336953B2 |
Mount for fastening a motor vehicle module
A mount is provided for fastening a motor vehicle module on a motor vehicle, having a fastening section, using which the module is fastenable on the motor vehicle, and having a support section angled therefrom, in order to place the module thereon. The support section has a receptacle, into which a pin of the module is insertable in the vertical direction (z), the pin being longitudinally displaceable in the receptacle in a predetermined direction (x) in the inserted state, the fastening section having a receptacle, into which a tab of the module can be introduced upon a movement in the cited direction (x), and having a cantilever, which is implemented to produce a positive connection with a safeguard block associated with the module. |
| US08336951B2 |
Mud guard structure having windows
A window-defined mud guard assembly includes mud guards fitted to a side of a vehicle body for selectively opening or closing a lower side portion of a vehicle cabin and window units mounted above the mud guards. Each of the window units is made up of a window body disposed above the corresponding mud guard and a connecting element for connecting the window body with an associated to-be-connected element provided in the mud guard. |
| US08336950B2 |
Inflatable trailer skirt
The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage. |
| US08336948B2 |
Method for installing a glass window in a folding or removable soft automobile top
A method of attaching a glass window to an auto soft top by positioning a ring around a window opening in the soft top and wrapping an edge of the window opening around at least a portion of the ring. An adhesive is positioned between the edge portion of the ring and the soft top and the glass window is positioned over the ring and secured thereto by an adhesive. |
| US08336947B2 |
Dust-proof end closure for contractible canopy
A foldable canopy cover (13) can be automatically extended over the open top (11) of a container (12). The canopy is supported by a series of arcuate booms (14) transversally spanning the top of the container. Each boom is secured at opposite ends to a pair of train members riding on rails (16,17) running along the lateral upper edges of the container. At the end of the covering movement, as the leading edge (27) of the canopy approaches the end (32) of the container, it is brought down flush with the container rim by contact between a cam ramp (37) associated with the container and a roller pin (35) on a lever (30) supporting the leading edge of the canopy, in order to tightly close the open top. |
| US08336945B2 |
Designing and manufacturing vehicle floor trays
A product line of consumer-installable thermoformed vehicle floor trays has first and second floor trays for insertion into first and second driver's side vehicle foot wells. The first and second vehicle foot wells have a different shape from each other. The first and second floor trays each have a floor that substantially conforms to the floor of its respective vehicle foot well. Each tray also has an upstanding transverse first panel, an upstanding longitudinal second panel connected to the first panel, and an upstanding longitudinal third panel connected to the first panel. Each upstanding panel is integrally formed with the floor of the tray and conforms to the walls of its respective foot well. |
| US08336942B2 |
Structure for storing seat for automobile
A guide structure for guiding a removable seat to move between a support base and a storage container is constituted by a joint portion between a lower face of a seat cushion of the seat and the support base and is constituted as a storing structure of the storage container. And, an arrangement relationship between both members is constituted to be such an arrangement relationship that the removable seat can also be guided to move to the guide structure constituted at the storage container in a state where the removable seat is guided to move by the guide structure constituted at the removable seat. |
| US08336941B1 |
Arrangement for housing a device in an interior of a vehicle
An arrangement for housing a device in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a trim component that is configured to be mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The trim component defines a cavity. The cavity is configured to substantially conform to the device, to engage with multiple surfaces of the device, and to support the device in a generally horizontal orientation. The trim component further defines an opening to the cavity. The arrangement further includes a retaining body that is connected to the trim component. The retaining body is configured to inhibit egress of the device from the cavity through the opening when the device is positioned within the cavity. |
| US08336937B2 |
Pipe pile sling
A sling for securing a pipe pile to a pipe pile driving apparatus so that the pipe pile is suspended substantially vertical from the pipe pile driving apparatus is provided. The sling includes a sleeve clamp configured to encircle and clamp against the sleeve for conjoint movement therewith. A pipe pile clamp configured to encircle and clamp against the pipe pile for conjoint movement therewith. First and second pawls are pivotally supported by the pipe pile clamp. The pawls are diametrically opposed and confronting each other and being configured to receive the pipe pile between them. A first suspension tether is connected to and extends between the sleeve clamp and the first pawl. A second suspension tether is connected to and extends between the sleeve clamp and the second pawl, wherein the first and the second pawls pivot in a direction towards each other to clamp against opposing surfaces of a pipe pile positioned between the first and the second pawls when the first and second suspension tethers are tensioned. |
| US08336935B2 |
Sheet material gripping device
A gripping device for gripping sheet material. The gripping device comprises a frame structure and a first gripping member connected thereto. A second gripping member is rotatable mounted to the frame structure. The second gripping member is rotatable between an open position and a closed position for providing a gripping force acting on an object disposed between the first gripping member and the second gripping member. A disengaging mechanism is connected to the second gripping member for moving the second gripping member from the closed position to the open position by providing pushing action acting on the second gripping member. |
| US08336933B2 |
Energy absorbing device and methods of making and using the same
In an embodiment, an energy absorbing device comprises: a metal component comprising greater than or equal to three walls forming a metal component channel; and a plastic component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of walls defining comb channels therein. The plastic component is located in the metal component channel forming a crash can. The plastic component is inseparable from the metal component without damage to the metal component and/or the plastic component. In one embodiment, a method of making an energy absorbing device can comprise: co-molding the metal component and the plastic component to form a crash can. The energy absorbing device can be used on a vehicle, adjacent to a vehicle component. |
| US08336931B2 |
T-handle actuator and latch
A T-handle actuator has one or more retractable ball bearings for selectively engaging a socket to operate a latch mechanism. The ball bearings are allowed to retract using a pushbutton for removal of the actuator from the socket. A latch mechanism is operated by rotationally moving a drive plug. The drive plug can be a socket that can be engaged by the T-handle actuator. |
| US08336930B2 |
Window sash latch
An improved window sash latch which has a locking mechanism and a keeper is provided with a handle that rotates from a “locked” to an “unlocked” position. An inner cavity of the handle has a spring assembly having a sliding part that can be forced into a detent as the handle slides around a cylindrical extension of an outer surface of the latch. The detents correspond to a “locked” and an “unlocked” position of the latch. The latch also provides two cams where both cams revolve relative to each other; one cam is activated by the handle through the handle's shaft, the other cam engages the keeper, and both cams engage each other. |
| US08336929B2 |
Double latch assembly for a motor vehicle
A double latch assembly for a motor vehicle having two pivotably mounted closure members is disclosed in which a sequencing lever is used to release first and second pawls used to hold first and second rotatable claws in respective latched positions. A single actuator A1 is used to release both of the pawls but because of the use of a disengageable coupling between the sequencing lever and the second pawl it is ensured that the first pawl is always released before the second pawl. Only a single actuator A1 is required to release both pawls and no sensors are required to control the sequencing of the pawls. |
| US08336926B2 |
Sand discharge device for a rail vehicle
A suction nozzle insert is provided for arranging in a storage container of a sand discharge device of a rail vehicle, through which compressed air can flow in succession through a nozzle, an injection chamber, a venturi pipe and then a sand feed pipe, wherein the injection chamber and the venturi pipe are located in a first hollow chamber, and furthermore at least one suction channel which connects the storage container with the injection chamber is provided in the housing of the suction nozzle insert, wherein the housing has a second hollow chamber which is arranged between the compressed air pipe and the nozzle, and at least one at least partially closable air channel is provided between this second hollow chamber and the first hollow chamber, wherein the air channel inlet lies in the second hollow chamber and the air channel outlet lies in the first hollow chamber. |
| US08336925B2 |
Ventilation duct assembly kit and method of assembly using the same
A ventilation duct assembly kit for use for forming interconnecting ventilation ducts. The kit includes a pallet supporting a flexible panels that are shapeable into ductwork elements. Each of the panels has opposite duct-forming sides, opposite interconnecting sides for interconnection to a subsequent panel formed into a ductwork element, and a male and female interlocking interfaces respectively fixed on first and second opposite duct-forming sides for interlocking of the duct-forming sides together. The kit also includes slideable locking elements shaped to slide and fit over assembled male and female interlocking interfaces. A plurality of collets shaped to fit over the interconnecting sides of the formed ductwork elements and sized to extend between the adjacent slideable locking elements from corresponding adjacent shaped ductwork elements that are linked through the collet are also provided. A method of assembling such interconnecting ventilation ducts is also disclosed. |
| US08336924B2 |
Coupling device for transferring fluid, circuit incorporating and fitting/removing it
Coupling device is provided having a male tubular end fitting; a connection mechanism to be mounted around the male end fitting by being coupled to a female end fitting and including a coupling end to be housed in a groove of the female end fitting; and a locking member for locking this connection mechanism that is to be mounted around the male end fitting in order reversibly to bring the coupling end into a locked position in the groove. The connection mechanism includes a radially internal bearing zone to be mounted against the male end fitting and ending in the coupling end, which includes tabs that are elastically deformable in the radial direction extending the bearing zone, each tab being able to be jammed in the locking position by flexing against the groove and against one of the guide and locking-aid ramps of the male end fitting. |
| US08336922B2 |
Connection assembly and method of connecting such an assembly
An assembly and method for connecting a movable plate to a fixed plate for connecting hydraulic, pneumatic and/or electric circuits and wherein the movable plate and the fixed plate have matching connector elements. The movable plate includes at least one centering component capable of interacting with the fixed plate. The assembly includes an actuator having a fixed support, a movable component for moving the movable plate relative to the fixed support, between a first retracted position corresponding to a disconnected state of the plates and a second position corresponding to a connected state. The assembly also includes a device for moving the movable plate relative to the actuator, and the movable plate and the fixed support respectively have at least one positioning member and at lest one positioning component which interact to position the movable plate relative to the fixed support when the movable plate is in the first position. |
| US08336921B2 |
Rotary joint
A rotary joint of the present invention maintains cryogenic temperature of a supplying refrigerant flowing through a fluid passage, and makes available to lubricate a seal face by the supplying refrigerant as well as to minimize a running cost for the refrigerant. |
| US08336914B2 |
Seatbelt device of vehicle
A belt anchor comprises an anchor portion which changes the extending direction of a belt body toward a vehicle front, a bolt which supports the anchor portion, and a nut which fastens the bolt. The belt anchor is fixed to a lift gate inner and a second reinforcement at a position which is located near a pivotal axis of a hinge. Accordingly, a seatbelt device of a vehicle which can ensure both the properly-large slant angle of the belt body and the support strength of the belt anchor, keeping appropriate flexibility of the vehicle layout, can be provided. |
| US08336913B1 |
Steering device for pallet jack
A steering device for decreasing a turning radius of a pallet jack is disclosed. The steering device comprises a first portion fixedly connected to the pallet jack between a main wheel and the extensible roller thereof. A second portion pivotally attaches to the first portion. A spring disposed within the first portion urges the second portion to remain in a selected position. A wheel disposes within the second portion. Positioning the pallet jack towards the lowered position, the wheel engages the ground causing the extensible roller to disengage the ground whereupon the main wheel and the wheel define a second turning radius which is lesser than the first turning radius. Upon the wheel contacting a lower cross member of a pallet, the second portion is urged against the biasing force of the spring to pivot relatively upwards and over the lower cross member. |
| US08336901B2 |
Intercommunicating gangway between at least two road modules detachably connected to form a road train or set
An intercommunicating gangway in that two successive road modules (5, 6) are connected by a detachable coupling with a minimum inter-module distance at least in the in-line configuration such that the opposite facing surfaces (3, 4) are each provided with a communicating door (8, 9) which can only be opened in when the two road modules are arranged in an in-line configuration and the vehicle is stopped. The intercommunicating gangway is suitable for use in the urban passenger transport field. |
| US08336895B2 |
Skateboard deck
A skateboard deck is formed of several layers pressed and bonded together. Apertures are formed through the bottom-most layers, and impact support members are arranged within the apertures. The impact support members are more rigid than the other portions of the skateboard deck, and provide localized impact support while allowing the remaining layers of the deck to retain their performance characteristics and feel while strengthening the most vulnerable areas of the deck. |
| US08336892B2 |
Skate brake
A brake assembly for a skate of the type having parallel rails connected to the bottom of a boot. The skate brake bracket for mounting outside the rails and a brake wheel mounted to the skate brake bracket. The tension of the brake wheel may be adjusted. |
| US08336889B2 |
Metallic flat gasket
The invention relates to a metallic flat gasket (1) with at least one gasket layer (2), in which at least one through opening (3) is present, which is surrounded by a sealing area (4), in which at least one elastically deformable element (5) surrounding the through opening (3) is arranged, and an optional, at least one functional area (6) with at least one elastically deformable sealing or supporting element (7), which does not separately surround a single through-opening, where outside of the at least one sealing area (4) and the optional at least one functional area (6) on at least one of the surfaces (21, 22) of at least one of the gasket layers (2) an area is surface structured in such a way that the gasket layer (2) in this area has a thickness that is larger than the original thickness of the gasket layer (2). The surface structured area (8) covers the at least one surface (21, 22) outside of the sealing (4) and the functional area (6) at least in regions and the surface structure is formed by alternating depressions (9) and protrusions (10) which run on at least one cohort of essentially parallel, straight virtual lines extending over the total area of the structured area (8). |
| US08336885B2 |
Wear-resistant coating
A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first seal member having a first surface, a second seal member having a second surface, with the second surface configured to generally abut at least a part of the first surface. At least a portion of at least one of the first surface and the second surface includes a coating that includes about 30 to about 80 weight percent of a hard carbide material, and about 20 to about 70 weight percent of lubricating material incorporated with the hard carbide material. The coating defines overlapping lenticular particles. |
| US08336884B1 |
Water dousing game apparatus
A water dousing target game in which water is dumped upon a player when a target is hit with a projective includes a support stand, a water reservoir, and a drop mechanism having a trip rod and a paddle mechanism with a target. The stand assembly is height-adjustable having a plurality of stabilizing legs. The water reservoir is located at a top end of the support stand. The drop mechanism includes a bottom panel hingedly covering an open bottom of the reservoir having an attached trip rod releasably supported by the paddle mechanism. The paddle mechanism includes an arm rotatably connected to the support stand and the target having a flat enlarged end. When the target is struck with a projectile, the paddle arm rotates and releases the trip rod support, causing the bottom panel of the reservoir to hinge open and drop the contents on another person. |
| US08336883B2 |
Ball-striking game
Disclosed is a system for simulating a ball-striking game for a batter in a game area. The system includes a fluorescent bat, a fluorescent ball, a tracking device, and a data computing device. The fluorescent bat is adapted to be held by the batter. The fluorescent ball is adapted to be delivered to the batter for hitting the fluorescent ball with the fluorescent bat. The tracking device is capable of detecting a first set and a second set of parameters associated with the fluorescent ball. Further, the tracking device is capable of wirelessly transmitting the first set and the second set of parameters to the data computing device. The data computing device is capable of generating a score for the batter based on the first set and the second set of parameters. |
| US08336880B2 |
Air hockey table
Air hockey tables are disclosed herein. An embodiment of an air hockey table comprises a playing surface and an opening wherein a puck is movable on the playing surface and is receivable in said opening. At least one barricade is movable proximate the opening, wherein the barricade has a first fixed position wherein the puck is prevented from entering the opening when the puck is shot from anywhere on the playing surface, and a second fixed position wherein the puck is able to enter the opening. |
| US08336879B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus which includes a sheet loading tray for stacking sheets; a suction and conveyance section which is placed above stacked sheets on the sheet loading tray and sucks and conveys a sheet in the sheet conveying direction; an air blowing section which blows air at the stacked sheets on the sheet loading tray and causes the sheet to float up; and a skew correction section which corrects a skew of the sheet conveyed by the suction and conveyance section. |
| US08336878B2 |
Paper discharge device
A paper discharge device includes a waiting path having one side connected to an input port and another side connected to a discharge port, and a collection path having one side connected to the waiting path through a merged portion and another side connected to a collection chamber. Conveyance mechanisms convey a paper which was conveyed through the input port to the discharge port in a forward direction, and convey, after lapse of a given period of time after the conveyance of the paper, the paper in a reverse direction through the merged portion to feed into the collection path. An input mechanism provided in the collection path conveys the paper fed from the waiting path through the collection path into the collection chamber while sandwiching the paper between rollers to form folds across a total length of the paper along the paper conveying direction. |
| US08336876B2 |
Side guide assembly with vertically repositionable side guides for use with friction sheet feeding machines
A repositionable side guide assembly with vertically repositionable side guides for use with a friction sheet feeding machine. |
| US08336871B2 |
Paper feeding mechanism
A paper feeding mechanism mounted to a shell includes a pickup mechanism, a transporting mechanism, a separation mechanism and a one-way clutch mechanism. The pickup mechanism includes a pickup motor having a rotating roller, a pickup roller and a pickup wheel. The transporting mechanism includes a transporting motor, a transporting roller, a transporting wheel and a transporting gear. The separation mechanism includes a separation roller, a separation gear and a separation wheel. The one-way clutch mechanism includes a one-way axle, a wiggling arm, a restoration elastic element fastened between the wiggling arm and the shell, and a releasing gear. The one-way axle passes through one end of the wiggling arm. The rotating roller of the pickup motor passes through the one-way axle. The releasing gear mounted to the other end of the wiggling arm is engaged with the transporting gear and the separation gear. |
| US08336869B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes a folding roller pair, a sheet pushing member, a detection unit, and a control unit. The folding roller pair folds a sheet or a sheet bundle by a nip portion and conveys a folded sheet or a folded sheet bundle. The sheet pushing member performs a pushing operation in which a tip of the sheet pushing member pushes the sheet or the sheet bundle into the nip portion of the folding roller pair. The detection unit detects whether the tip of the sheet pushing member reaches a predetermined position in a moving direction of the sheet pushing member. The control unit controls driving of the sheet pushing member according to a result of detection by the detection unit such that the sheet pushing member repeats the pushing operation until the detection unit detects that the tip of the sheet pushing member reaches the predetermined position. |
| US08336862B2 |
Fence post
A fence post for use in building a post and rail fence over varying terrain or of varying curvature. The post is perforated by a hole having a reduced diameter center section that is flanked on either side by an enlarged diameter section. The posts thus permit the support of rails that are not restricted to a straight, horizontal orientation and provide and improved overall appearance. |
| US08336861B2 |
Clutchable winch
A clutchable winch contains a shaft member including: a tube used to fix a belt; a fitting piece including a central hole mounted thereon; a column fixed on the central hole; a sleeve coupled with the fitting piece, including a groove arranged on one end thereof and a connecting end secured on another end thereof, the connecting end including plural apertures disposed thereon; a positioning disc fixed on a bottom end of the groove, including plural first inclined teeth arranged therearound, the first inclined teeth being spaced apart evenly from each other and each having a vertical side; an annular actuating plate fitted on the column, including a hexagonal pore arranged on a central portion thereof and plural second inclined teeth disposed on one end surface thereof, wherein each second tooth includes a vertical fringe; a compression spring defined between the actuating plate and the fitting piece of the tube. |
| US08336859B2 |
Apparatus for tensioning a strap
A strap-tensioning apparatus includes a frame, a handle connected to the frame, a reel supported on the frame, two ratchets secured to the reel, a first detent supported on the handle and biased to engage with the ratchets, and a second detent supported on the frame and biased to engage with the ratchets. The frame includes two walls each including a recess. The handle includes two walls each including a lobe. The first detent includes a chamfered tip. The ratchets can slide on the chamfered tip of the first detent to allow a strap to be reeled out when the chamfered tip of the first detent is in the recesses of the frame. The second detent is disengaged from the ratchets by the lobes of the handle when the chamfered tip of the first detent is in the recesses of the walls of the frame. |
| US08336851B2 |
Gas pressure regulator with integrated remote disconnect
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for remotely shutting off gas flow at a consumer location. A gas pressure regulator is configured to respond to communication signals from a central facility via a communications infrastructure to override normal pressure regulation functions such that the gas pressure regulator outlet pressure is reduced to zero. |
| US08336850B2 |
Stop valve
A stop valve is provided for a hydraulic system. The stop valve includes a valve slide that can be moved to a closed position and to an open position. A blocking device for limiting the activation of the valve slide is provided at an intermediate position located between the closed position and the open position, wherein, in this intermediate position, the opening cross section of the stop valve equals only a fraction of the opening cross section present in the open position. The blocking device is constructed such that limiting the activation of the valve slide by the blocking device is realized as a function of a pressure difference value between a pressure in front of and a pressure behind the stop valve, wherein the limiting can be canceled when the value falls below a given pressure difference value. This guarantees a pressure balance controlled according to the flow when the stop valve is opened. |
| US08336846B2 |
Cradle arrangement
It is necessary to support and manipulate such bulky items as gas turbine engines through appropriate cradle arrangements. It is necessary to allow robust presentation of the gas turbine engine upon a base such that it can be lifted to a position whereby the engine can be rotated to adjust the configuration of the engine within an arrangement. Such manipulation may minimize height or width dependent upon requirements. By provision of lever assemblies comprising lever arms linked together through a pivot link and a cross link rotation by an actuator of one assembly gives consistent presentation of the locator elements defining a center of rotation for the engine. The arrangement can be locked in a lowered condition for transportation or lifted to allow rotation and re-orientation of the engine with regard to external protuberances to limit width or height. |
| US08336845B1 |
Pivoting detent joint for a vehicle mirror assembly
A support arm carried by a carrier base. A base tooth ring on the carrier base and an arm tooth ring on the support arm, wherein the arm tooth ring releasably interlocks with the base tooth ring. A base column having a hollow interior chamber carried by the carrier base, and an arm column carried by the support arm extending into the hollow interior chamber. A first stop block channel disposed in a bottom surface of the base column, and a second stop block channel disposed in the support arm adjacent an exterior side of the arm column. A first stop block carried by a distal end of the base column received into the second stop block channel, and a second stop block carried by a distal end of the arm column being received into the first stop block channel to define a range of pivotal movement. |
| US08336840B2 |
Braking device for braking a support member and supporting device for supporting the support member with the same
There is provided a braking device for braking a support member, which connects a main body of an equipment at one end thereof and a sub-body of the equipment at an opposite end thereof. Such a device includes a support bracket, a shaft, first and second plates, a pressing member, and a movable member. The support bracket is mounted on the main body of the equipment. The shaft is connected at both ends on the main body of the equipment. The first plates are disposed around the shaft and movable relative to the shaft. The second plates are disposed around the shaft and alternately positioned between the first plates. The pressing member presses the first and second plates in a braked position. The first and second plates are spaced apart from one another in an unbraked position. The movable member moves the pressing member between the braked and unbraked positions. |
| US08336838B2 |
Mounting device and electronic system
This invention provides a mounting device and an electronic system. The electronic system includes an electronic device and a mounting device. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket, a rail member, and a sliding member. The mounting bracket is mounted to the electronic device. The rail member is rotatably and pivotally connected to the mounting bracket. The rail member has a rail, and the rail has a first end and a second end. The sliding member is slidably disposed at the mounting bracket and has a protrusion portion capable of sliding along the rail. When the rail member rotates relative to the mounting bracket and the rail pushes the protrusion portion to move from the first end to the second end, the sliding member is inserted into a fastening hole of the electronic system. |
| US08336835B1 |
Support device and method of use
A support pole comprising an outer upper pole and an inner lower pole. The inner pole may telescopically slide within the upper pole. The poles may slide freely with respect to one another. A lock mechanism with a quick-release lever may be utilized to friction or tension lock the first pole at a desired position with respect to the second pole. The support pole may be used in a variety of methods including dry wall support. |
| US08336834B2 |
Electrical wire fixing member
Provided is an electrical wire fixing member that can be assembled in a simple manner with the reduced number of parts, and is capable of obtaining a sufficient lap amount, which can further reduce the number of parts. In an electrical wire fixing band 1 that secures an electrical wire 20, the first flange 3 is provided at a tip of the one end 2a of the body 2 in a shape of a ring, with both ends overlapping with each other along the circumference of the body. A second flange 4 is provided at the other end 2b. A protruding piece 5 is provided in a direction where the other end 2b becomes more distant from the one end 2a. A locking piece 6 is provided closer to the one end than the tip of the other end 2b is. |
| US08336833B2 |
Modular grid system
Embodiments of the present invention provide modular grid systems for use with aperture-forming devices. The modular grid system includes a plurality of modular grids, wherein each modular grid includes an outer frame, an outer partial ring coupled to the frame, and at least one inner partial ring coupled to the outer partial ring via at least one securable connection, wherein the outer partial ring and the at least one inner partial ring form arcs of greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees. Each modular grid is coupled to an adjacent modular grid. In some embodiments, the outer frame comprises a removable bar. In some embodiments, the plurality of modular grids are oriented in the same direction. In some embodiments, the modular grid is configured to couple to an aperture-forming device, where the aperture-forming device has a diameter ranging from 2 to 6 inches. |
| US08336832B2 |
Firestop collar
A metal casing strip for a fire collar to be arranged around a duct has a line of successive tongues and cutouts in the longitudinal direction of the strip. The tongues and cutouts are arranged in the strip in an alternating fashion. The tongues are bendable out of the surface of the casing strip such that in use, when the casing strip is arranged around a pipe such that two end regions overlap, an outwardly bended tongue from the one end region is inserted in a cutout of the overlapping other end region and folded over the edge of the cutout to retain the casing strip in the closed collar shape. |
| US08336829B2 |
Advanced trailing edge control surface on the wing of an aircraft
An aircraft wing trailing edge control surface including a trailing edge flap adjustable to different positions, a sealing flap on the upper side between the wing and the flap, and a ventilation flap on the underside between the wing and the flap. The flap is adjustable downward through positive positions and upward through negative positions. The wing profile is closed on the upper side by the sealing flap and the underside by the ventilation flap when the flap is used as a control flap and adjusted between negative and low positive positions. The ventilation flap releases air flow from the wing underside to the upper side of the flap and the sealing flap is retracted to release an outflow of air from the upper side of the flap when the flap is used for increasing lift and the flap is adjusted between low and high positive positions. |
| US08336817B2 |
Jam tolerant electromechanical actuation systems and methods of operation
In a vehicle, having a fixed supporting structure and a load movable relative thereto, a jam tolerant actuating system, a method for controlling this system including: Locating a physical coupling/decoupling mechanism between the load and an actuator assembly as close a practicable to the load; constructing the coupling/uncoupling mechanism to be reversible, and hence testable; and controlling the connection/disconnection via decision making electronics which will detect any system failure by monitoring, at a minimum: actuator main motor load and speed, and actuator output load. Also set forth are specific embodiments of pivotable rotary geared actuators as well as linear ball screw type actuators embodying the coupling/uncoupling mechanisms of this invention. |
| US08336815B2 |
Constant-velocity drive system for gimbaled rotor hubs
A constant-velocity drive system for a rotary-wing aircraft rotor comprising a differential torque-splitting mechanism and a gimbal mechanism is disclosed. A rotary-wing aircraft having a rotary-wing aircraft rotor comprising a differential torque-splitting mechanism and a gimbal mechanism is disclosed. |
| US08336813B2 |
Engine pylon for the suspension of a turbo engine under an aircraft wing
According to the invention, the engine pylon for the suspension of a turbo engine under an aircraft wing is such that the trailing edge of the rear lower part of the engine pylon is shifted toward the root of the wing. |
| US08336805B1 |
Device and system for propelling a passenger
The invention relates to a propulsion device comprising a body arranged for receiving a passenger and engaging with a thrust unit supplied with a pressurized fluid from a compression station. The arrangement of such a device offers great freedom of movement through the air or under the surface of a fluid. The invention also relates to a propulsion system in which the compression station can be remote in the form of a motorized marine vehicle. |
| US08336804B2 |
Aircraft cabin panel with core recesses for acoustic absorption
An aircraft cabin panel for acoustic absorption in an interior space includes a core layer, a first cover layer and a second cover layer. The first cover layer includes a space-enclosing first surface, and the second cover layer is arranged opposite the first cover layer. The first cover layer is acoustically transparent, and the core layer includes a honeycomb core with a plurality of tubular or honeycomb-like cells that are open throughout the thickness of the honeycomb core. The honeycomb core on the face pointing towards the first cover layer extends parallel to the first cover layer so as to be continuously throughout, and on the face pointing towards the second cover layer comprises recesses which extend over several cells. Absorbers are accommodated in the recesses. |
| US08336796B2 |
Impactor ring for updraft classifiers
An annular impactor structure for use in crusher/classifiers of the updraft type. An annular structure comprising a plurality of radially inwardly projecting, essentially vertical impactor plates of high-hardness material is located immediately above a vane structure such that entrained particulate matter from a milling bowl impacts one or both of the impactor plate surfaces. The impactor plates as well as the backer structures between the impactor plates are covered with coin-shaped protrusions. The impactor plate structure can be used in combination with a single or double course vane structure. |
| US08336793B2 |
Shredder and/or shredder head with pivotable top panel
A shredder having a pivoting top panel comprising a display which may reduce potential safety hazards. |
| US08336789B2 |
Structure of spraying device
A spraying device includes a control handle, a first hollow barrel, a second hollow barrel, a driving unit, a spraying tube, and a liquid ejection tube. With the driving unit that is driven by high pressure air to rotate received inside the second hollow barrel, when the control handle is operated to supply high pressure air to drive the driving unit to rotate in high speed, the spraying tube is caused to rotate with a high speed, making high pressure rotating air ejected from the spraying tube inducing repeated and rotating impacts on a surface to be cleaned to thereby improve the effect of dust removal. Further, the liquid ejection tube is located within the spraying tube and ejects a stream of water (or cleaning agent), which is mixed with the high pressure air to generate a high speed rotating impact to also realize surface rinsing of an object. |
| US08336788B2 |
Dripless rotary sprinkler and related method
A rotary sprinkler includes a housing supporting a nozzle and a nozzle tube, the nozzle tube located axially adjacent an orifice of the nozzle with an axial gap therebetween. A water-deflection plate assembly is carried by the nozzle tube for rotation relative to the nozzle tube. The housing is formed with an exterior substantially annular funnel surrounding the nozzle and forming a collection trough for collection of excess water, and the housing formed with one or more apertures directing excess water in the collection trough to an internal area surrounding the orifice to be aspirated through the gap into a stream of water emitted from the nozzle orifice and through the nozzle tube such that the excess water is distributed by the water-deflection plate along with water emitted from the nozzle orifice. |
| US08336787B2 |
Systems and apparatus for expressing multimedia presentations corresponding to print media
A media asset system and method is provided comprising a portable reader having a sensor enabled to detect a part of a surface, with the reader having means for selecting an output action by correlating said detected part with a preselected outcome. Output also provided for presenting audio and video presentation. Output is responsive to the reader's selection of output action. |
| US08336785B2 |
Removably securing small contactless payment card to electronic device
A holder for a contactless payment card includes a substrate that has a first side and a second side that is opposite to the first side. There is an adhesive material on the first side of the substrate. The holder also includes at least one sheet that is joined to the substrate to form a pouch. The second side of the substrate faces the pouch. The pouch is shaped and sized to securely hold a contactless integrated circuit identification card that has no more than half of a planar extent defined for the standard ID-1 identification card. |
| US08336778B2 |
Graphical code readers that provide sequenced illumination for glare reduction
A graphical code reader that provides sequenced illumination for glare reduction may include a plurality of light sources that illuminate a target area. The graphical code reader may also include at least one image sensor that captures an image of the target area using a rolling shutter technique. The graphical code reader may also include an illumination controller that sequences illumination of the light sources so that the light sources that are providing the normal component of the illumination to an active portion of the target area are turned off, and so that the light sources that are not providing the normal component of the illumination to the active portion of the target area are turned on. |
| US08336777B1 |
Covert aiming and imaging devices
A weapon aiming system projects an aim point and/or an image from a weapon mounted vision system into a display coupled to a head-mounted vision system to aid in acquiring a target. The system incorporates electronic image stabilization and is capable of maintaining a reticle aligned with a point-of-impact of a weapon. |
| US08336771B2 |
Payment card terminal dongle for communications devices
A dangle, which plugs into the audio/earpiece jack of host devices, allows them to accept payment cards as a point of sale (POS) terminal. It contains a magnetic stripe (magstripe) card reader, a smart card reader, and/or a proximity card reader (reader(s)); a microprocessor or microcontroller (CPU); and a circuit for drawing power from a digital audio signal (power circuit). Payment card data is collected by the reader(s), passed to the CPU where it is encrypted, encoded, and modulated, sent to the host device through the Microphone input contact of the audio/earpiece jack, then transmitted via one the host device's networks to a merchant account provider for processing. A digital audio signal, constantly generated by the host device, provides power to the dongle via the power circuit. The power circuit converts the digital audio signal to stable DC power with the appropriate voltage for powering the dongle's other components. |
| US08336767B1 |
Banking apparatus controlled responsive to data bearing records
A banking system is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The banking system includes an automated banking machine. The machine is operable to carry out a financial transaction for a person responsive to a determination that the person is an authorized user of the machine based on correspondence between identifying data read by a reader of the machine and data store information. The machine includes a check acceptor that is operative to receive checks from authorized machine users. The check acceptor is operable to continuously move a received check along its transport path while simultaneously rotationally orienting the check into alignment with the transport path. A check determined not to have at least one property of an acceptable check is returned to the machine user. Acceptable checks are processed and stored in the machine. |
| US08336760B2 |
Parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner
A parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner has a box having a drawer which can be pulled out and pushed in, and a prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of parcel. The prevention mechanism has a placing portion on which the parcel is placed, a blocking mechanism that blocks pulling out of the drawer from the box when parcel is placed on the placing portion, and an unblocking mechanism that unblocks the parcel box drawer. The placing portion has two platforms, each having a first end and a second end situated opposite each other. The two platforms are facing each other or are placed in adjacent relation to each other, with the ends of the platforms directed to opposite sides. Each platform is pivotable about a pivot axle fixed in the drawer. |
| US08336759B2 |
Parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner
A parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner has a box having a drawer which can be pulled out and pushed in, and a prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of parcel. The prevention mechanism has a platform for placing parcel, a blocking mechanism that blocks pulling out of the drawer from the box when parcel is placed on the platform, and an unblocking mechanism that unblocks the parcel box drawer. The platform has a first end and a second end situated opposite each other. The platform is swingable about a cross pivot axle fixed in the drawer. The first end of the platform is situated lower than the second end. The blocking mechanism has a blocking bracket and a stop. The blocking bracket has a first end and a second end situated opposite each other. |
| US08336755B2 |
Friction welding enclosure
A weld enclosure and welding apparatus including a weld enclosure. Also a method of welding. The apparatus has first and second opposed tooling faces adapted to receive and hold respective first and second weld elements. The weld enclosure comprises a housing that allows relative movement between the weld elements and a change in a physical dimension of at least one of the weld elements. The weld enclosure also comprises locating means for locating the housing relative to the welding apparatus and includes heating means. |
| US08336752B2 |
Energy stored in spring with controlled release
There is provided a surgical instrument including a handle having an elongated tubular member extending distally from the handle and one or more end effectors mounted on the distal end of the elongate tubular member. A driver is movably mounted within the handle and elongate tubular member in order to operate the end effectors. The surgical instrument includes an energy storage mechanism for storing and providing energy to move the driver and thereby actuate the surgical instrument. Various actuation mechanisms are disclosed which are operable on the energy storage mechanism to control the rate of release of the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism. |
| US08336746B2 |
Archery bow carrying apparatus
An archery bow carrying apparatus includes a harness configured to be worn by an archer, the harness having a connection member. A loop member fixedly attaches to the bowstring of the bow at a location offset from the nock point. The connection member is configured to be removably engaged with the loop member. During the carrying of the archery bow, the loop member and the connection member bear at least a portion of the weight of the archery bow. |
| US08336744B2 |
Flow limiting bottle cap
The flow limiting bottle cap secures to a container having a threaded neck and allows a user to select an open or a closed position without removing the cap from a container. Additionally fluid from within a container, when poured, forms multiple separate streams in laminar flow. The cap provides a pattern of conically shaped holes for passing of fluid. Each hole has edge conditions for adjusting the flow relative to pouring. The cap opens by raising an upper portion and closes by lowering the upper portion or by rotating the upper portion to expose the holes and closing by rotating oppositely to block the holes. Knurling upon the perimeter of the upper portion aids the user. An internal seal also excludes atmospheric communication to reduce spoilage of fluids within a container. |
| US08336741B2 |
Front-accessible ice dispenser ice agitation motor
An ice dispenser includes an ice storage bin with a drive shaft aperture and an ice dispensing aperture; an ice dispensing chute connected to the storage bin in proximity to the ice dispensing aperture; a paddlewheel inside the storage bin; and a drive mechanism, including a drive shaft passing through tile drive shaft aperture, for rotation of the paddlewheel. The drive shaft is connected to tile paddlewheel in such a fashion that the paddlewheel is prevented from disengaging from the drive shaft during normal operation of the ice dispensing apparatus, but the drive shaft can be disengaged from the paddlewheel in order to be able to remove the drive mechanism from the ice dispenser without accessing the ice storage bin. |
| US08336739B2 |
Fluid dispenser device
A fluid dispenser device having a fluid dispenser member, the fluid dispenser member fastened by a fastener ring (30) on a reservoir (1). An actuator head (20) is mounted on the dispenser member and is movable so as to actuate the dispenser member. A removable blocking element (40), in its blocking position, prevents the dispenser member from being actuated. At least one breakable element (50) is secured to the blocking element so as to indicate first use. The blocking element is assembled around the fastener ring (30), between the head (20) and the reservoir (1), and, in its blocking position, co-operates with the actuator head and the reservoir so as to prevent the actuator head from moving axially relative to the reservoir. The breakable element (50) surrounds the blocking element (40), at least in part, before first use. |
| US08336738B2 |
Reusable pump dispenser for heated personal care compositions
A handheld, reusable product dispenser that heats a portion of flowable product as it is being dispensed from a reservoir. The reusable heating dispenser that is able to heat at least 50 μL of a flowable product, from an ambient temperature to a product application temperature, immediately prior to dispensing. By heating the product, some characteristic of the product may be enhanced or improved. The reservoir is removable from the reusable housing. Preferably, the heating circuit is battery powered. |
| US08336737B2 |
Foam dispenser
A foam dispenser having a pump assembly includes a liquid pump, an air pump and a common actuation part to simultaneously actuate the liquid pump and the air pump. The pump assembly includes a dispensing channel having a dispensing opening. The pump assembly further includes a porous matrix which contains a dispensate material. A contact surface of the porous matrix is arranged in communication with the dispensing channel, so that foam being formed in the pump assembly and dispensed through the dispensing channel comes into contact with the contact surface to introduce dispensate material released from the porous matrix in the foam. |
| US08336734B2 |
Liquid dispensing systems encompassing gas removal
Systems are described for delivery of a wide variety of materials in which liquid and gas or vapor states are concurrently present, from a package preferably including a fluid-containing collapsible liner. Headspace gas is removed from a pressure dispensing package prior to liquid dispensation therefrom, and ingress gas is removed thereafter during dispensation operation. At least one sensor senses presence of gas or a gas-liquid interface in a reservoir or gas-liquid separation region. A gas removal system including an integral reservoir, at least one sensor, and at least one flow control elements may be included within a connector adapted to mate with a pressure dispensing package, for highly efficient removal of gas from the liquid being dispensed from the container. |
| US08336733B2 |
Spray dispenser with compressed gas container
A dispenser (1) includes a container (3) for the storage of a liquid, a gas cartridge receiving portion (5) for holding a gas cartridge (4) so that the contents of the container may be pressurized by gas in a gas cartridge, a dispensing arrangement for dispensing the liquid as a spray. The dispenser includes an activator (13) for moving a gas cartridge so that the gas cartridge is in position to pressurize the container, and an inhibitor (17) which inhibits movement of the dispensing arrangement. The activator is associated with the inhibitor so that movement of the inhibitor from the first to second inhibitor positions causes the activator to move the gas cartridge so that the gas cartridge is in position to pressurize the container. |
| US08336727B2 |
Container for a substance, in particular a drink, with a tear-open closing element
A container for substances comprises an upper wall, which functions as a lid, with a central zone on which a closed line of weakening defines a stopper, in the shape of a tongue, which normally closes a relative aperture for the substance to pass through; a lever, associated with the tongue, which can be driven so as to remove the stopper, at least partly, from the upper wall, detaching it along the line of weakening and thus freeing the aperture; and a connection element of the flexible type which is connected both to the stopper and also to the upper wall. The lever has a first end pivoted in correspondence with a peripheral rib, a second end, which functions as a gripper element, disposed in substantial correspondence with the central zone, and an intermediate zone between the two ends, wherein the lever is connected to the stopper. |
| US08336726B2 |
Resealable beverage can end and methods relating to same
A recloseable and resealable beverage can end closure includes a base plate beneath the center panel and a tab plate above the center panel. The closure is slidable relative to the center a panel to uncover the pour aperture and then to position the closure over the pour aperture to enable resealing. |
| US08336724B2 |
Beverage container
A beverage container is configured to prevent a beverage from leaking out even when a user tilts the container, and to allow the user to easily drink the beverage even when pressure within the container is negative. The beverage container can include a container main body, a base member, and a cap body. The base member can have a vent for regulating a pressure variation in the container main body, and a ventilation valve for introducing air from the outside when the pressure within the container main body becomes negative in relation to the outside pressure and capable of preventing leakage of a liquid beverage contained in the container main body. The cap body can include a ventilation open/close hood capable of changing the state of the vent to a ventilation state or a closed state. The ventilation open/close hood can be configured to bring the vent into the closed state when in a portable state such as when the user carries the beverage container, and to bring the vent into the ventilation state when in an operating state. |
| US08336722B2 |
Pallet rack and method for use of same
A pallet rack and method for use of same are disclosed. Three panel frames interconnected by two parallel cross members define two lower pallet receiving areas and two upper pallet receiving areas. A catch tray is disposed beneath the two upper pallet receiving areas to catch and redirect fluid and debris to prevent cross-contamination between pallets. The catch tray includes a primary tray and a slidable dependent tray extendably coupled to the primary tray. The slidable dependent tray extends from a retracted position within the primary tray to an extended position having a general decline from the first panel frame to the second panel frame to furnish a slanted surface therebetween. Retraction of the dependent tray provides clearance for fork lift tines to access the rear upper pallet receiving area. |
| US08336716B2 |
Shaft-like parts feeding apparatus
A parts feeding apparatus feeds projection bolts into a receiving hole in an electrode and includes an excessively long parts detecting device which detects projection bolts having excessively long shanks. The excessively long parts detecting device has a pass control member fixed between a pair of plates of the delivery section for engaging an excessively long shank and a control plate which prevents the projection bolt having the excessively long shank from projecting upward so as to lock the projection bolt in cooperation with the pass control member. A feed rod advances to a predetermined position at which the shanks of the projection bolts are inserted into the receiving hole, and a spacing between the holding head and a receiving hole when the feed rod is in the predetermined position is set to prevent projection bolts having an excessively short shank from reaching the receiving hole. |
| US08336712B2 |
Devices and systems for providing increased access to first aid supplies
Provided are systems, devices, dispensers, clips, and methods of using the same, for dispensing bandages comprising: a dispenser body defining an interior compartment and comprising a front wall with an exposed upper edge; a bandage pack disposed in the interior compartment; and a removable retaining clip adapted to reversibly interlock with the exposed upper edge of the front wall to retain a bandage pack in the dispenser body. |
| US08336709B1 |
Magnetic tool holder
A tool holder has a housing with magnets mounted therein with a slot therebetween and movable pegs therein cooperating to hold a series of sockets, or a series of screw drivers or bits therefor, or a series of wrenches, or other tools, or combinations thereof, mounted at a desired position on the tool holder. |
| US08336703B2 |
Separating unit for separating opening devices to be applied singly to respective packages of pourable food products
A unit (1) for separating opening devices (2) supplied in the form of a row (7) and to be applied singly to respective sealed packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit having a separating assembly (10), in turn having a first and a second jaw (40, 41) movable along a path (P) and defining a seat (42), which is movable between an open configuration, in which it receives an opening device (2) from the row (7) at a first station (I) along the path (P), and a closed configuration, in which it moves the opening device (2) singly along the path (P) to detach it from the rest of the row (7); the unit (1) also has elastic means (43) for loading at least the first jaw (40) towards the second jaw (41); a conveyor (13) for conveying the opening devices (2), and which is separate from the separating assembly (10); and at least a first cam (61) activated by the conveyor (13) and cooperating cyclically with a cam follower (38), integral with the first jaw (40), to move the first jaw (40), in opposition to the elastic means (43), away from the second jaw (41) and move the seat (42) into the open configuration. |
| US08336689B2 |
Bi-directional impact absorption device for a clutch reaction plate
A clutch reaction plate includes an annular device having a plurality of radially configured, alternating inwardly-oriented splines and keys, the splines and keys configured to meshingly engage a coaxial correspondingly-splined second device inserted therein. Selected ones of the splines include a bi-directional impact absorption device configured to engage selected ones of the splines of the inserted second device when a torque load is applied in one of a first rotational direction and a second, opposing rotational direction. The remaining splines engage the remaining splines of the inserted second device when the applied torque load exceeds a reaction force of the bi-directional impact absorption device. |
| US08336688B2 |
Thin cable retractor
The cable retractor mainly contains a housing member, a coil spring, a rotary disc, a cable, and a winding disc. The rotary disc has a top circular indentation where the coil spring is accommodated in the indentation. A number of gear teeth are provided around the rotary disc and the winding disc. The winding disc has a central axle for the winding of the cable. The winding disc is positioned such that its teeth engage those of the rotary disc. A spiral track and a centrifugal track are provided on the rotary disc and the housing member, respectively. A positioning ball, together with the spiral track and the centrifugal track, provides a positioning function. The cable can be configured to be pulled in a single direction with a connector or multiple directors at a free end. |
| US08336686B2 |
Mount for a vibration damper
A mount for supporting a vibration damper in a vehicle has a cap provided with an anti-twist surface and configured to extend through a recessed support surface of the vehicle. The mount is provided with a retainer operable to couple the anti-twist surface to the support surface so as to suspend the vibration damper on the vehicle before and independently from fastening the vibration damper to the vehicle. |
| US08336681B2 |
Brake caliper and associated production method
A brake caliper for a disk brake system of a motor vehicle, has a caliper body which is cast from a light metal alloy or from light metal, with a skeleton structure arranged inside the caliper body. The material of the skeleton structure has a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the caliper body. The skeleton structure is cast into the caliper body so that the caliper body encases the skeleton structure. |
| US08336680B2 |
Center-pull bicycle brake with synchronized brake arms
A bicycle brake device includes first and second brake arms. The first brake arm includes a first brake arm mounting portion for mounting the first brake arm to a bicycle frame member, a first brake pad mounting portion, and a first control interface portion. Similarly, the second brake arm includes a second brake arm mounting portion for mounting the second brake arm to the bicycle frame member, a second brake pad mounting portion, and a second control interface portion. A biasing member is operatively coupled to the first brake arm so that the first brake pad mounting portion is biased in a selected direction. A bias communicating member is operatively coupled between the first brake arm and the second brake arm to communicate biasing force from the biasing member to the second brake arm. |
| US08336677B2 |
Safety device for elevator and rope slip detection method
In a safety system for an elevator, slip detection means detects a slip between a drive sheave and a main rope. A safety gear is mounted to a car, the safety gear being electrically operated by an actuator to cause the car to make an emergency stop regardless of whether a running direction of the car is upward or downward. A safety gear controller cuts power supply to a hoisting machine motor and causes the safety gear to make a braking operation upon detection of the slip between the drive sheave and the main rope by the slip detection means. |
| US08336672B2 |
Air treatment and sound reduction system
A device for reducing sound from an air treatment unit includes, in one embodiment, an air treatment system, including a wall mount HVAC unit with a supply air opening and a return air opening. A supply air sound reducer is provided in communication with the supply air. The supply air sound reducer includes a housing defining a supply interior provided with sound reducing material. The sound reducing material is overlaid with a layer of perforated material. A return air sound reducer is provided in communication with the return air opening. The return air sound reducer includes a housing defining an interior return volume provided with sound reducing material applied to one or more inside surfaces of the interior return volume and a layer of perforated material disposed over the sound reducing material. Mid-structure including sound reducing material is disposed in each of the supply and return air assemblies. |
| US08336668B2 |
Flanged joint
A flanged joint (1) of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, is provided for fastening a tubular body (4) of the exhaust system to another component (5). The flanged joint includes a tube bell (2) formed at the end area of the tubular body (4) as well as a ring-shaped flange (3), which surrounds the tubular body (4) on a side of the tube bell (2) facing away from the other component (5) and which has a plurality of fastening sites (6, 7) for connection to the other component (5). |
| US08336664B2 |
Telematics basic mobile device safety interlock
A vehicle includes a telematics controller and a single short range, low power interior transmitter focused substantially only on a vehicle's driver's seat only. Synergistic interaction is provided between a vehicle's telematics controller and a wireless device used by the driver (e.g. a cell phone, smart phone, PDA, wireless laptop, etc.) to parametrically control at least one wireless service or other operation of a wireless device presumed operated by the driver of the vehicle. Example wireless services blocked or forced into a safe mode (such as hands-free operation) include SMS, Email, and Voice services. |
| US08336662B2 |
Motorcycle
An exhaust system for a motorcycle has a bent portion that extends upward from a position below a seat toward the seat and is then bent downward. A heat insulating plate is disposed in a space between the bent portion and the seat so as to cover the bent portion. Influence of exhaust heat on the rider and upsizing of the heat insulating plate are thereby suppressed. |
| US08336659B2 |
Mechanical-compressor system for potential energy storage, for the electric energy generation for electrical vehicles and/or with compressed air driven motor, without removing power from the motor
A mechanical compressor system of potential energy storage for the electric energy generation for electric vehicles and/or with compressed air motor, without withdrawing power to the engine, which allows you as the vehicle travels through irregular terrain: a. take advantage of the vehicle weight to generate startup rpm from generator, both at the ascent and descent of the rack getting the same rpm output of gearbox thus increasing the rpm output of the generator; b. compress air more quickly to have rings of tightness in its cylinder piston which allows to accumulate air compressed by storage tanks through taking advantage of the weight of the vehicle in motion; c. take advantage of the pressure surplus accumulated in the main compressed air storage tank and redirect to the compressed air auxiliary storage tank and after certain pressure, release it into the turbine of the generator in motion and accelerating the movement to generate electricity. |
| US08336655B2 |
Electrical axle assembly
An electrical axle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a first electric machine, which is rotationally fixed to a first input shaft, and a second electric machine, which is rotationally fixed to a second input shaft. The first input shaft and the second input shaft are arranged coaxially along an input axle. The axle assembly further comprises a first output shaft, which can be connected to a first driving wheel, and a second output shaft, which can be connected to a second driving wheel. The first output shaft and the second output shaft are arranged coaxially along an output axle. Further, they are connected to the associated input shaft via at least one transmission stage, in such a way that the driving wheels can be driven independently of one another by the electric machines. At least one of the shafts here has a bearing journal, which is radially supported in an axial bore of a shaft coaxial therewith. |
| US08336654B1 |
Power device for pallet trucks
A power device for a pallet truck comprising a main housing comprising friction wheels disposed on sides of the main housing, wherein the main housing is attached to the pallet truck so that the friction wheels contact front wheels of the pallet truck; a motor housing comprising a motor operatively connected to the friction wheels and to a power source, wherein the motor is for rotating the friction wheels; a power switch for turning on and off the device operatively connected to the motor; wherein rotation of the friction wheels translates into movement of the front wheels of the pallet truck, wherein lack of rotation of the friction wheel translates into reduction of rotation of the front wheels of the pallet truck. |
| US08336653B2 |
Hybrid power drive system and drive method
A hybrid power drive system includes an engine, a first motor, a first clutch operatively coupled between the engine and the first motor, a first decelerating mechanism having an input portion operatively coupled between the first clutch and the first motor, where the input portion is configured to receive rotational power from the first motor and/or the engine. The first decelerating mechanism has an output portion operative to drive at least one first wheel, and a second motor is operatively coupled to at least one second wheel through a second decelerating mechanism. An energy storage device is coupled separately to the first motor and to the second motor. The engine, the first clutch and the first motor are connected in sequence, and the second decelerating mechanism and the at least one second wheel are connected in sequence. Various combinations of operating modes are provided to meet energy efficiency requirements and user power demands. |
| US08336648B1 |
Mechanical attachment of thermally stable diamond to a substrate
The present disclosure provides mechanical attachments of TSD body to a carrier or substrate sufficient to allow eventual conventional attachment of the TSD to a drill bit or other component. According to one aspect, the disclosure includes a composite assembly including a thermally stable diamond (TSD) body and a substrate with aligned holes and a joining pin located in the aligned holes to mechanically attach the TSD body and substrate. The composite assembly may lack any non-mechanical attachment between the TSD body and the substrate, or may lack particular types of non-mechanical attachments. The disclosure also provides drill bits and other devices containing such composite assemblies as well as methods of making such composite assemblies and drill bits or other devices. |
| US08336647B2 |
Sonic drill bits and sonic drilling systems
A drill bit for core sampling includes a body having a central axis and first end having a tapered outer surface and a radius transverse to the central axis, and an insert having a cutting surface on the first end oriented at an axial angle relative to the radius to move material displaced during drilling away from the first end. |
| US08336642B2 |
Drilling system
A drilling system for drilling a borehole in an underground formation, comprises a rotary drill bit, a drilling drive mechanism that is capable of applying both rotating the drill bit and applying an axial force to the drill bit, and a control system that is capable of controlling the drive mechanism so as to control rotation of the drill bit and the axial force applied to the drill bit in order to control the depth of cut created by the drill bit when drilling through the formation. A method of drilling a borehole in an underground formation with a rotary drill bit, comprises applying rotation and an axial force to the drill bit and controlling the rotation and axial force so as to control the depth of cut created by the drill bit when drilling through the formation. |
| US08336639B2 |
Implement tongue locking mechanism
A tongue-hitch structure for a pull-type implement may comprise a tongue locking mechanism. A work frame for the pull-type implement may comprise a vertically adjustable rear wheel suspension comprising an actuator for moving the work frame between a lowered, working position and a raised, transport position. The tongue-hitch structure may be adapted to allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame. A leveling arrangement may be coupled between the work frame and the hitch-tongue structure operable to prevent and/or allow vertical movement between the tongue-hitch structure and the work frame. |
| US08336636B2 |
Fire suppression system with freeze protection
A water and inert gas fire suppression system (10), and method for extinguishing a fire in a protected space are provided with a simple and inexpensive freeze protection mechanism. To prevent the water, or other liquid fire extinguishing agent, entrained in the inert gas flow from freezing during transport through the inert gas distribution network (15, 15a, 15b, 17, 19) a secondary liquid is introduced into the inert gas flow and then removed from the inert gas flow upstream of the discharge of the two-phase water and inert gas flow into the space being protected. The inert gas is heated by means of the thermal inertia (TI) of the secondary liquid, which may be excess amount of water or an amount of another liquid having a thermal inertia (TI) at least equal to that of water. |
| US08336632B2 |
System and method for direct drive pump
A method and a system are provided for a direct drive pump for use in pumping fluids and/or quasi-fluids from one location to another. In the direct drive pump, bearings or bushings are optimally spaced, taking into account various operational considerations such as load, path, pressure, and tension. Further, bearings or bushings are coupled to the drive string, thus assisting in more efficient installation and de-installation. The bearings or bushings are not fixed to the production casing or drive tube. In embodiments, the drive tube can be vented, and the production fluid can be used as a lubricant for the system bearings. |
| US08336631B2 |
Split stream oilfield pumping systems
A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid. |
| US08336630B2 |
Subsea well production system
A subsea completion testing tree (SCTT) for connection in a tubular string includes a lower tree portion having a control valve; an upper tree portion separably connected to the lower tree portion at a latch; a circulation valve connected with the upper tree portion; and a retainer valve connected with the upper tree portion between the circulation valve and the latch. |
| US08336629B2 |
Method and system for running subsea test tree and control system without conventional umbilical
A technique enables a simplified approach for providing subsea hydraulic control. A subsea installation comprises one or more devices that are actuated hydraulically. A simple signal carrier, such as a wireline logging cable, can be routed down to the subsea installation. However, hydraulic fluid for controlling the one or more hydraulic devices in the subsea installation is delivered via an open water umbilical that extends to the subsea installation from a separate workover control system. |
| US08336622B2 |
Formation evaluation while drilling
An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. |
| US08336620B2 |
Well seals
A method for determining integrity of annular seals in wellbores. In an embodiment, two wellbores are selected that extend through a common geological formation which is capable of sealing against casing sections located in the wellbores. A pressure test is typically carried out in a first of the wellbores to check that the formation provides an effective seal, and a logging tool is typically run to obtain well log data from which can be derived a characteristic response that is associated with the formation providing an effective annular seal around the casing section in the first wellbore. A logging tool may then be run in the second of the wellbores to obtain a second set of well log data, which are comparable with the characteristic response to determine whether the formation provides an effective annular seal in the second wellbore. |
| US08336619B2 |
Downhole apparatus with a swellable mantle
A downhole apparatus is described comprising a main body coupled with a well tubing and a swellable mantle disposed on the main body. The swellable mantle expands upon contact with at least one predetermined fluid, and the main body comprises at least one opening for fluid flow between an exterior of the main body and the bore. An insert permits the passage of fluid, through the swellable mantle, between the exterior of the apparatus and the opening. In one aspect of the invention a screen filters solids between the exterior of the apparatus and the bore, and a swellable mantle comprises a first region which allows the passage of fluid between the exterior of the apparatus and the main body and a second region, circumferentially adjacent the first region, which substantially prevents passage of fluid. Corresponding well completion and production methods are also described. |
| US08336616B1 |
Frac plug
At least one frac plug for use in a wellbore are disclosed herein. The frac plug can include a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a nose connected to the second end of the mandrel, and a crown disposed on the first end of the mandrel. |
| US08336615B2 |
Low pressure-set packer
A packer tool for use in a wellbore having a bottomhole pressure p, includes: a mandrel assembly; a stabilizer on the mandrel assembly, for releasably engaging the wellbore; a packing element in an annular recess having a floor and two facing walls, the annular recess being transversely compressible into a compressed position and disposed about the mandrel assembly; and a piston assembly for driving compression of the packing element annular recess. The piston assembly has a plurality of piston faces moveable together in the same direction, the plurality of piston faces having a total piston face surface area a such that an application of pressure of p′ to the piston assembly generates a force f greater than p. |
| US08336608B2 |
Vapor chamber and method for manufacturing the same
A vapor chamber includes a sealed flattened casing containing working liquid therein, a wick structure arranged on an inner face of the casing, a plurality of supporting posts received in the casing and at least a metallic wire connecting the supporting posts. Each supporting post defines at least a channel therein. The at least a metallic wire engagingly extends through the channels of the supporting posts. Top and bottom ends of the supporting posts engage the wick structure to reinforce a structure of the vapor chamber. |
| US08336607B2 |
Compact electric power supply device for a motor vehicle
The invention concerns an electric power supply device (10) for a motor vehicle, which is mounted in the motor vehicle and is designed to connect at least one electrical machine (12) capable of operating as an electric engine and/or an electric generator, to a battery (16) of the vehicle, comprising a single housing (32) including cooling means and having a lower part (34) forming a box for receiving at least one electric power storage unit (20). |
| US08336602B2 |
Continuous casting installation with a device for determining solidification states of casting strand and associated method
A continuous casting installation (20) including a strand guide having strand casting segments with rollers (2) for guiding a cast strand, wherein at least one of the strand casting segments (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27) is formed as a measurement segment, wherein there is provided at least one measurement point for direct or indirect determination of a force acting on one or several rollers (2), wherein further the at least one measurement point is provided on a support housing (30), preferably between the support and the segment frame of strand casting segment, and there is provided a data processing unit that based on data of the at least one measurement point determines the solidification states of the cast strand. |
| US08336601B2 |
Safety door automatic opening/closing device in injection molding machine and the like and method of controlling the same
A safety door automatic opening/closing device is capable of freely (arbitrarily) setting and controlling the opening/closing speed and the open position to shorten a waiting time required to open/close a safety door and capable of eliminating a touch switch; and a method of controlling the same. |
| US08336598B1 |
Safety device for a roller blind
A safety device for a roller blind comprises: a housing, a cover and a locking member, a drive mechanism and an elastic member that are disposed between the cover and the housing. The locking member is disposed between the drive mechanism and the housing, so that when an excessively big pulling force is applied to the bead chain, the bead chain and the drive mechanism will be automatically disengaged from the driven mechanism. Hence, the security of the safety device for the roller blind is considerably improved. |
| US08336597B2 |
Method and system for vertically aligning a movable partition
Movable partition systems include a vertical alignment structure including at least one roller element coupled to a portion of a movable partition and a ramp configured to abut against the at least one roller element to vertically align the portion of the movable partition to engage with a strike plate. Methods of vertically aligning the movable partition include coupling at least one vertical alignment structure to the movable partition including coupling at least one structural frame member to the movable partition and coupling the at least one roller element to the at least one structural frame member and installing at least one ramp to an overhead structure configured to abut the at least one roller element and vertically align a leading end of the movable partition. |
| US08336595B2 |
Tape adhering apparatus and tape adhering method
A tape bonding device for bonding a tape member to a work piece, wherein the tape bonding device has a main body section, and a cover body section provided reopenable to the main body section. The main body section has a mount member on the upper surface of which the work piece is mounted; a tape holding unit which holds the tape member in a stretching state, and, at the same time, locates the tape member in the upper portion of the work piece mounted on the mount member; and a sucking unit for vacuum suction of space between the tape member and the work piece. The cover body section has a concave section which is depressed upward in the blocked state of the cover body section, and, at the same time, the upper bottom surface of the concave section presses downward the work piece and the tape member, which move upward. |
| US08336589B2 |
Pneumatic tire with electrically conductive rubber material
Accumulation of static electricity is prevented while enhancing rolling resistance performance of tire. Tread rubber 2G has tread rubber body 15 forming tread ground contact surface 2S, under tread 16 disposed radially inward of the tread rubber body, and terminal portion 17 penetrating the tread rubber body in the radial direction, the under tread 16 being in contact with cushion rubbers 13 each having cushion main portion 13A interposed between edge portion 7E of tread-reinforcing layer 7 and carcass 6 over an overlap width W1 of 1 mm or more. Tread rubber body 15, topping rubber 7G of tread-reinforcing layer 7 and sidewall rubbers 3G are made of an insulating rubber material 20 having a volume resistivity of at least 1×108 Ω·cm, and under tread 16, terminal portion 17, cushion rubber 13, topping rubber 6G of carcass 6 and chafer rubber 11 are made of a conductive rubber material having a volume resistivity of less than 1×108 Ω·cm. |
| US08336585B2 |
Concrete funnel and placement system
A concrete funnel and placement system comprising a funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through. The aperture may be any shape or size, and one or more interchangeable discharge plates may be included in order to selectively change the shape and/or size of the aperture. Further, the aperture of the funnel element may be selectively opened or closed. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation. The retainer element may be hingedly secured to the concrete chute allowing the retainer element to be adjusted such that it is substantially horizontal while pouring concrete, independent of the angle of the concrete chute. The funnel-type apparatus may be in communication with the concrete truck, thus allowing the rotation and adjustment of the funnel-type apparatus to be controlled by electronics, such that the operator may be located in the cab of the truck or other location. |
| US08336583B2 |
Retractable nib writing instrument
A writing instrument includes a barrel having a hollow channel, an open end and a closed end. A cartridge is slidably movable in the hollow channel and the cartridge has a nib in fluid communication with a reservoir. An arm is pivotably mounted to the barrel and a cap is attached to the arm, the cap is adapted to close the open end of the barrel when the arm is in a closed position. As the arm pivots, moving the cap from the closed position to an open position, the cartridge extends toward the open end of the barrel and exposes the nib. When the arm is rotated approximately 180 degrees, the nib is fully extended and ready for use. |
| US08336582B2 |
Method and system for the preparation of hair dye colors
In one embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a hair dye mixture. The method includes a scale and control system in communication with each other. The control system provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory contains a formula defining instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays the instructions on the display. The stylist may then view the display of instructions and then adds to a receptacle on the scale, colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) in accordance with the instructions by using hair color manufacturers' standardized packaging, such that non-standardized or specialized packaging of colorants and/or dye blending materials are not required. |
| US08336581B2 |
Kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles
A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles comprises a compressor unit, a container unit containing a sealant fluid and a fluidic line to connect the compressor unit to the container unit. The kit also comprises a first non-return valve placed along the fluidic line, a duct connected to the fluidic line between the compressor unit and the first non-return valve and a second non-return valve to close the duct; the first and second non-return valves are normally closed and respectively open automatically when the container unit is connected to the fluidic line or when the duct is connected to the inflatable item. |
| US08336578B2 |
Quick release gas pressure regulator
A quick release gas pressure regulator having a primary pressure zone, a secondary pressure zone, and a gas bottle connection zone within the main body. A pressure-regulating device is positioned within the secondary pressure zone of the main body. A gas chamber sealing plug is disposed at the front portion of the first pressure chamber of the main body. An external axial pressure relief passage is formed at the gas chamber plug. A positioning ring seat includes an internal axial pressure relief passage communicating with the external axial pressure relief passage. A pressure relief O-ring is positioned at the joint between the internal axial pressure relief passage and the external axial pressure relief passage. A gas supply back-up post is divided by the pressure relief O-ring into a sealing portion and a pressure relief portion. A pushing member radially passes through the main body and the positioning ring seat, and having a pushing inclination facing the internal end of the gas supply back-up post. A return spring is positioned at the internal end portion of the pushing member. An operating lever is pivotally connected to the main body. The operating lever includes a cam portion facing the external end of the pushing member. In this way, an easy detachment and an improved use safety are achieved. |
| US08336569B2 |
Mixing eductor
An eductor for mixing two liquids wherein the eductor includes a closed or non-air gap back flow prevention member. The vacuum profile of the eductor is altered by changing an opening in a passage portion to controllably divert water flow around the venturi tube or diverting the water without the opening. This affords the changing of the vacuum profile without redesigning the entire eductor. |
| US08336568B1 |
System for covering a camper
A camper cover is heavy and it is generally difficult to drape the cover over a camper. The present invention features a camper system comprising swinging poles to facilitate the draping of a camper with a camper cover. |
| US08336564B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning a coating machine
An apparatus serves for cleaning a coating machine for coating confectionery products with a coating mass. The apparatus is designed to be arranged in the coating machine which includes a rotatingly driven grating belt. The grating belt is designed and arranged to support confectionery products to be coated. The grating belt defines a grating belt plane. The apparatus includes a cart. The cart is designed to be moved back and forth in the coating machine above the grating belt plane in the mounted position of said cart in the coating machine. The cart includes a plurality of spraying nozzles. The spraying nozzles are designed and arranged to spray pressurized hot water onto the coating machine in an automatically controlled way. |
| US08336562B2 |
Ponytail clip
An assemblage of components for decoratively retaining ones hair bundled together in a pony tail. The assemblage includes an elastically stretchable band for tightly circumscribing the bundled collection of hair and a decorative clip that detachably anchors it to the ponytail at a position in overlying relation with respect to the elastic band. The clip is an elongate elastically stretchable unit terminating at opposite ends in a respective one of a pair of connecting clasp portions. The clip has a decorative outer face and an inner face on the opposite side. A pin secured to the unit projects at a selected angle from the inner face and projects into the ponytail at a position above the elastic band extending there through and thereby securely retains the clip on the ponytail. The pin preferably has an enlargement such as a spherical ball thereon. |
| US08336560B2 |
Cosmetic brush with bristles injection-molded to a main body
A cosmetic brush having a bristle section having a main body and bristles that project out from the main body and with which a cosmetic product can be applied. A portion of the bristles forms first bristles that are integrally connected to the main body, wherein the first bristles consist of the same first plastic material as the main body. Another portion of the bristles forms second bristles, softer than the first bristles that are connected to the main body differently than the first bristles. The second bristles are integrally connected to each other by means of a connecting member disposed on the side of the main body wall facing away from the second bristles, and extend through through holes provided in a main body wall, wherein the main body and the connecting member are immediately adjacent to each other and adhesively connected to each other. |
| US08336554B1 |
Lower leg and foot stabilizer
A device to hold one's foot in a neutral position while sitting in order to aid in healing includes a large plastic panel with a set of parallel plastic strips extending upward. These strips are adjustable upon the surface of the board using a series of small holes and corresponding pins. The strips are thus aligned to match the width of one's foot being held in a shoe. When aligned upon the floor, the foot, in a normal shoe without the use of a brace, is held in a neutral position which helps prevent contracture of the leg and foot muscles thus promoting faster healing after surgery. Additionally, the current device does not provide for pinching or twisting as commonly occurs with conventional prosthetic braces. |
| US08336553B2 |
Auto-titration of positive airway pressure machine with feedback from implantable sensor
Systems and methods for detecting and treating an obstructive sleep apnea event are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may use an electrical output generating ionic polymer metal composite sensor attached to a region in an airway passage in an oral cavity. The electrical output may be wirelessly transmitted as a signal for indication of an obstructive sleep apnea event. The signal may be further analyzed by a positive airway pressure system for treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea event. |
| US08336551B1 |
Cannula support device
A cannula support device holds an oxygen cannula in place on a user's face and includes a pair of collars utilized on each side of a user's face, thereby providing a fit to existing cannula tubing. Each set of collars is interconnected with thread that is laced back and forth forming a harness structure. The device supports existing oxygen tubing in place while alleviating excessive pressure which is normally associated with oxygen cannula. |
| US08336550B2 |
Respiratory device
In an embodiment, a respiratory device is disclosed. The respiratory device may include a nasal device. The respiratory device may also include a conveyor device coupled with the nasal device. The respiratory device may further include an oral device, wherein the oral device may include an adjustment nut sized to couple with the conveyor device. |
| US08336547B1 |
Breathing mask
A breathing mask is disclosed, as well as a valve and a diverter that can be used within a breathing mask. The breathing mask can include a body, a respiratory interface, a balanced exhaust valve, and an inlet valve. The body can include an inlet and an exhaust. The respiratory interface can be configured to provide fluid communication between each of the inlet and the exhaust, and a user's respiratory system. The balanced exhaust valve can be configured to selectively flow fluid between the exhaust and the respiratory interface. The inlet valve can be configured to selectively flow fluid between the inlet and the respiratory interface. The valve can be a balanced exhaust valve with a fixed balance chamber. The diverter can include a tubular diverter body, a breathing port, an exhaust port, a demand port, and a diverter wall. |
| US08336546B2 |
Positive airway pressure system with head control
The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer. |
| US08336544B2 |
Volume flow controller
A volume flow controller (1) for controlling the flow of a gas mixture of variable proportions through a conduit (3) has a valve means (5) for regulating the flow of gas through the conduit, a drive means (9) for driving the valve means, a volumetric flow meter (7), such as a Pelton wheel, for measuring the flow of gas through the conduit, which provides a feedback signal (29) for comparison with a setpoint signal (17) in an amplifier (15) which generates an adjustment signal (11) which is fed to the drive means. The setpoint signal is generated by a setpoint signal generating means (19), which comprises a potentiometer (21) for inputting a value corresponding to a desired flow rate and a slowdown circuit (23) consisting of a resistor (25) and a capacitor (27) for delaying the change in the setpoint from the previous setpoint to the desired setpoint for a period of time sufficient to compensate for the delay in response inherent in the volumetric flow meter, thus providing smooth and stable control of the gas flow. Preferably, the potentiometer is a digital potentiometer (403), which voltage is variable by independent manipulation of rotary encoders (417). |
| US08336543B2 |
Filter cartridge having cover for masking service life indicator
A filter cartridge 12 that includes a sorbent filter material 42, an end-of-service-life (ESLI) indicator 40, a housing, and a housing cover 24. The housing 22 has a sidewall 26 that has a window pane that allows the ESLI 40 to be viewed through it. The cover 24 is secured to a first perimeter 28 of the housing sidewall 26 and has an air throughput surface 32 and an opaque extension 36. The opaque extension 36 is positioned on the cover 24 such that the extension is juxtapositioned against an outer surface of the housing sidewall 26. The cover extension 36 also has a window pane located in it so that the ESLI 40 may be viewed through it too. The provision of an opaque extension 36 on the cover 24 and a window 38 in the extension 36 allows the ESLI 40 to be appropriately masked such that the sensor registration position is consistently achieved during manufacture of the filter cartridge 12. |
| US08336542B2 |
Fault indicator
A fault indicator for a strip advancement mechanism comprising a base that defines a fault sensing portion of a path for at least a component of a strip, an element for bearing against a strip, or a component of the strip, while it passes through the fault sensing portion of the path, wherein the element is adapted to move from that bearing or non-fault position, to a fault indicating position in the event of the strip or the component of the strip ceasing to pass through the fault sensing portion of the path. |
| US08336540B2 |
Pneumostoma management device and method for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of gases and discharge through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a bulb connected to a tube which enters the pneumostoma. A flow control device regulates air flow in and out of the pneumostoma via the tube. A hydrophobic filter traps discharge in the bulb while allowing gases to escape. |
| US08336539B2 |
Opposing row linear concentrator architecture
A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device. |
| US08336535B2 |
French door cooking appliance closure system
A cooking appliance includes an oven cavity accessed through first and second French-style doors that are connected to the appliance through a door linkage system. The door linkage system establishes a particular timing of door openings and closings to minimize potential wear of a door gasket. That is, each of the doors has an associated gasket for use in sealing the oven cavity when the doors are closed. One of the doors is provided with an annular gasket, while the other door essentially incorporates a less that fully annular, preferably 3-sided or a three-quarter gasket. With this arrangement, each of the gaskets has three sides adapted to seal against a cabinet shell portion of the appliance, while the fourth side of the first gasket is adapted to seal against an extension provided on the other door. |
| US08336534B2 |
Adjustable gas grill burner and method of making and using the same
Adjustable gas grill burners are disclosed. Methods of making and using adjustable gas grill burners are also disclosed. |
| US08336533B2 |
Bowstring vibration dampeners and sights
Archery bow string dampers and peep sights comprised of a rigid ellipsoidal inner core and an elastomeric outer surface are disclosed. |
| US08336532B2 |
Compressed gas-powered projectile accelerator
A compressed gas-powered projectile accelerator is disclosed having an improved means of gas distribution, a valve locking mechanism, an improved combined bumper/seal, and self-contained modular components to improve efficiency, manufacturability, and reduce size and weight. |
| US08336531B2 |
Reconfigurable toy gun with a slidable barrel
A reconfigurable toy gun includes a handle portion, a guide member coupled to the handle portion, and a barrel portion. The barrel portion is slidably coupled to the guide member and movable along the guide member between a first end portion of the guide member and second end portion of the guide member. |
| US08336530B2 |
Baseball/softball pitching device
A pitching device includes a case in which a shaft, a press board, a strike board, an activation unit and a slide are received. The press board and the strike board are located on two ends of the shaft, and a driving spring is mounted to the shaft so as to rotate the shaft. The strike board has a support member for receiving a ball and the activation unit controls the operation of the strike board. The balls are put in the slide. A release member is located between the slide and the support member to control entry of the ball into the support member. By continuously pressing the press board, the torsion force of the driving spring is stored. When the pedal unit is operated to release the activation unit, the strike board rotates by the torsion spring to through the ball in the support member. |
| US08336523B2 |
Method and device for determining an optimized emergency running function in a fault-afflicted engine of a motor vehicle
In a motor vehicle having an emergency running device, there is the problem that, in the event of certain fault symptoms occurring, an emergency running function is initiated and the torque of the engine is in the process limited to an unsuitable low value. In the worst case, this can lead to insufficient acceleration, for example during an overtaking maneuver, and to an accident occurring. It is therefore proposed that the determination of an optimized emergency running function be defined as a function both of the present driving state of the motor vehicle and also of the type of fault symptom depending on which the risk and the level of danger are graded into classes and an optimized emergency running function is then determined and initiated. Thus, sufficient torque and rotational speed can be provided for reliable vehicle control even in an unfavorable traffic situation without damaging the endangered components. |
| US08336521B2 |
Internal combustion engine control for improved fuel efficiency
A variety of methods and arrangements for improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines are described. Generally, an engine is controlled to operate in a skip fire variable displacement mode. Feedback control is used to dynamically determine the working cycles to be skipped to provide a desired engine output. In some embodiments a substantially optimized amount of air and fuel is delivered to the working chambers during active working cycles so that the fired working chambers can operate at efficiencies close to their optimal efficiency. In some embodiments, the appropriate firing pattern is determined at least in part using predictive adaptive control. By way of example, sigma delta controllers work well for this purpose. In some implementations, the feedback includes feedback indicative of at least one of actual and requested working cycle firings. In some embodiments, the appropriate firings are determined on a firing opportunity by firing opportunity basis. Additionally, in some embodiments, an indicia of the current rotational speed of the engine is used as a clock input for a controller used to selectively cause the skipped working cycles to be skipped. |
| US08336517B2 |
Outboard motor
An outboard motor includes an engine, an engine cover, a partitioning member, an intake device, and a fan. The engine is arranged to support a crankshaft extending along an up-down direction. The partitioning member is arranged to partition the inside of the engine cover into a lower chamber accommodating the engine and an upper chamber. In the partitioning member, a communication hole which is arranged to cause the upper chamber to communicate with the lower chamber is provided. Also, the engine cover has an air inlet arranged to cause the upper chamber to communicate with the atmosphere, and an air outlet arranged to cause the lower chamber to communicate with the atmosphere. The air inlet is arranged in an upper portion of the engine cover. The air outlet is arranged at a lower end portion of the engine cover. The intake device is connected to the engine. The intake device has an air suction port arranged to communicate with the upper chamber. The fan is arranged inside the engine cover. The fan is arranged to send air inside the upper chamber into the lower chamber through the communication hole. |
| US08336514B2 |
Internal combustion engine including plasma generating device
A plasma generating device for an internal combustion engine sets the generating-atmosphere pressure for generating plasma to the intake pressure, thereby achieving a reduction in the size, weight, and energy consumption of the plasma generating device and an improvement in combustibility. An internal combustion engine includes a throttle valve arranged in an intake passage having an intake opening that opens to a combustion chamber. An intake valve opens and closes the intake opening. A plasma generating device includes a plasma generator having a generating chamber for converting intake air into a plasma state to generate plasma. The plasma generating device supplies plasma to a downstream passage of the intake passage between the throttle valve and the intake valve. A gas control valve operates in conjunction with the throttle valve, and is arranged in an introduction passage between a clean chamber of the air cleaner chamber and a generating chamber. |
| US08336507B2 |
Protection for heat transfer oil boiler
A heat transfer oil boiler system to minimize heat loss and prevent heat transfer oil from deterioration due to temperature fluctuations includes a high-level tank disposed with a vent, a transfer oil buffer, and an oil-gas separator; the heat transfer buffer includes one or more oil storage unit containing a chamber within; the heat transfer buffer is disposed between the high-level tank and the oil-gas separator; an oil inlet pipe and an oil outlet pipe for directing oil to and from the oil storage unit, respectively, is disposed in the upper and the lower chamber. |
| US08336506B2 |
Hip lift harness
Devices and methods for aiding in the lifting and transporting of an animal are disclosed. More specifically, devices and methods are provided that may be applied to an animal in need of mobility assistance, such as a dog, the devices further being adapted for human interaction. In particular, a hip member and a chest member are provided that have handles designed for interaction with human hands. The chest member and the hip member may be selectively interconnected to each other with an interconnection member. The chest member may include an upper portion, shoulder pads, a chest pad, a center cross member, and an adjustable strap. The hip member may include an upper portion, an adjustable sling, and adjustable straps. Methods are provided for assisting an animal with ingress into a vehicle. |
| US08336505B2 |
Ring-shaped retractable pet lead
A comfortable and easy to use retractable pet leash is provided. A retracting and locking leash assembly provides a hollow ring-shaped leash housing, a spool inside the hollow ring-shaped leash housing extending through out the circumference of the hollow ring-shaped leash housing, a retracting mechanism inside the interior of the hollow ring-shaped leash housing, and a brake trigger, the trigger constructed to adopt at least one braking position and one free position. The leash housing, the line opening and the brake trigger are arranged such that when the leash is in use, the user holds the leashing housing as a handle while being able to control the brake trigger with one finger without bearing extra wrist strain from the weight of the leash or the orientation leash. |
| US08336502B2 |
Method and device for automatically bringing a fluid into contact with the teats of an animal
A dipping device for a milking system, especially for an automatic milking system designed as a milking robot with teat cups to be placed onto the teats of an animal to be milked, which is designed for contacting the teats of the animal with at least one fluid or several fluids, and the device has several dipping valve arrangements so that the dipping agent introduction to each teat of the animal can be controlled separately. |
| US08336494B2 |
Animal behavioral positive reinforcement apparatus and method of using same
A device provides positive reinforcement and treats for a domesticated animal urinating in a predetermined location. The positive reinforcement includes a message from the owner. A treat is exposed after the owner's message is played to further reward the animal. Absorbent paper is used at the predetermined location for collecting the urine and activating the voice and treat bowl. After a preset time, the used absorbent paper is removed and new absorbent paper is provided automatically. Another version includes a device that uses a single sheet of absorbent paper. |
| US08336492B1 |
Feed dispenser
An improved animal feed dispenser is provided having a slow speed paddle wheel and a high speed distributor wheel. The high speed distributor wheel transports feed out of an opening in the device to spread it on the ground. The slow speed paddle wheel moves feed at a measured rate from a storage hopper and feeds it to the distributor wheel. A detachable mounting plate is used to attach the dispenser to a storage hopper, and is releasable therefrom without emptying the hopper of feed. The slow speed paddle wheel is formed from a material flexible enough to prevent feed jams caused by water absorption of the feed and other events. |
| US08336491B2 |
Injector for injecting a substance into eggs
An injector for injecting at least one substance into eggs, comprising an injection body that can be moved between a raised position and an injection position, and equipped with an injection conduit, an injection needle, a guiding and protection tube of the needle subject to elastic stress by elastic means to an idle position and capable of being moved towards a retracted position by pressing its distal end against an egg when the injector is in the injection position. The injector is equipped with control means for controlling the supply of said injection conduit with at least one substance, said tube cooperating with said control means to disable the supply of said injection conduit when said tube is in the idle position and to enable the supply of said conduit when said tube is in the retracted position. |
| US08336488B2 |
Multi-station plasma reactor with multiple plasma regions
A plasma chamber is constructed to have a chamber body defining therein a plurality of process stations. A plurality of rotating substrate holders are each situated in one of the process stations and a plurality of in-situ plasma generation regions are each provided above one of the substrate holders. A plurality of quasi-remote plasma generation regions are each provided above a corresponding in-situ plasma generation region and being in gaseous communication with the corresponding in-situ plasma generation region. An RF energy source is coupled to each of the quasi-remote plasma generation regions. |
| US08336481B2 |
Printed indicator compositions
A method of revealing exposure of a substrate to an environmental stimulus includes exposing the substrate to the environmental stimulus, where the substrate includes at least one indicia, where each of the at least one indicia includes a plurality of chromatically selective scattering particles having a particle size distribution as measured by (weight average diameter)/(number average diameter) of less than or equal to about 1.1, and a colorant; and the at least one indicia exhibits a change in color in response to the environmental stimulus. |
| US08336480B2 |
Dynamoelectric concealed obvious warning board for car
A warning device for mounting on a vehicle having a rear bumper includes a storage housing, a warning frame and a driving unit. The storage housing is concealedly mounted within the rear bumper of the vehicle. The warning frame is selectively received in the storage housing. The driving unit connecting the storage housing and the warning frame to drive the warning frame to operate between a extended mode and a storage mode, wherein in the storage mode, the warning frame is selectively concealed within the storage housing, wherein in the extended mode, the warning frame is selectively driven by the driving unit to extend out of the storage housing to form a triangular structure for providing a warning signal to incoming traffic. |
| US08336479B2 |
Systems and methods of use for submerged deployment of objects
A submersible object management (SOM) system for releasing and/or recovering a plurality of submersible objects within a body of liquid includes a hold and a deployment system. The hold is configured to store the plurality of submersible objects. The deployment system is selectively operable to controllably release at least one of the plurality of submersible objects from the hold into submersion in the body of liquid and/or selectively operable to controllably direct at least one of the plurality of submersible objects into the hold from submersion in the body of liquid. The deployment system includes a guide that is selectively extendable to direct the at least one submersible object, the guide including a plurality of extendable guide members configured to engage the at least one submersible object. |
| US08336478B2 |
Self-propelled boat dock system
A self-propelled boat dock system is provided. In combination with a boat dock and walkway, a system of one or more rollable shore traction elements, winches, and cables is configured to allow a single operator to manipulate the position of the boat dock system from a central controller, the controller being configured to selectively operate the rollable shore traction elements and winches. |
| US08336477B2 |
Wake shaping system
The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for shaping a wake of a water ski boat. Embodiments of wake shaping systems fixed to portions of a ski boat configured to heel a ski boat towards a starboard side and/or a port side of the ski boat. The wake shaping system comprising a ballast selectively positioned a distance above a waterline of a ski boat, and a distance from a pylon removeably fixed to a portion of the ski boat. |
| US08336475B2 |
Transformable, multifunctional and self-stowage watercraft
A watercraft comprising a main body having hull, a bow end and an opposite stern send, a starboard, a port and a deck. A plurality of watercraft articles are removably mountable to the main body and provide for transforming the watercraft into a variety of watercraft types. The main body comprises a watercraft article-receiving assembly for stowing the watercraft articles therein. Thus providing a transformable, multi-functional and self-stowage watercraft. These watercraft types include a kayak, a paddle boat, a sailboat, a catamaran, a trimaran, a motorboat, a sit-in/on windsurfer/sailboard and any combinations thereof. A removable trailer assembly for the land-transport of a watercraft is also provided. A rudder control assembly for a watercraft having a rudder is also disclosed. |
| US08336471B2 |
Arrangement of a seed metering device on an agricultural machine
Agricultural machine embracing at least one drilling unit including a support device as well as a seed metering device. The drilling unit is movably connected with a structural member embraced by the agricultural machine. The seed metering device is fixedly connected with the support device of the drilling unit and the seed metering device includes a chamber for seeds arranged to be supplied with a positive pressure where the seed metering element constitutes a wall limiting the chamber and in which holes or recesses are arranged. The holes/recesses connect the chamber with the surroundings, with the purpose of, by the pressure difference developed hereby, attaching and transporting seeds at the holes/recesses of the seed metering element. A seed metering line has an inlet in the chamber, with the purpose of, by the positive pressure in the chamber, creating an air flow for the transportation of the seeds from the chamber through the seed metering line to a drill furrow. |
| US08336464B1 |
Freight car bogie and freight car
A freight car bogie and a freight car are provided. The freight car bogie includes two wheel set assemblies, side frames, and a bolster. The freight car bogie further includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are crossed in an X form to pass through reserved holes at two sides of a belly of the bolster. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are separated from each other at a crossing portion. The first connecting rod includes a first end and a second end. The second connecting rod includes a third end and a fourth end. The first end and the third end are resiliently connected to one of the side frames and symmetrical about a center line of the bolster. The second end and the fourth end are resiliently connected to the other side frame and symmetrical about the center line of the bolster. Therefore, a warp resistant rigidity of the freight car bogie is increased, and an operation speed and capability for adapting to track irregularities of a three-piece casting steel bogie are raised. |
| US08336461B2 |
Hand grenade
Building on a modular construction of a hand grenade (10), the invention provides a module (1) that can be integrated in the hand grenade (10) and can be equipped with a hollow charge insert (3) in order to act as an armor-penetrating part. The module (1), including the hollow charge insert (3), can be fixed (mounted, screwed, clipped, etc.) at the bottom end of the hand grenade (10) and is attached to the armored element. In the simplest form, the hand grenade (10) is put down, in the case of side walls possibly hung on, and the hand grenade (10) is attached so that the hollow charge insert (3) can exert an adequate effect on the target medium. |
| US08336458B2 |
Gastight electrical bushing and its use in a projectile
A projectile in which the metallic base body itself is used as a ground wire and only the signal line is passed through the inside of the base body so that it is insulated by a suitable bore of the base body. The signal line is insulated from the ground wire by a coating of an electrically insulating material applied to the base body, before the signal line is introduced into the bore. The two ends of the signal line are provided with connecting contacts, which preferably can be screwed at least partially into the base body and are mounted in such a way that they are insulated from the base body. To allow contacting of the ground wire, which is formed by the base body itself, the front end and the rear end of the base body are provided with coating-free blind bores. |
| US08336451B2 |
Grill
A grill comprising an upper pan unit, a lower pan unit and a lever unit. The upper and the lower pan unit have an opposite position relative to each other, which comprises at least a first opposite position and a second opposite position having different distances relative to each other. The upper pan unit comprises an upper pan mounted on an upper base. The lower pan unit comprises a lower base, a deep pan, and a shallow pan. The deep pan can be detachably mounted on the lower base in the first opposite position. The shallow pan can be detachably mounted on the lower base in the second opposite position. The top peripheries of the shallow pan and the deep pan abut against the upper pan. In both positions, the pan of the lower pan unit can abut against the bottom periphery of the upper pan to avoid the misalignment. |
| US08336450B1 |
Ice jacketed cooking pot
An ice jacketed cooking apparatus provides a base that supports a plurality of legs that hold a cooking pot at an elevated position above the base. This enables conventional burners to be placed underneath the pot and upon the base during cooking period. A jacket surrounds the cooking pot and enables ice and water to be held in close proximity to the cooking pot and around the cooking pot at a selected time after cooking is completed. The ice enables spicy liquid such as pepper or salt infused water to be cooled quickly without diluting the pepper or spice or salt infused water after cooking is completed. |
| US08336444B2 |
Hydraulic cylinder
A pressure-receiving face plate 29 is mounted on one end face of a piston 12, and a support member 26 is raised on the end face of the piston 12. Disposed on the support member 26 with an allowance are, from the pressure-receiving faceplate 29 respectively, a disk spring 27, a plate 25, and a plunger 28. A flange 26a prevents these members from slipping off the support member 26. When the piston 12 approaches a stroke end, the plunger 28 is inserted in an oil passage 20b and applies a cushioning effect to the piston 12. In addition, a gap between the pressure-receiving faceplate 29 and the plate 25 brought into contact with a cylinder bottom 17 becomes narrow, and produces a squeeze effect such that oil escapes from the narrow gap. This makes it possible to provide a hydraulic cylinder that produces a sufficient impact force at the stroke end of the piston and also reduces noise emitted by the impact force, without increasing a length of the hydraulic cylinder. |
| US08336443B2 |
Hydraulic working machine
A hydraulic circuit for a hydraulic working machine is composed of a main pump 21, a boom cylinder 11 arranged for extension or contraction by pressure oil from the main pump 21, a directional control valve 22 for controlling flows of pressure oil to be fed from the main pump 21 to a bottom chamber 11a and rod chamber 12b of the boom cylinder 11, a control unit 23 for performing a change-over control of the directional control valve 22, a pilot pump 24, a jack-up selector valve 25 for controlling a flow of pressure oil delivered from the pilot pump 24, a flow control valve 26 connected on an upstream side of the directional control valve 22 to a meter-in port of the directional control valve 22 such that the flow control valve 26 can be changed over by the jack-up selector valve 25, and a center bypass selector valve 27 connected on a downstream side of the directional control valve 22 to a center bypass port of the directional control valve 22 such that the center bypass selector valve 27 can be changed over by the jack-up selector valve 25. The hydraulic circuit performs a change-over of the jack-up selector valve 25 in accordance with a bottom pressure on the boom cylinder 11. |
| US08336440B2 |
V-hull geometry for blast mitigation
A blast energy mitigation structure may employ a V-shaped hull to decrease the pressure wave imparted to a vehicle during a blast event, and/or an energy absorbing structure to absorb a portion of the blast force, thereby minimizing the forces and accelerations experienced by passengers in the vehicle and consequently reducing their injuries and increasing their survivability during a blast event. An exemplary blast energy mitigation structure may have a V-shaped hull and an energy absorbing structure incorporated into the chassis of a vehicle such as a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle, the energy absorbing structure comprising a truss-like structure including I-beams. |
| US08336437B2 |
Perforating gun assembly and method for controlling wellbore pressure regimes during perforating
A perforating gun assembly for use in a wellbore. The perforating gun assembly includes a carrier gun body and a charge holder disposed within the carrier gun body. A plurality of shaped charges are supported within the carrier gun body. A secondary pressure generator is operably associated with at least one of the shaped charges. The secondary pressure generator optimizes the wellbore pressure regime immediately after detonation of the shaped charges by controlling the dynamic underbalance created by the empty gun chambers to prevent excessive dynamic underbalance which may detrimentally effect the perforating operation. |
| US08336428B2 |
Universal ratcheting tool
A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism. |
| US08336427B2 |
One-way driver
A one-way driver includes a handle, a shaft and an engagement unit. The shaft is rotationally inserted through the handle. The engagement unit is used to engage the shaft with the handle when the handle is pivoted in a direction and allow disengagement of the shaft from the handle when the handle is pivoted in an opposite direction. |
| US08336423B2 |
Throttle grip apparatus
A throttle grip apparatus is provided with: a throttle grip (1) rotatably mounted on a leading end of a handle bar (H) of a vehicle; a magnet (6) rotatable together with the throttle grip (1); a detector (13) for detecting variations in a magnetic field of the magnet (6) in a non-contact manner to detect a rotation angle of the throttle grip (1); and a frictional plate (9, 10) for generating a rotation load of the throttle grip (1). An engine of the vehicle is controlled based on a detected value of the detector (13). The frictional plate (9, 10) is disposed within the handle bar (H). |
| US08336416B2 |
Ball screw device having cooling structure
A ball screw device includes a ball nut having a bore for receiving a screw shaft, and having a number of longitudinal channels and compartments for forming a zigzag shaped fluid flowing passage in the ball nut, a number of deflecting members engaged with the compartments of the ball nut and each having a recess for communicating adjacent channels with each other, the outer peripheral surfaces of the deflecting members are tilted relative to the ball nut for allowing the deflecting members to be expanded when the deflecting members are expanded, a cooling agent flows through the zigzag shaped fluid flowing passage for cooling the ball nut and for preventing the ball nut from being overheated. |
| US08336415B2 |
Roller screw
Provided is a roller screw capable of preventing rollers moving from an unloaded return path to a loaded roller rolling path from coming into collision with a scooping portion. The roller screw has: a screw shaft 1 having a spiral roller rolling surface 1a formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof; a nut 2 having a loaded roller rolling surface 2a formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof; a circulation member 3 having an unloaded return path connecting one end of the loaded roller rolling surface 2a of the nut 2 to an opposite end thereof; and a plurality of rollers 4 arranged in a loaded roller rolling path 6 and the unloaded return path. In the circulation member 3, as a scooping portion that juts toward the screw shaft 1 and provided for scooping the rollers 4 moving in the loaded roller rolling path 6 up into the unloaded return path, a pair of diagonal corresponding parts 14 is provided which are in contact with diagonal parts 4e of a rectangular side surface of each roller 4 and a width between which is gradually narrower as they are deeper in the unloaded return path in such a manner that a cross section of the unloaded return path is closer to a rectangle. |
| US08336412B1 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus in which steering assistance is achieved by transmitting a rotary motion of an electric motor for steering assistance to a steering shaft on which a worm wheel is mounted through a worm shaft on which a worm is mounted, wherein the worm shaft is deflectable toward the worm wheel and equipped with a biasing member biasing the worm shaft in the deflective direction thereof, or alternatively, the worm wheel is deflectable toward the worm shaft and equipped with a biasing member biasing the worm wheel in the deflective direction thereof. |
| US08336408B2 |
Quick disconnect field instrument display meter assembly
A quick disconnect field instrument display assembly for assembling a display meter with a communication module. A snap-fit locking feature and a tab each mounted on both sides of a display meter housing locks with a receptacle tab located on a communication module housing in order to rotate the display with 90° indexing (360° display rotation). A printed circuit board can be firmly snapped into the display meter housing with the snap-fit locking feature on both sides and a display unit can be mounted in parallel to the display meter housing in order to restrict movement of the printed circuit board. A snap feature located on the inner side of the communication module housing secures a communication board and a number of tabs on the communication module housing facilitate 360° rotation with respect to the display meter housing. |
| US08336402B2 |
Fluidically-assisted sensor systems for fast sensing of chemical and biological substances
The present invention is directed to devices and methods in which one or more miniature synthetic jet actuators are integrated with a chemical fluidic sensor (ChemFET) to effect inhalation and exhalation of ambient gas samples and induce small scale mixing at the surface of the sensor. The fluidically integrated jet transports ambient gas or liquid into the jet/sensor assembly through integrated gas or liquid channels, impinges the sample gas or liquid on the sensing element, and finally ejects the sample gas or liquid back into the ambient gas or liquid. The response of the sensor in the presence of the active jet is compared to its response when the jet is inactive. The jet actuator directs entrained ambient gas or liquid toward the active surface of the sensor, and the impingement of sample gas or liquid onto the surface of the sensor results in faster response time. Other embodiments are also claimed and described. |
| US08336401B2 |
Dust catcher and sampler for use with a mining drilling apparatus
The invention relates to an accessory for a drilling apparatus for drilling holes into the ground and into which explosives can be filled for blasting purposes. Such drilling commonly occurs in open cast mining for mining of mineral deposits. It is known to take samples from materials blown from holes during drilling, permitting analysis of the samples in order to estimate accurately the mineral content in the area being mined. The accessory is operatively supported on a drilling apparatus and includes a dust particle catcher, for catching dust particles blown from a hole to form dust particle samples, and a collection arrangement including receptacles in which dust particle samples are collected. A control arrangement of the accessory controls the operation thereof and serves also to enable the hole and the depth region of the hole, from which each sample was collected, to be identified. |
| US08336395B2 |
Sensor with micromechanical construction
Measuring transducer of the vibration type for measuring a mass flow of a flowing medium. The measuring transducer includes two straight measuring tubes for conveying the medium, wherein the measuring tubes are arranged in parallel to one another and the measuring transducer is embodied with micromechanical construction. The measuring transducer of the vibration type of the invention permits reliable measurement of the smallest mass flows of a flowing medium in the form of, for example, a liquid or a gas. |
| US08336388B2 |
Methods and structures for monitoring offshore platform supports
A method for monitoring a leg of an oilfield platform, the platform having a plurality of legs, each leg with a plurality of chords, each chord with a corresponding rack, the platform including a rack-and-pinion leg jacking system with a motor and gear system with pinions for jacking the legs up. The method, in certain aspects, including providing a load monitor with a strain sensing apparatus on a selected pinion of each rack-and-pinion system, providing a rack path differential monitoring system for monitoring rotation of the selected pinions to provide an indication of a linear displacement of the selected pinions for comparison to indicate rack path differential for racks of the legs of the platform. |
| US08336385B1 |
Pressure sensor diaphragm system
A pressure sensor diaphragm system for efficiently and accurately measuring fluid pressure in harsh environments. The pressure sensor diaphragm system generally includes a pressure transducer, a diaphragm, and a pressure fluid within the diaphragm that is fluidly connected to the pressure transducer to transfer pressure from the diaphragm to the pressure transducer. The diaphragm is comprised of a deformable structure and is preferably comprised of a bellows structure having a plurality of furrow portions and a plurality of ridge portions. |
| US08336381B2 |
Sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A sensor includes a movably supported movable element and an opposing member, and sensor detects a relative positional relationship between the movable element and the opposing member which are provided with a spacing therebetween. The opposing member has an impurity-doped portion which is provided at either an opposing portion, which is opposed to the movable element, or an adjoining portion, which adjoins the opposing portion. At least a part of the impurity-doped portion is formed on an opposite surface (that is, opposite to a surface that faces the movable element), from which opposite surface an electrical wiring is led out. |
| US08336380B2 |
Angular velocity sensor
Provided is an angular velocity sensor including: a reference vibrator supported so as to generate reciprocating rotational vibration about a first rotation axis as a center; a detection vibrator supported by the reference vibrator so as to generate reciprocating rotational vibration about a second rotation axis, which is different from the first rotation axis, as a center; a reference vibration generating unit for allowing the reference vibrator to generate reciprocating rotational vibration; and a detection unit for detecting a displacement amount of the detection vibrator with respect to the reference vibrator, which is in association with the reciprocating rotational vibration of the detection vibrator. |
| US08336376B2 |
Thermal flow meter
Provided is a heating temperature adjustment circuit in a thermal flow meter capable of adjusting fluctuations of a heating temperature of a heat-generating resistor due to fluctuations of resistances with high accuracy and low cost. The thermal flow meter comprises: a heat-generating resistor that generates heat when a current flows therethrough; a first temperature measuring resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, and a fourth resistor whose resistance values vary due to temperature; and a fixed resistance having a resistance temperature coefficient lower than that of the first temperature measuring resistor, and measuring a flow rate of a fluid by controlling the heating temperature of the heat-generating resistor. The thermal flow meter includes: a first series circuit in which the fixed resistance, the first temperature measuring resistor, and the second resistor are connected to one another in series; and a second series circuit in which the third resistor and the fourth resistor are connected to each other in series, and generates a voltage to be added to the second series circuit based on voltages at both ends of the fixed resistance. |
| US08336373B2 |
Mass sensing device for liquid environment
A device for sensing a mass in a liquid environment including a resonator comprising a piezo layer having a top electrode and a bottom electrode, a sensing surface located adjacent and opposite the top electrode, the resonator and the sensing surface defining a gap therebetween, and a post attached to the sensing surface and the resonator. |
| US08336371B2 |
Real-time, on-line analysis for the quantification of trihalomethane species within drinking water supplies
Separating trihalomethanes from drinking water samples (via a process such as capillary membrane sampling, and the like) followed by gas chromatograph analysis to determine quantity measurements and species identification of such trihalomethane (THM4) contaminants therein is provided. With the necessity to chlorinate drinking water to remove harmful bacteria and other potential toxins, trihalomethane byproducts are generated that may harm humans after consumption as well due to suspect carcinogenicity of such compounds. A reliable manner of measuring such drinking water supplies for such THM4 contaminants at locations far from the source and closer to dispensers is highly desirable. The ability to separate the THM4 from the drinking water sample, followed by a gas chromatography or like manner of quantifying and identifying the THM4 compounds possibly present within the drinking water sample has been found to be nearly as reliable as federally mandated source measuring methods for the same purpose, but with the versatility to measure for such trihalomethane contaminants anywhere along the drinking water supply line. |
| US08336370B2 |
Method for measurement of crude oil and bitumen dead oil viscosity and density
Techniques for determining viscosity of oil in a sample include extracting the oil from the sample using a volatile polar first solvent; using a portion of the extracted oil to determine a concentration factor of oil in the sample; determining a dry weight of the extracted oil using the concentration factor; adding a second solvent to a remaining portion of the extract, where the second solvent is less volatile than the first solvent; removing the first solvent from the remaining portion of the extract; taking a series of sub-samples from the remaining portion of the extract and sequentially removing different amounts of the second solvent from each sub-sample; measuring solvent concentrations and viscosity values of the solvent-oil mixtures of each sub-sample; and based on the measured solvent concentrations and viscosity values of each sub-sample, determining the second-solvent-free viscosity of the oil in the sample. |
| US08336369B2 |
System and method for detecting a leak in an air bed
A leak detection method for an air bed having an air chamber comprises adjusting the air chamber to a predetermined pressure level, sensing a first pressure value of the air chamber after a first time interval, sensing a second pressure value of the air chamber after a second time interval, determining a pressure change in the air chamber, detecting whether the air chamber is leaking by comparing the pressure change with a second pressure value, and displaying a leak detection indicator. In one embodiment, the second pressure value is a pressure change in a second air chamber. In another embodiment, the second pressure value is an expected pressure change of the air chamber that is calculated based upon changes in ambient temperature and barometric pressure. |
| US08336368B2 |
Method and equipment for detecting sealing deficiencies in drainage and vent systems for buildings
The method includes the following steps—introducing a low amplitude air pressure transient into the drainage and vent system of a building in order to propagate a pressure wave from a fitting (6) into a stack (1) and the network of the drainage system;—recording the passage of the transient by use of an air pressure transducer (7) located near the fitting (6) or introduction area of the transient;—establishing a pressure versus time signature recorded by the pressure transducer (7) and sending those signals to a central data acquisition system;—the pressure transient is propagated throughout the network at an acoustic velocity and is reflected by each and every pipe termination of the network so as to establish a characteristic reflection coefficient for each pipe termination; —the characteristic reflection coefficient is compared with testing results performed initially in a perfect network with no dry trap defects or leakages and in case a different signature is of the pressure trace is recorded, the point of diversion will be determined at the time at which the reflection from the altered pipe end termination arrives at the air pressure transducer so that the comparison of this direct trace with the stored defect free signature yields that time and, as the wave speed is known, the determination of the distance from the pressure transducer to the defective trap or seal. |
| US08336367B2 |
Detection sensor, vibrator
An object of the present invention is to provide a detection sensor and a vibrator which can offer improved sensitivity. The present invention uses a scheme in which no piezoelectric layer, drive electrode, or the like is provided on the surface of a vibrator 30 and in which the vibrator 30 is driven by an actuator 40 provided separately from the vibrator 30. The actuator 40 is of a cantilever type and is provided near a fixed end 30a of the vibrator 30. Vibration of the actuator 40 is transmitted to the vibrator 30 via a coupling beam 70. Thus, vibration of the vibrator 30 is prevented from being inhibited by a piezoelectric layer, a drive electrode, or the like. This improves the Q value of the vibrator 30 and thus the sensitivity of the detection sensor 10. Furthermore, if the detection sensor 10 is configured to offer a sensitivity equivalent to that of a conventional one, the size of the detection sensor 10 can be sharply reduced compared to that of the conventional one. |
| US08336365B2 |
Automatic calibration error detection for ultrasonic inspection devices
Disclosed is a method and an NDT/NDI calibration process that automatically detects erroneous TOF readings by providing a predetermined time acceptance window. During the calibration process, TOF readings acquired by a UT device are validated to determine whether the TOF reading for the thin test block falls within the range of the predetermined time acceptance window. If the TOF reading for the thin block (T2) falls out of the predetermined time acceptance window, the operator is alerted of an error and to repeat the TOF test for the thin block. |
| US08336364B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating wheel speeds
A method and apparatus for calibrating wheel speed signals measured by wheel rpm sensors in a vehicle equipped with at least one longitudinal acceleration sensor integrates the signal of the longitudinal acceleration sensor during the acceleration or deceleration phases of the vehicle, and the resulting vehicle speed signal is compared against the signals of the individual wheel rpm sensors. A determination is made as to whether a deviation that may exist for a wheel lies within a predefined tolerance range. If a deviation falls outside of the tolerance range, the parameterized tire circumference of the associated wheel is adaptively recalibrated until the deviation falls within the tolerance range. |
| US08336363B2 |
Gripping and handling device for metal containers
A device to grip and handle a metal container, obtained as an extruded, deep-drawn or deep-drawn/ironed metal rough piece, especially suitable for use on high-speed machines intended to perform, in a sequence, a plurality of mechanical working operations or other sort of working on the metal container, and including a first or lower portion that is fit to interface-connect the device to the machine both at the working stage and at the transfer stage of the high-speed machine from one working station to the one coming next, and a second or upper portion that is adapted for firmly gripping the metal container during the handling and the entire working sequence of working operations. |
| US08336357B2 |
Roller dice device, method for manufacturing insulator coil and winding apparatus
A roller dice device includes a pair of rolling rollers respectively including circumferential rolling grooves formed at outer circumferential surfaces thereof, a supporting portion rotatably supporting the pair of rolling rollers respectively around roller axes extending in parallel with each other, a spaced portion configured by a rolling portion, through which a rolling material moves, and formed by the circumferential rolling grooves facing each other, and a restricting portion formed at the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of the rolling rollers and restricting displacement of the pair of rolling rollers relative to each other in the axial direction of the roller axes. |
| US08336356B2 |
Apparatus and process for reducing profile variations in sheet metal stock
An apparatus and process for reducing variations in the profile of a sheet metal stock are shown and described. The process includes the use of two passes, each comprising two smoothing surfaces. The smoothing surfaces of each pass are mateable to define a profile between the smoothing surfaces. The profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the first pass is substantially the inverse of the profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the second pass. As a sheet metal is processed between the first and second passes, it is formed with the first profile and the second profile thereby reducing variations in the profile of the sheet metal. |
| US08336354B2 |
Interchangeable cartridge system for a straightening machine and method for operating said straightening machine
A straightening machine (1) having upper straightening rollers (5.1, 5.2, . . . ) and lower straightening rollers (6.1, 6.2, . . . ) is provided, with the straightening rollers being drivable via coupling elements (5.1′, 5.2′, . . . ; 6.1′, 6.2′ . . . ). The upper straightening rollers and the lower straightening rollers are arranged in upper and lower interchangeable cartridges, respectively, together with the pertaining coupling elements, with the cartridges being removable from the straightening machine. The straightening machine provides that at least one of the upper and lower interchangeable cartridges is configured to be separable in such a manner that the relevant straightening rollers (6.1, 6.2, . . . ) can be exchanged optionally together with at least the pertaining coupling elements (5.1′, 5.2′, . . . ; 6.1′, 6.2′ . . . ) by removing the entire upper and/or lower interchangeable cartridge or without the pertaining coupling elements by removing only part of the relevant interchangeable cartridge. A method for operating the straightening machine is also provided. |
| US08336349B2 |
Lock assembly
A method of manufacturing a lock assembly for enabling use of a key-in-knob lock cylinder assembly in different types of lock assemblies. The method includes providing a key-in-knob lock assembly having a key-in-knob housing and a plug rotatably engaged within the key-in-knob housing, providing an interchangeable core lock assembly having an interchangeable core housing, and inserting the key-in-knob housing into the interchangeable core housing such that the key-in-knob housing is universally exchangeable between the key-in-knob lock assembly and the interchangeable core lock assembly. |
| US08336346B2 |
High security moving mass lock system
A lock includes a stationary key mass having a first key mass bore and a keyway, and a movable spring mass including a first spring mass bore. A first spring mass pin is mounted in the first spring mass bore, and a first key mass pin is mounted in the first key mass bore for reciprocation between a locked position immobilizing the spring mass and an unlocked position unconstraining motion in at least one direction. The unlocked position is a function of the presence of a matching key in the keyway. Multiple key mass and spring mass pins can be used, some or all of which can have stepped configurations, and corresponding single-bladed or multi-bladed keys, or multiple keys, can be used. The keys can be straight or curved in any of various planes, or they can be straight but flexible to match curved keyways. Curves can be unidirectional or compound. Relative motion between the key mass and spring mass can be in a plane or along straight line or circular. |
| US08336345B2 |
Remote lock mechanism for handcuffs and other security devices
A remote lock mechanism for a handcuff allows the unlocking of the handcuff by insertion of the key in the remote lock mechanism. The remote lock mechanism is located adjacent the pivot connecting the movable jaw of the handcuff to the fixed jaw and, thus, can be operated when the handcuffs are used to restrain a person without the officer's hands being placed between the wrists of the person being restrained. The motion corresponding to the rotation of the key in the remote lock mechanism is transferred to the handcuff lock mechanism to retract the ratchet pawl away from the movable jaw of the handcuff. In one embodiment, the remote lock mechanism utilizes a tumbler that causes opposing rotation of the conventional lock mechanism to first release the double lock mechanism and then retract the ratchet pawl with opposing rotations of the key in the remote lock mechanism. |
| US08336344B2 |
Computer lock extension device
A device is configured to be adjusted between open and closed conditions, and to securely engage a security slot of a portable computer when in the closed condition. The device defines an internal cavity that is configured to receive a portion of a cable-like computer lock when the device is in the closed condition. The device is further configured to extend the computer lock away from the housing of the portable computer. The device prevents the computer lock from obstructing access to surface features on the computer proximate to the security slot. |
| US08336343B2 |
Washing machine having remaining water discharge passage
An automatic washing machine includes a remaining water discharging passage to drain remaining water from a pump case by connecting a drain line with an inner part of the pump case. The washing machine includes a water tub; a pump case; a circulation pump coupled with the pump case that circulates washing water contained in the water tub; a drain line to drain the washing water contained in the water tub; and a remaining water discharge passage connecting an inner part of the pump case with the drain line to discharge water remaining in the pump case. |
| US08336342B2 |
Clothes refreshing apparatus
A clothes refreshing apparatus is disclosed. The clothes refreshing apparatus includes a cabinet forming an external appearance, a drum which is installed in the cabinet and provides a space in which clothes are loaded and refreshed, a front panel which forms a front surface of the cabinet and has a loading port through which the clothes are loaded into the drum, and a door which is installed to open and close the loading port, wherein the door is formed to have a vertical length equal to or larger than a vertical length of side surfaces of the front panel. |
| US08336338B2 |
Lifting ribs of the drum of a clothes washing machine
Front-loading clothes washing machine including a washing tub, a rotating drum contained in the tub and provided with an access opening and a rear wall, and a plurality of internally hollow lifting ribs arranged inside the drum and provided internally with a respective partition wall. The partition wall is in the shape of a substantially planar quadrangle, a side of which coincides with the common side of the inclined walls of the lifting rib, while the opposite side lies on the inner surface of the drum in a roughly intermediate position between the walls. The partition wall divides the inner volume of the respective lifting rib into two chambers that do not communicate with each other, and each one of the inclined walls is provided with at least a first respective aperture and a plurality of respective perforations adapted to let the respective one of the chambers communicate with the inner volume of the drum. |
| US08336337B2 |
Method and device for producing a blank mold from synthetic quartz glass by using a plasma-assisted deposition method
The invention relates to a method for producing a blank mold from synthetic quartz glass by using a plasma-assisted deposition method, according to which a hydrogen-free media flow containing a glass starting material and a carrier gas is fed to a multi-nozzle deposition burner. The glass starting material is introduced into a plasma zone by the deposition burner and is oxidized therein while forming SiO2 particles, and the SiO2 particles are deposited on a deposition surface while being directly vitrified. In order to increase the deposition efficiency, the invention provides that the deposition burner (1) focuses the media flow toward the plasma zone (4) by. A multi-nozzle plasma burner, which is suited for carrying out the method and which is provided with a media nozzle for feeding a media flow to the plasma zone, is characterized in that the media nozzle (7) is designed so that it is focussed toward the plasma zone (4). The focussing is effected by a tapering (6) of the media nozzle (7). |
| US08336330B2 |
Refrigerator with icemaker compartment having an improved air flow
A refrigerator with an ice making device. The refrigerator includes a body defined with a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, and an ice making compartment, the ice making compartment arranged in the refrigerating compartment while being thermally insulated from the refrigerating compartment, a first evaporator arranged in the refrigerating compartment, a second evaporator arranged in the freezing compartment, a refrigerating duct for circulating cold air from the first evaporator to the refrigerating compartment, a freezing duct for circulating cold air from the second evaporator to the freezing compartment, and an ice making flow passage for communicating the second evaporator and the ice making compartment. The second evaporator, ice making compartment, and ice making flow passage form a closed circuit such that the cold air in the ice making compartment does not enter the refrigerating compartment. |
| US08336328B2 |
Air cycle refrigerating/cooling system and turbine unit used therefor
The air cycle refrigerating/cooling system compresses air that has flown in with a compressor (6) in a turbine unit (5) and adiabatically expands the air with an expansion turbine (7) in a turbine unit (5). In the turbine unit (5), a compressor rotor (6a) of the compressor (6) and a turbine rotor (7a) of the expansion turbine (7) are attached to the same main shaft (13), the main shaft (13) is supported by bearings (15) and (16) so as to be freely rotatable, and part or the entirety of the thrust force applied to this main shaft (13) is supported by an electromagnet (17). |
| US08336326B2 |
Dispenser
Provided is a dispenser including an ice-making water tank for storing ice-making water and an auger-type ice-making machine for producing ice chips by freezing the ice-making water in the ice-making water tank. The auger-type ice-making machine includes a refrigeration casing into which the ice-making water is supplied, and the refrigeration casing and the drain pan are connected to each other through the intermediation of an ice-making water drain pipe. The ice-making water in the refrigeration casing is drained at predetermined time points, and the drain pan is washed with the ice-making water thus drained. |
| US08336323B2 |
Variable speed drive with pulse-width modulated speed control
A drive system for a compressor of a chiller system includes a variable speed drive. The variable speed drive receives an input AC power at a fixed input AC voltage and a fixed input frequency, and provides an output AC power at a variable voltage and variable frequency. The variable speed drive includes a converter connected to an AC power source. The converter is arranged to convert the input AC voltage to a DC voltage. A DC link is connected to the converter and configured to filter and store the DC voltage from the converter. An inverter is connected to the DC link. A motor is connectable to the compressor for powering the compressor. A controller is arranged to control switching in the converter and the inverter. The controller is arranged to apply randomized pulse width modulation to vary the switching frequency of transistors in the converter and the inverter at each switching cycle. The motor may be a permanent magnet synchronous motor. |
| US08336322B2 |
Distributed refrigeration system with optional storage module and controller
A distributed refrigeration appliance system in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling including multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit. The refrigeration system can also have more than one refrigeration machine providing cooling to the secondary refrigeration loop. |
| US08336316B2 |
Noise reduction device
A noise reduction device, for example for use in a bleed assembly of a gas turbine engine, comprises partitions having apertures which provide contractions and sudden expansions of flow passing through the device, turbulators being provided between the partitions to break up jets issuing from the Apertures. Breaking up the jets before impact with the partitions enables the partitions to be disposed closer together, so enabling adequate noise reduction to be achieved in a device of relatively small thickness. |
| US08336315B2 |
Gas turbine with a compressor housing which is protected against cooling down and method for operating a gas turbine
A gas turbine, comprising a turbine and a compressor provided with a compressor housing, and to a method for the operation thereof. The compressor is tapped in order to cool the turbine by means of at least one tap line for removing compressed or partially compressed air. The tap line comprises a locking device, particularly a valve, in order to regulate the outflow of tapped air and thus the cooling of the housing. |
| US08336312B2 |
Attenuation of combustion dynamics using a Herschel-Quincke filter
A can-annular gas turbine engine including a casing defining an annulus for receiving air flow from a compressor. A combustor basket is supported within the casing, and a swirler assembly is located within the basket and includes an air inlet and an outlet located in a combustion chamber. The swirler assembly is configured to discharge a fuel/air mixture from the outlet downstream into the combustion chamber. An acoustic filter is provided comprising a Herschel-Quincke tube having a first open end at the annulus and a second open end adjacent to the swirler assembly within the combustion chamber. Components of acoustic pressure oscillations travel along two paths of different lengths from one end of the Herschel-Quincke tube to the opposite end of the tube where out of phase components of the pressure oscillations interact to attenuate the pressure oscillations. |
| US08336311B2 |
Low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine generator
A low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine generator that effectively recovers low-pressure steam emitted from a high-pressure-side steam turbine to generate electric power is provided. A low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine that recovers low-pressure steam emitted from a high-pressure-side steam turbine and is rotationally driven, a generator that generates electric power with a rotational output of the low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine, and a condenser that condenses into liquid exhaust steam from the low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine are provided. The low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine, generator, and condenser are installed in a portable outer casing that can be transported. |
| US08336310B2 |
Variable turbocharger and control method for the same
A variable turbocharger including a turbine housing, a first scroll fluidly communicating with a turbine, a second scroll formed along an outside of the first scroll, wherein the first scroll and the second scroll are disposed within the turbine housing for exhaust gas to exhaust through the turbine, a partitioning unit for selectively separating the first scroll and the second scroll, and a a flux control valve disposed at the exhaust gas inflow portion and selectively coupled to the partitioning unit for blocking the exhaust gas from flowing into the second scroll. The variable turbocharger may prevent turbo lag at a low speed and be highly efficient at a high speed. |
| US08336305B2 |
Hydraulic drive device and working machine with the same
A hydraulic drive device capable of utilizing return oil effectively while maintaining a driven speed of a hydraulic actuator, as well as a working machine having the hydraulic drive device, are provided. The hydraulic drive device includes a controller. During an external force applying period in which a return oil pressure exceeds a discharge pressure from a hydraulic pump, the controller specifies a regenerating flow rate capable of being conducted to a regeneration oil passage and a surplus flow rate other than the regenerating flow rate on the basis of power required of the hydraulic pump out of return oil other than return oil which is conduced to a tank through a control valve, then conducts the return oil of the regenerating flow rate to the regeneration oil passage and controls an MO valve and a regulator so that the return oil of the surplus flow rate is conducted to an outlet oil passage. |
| US08336303B2 |
Multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, vehicle, marine vessel, and exhausting method for multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine capable of decreasing the pressure or temperature of exhaust gas. The internal combustion engine includes at least two cylinders and an exhaust path. The exhaust path includes a convergent-divergent nozzle and an exhaust merging section provided upstream with respect to an upstream end of the divergent section arranged to connect only exhaust ports of combustion chambers for which the opening periods do not overlap. A shock wave propagating in a merging upstream section is branched at a connection section, and the branched shock wave is reflected by an exhaust valve of cylinder and collides against the exhaust gas. In accompaniment with the passage of the exhaust gas having the pressure increased by the shock wave through the convergent-divergent nozzle, a new shock wave propagating in a downstream direction in the exhaust path is generated and also an expansion wave propagating in an upstream direction in the exhaust path is generated. Thus, the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas are significantly decreased. |
| US08336301B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment unit
The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment unit for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, includes a housing, a plurality of exhaust gas treatment elements, which are arranged in the housing and through which a parallel flow is possible. The unit further includes an outlet nozzle, which penetrates a side face of the housing, and an outlet space disposed in the housing, whereby the outlet of at least one of the exhaust gas treatment elements opens into the outlet space. The rigidity and/or effectiveness of the exhaust gas treatment unit can be improved by means of a funnel body disposed in the outlet space, and comprising a funnel surface which is permeable to exhaust gas. The funnel body connects an outlet end of one of the exhaust gas treatment elements with the outlet nozzle. |
| US08336300B2 |
System and method for regenerating a particulate filter accompanied by a catalyst
A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst. |
| US08336299B2 |
Exhaust gas cleaning system for construction machine
Before a large amount of PM is deposited in a filter, an exhaust gas cleaning system for a construction machine regenerates the filter.In a non-operational state with the engine 1 of the construction machine left running for a certain time, a controller 4 monitors the non-operational state. After this state continues for a predetermined time Ta, when the pressure sensed by a differential pressure sensor 36 is higher than a second predetermined pressure level P2, the controller 4 controls the rotating speed of the engine 1 to a predetermined speed Na before starting forced regeneration to burn off the PM deposited in a filter 32. When the pressure sensed by the differential pressure sensor 36 decreases below a first predetermined pressure level P1, the controller 4 terminates the regeneration automatically and returns the engine to normal control mode. |
| US08336298B2 |
Addition-amount controller for exhaust gas purifying agent and exhaust emission control system
In an addition-amount controller for an exhaust gas purifying agent to be used for an exhaust emission control system of an engine, one mode is executed based on satisfaction of an execution condition for each mode, from among a plurality of control modes. The control modes includes a purification control mode in which an addition amount of NH3 or an additive serving as a generating source of the NH3 is determined according to a predetermined parameter associated with an amount of NOx in the exhaust gas, and a storage control mode in which the addition amount is set to be larger than that in the purification control mode. When a load on an output shaft of the engine is higher than an allowable level, the execution condition of the storage control mode is determined to be satisfied. |
| US08336297B2 |
Vehicle with secondary air supply passage
A vehicle can include an engine, an air cleaner for supplying air taken in by the engine, an exhaust passage for exhausting exhaust gas of the engine, and a secondary air passage for connecting the air cleaner to the exhaust passage and for supplying secondary air to the exhaust passage. A one-way valve can be disposed in the secondary air passage. A resonator portion can be interposed between the air cleaner and the one-way valve. The resonator portion can branch from the secondary air passage and can include a closed space. A water drain portion can be disposed in the closed space of the resonator portion. |
| US08336294B2 |
Fuel addition control method applied to exhaust emission purifier of internal combustion engine and exhaust emission purifier
An exhaust emission purifier able to suppress overheats of an exhaust emission purifying catalyst and execute fuel addition promptly when fuel addition to the exhaust emission purifying catalyst is requested is provided. In the exhaust emission purifier of an internal combustion engine including exhaust emission purifying catalyst of purifying exhaust emission of an internal combustion engine and a fuel addition valve of adding fuel from upstream of the exhaust emission purifying catalyst, cycles are repeated in order that the exhaust emission purifying catalyst is to be regulated at a target temperature, the cycle being a combination of an addition period during which fuel is added from the fuel addition valve and a halt period during which fuel addition is halted, and the fuel addition valve is manipulated such that the halt period is disposed so as to sandwich the addition period in the cycle. The length of the pre-addition halt period disposed before the addition period is varied in accordance with the temperature of the exhaust emission purifying catalyst at the start point of the cycle. |
| US08336293B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system of an internal combustion engine
In an exhaust gas purification system provided with two or more exhaust gas purification devices each having an oxygen occlusion ability arranged in series in an exhaust passage, a technique is provided in which the degradation of each of the exhaust gas purification devices can be detected in a distinguished manner with a simple structure. In an exhaust gas purification system having an NSR and a filter with an oxygen occlusion ability arranged in series from an upstream side, an NSR outflow gas air fuel ratio is estimated based on an NSR inflow gas air fuel ratio and an oxygen occlusion ability in the NSR, and a filter outflow gas air fuel ratio is estimated based on the NSR outflow gas air fuel ratio (filter inflow gas air fuel ratio) and an oxygen occlusion ability in the filter. Further, a filter outflow gas air fuel ratio is detected, and the degradation of the NSR and the degradation of the filter are determined in a distinguished manner based on the estimated NSR outflow gas air fuel ratio, the estimated filter outflow gas air fuel ratio, and the actually detected filter outflow gas air fuel ratio. |
| US08336286B2 |
Push chain with a bias spring to prevent buckling
A motion transmitting drive chain (drive chain) is prevented from buckling by applying a relatively small compressive bias force to one side of the pins around which the chain links rotate. The bias force is applied on the locking projection side of the pins axes of rotation such that the links are urged to rotate in the direction required to lock them against each other. |
| US08336285B2 |
Cord for reinforcement of a cementitious matrix
The invention relates a cord for the reinforcement of a cementitious matrix. The cord comprises number of coated metal filaments twisted together to form a cord. The cord shows cross-sections, whereby three or more of the filaments form a closed sub-structure having a void in the middle of the three or more filaments. The cord further comprises a protective compound whereby the protective compound is at least present in said void. The protective compound gives the coated metal element cathodic protection. The invention further relates to a structure comprising a number of cords such as a knitted, a braided, a welded or a glued structure. Furthermore the invention relates to a cementitious matrix reinforced with a cord according to the present invention and to a method to inhibit hydrogen gas evolution at the interface of a cord embedded in a cementitious matrix. |
| US08336283B2 |
Fruit harvesting machine having a motorised support structure and suspension frame
The invention relates to a fruit-harvesting machine including a motorized support structure (1) and a harvesting assembly mounted on the structure by a suspension frame (2), the harvesting assembly comprising two shaker devices adapted to detach the harvest from the plant stocks and a system for recovering the detached harvest, the shaker devices delimiting transversely between them a harvesting space into which the stocks to be shaken are introduced successively to move in the space between a front opening and a rear opening of said space, wherein the suspension frame (2) includes a rear part (6a) that is mounted on the support structure (1) with at least one degree of freedom in the transverse direction, a front part (5a) of the frame being mounted on the support structure (1) enabling transverse displacement of the rear part relative to the front part. |
| US08336277B1 |
Integrated photovoltaic rooftop modules
Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame. |
| US08336276B2 |
Modular construction system and components and method
A modular construction system and having a plurality of precast concrete caissons, and having a planar floor portion formed on each caisson, downwardly dependent caisson walls surrounding the floor portion, inward and outwardly directed wall surfaces on the caisson walls, with the floor portion and the inward surfaces of the walls together defining a downwardly open hollow space, rebars embedded in the caisson floor portion and in the caisson walls, and, precast concrete locking formations formed on the outwardly directed surfaces of the walls. Also disclosed is a method of precasting caissons, and a method of building construction using precast caisson, and poured in place beams and precast wall panels and poured in place frames. |
| US08336273B2 |
Rainscreen attachment system
A wall mounted panel system wherein panels are permitted three directions of expansion and contraction since each of panel is affixed to the wall at a single point. For example, the system includes a first and second panel adjacent to one another. An upper bracket and a lower bracket are affixed to the back of each panel, wherein the upper brackets are affixed to the wall and wherein the lower bracket of the first panel is movably engaged with the upper bracket of the second panel. The panels do not communicate with any sealing members, thereby allowing for air to flow freely behind the panels for providing a means of removing moisture from behind the panels. A brace member in communication with the interior surface of each panel has an upper end affixed to the upper bracket and a lower end affixed to the lower bracket. |
| US08336272B2 |
Device and method for locking two building boards
A device for locking two building boards connected to one another in a direction (V) perpendicular to a visible side. The device includes a first building board with a lateral edge (I) and a first groove and running parallel to the visible side. The device further includes at least one second building board with a lateral edge (II) and with a second groove and running parallel to the visible side, and a locking element that is placed in the first groove of the first building board to engage in the second groove of the second building board, when both grooves have reached an overlapping position after the connection of the building boards by a vertical lowering movement. |
| US08336270B2 |
Custom shutter
A custom shutter includes a central body portion and first and second end caps. The central body portion includes two stiles and a central portion all of which are formed integrally as one piece. The top and bottom end caps include first and second legs and a central connecting body portion. The legs are designed to be inserted within the hollow interior of the stiles with the top edges of the stiles resting against the stepped portions of said end cap and wherein an inner surface of said end cap covers any exposed edge of the central portion of the shutter body. |
| US08336266B2 |
System for fixing stretched walls or ceilings by way of a stringer of reduced size
The invention relates to a system for attaching false stretched walls made of a flexible sheet (1) attached by the edges thereof to a mini-stringer (3′), said edges being provided with a harpoon-type hook (11) inserted as a gooseneck between the two flanges of the stringer (3′) and including a first section (11a) connected to the sheet (1) and a second section (11b) folded on the first one, and having an end bead bearing onto a shoulder (8) of the outer flange (5) of said stringer, characterised in that the end bead of the harpoon (11) includes a disconnection lip (12) extending perpendicularly from the bearing area of the bead on the shoulder (8), and extending under said shoulder (8) in the gap of the stringer (3′) so that said lip (12) can be used as a lever for urging the end of the harpoon (11) out of the shoulder (8), without any penetration of an application tool in the stringer (3′), in order to easily dismantle said sheet (1). |
| US08336264B2 |
Installation structure of exterior wall decorative sheets
The present invention provides an installation structure of exterior wall decorative sheet (1) possible for easily installing a wall surface (W) of the exterior wall decorative sheet (1), preventing the exterior wall decorative sheet (1) from moving upwards. It includes a plurality of solar panels (3), which is an exterior wall decorative sheet (1), a lower runner (2) holding the plurality of solar panels (3) at a lower side thereof, and an upper runner (2) holding the plurality of solar panels (3) at an upper side. The upper runner (2) includes a fixed portion (21) fixed to the wall surface (W), a rotating portion (22) attaching a base side thereof vertically and rotatably to the fixed portion (21), and an upper engaging portion (23) provided in a tip side of the rotating portion (22), engaged with the solar panel (3) by rotating the rotating portion (22) downwards, and disengaged with the solar panel (3) by rotating the rotating portion (22) upwards. |
| US08336263B2 |
Moment connection for concrete container wall and footing
A concrete container including a concrete footing including a shear key; a concrete wall inserted in the shear key; a plurality of footing reinforcing members inserted in the concrete footing on a support side of the shear key and extending above the concrete footing; a plurality of wall reinforcing members inserted in the concrete wall on a support side of the concrete wall and extending diagonally towards the concrete footing; a poured concrete moment connection substantially covering the plurality of footing reinforcing members extending from the pre-cast concrete footing and the plurality of wall reinforcing members extending from the wall. |
| US08336261B2 |
Revolving roof for an indoor/outdoor stadium
A moveable roofing system for covering an interior space includes a fixed half-dome roof fixed to and supported by a first support structure, a rotatable half-dome roof rotatable about and supported by a second support structure, the second support structure being concentric to the first support structure, and, wherein the rotatable half-dome roof is configured to rotate about the second support structure. |
| US08336255B2 |
Opening and closing apparatus
An opening and closing apparatus is disclosed that includes an opening and closing body, a force transmitting portion, an elongated sensor body, a support member, and a control section. The opening and closing body is actuated to selectively open and close an opening. The force transmitting portion has a drive portion that generates drive force. The force transmitting portion transmits the drive force from the drive portion to the opening and closing body. The sensor body detects an object between a closing-side end of the opening and closing body and a facing part of the periphery of the opening that faces the closing-side end of the opening. The closing-side end is at an advancing side of the opening and closing body when the opening and closing body is in a closing operation. The support member is fixed either to the closing-side end or the facing part. The support member supports the sensor body. The control section controls the drive portion based on a detection result of the object received from the sensor body. The support member includes an attachment main body and a reinforcing member that is embedded in the attachment main body and reinforces the attachment main body. The reinforcing member has a sensor holding portion that is exposed to the outside from the attachment main body and holds the sensor body. |
| US08336248B2 |
Automatic bite indicator for fishing
The invention relates to an electronic bite display (5) for displaying that a fish (13) has bitten the bait that is attached to the fishing line of a fishing rod (2) that can be placed on a fishing rod holder (1), said fishing rod comprising a reel (3) for reeling in the fishing line. The sensor of the bite display is an electronic acceleration sensor (B) and said bite display (5) comprises a console (21) that is secured between the fishing rod holder and a fishing rod stand (8), that protrudes approximately horizontally in the position of use and extends approximately parallel to the fishing rod (2). A pivoting shaft (27) that can pivot about a pivoting axis and that extends horizontally in the position of use is provided on the console (21). One first end of a pivoting arm (31) is pivotably mounted on the pivoting shaft, the other end supports the housing of the bite display. A line clip-system (17) is mounted on the upper head part of the bite display in the position of use (rest position), said system can be detachably suspended temporarily on the fishing line clamped in the position of use (rest position), and the acceleration sensor (B) is arranged in the housing of the bite display (5), where it moves, vibrates or registers a swiveling downwards movement of the bite display and converts it simultaneously into a suitable electronic flow impulse corresponding to the optionally acoustic and/or optical display device (34, 35). |
| US08336245B2 |
Remote control system for controlling a remote animal collar
A remote control system is disclosed for controlling a remote animal collar of the type which includes one or more electrodes or sensors which protrude from the inside surface of the collar for contacting the neck of the animal and electronic devices located within the body of the collar to receive electronic control signals or sensor input and to generate a stimulus, which is transmitted to the animal through the electrodes or by a speaker or other devices on the collar. The remote control system uses a master and slave remote transmitter combination. |
| US08336244B2 |
Mounting brackets for electro-optics devices and other firearm accessories
Mounting brackets for use in attaching accessory devices to firearms are provided. Some embodiments can be configured as detachable and can comprise multiple transverse members disposed between two connection members and an attachment member. Connection members can be configured for attachment to an exterior firearm surface, such as along a top surface of a fire arm. The second generally parallel member can be spaced apart from the connection members and can comprise an outer surface, which can be configured as Picatinny rail for carrying devices. Transverse members can be disposed between and coupled to the parallel members, and the number of transverse members can. The transverse members can define openings enabling including structural strength, low weight, and compact, sleek design. The transverse members can be angled relative to the parallel members to provide structural and energy absorption features. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described herein. |
| US08336243B2 |
Firearm having a removable hand guard
A semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The rifle has a receiver having a receiver frame, a barrel removably connected to the receiver frame, and an end cap coupled to the barrel. A removable hand guard section is provided extending over and generally surrounding the barrel, the removable hand guard section removably connected to the receiver. The removable hand guard section has a locating feature adapted to engage with the end cap and locate the hand guard relative to the end cap. The removable hand guard section has a mounting rail portion and a body portion, the mounting rail portion molded into the body portion. The barrel has a locking collar adapted to removably position and lock the removable hand guard section relative to the receiver frame and the barrel. The removable hand guard floats in position relative to the barrel. |
| US08336239B2 |
Wristband and clasp therefor
The field of the present invention relates to an identification assembly, and in particular, to a clasp device for securing to an identification wristband, and to a wristband and clasp assembly. In one embodiment, a identification assembly for a patient includes a band with first and second opposite ends and first and second opposite edges and a width measured between the first and second edges. The identification assembly also includes a clasp secured to the band. The clasp has a first section having an inside surface and an outside surface; a second section having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface of the second section facing the inside surface of the first section; and a protrusion extending from one of the first or the second section to engage the other of the first or the second section to secure the first and second sections together in a closed position. The outside surface of one of the first or the second section comprises a symbol on the outside surface to provide information about the patient. The clasp is color-coded to provide information about the patient. |
| US08336233B1 |
Wear plate assembly
A wear plate assembly includes a base, a wear plate, and a key. The wear plate is moveable with respect to the base between free and applied conditions. In the applied condition of the wear plate, the base and the wear plate cooperate to form a keyway for receiving the key. The keyway is located below the top of the base. The key is moveable between a first position corresponding to an unlocked configuration of the wear plate assembly and second position corresponding to a locked configuration of the wear plate assembly. |
| US08336232B2 |
Multi-function wheel loader linkage control with optimized power management
A hydraulic system for an earth-moving vehicle may include first and second hydraulic cylinders, first and second hydraulic pumps and control valves including a combiner valve to modulate hydraulic fluid and pressure from the first and second hydraulic pumps to the first and second hydraulic cylinders as appropriate for the task being performed. If the task is digging, the first and second cylinders may be associated with tilting and lifting, respectively, and the control valves may be oriented so as to make each pump dedicated to one of the cylinders, and if demand is not being met, to then diminish power to the drivetrain to allow the tilting and lifting to be performed. The combiner valve may or may not be open during this time. If the task is not digging, the combiner valve can be opened to allow for cross-flow between the pumps and the cylinders. |
| US08336231B2 |
Digging and backfill apparatus
A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location. |
| US08336229B2 |
Footwear construction
A footwear item comprises an upper adapted to receive a foot of a wearer. A midsole is molded directly to the upper and defines a shoulder about the upper. The midsole is adapted to be connected to an outsole and comprises a stitch line on the shoulder of the midsole. A method for assembling the item of footwear is also provided. |
| US08336224B2 |
Measuring device
Measuring device for in-process measurement of test specimens during a machining process on a machine tool, in particular a grinding machine, has a measuring head connected pivotably about a first pivot axis to a base body of the measuring device via a linkage, for providing an apparatus for pivoting measuring head in and out of a measuring position. Linkage has a first linkage element and a second linkage element arranged pivotably about first pivot axis. A third linkage element is connected pivotably about a second pivot axis to the end of second linkage element facing away from first pivot axis. A fourth linkage element is connected pivotably about a third pivot axis to the end of third linkage element facing away from second pivot axis, fourth linkage element being connected pivotably about a fourth pivot axis to first linkage element at a distance from third pivot axis. |
| US08336222B1 |
Method and apparatus for measuring spaces with limited access
A method and apparatus for measuring a space between parts having restricted access is disclosed. An apparatus may comprise an elongate member, a flange, and a measurement system. An end of the elongate member is configured to move through a hole in a first structure into a space located between the first structure and a second structure. The flange extends from the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to expand after the flange exits the hole in the first structure such that the flange is unable to pass back through the hole. The measurement system is configured to measure movement of the end of the elongate member to identify a length of the space between the first structure and the second structure. |
| US08336221B2 |
Level
A level for indicating the orientation of each of a surface, a first electrical device, or a second electrical device, the level including a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a web, and a vial. The web is coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface. The vial has a long axis and contains a liquid and a gas bubble and is coupled to the web such that the long axis is substantially parallel to the first planar surface. A first perimeter is formed as part of the web, shaped substantially the same as a portion of the first electrical device, and sized to engage the portion of the first electrical device such that the vial is operable to indicate the orientation of the first electrical device. |
| US08336215B2 |
Image card, image engraving device and image engraving method
In an image card where an image is formed on a thin plate made of special synthetic paper or plastic by engraving by sweeping the plate with the engraving needle through relative movement of an engraving needle and a plate, it is impossible to form a hidden image which can be viewed when a viewpoint is changed or form an image formed by watermark engraving and the hidden image within the same plane. A hidden image is formed on an image card by engraving while angles of stripes of striped patterns are changed in response to shading of an image. Further, an image engraving device is provided with a rotary driving unit, and engraving is performed in a state that an extending direction of striped grooves of the hidden image and a forming direction of the engraving are made equal, so that a wall face of a groove is always formed by the same side face of an engraving needle and undulation does not occur on the wall face of the groove. Similarly, a shape of a bottom face of the groove is made even. As a result, precision of the hidden image is made high and an effect as the hidden image is further improved. |
| US08336214B2 |
Sewing machine with engraving function
A sewing machine includes a needle bar to which an engraving needle is attached and is capable of executing an engraving process of forming an engraved pattern on a workpiece. The sewing machine further includes a heightwise position adjusting mechanism adjusting a mounting heightwise position of the engraving needle relative to the needle bar, a unit imaging the engraved marks formed on the workpiece by the engraving needle, thereby obtaining an image of each engraved mark, a detection unit extracting a region of each engraved mark from the image to detect a size of each engraved mark, a determination unit comparing the size of each engraved mark with a reference value stored, determining a mounting heightwise position of the engraving needle, and a unit informing of information for adjusting the mounting heightwise position of the engraving needle according to determination made by the determination unit. |
| US08336207B2 |
Methods and apparatus for coupling capacitors
A method for supplying a plurality of capacitance values to a plurality of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) components is provided. The method includes configuring a first set of terminals of a connection device to couple a first capacitor to the connection device and configuring the connection device to couple the first capacitor to at least one of the plurality of HVAC/R components. The method further includes configuring a second set of terminals of the connection device to couple a second capacitor to the connection device and configuring the connection device to selectively couple the second capacitor to at least one of the plurality of HVAC/R components. |
| US08336205B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed wiring board with built-in electronic component
A printed wiring board is manufactured by a method in which a base substrate having a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, and a conductive film is provided. An electronic component is placed on the first insulation layer at a position determined based on an alignment mark. After the electronic component is enclosed inside an opening of the second insulation layer, a via hole exposing a terminal of the electronic component is formed at a position determined based on the alignment mark, which is used to determine the position of the electronic component. A via conductor is formed in the via hole, and a conductive layer is formed on the conductive film and patterned to form a conductive circuit connected to the via conductor. |
| US08336204B2 |
Formation of alloy liner by reaction of diffusion barrier and seed layer for interconnect application
An interconnect structure including an alloy liner positioned directly between a diffusion barrier and a Cu alloy seed layer as well as methods for forming such an interconnect structure are provided. The alloy liner of the present invention is formed by thermally reacting a previously deposited diffusion barrier metal alloy layer with an overlying Cu alloy seed layer. During the thermal reaction, the metal alloys from both the diffusion barrier and the Cu alloys seed layer react forming a metal alloy reaction product between the diffusion barrier and the Cu seed layer. |
| US08336201B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed circuit board having flow preventing dam
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having a flow preventing dam, including: applying a dry film resist on a base substrate having a solder pad, and then primarily exposing the dry film resist to light; secondarily exposing the primarily exposed dry film resist formed on a peripheral area of the base substrate to light, thus forming a flow preventing dam; removing the unexposed dry film resist to expose the solder pad, thus forming an opening; printing the opening with a solder paste, and then forming a solder bump through a reflow process; and removing the primarily exposed dry film resist. |
| US08336200B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for maintaining part orientation during manufacturing
A method for maintaining orientation of a part during manufacturing includes feeding a carrier a supply apparatus. The carrier includes a flexible material and supports a plurality of manufactured parts and includes indexing parts and the supply apparatus stores the carrier. The method includes feeding the carrier into a part forming module to form a manufactured part, forming a plurality of manufactured parts onto the carrier and determining a position of the carrier by sensing the indexing marks. The carrier includes a plurality of parts formed onto the carrier and each manufactured part is connected to the carrier with connectors that hold the part from the carrier. The width of the connector less than or equal to the connector at a connection point to the carrier. Each part maintains orientation with respect to the carrier where the part is formed and maintains orientation during a subsequent operation. |
| US08336194B2 |
Method of fabricating a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) reader
A method of fabricating a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) reader is disclosed. A TMR structure comprising at least one ferromagnetic layer and at least one nonmagnetic insulating layer is provided. A first thermal annealing process on the TMR structure is performed. A reader pattern definition process performed on the TMR structure to obtain a patterned TMR reader. A second thermal annealing process is performed on the patterned TMR reader. |
| US08336184B2 |
Molding installation method and device
A device capable of smoothly, easily and automatically installing a molding on a door panel for an automobile is provided and includes a molding installation jig and a dynamic sensor located between a jig body and an arm. The dynamic sensor is designed to detect a force applied from the molding installation jig to the molding. A finger is supported on a side of the jig body to contact and hold an end section of the molding. Three suction pads, which communicate with a vacuum device, are provided on a surface of the jig body at equal intervals. A pair of brackets having a C-shaped cross section are provided on a side surface of the jig body, which is perpendicular to the surface on which the suction pads are provided. A first roller, a second roller, and a third roller 19 are rotatably supported in each of the brackets. |
| US08336183B2 |
Method to protect tire electronics
A method is provided for protecting an electronics device, attached to a tire, during tire inspection, comprising placing a barrier in proximity to the electronics device wherein the barrier surrounds the electronics device, and removedly affixing the barrier to the tire with magnets. |
| US08336182B2 |
Device and method for holding a tool bit
A device for holding a bit for a tool, the bit to be disassembled and/or re-assembled when held, includes a housing to be secured to a stationary base and a clamping mechanism for releasably clamping the bit to the housing so that it may be disassembled and/or re-assembled, the clamping mechanism including a recess provided in the housing, a movable gripping element arranged inside the recess and having a first gripping area for engaging the bit part, and a stationary gripping element, the gripping element having a second gripping area for engaging a bit part, wherein the movable gripping element is configured to be moved between an open position wherein the stationary gripping element and the movable gripping element are spaced to allow to receive or to remove the bit part and a clamping position wherein the bit part is clamped between first and second gripping areas of the gripping elements. |
| US08336181B2 |
Fiber reinforced packer
A technique enables construction of a simplified inflatable packer. An inflatable packer is constructed with a packer reinforcement layer having at least one fiber layer. The fiber layers provide both mechanical and anti-extrusion qualities in a relatively simple and small package. Depending on the desired application, the inflatable packer also comprises an inner bladder layer and other potential layers, such as an outer seal layer. Mechanical extremities are used to secure longitudinal ends of the various packer layers, including the packer reinforcement layer. |
| US08336180B2 |
Method of forming or repairing devices configured to comminute material
A method for repairing a crushing device or other device configured to comminute material includes the steps of removing at least one first insert from a portion of a crushing body such that at least one opening is formed in the portion of the crushing body, positioning at least one second insert in the at least one opening formed by the removing of the at least one first insert, positioning a force application mechanism adjacent to the at least one second insert and the portion of the crushing body, and actuating the force application mechanism to deform the portion of the crushing body to attach the at least one second insert to the portion of the crushing body. The one or more first inserts may be damaged and the one or more second inserts may be used to replace the one or more damaged first inserts. The force application mechanism is preferably explosive material. A method of forming a wearable surface is also disclosed. |
| US08336177B2 |
Tool for the connection of tubes by means of connection sleeves
A tool for the connection of tubes (T) by means of connection sleeves (C), comprising two jaws (2, 3) which are mutually movable between an open rest position, and a closed work position wherein they define an annular reception seat (7) of the connection sleeve (C), and wherein they turn a circumferential series of radial punches (6) towards the sleeve (C); said jaws (2, 3) each comprising at least one punch (6) sliding towards the center of said reception seat (7), and being mutually connected by means of a kinematic system which permits them, when they are found in said open rest position, to confer a generally open-ring shape to said reception seat (7), through whose lateral opening (8) the connection sleeve (C) can be inserted and extracted by lateral movement. |
| US08336171B2 |
Quick release apparatus for an SCBA frame
A quick release apparatus for rapid disconnection of a worker's waist belt from a self-contained breathing apparatus support frame. The apparatus includes a frame-connecting lumbar support pad that attaches to the interior side of the SCBA unit lower lumbar support plate and includes a front side and a rear side. The apparatus further includes a belt-capturing element disposed on the front side of the lumbar support pad and at least one frame connector disposed on the rear side. A rapid release member is slidably inserted through a portion of either one or both of the lumbar support pad or the belt-capturing member, such that pulling the rapid release member away from the lower lumbar support pad effects a rapid release of said apparatus from the SCBA support frame. |
| US08336167B2 |
Auto hinge module of cellular phone
The present invention is directed to an automatic hinge module for a cellular phone, which is capable of automatically opening the cellular phone in a one-touch manner. The automatic hinge module of the present invention automatically opens a cellular phone by simply pressing a button. When the button is pressed, a housing coupled to a folder portion of the cellular phone is rotated by an elastic restoring force of a compressed torsion spring, thereby opening the cellular phone. |
| US08336162B2 |
Agitator belt drive interrupt system
A floor care appliance has a body including a control assembly and a nozzle assembly, a rotary agitator carried on the nozzle assembly and a dirt collection vessel carried on the body. In addition a suction generator is carried on the body. The suction generator includes a fan and a drive motor. A belt operably connects the drive motor to the rotary agitator. An agitator drive interrupt mechanism includes an idler pulley support and first and second idler pulleys carried on the idler pulley support. The idler pulley support is displaceable between a first position wherein the idler pulleys tension the belt to provide drive to the rotary agitator and a second position wherein the idler pulleys de-tension the belt and interrupt drive to the rotary agitator. |
| US08336148B2 |
System and method for cleaning a charging wafer surface
A system and method for processing a wafer includes a charge neutralization system. The wafer processing system includes a wafer measuring device that can measure characteristics of a surface of the semiconductor wafer. One or more wafer processing stations perform a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process on the wafer surface. A desica cleaning station can clean and dry the semiconductor wafer. The wafer processing system further includes a charge neutralizing device that can alter a surface charge of the wafer surface. |
| US08336146B1 |
Forced air heated mat
A forced air heated mat including a parallelepiped central pad connected to a ramp, a first side ramp, and a second side ramp, through which pad heated air is directed via a latticework of air channels to a plurality of vent holes to melt accumulated snow and ice around a home or building. The present forced air heated mat is configured to interconnect with a heating exhaust or drier vent on the exterior of a home or building to direct waste heat to perform useful work in melting accumulated snow and ice. |
| US08336140B2 |
Automated multi-functional support apparatus
A support apparatus (10) for use in supporting a person, particularly a bariatric patient. The apparatus (10) is selectively convertible between a seat configuration for supporting the person in a substantially seated position and a table configuration for supporting the person in a substantially prostrate position. The apparatus (10) is both vertically and angularly adjustable in either configuration. The apparatus (10) includes enhanced lateral support provided by telescoping support cylinders (74,76), and substantially automatically retracting foot support portions (50). |
| US08336133B2 |
Multi-functional patient transfer device
One embodiment of the present invention comprises a multi-functional patient transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients. In one embodiment, the multi-functional patient transfer device includes a lift cart and one or more lift components. The lift components may attach to the lift cart and/or other lift components. The lift components may include frontal bars, a tabletop, a central arm, lifting forks, a hoist, a knee blocker, footrests, a transfer chair, detachable handles, and/or safety cushions. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more patient interfaces. The patient interfaces may attach to the lift cart and/or one or more lifting components. The patient interfaces may include slings, chairs, straps, harnesses, and/or transfer sheets. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include foldable panels. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include a buttock/link support. Example embodiments of methods of the present invention may include frontal transfers, lateral seated transfers, lateral bed transfers, and sit-to-stand transitions. |
| US08336132B2 |
Cable actuated drain
An improved drain actuates system that includes a cable to actuate a head or stopper of a drain. More specifically, one end of the cable is associated with the drain without additional moving parts and another end of the cable associated with an overflow cap of an overflow system wherein rotation of the overflow cap selectively moves the cable to move the head of the drain. The internal components associated with the overflow end of the cable that allow it to actuate the drain are fully accessible through the overflow port of the plumbing system. |
| US08336120B2 |
Jock support short
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a jock support short including a short member and an integrally-formed jock support member. The integral jock support member includes a pocket portion attached to a front portion of the short, which is configured to house a protective groin cup. At least two elongate members extend along opposing sides of the pocket portion and may intersect or meet at a crotch portion of the short such that the pocket and/or protective cup remains secured over a user's groin region during athletic or other physical activity. |
| US08336118B2 |
Articles of apparel providing enhanced body position feedback
Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body and/or stretch resistance, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.” |
| US08336115B2 |
Surgical gown with elastomeric fibrous sleeves
A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes a garment body defining sleeves. A cuff may be secured at respective ends of the sleeves. An elastic fiber layer is disposed on the sleeves beginning at the sleeve or cuff. The elastic fiber layer has a high friction surface such that an end of a glove pulled over the elastic fiber layer is inhibited from rolling or sliding back over the elastic fiber and down the sleeve. The elastic fiber may be formed of a polyolefin or other polymers according to known processes and may include a dye or colorant that may be used to indicate the fluid protection level of, for example, a surgical gown. |
| US08341759B2 |
Detecting counterfeit electronic components using EMI telemetric fingerprints
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that non-intrusively detects counterfeit components in a target computer system. During operation, the system collects target electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals generated by the target computer system using one or more antennas positioned in close proximity to the target computer system. The system then generates a target EMI fingerprint for the target computer system from the target EMI signals. Next, the system compares the target EMI fingerprint against a reference EMI fingerprint to determine whether the target computer system contains a counterfeit component. |
| US08341756B2 |
Securing data in a networked environment
Apparatus for securing data, comprising: an isolated processing environment having a boundary across which data cannot cross and a channel for allowing data to cross the boundary. A filter restricts data passage across the channel. Protected data is initially located in a secure area and is only released to such a secure processing environment so that access for authorized users to the secure data is available, but subsequent release of the secure data by the authorized users to the outside world is controlled. |
| US08341753B2 |
Managing pre-release of a game application over a network
A system, method, and apparatus are arranged to enable loading of an application, such as a game application, prior to a formal release date of the application. An end-user is provided components of the application either over a network, CD, DVD, or the like. At least one component of the application is encrypted. The end-user may register with an application provider. At a pre-defined time, such as a release date for the application, a decryption key is made available to the end-user. The decryption key may be employed to decrypt the encrypted component(s) of the application, such that the application may be readied for execution. In addition, bug fixes, additions, or the like, may also be pre-loaded to release of the application, thereby ensuring that the end-user has the most current application configuration. |
| US08341752B2 |
RFID enabled media system and method that provides dynamic downloadable media content
An audio and/or video media content providing device includes a controller, such as a server, that is responsive to RFID tag based information obtained from a remote RFID enabled media object. The controller is operative to facilitate access to media content associated with a stored periodically changing media content list. For example, a content registry database may be periodically updated through a suitable user interface to change a link between content identification information read from a remote RFID enabled media object, with media application information so that the same RFID tag may allow the downloading of different media. The link between the content ID and the media ID may be dynamically changed through the controller. This may be advantageous, to provide for example, a Top 10 song card or other RFID enabled object that stays the same but can be used to securely download different media over time. |
| US08341750B2 |
Document processing apparatus, document processing system and recording medium
A document processing apparatus provided with boxes for storing various information in a sorted manner, the boxes including at least a private box having a box function of allowing an access from a specific user and/or group, includes a notification portion. The notification portion is configured such that when a document is moved in or a new document is accumulated in the private box from a user or a group other than an owner of the private box, the fact that the document is moved in or the new document is accumulated in the private box from a user or a group other than the owner of the private box is notified to the owner of the private box and that when a document not accumulated by the owner is accumulated in the private box, the fact that the document not accumulated by the owner is accumulated in the private box is also notified to the owner. |
| US08341749B2 |
Preventing malware attacks in virtualized mobile devices
One embodiment is a method of preventing malware attacks in a virtualized mobile device including virtualization software that supports one or more virtual machines, the method including: (a) collecting information related to the status of physical device drivers; and (b) sending the information to virus protection software; wherein the virus protection software includes a set of rules that trigger one or more actions based on the information it receives concerning the physical device drivers. |
| US08341744B1 |
Real-time behavioral blocking of overlay-type identity stealers
Behavioral blocking of overlay-type identity stealers is achieved by detecting a transactional web page session, evaluating a property of a window corresponding to a process running on the computer system, and then, based on a result of the evaluation, blocking a behavior of the process for a duration of the transactional web page session. The evaluation of the property window involves determining whether the window exhibits one or more characteristics representing activity of an overlay-type identity stealer. |
| US08341743B2 |
Detection of viral code using emulation of operating system functions
A method and apparatus for detecting viral code that uses calls to an operating system to damage computer systems, computers and/or computer files is provided. The apparatus comprises a CPU emulator, a memory manager component and a monitor component. An artificial memory region spanning one or more components of the operating system is created by the memory manager component. Execution of computer executable code in a subject file is emulated by the CPU emulator. An attempt by the emulated computer executable code to access the artificial memory region is detected by the monitor component. The apparatus optionally may comprise an auxiliary component and an analyzer component. The auxiliary component determines an operating system call that the emulated computer executable code attempted to access. The analyzer component monitors the operating system call to determine whether the computer executable code is viral. |
| US08341741B2 |
Intrinsically safe remote data monitoring system and monitoring method thereof
This invention refers to an intrinsically safe remote data monitoring system and a monitoring method for remote data monitoring by using such system. The monitoring system comprises a process control computer that monitors or controls the controlled process, a remote monitoring computer that remotely monitors the process control computer, a signal collecting device physically connected, without through network, with the process control computer, for acquiring data from the process control computer, a local monitoring computer (4) connected with the signal collecting device. The local monitoring computer (4) is also connected with the remote monitoring computer through network. The monitoring method comprises following steps: the signal collecting device collecting data from the process control computer in the monitoring system, and then the local monitoring computer (4) transmitting the data signal to the remote monitoring computer for monitoring. |
| US08341738B2 |
API signature verification for high-security platforms
A system and method is disclosed for verifying whether a test API of a high-security software platform implements a reference API when a verification tool has insufficient permissions to detect one or more members of the test API. A signature is determined for a reference API implementation, which includes multiple API members. Determining the signature involves identifying a proper subset of the API members, where the subset excludes one or more API members that are not programmatically detectable by a given verification tool executing on a high-security platform that implements the reference API. The member may not be detectable by the verification tool because the tool has insufficient permission to programmatically detect the member on the high-security platform. The signature is then configured to indicate the members of the subset and not the excluded members. The signature is then stored. |
| US08341735B2 |
Method and arrangement for automatically controlling access between a computer and a communication network
The present invention relates to a device and method for increasing the security for a computer or server adapted for communication with a communication network, for example the Internet. The method for automatically controlling access between the computer and the communication network arranges the access to be dependent on user activity. The user activity is determined by monitoring signal activity between the computer and at least one input/output device adapted for communication with the computer, and the user activity being defined as detection of signal activity between the computer and the input/output device. Access to the communication network is only allowed if user activity is occurring or has occurred in a predetermined time period. |
| US08341733B2 |
Creating secured file views in a software partition
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for creating secured file views of a protected file. The process receives a request to access the file, wherein the file is stored in a common location, and wherein the request includes a set of file viewing parameters. The process identifies a callback function associated with the file and calls the callback function with the set of file viewing parameters to form a set of virtual viewing parameters. Thereafter, the process generates a secured file view of the file using the virtual viewing parameters, wherein the secured file view is viewable by a user of an authorized partition. |
| US08341732B2 |
Methods and systems for selecting a method for execution, by a virtual machine, of an application program
A method for selecting a method of execution for an application includes the step of receiving credentials. A plurality of applications available to a client machine is enumerated responsive to the received credentials. A request to execute an enumerated application is received. One of a predetermined number of methods for executing the requested application is selected responsive to a policy, the predetermined number of methods including a method for executing the requested application in a computing environment provided by a virtual machine. |
| US08341730B2 |
Image forming apparatus and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
An image forming apparatus is provided with a user authentication portion performing a user authentication process on a user by using user authentication information, a section authentication portion performing a section authentication process, by using one of a plurality of pieces of section authentication information, on the user who has been successfully authenticated by the user authentication portion, an associated information storage portion storing, therein, associated information in which the user authentication information is associated with the plurality of pieces of section authentication information, and a selection process portion selecting, after the user has been successfully authenticated by the user authentication portion, at least one of the plurality of pieces of section authentication information satisfying a preset condition from among the plurality of pieces of section authentication information associated with the user authentication information that has been used for the user authentication process. |
| US08341725B2 |
Secure DHCP processing for layer two access networks
In general, this disclosure describes network security techniques that may accommodate legitimate movement of a subscriber device while preventing MAC collisions that may result from configuration errors or MAC spoofing attempts. MAC spoofing may result in packets directed to one subscriber device being sent instead to another subscriber device. By modifying an access node or a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server to allow only authorized subscriber devices on the access network, layer two collisions (“MAC collisions”) may be prevented. |
| US08341719B2 |
Secure transmitting method, a system, a firewall, and a router using the method
Data packets are transmitted in a secure manner from an external network to a secure network. The secure network and the external network are interconnected via a firewall comprising a first interface with the external network and a second interface with the secure network. The firewall provides, over the second interface, a plurality of virtual interfaces. An association between items of specific information of the firewall and said virtual interfaces is stored in the firewall and in the secure network. It is determined whether to authorize the transmission of a packet received from the external network to the secure network on the basis of predefined security criteria. If the received packet is authorized, an item of specific information is selected to be transmitted to the secure network with the authorized packet. A virtual interface is then determined as a function of the item of specific information selected on the basis of the association. The authorized packet is then transmitted via the determined virtual interface. Thus, on reception of the packet in the secure network, the item of specific information can be deduced from the virtual interface through which the packet is received, on the basis of the association. |
| US08341716B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and storage media storing user certification program
The information processing device includes, a communication portion that communicates with a certification device which performs certification of whether or not a user has usage permission, a reception portion that receives input identification information for identifying the user, a storage portion that stores previously registered identification information, a certification portion that performs user certification, when the reception portion receives the input identification information and the communication portion requests certification of a user by sending the identification information to the certification device, based on result information, when result information is obtained from the certification device indicating a certification result, and based on whether or not the identification information is stored in the storage portion, when the result information is not obtained, and a registration portion that registers the certified identification information in the storage portion, when certification that a user has usage permission is obtained based on the result information. |
| US08341715B2 |
System and method for shared resource owner based access control
Method and system for controlling application access to a shared resource in a runtime environment. The shared resource is owned by a remote resource owner. An access control ticket including a permission for the shared resource, a cryptographically verifiable remote resource owner identifier and a cryptographically verifiable application owner identifier are generated. The access control ticket is approved and signed by the remote resource owner, and transmitted to the runtime environment. The application, when executed in the runtime environment, accesses the resource based on the permission. |
| US08341714B2 |
Security token and method for authentication of a user with the security token
A security token includes (a) a personal data memory configured to store digital identity credentials related to personal data of a user; (b) an input appliance configured to check said personal data; (c) a key record data memory configured to store at least one identity credential of an authentication server or of an application operator; (d) a transmitter and receiver unit configured to create a secure channel directly or indirectly to said authentication server or application operator to handle said key record relating to said authentication server or application operator, respectively; (e) a control unit configured to control the transmitter and receiver unit and the key record data memory in view of said handling, wherein the control unit is configured to perform one of: interpreting, deciphering, creating, checking, renewing, withdrawing and further key record handling actions. A method for authentication of a user using the security token is also disclosed. |
| US08341713B2 |
Device, system and method of performing an administrative operation on a security token
Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a method, device and/or system of performing an administrative operation on a user token. The method may include, for example, providing to an admin token user-identification data identifying the user token; receiving from the admin token an administrator code to enable performing the administrative operation; and providing the administrator code to the user token. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08341708B1 |
Systems and methods for authenticating credentials for management of a client
A method and system for authenticating credentials for management of a client is disclosed. The credentials are provided to a verification application. The credentials are authenticated to an authentication application. A connection between the authentication application and a security server is established. An authenticator is invoked. Administrative rights associated with the credentials are verified. An authentication certificate indicating the administrative rights is sent to the client. |
| US08341705B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer product for managing operation
Administrative right information corresponding to a domain and a service group, domain information, and service group information are stored in a system resource DB. When an administrator makes a request for operating a resource using an operation management client, an authority determining unit of a system resource manager makes a determination whether the administrator has an administrative right for a domain or a service group to which the requested resource belongs using the information stored in the system resource DB, and permits or denies the operation based on a result of determination. |
| US08341704B2 |
Secure communication between client device and server device
A user is enabled to select one or more client devices from a number of client devices and to select one or more server devices from a number of server devices. Secure communication is to occur between each selected client device and each selected server device. For each unique pair of a selected client device and a selected server device, a validation of a security configuration of the selected client device and a security configuration of the selected server device is performed, to determine whether secure communication can occur between the selected client device and the selected server device. Where the validation has failed, reconfiguration of one or more of the selected client device and the selected server device is performed so that secure communication can occur between the selected client device and the selected server device. |
| US08341702B2 |
Methods for authenticating and authorizing a mobile device using tunneled extensible authentication protocol
Methods for authenticating and authorizing a mobile device using tunneled extensible authentication protocol are provided. The methods include evaluating an inner user identifier against a policy engine to determine a home AAA server to route an access request for inner user authentication. Instead of having a static route configured based on an outer identifier/roaming identity, the policy engine can have multiple rules and actions for routing the request. The evaluation can be based on the conditions of the inner user identifier and or other AAA attributes received in the request. The request is transmitted within a secure communication tunnel. There are several embodiments of evaluating an inner user identifier against a policy engine. |
| US08341697B2 |
Image processing system, image processing apparatus, and control method of image processing apparatus
An image processing system capable of enhancing the reliability of secret leakage prevention, which includes an image processing apparatus, an access control apparatus that issues authority information on each user, and a job history management apparatus that manages job histories. Authority information on a user logging in the image processing apparatus is acquired. With reference to the authority information, whether or not a job for which an execution instruction is given by the user is executable is determined. If executable, the job is executed. If the job is not executable, whether or not the job is executable on condition that a job history is transmitted to the job history management apparatus is further determined. If conditionally executable, the job is executed, and a history of the executed job is acquired and transmitted to the job history management apparatus. |
| US08341696B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and storage medium
A disclosed image forming apparatus includes an authentication information unit including login information of a user and an authentication key; an authentication key providing unit including the authentication key; functional units; and a functional-unit authentication unit including authentication information of the functional units and a first verification unit configured to determine whether the functional units are authenticated. Each of the functional units includes an authentication key obtaining unit for obtaining the authentication key from the authentication key providing unit if the first verification unit determines that the functional unit is authenticated. The authentication information unit further includes a second verification unit for determining whether the authentication key obtained by the authentication key obtaining unit matches the authentication key in the authentication information unit, and a login information providing unit for providing the login information to the functional unit if the second verification unit determines that the authentication keys match. |
| US08341693B2 |
Enterprise-wide security system for computer devices
A system and method for securing data in mobile devices (104) includes a computing mode (102) and a plurality of mobile devices (104). A node security program (202) executed in the computing node (102) interfaces with a device security program (204) executed at a mobile device (104). The computing node (102) is responsible for managing the security based on a node security profile (208) interpreted by a node security program (202) executed in the computing node (102). A device discovery method and arrangement (106) also detects and locates various information (120) about the mobile devices (104) based on a scan profile (206). |
| US08341692B1 |
Modifying digital rights
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for defining rights applicable to a digital object. A set of initial rights and a set of modifying rights are received for the digital object. At least one of the set of initial rights and the set of modifying rights specifies one or more conditions on rights in the respective set of rights. A new set of rights is defined for the digital object based on the set of initial rights and the set of modifying rights. The new set of rights specifies one or more new conditions on rights in the new set of rights. The new conditions are defined based on one or more of the conditions in the set of initial rights and/or the set of modifying rights. |
| US08341688B2 |
System and method for the broadcast dissemination of time-ordered data
A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed. |
| US08341687B2 |
Communicating scripts in a data service channel of a video signal
Described are methods and apparatus for enhancing an information resource, such as a Web page, simultaneously residing in memory on a number of remote receivers. A content creator, (e.g., a program producer, broadcaster, affiliate, cable company or satellite provider), embeds a trigger in a data service channel of a broadcast signal. The trigger includes a resource identifier unique to the information resource and a script capable of modifying the information resource. The script might be a script or a segment of a script written in a conventional scripting language. Each receiver that includes the targeted information resource monitors the data service channel of the broadcast video signal for script-bearing triggers directed to that resource. If a receiver receives a script-bearing trigger directed to the resident resource, the receiver executes the script contained within the trigger to alter the resource and/or the displayed video defined by the resource. |
| US08341684B2 |
Method and device for transmitting data
A method for transmitting video communication data includes: allocating a redundant audio data bandwidth according to an obtained current packet loss ratio of audio data, generating redundant audio data according to the redundant audio data bandwidth, and sending the redundant audio data; calculating a target total video data bandwidth according to a video communication bandwidth, an encoded audio data bandwidth, and the redundant audio data bandwidth; allocating a redundant video data bandwidth according to an obtained current packet loss ratio of video data and the target total video data bandwidth, generating redundant video data according to the redundant video data bandwidth, and sending the redundant video data. A method for transmitting video communication data and a video communication device are also provided. By using the method and device, the quality of voices and videos is improved in the video communication, and the utilization efficiency of the communication bandwidth is guaranteed. |
| US08341682B2 |
Real-time image monitoring and recording system and method
A real-time image monitoring and recording system includes a plurality of IP cameras and a plurality of surveillance servers. The IP cameras and the surveillance servers can process anycast packets. The surveillance servers control the IP cameras and store data generated by the IP cameras. Peer-to-peer connection exists between the surveillance server and its neighboring surveillance servers. Any surveillance server stores configuration data of its neighboring surveillance servers rather than the configuration data of all the surveillance servers. |
| US08341681B2 |
System and method of distributing multimedia content
A method includes receiving, at a first server, data from a set-top box device including login information for a user to establish a first session with a multimedia distribution system. The method includes determining at the first server that the user belongs to at least one presence group when the login information is verified. The method includes identifying one or more on-line members that are members of the at least one presence group and have established sessions with the multimedia distribution system. The method also includes sending information from the first server to the set-top box device, the information corresponding to session activity of each of the one or more on-line members. The information includes video content selected by a user of a particular set-top box corresponding to one of the one or more on-line members, where the video content is concurrently sent to the particular set-top box device. |
| US08341679B2 |
Intelligent device system and method for distribution of digital signals on a wideband signal distribution system
A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions. |
| US08341678B1 |
Using TV remote control and TV to display content from any one of multiple sources
A method is provided for a system to display media contents from source devices on television channels of a television. The method includes receiving a channel change command from a remote control, where the channel change command causes the television to display a new television channel. The method further includes, in response to the channel change command, changing a frequency of a radio frequency (RF) carrier of a television RF signal to a frequency of the new television channel, determining one of the source devices assigned to the new television channel, and providing the television RF signal to the television, where the television RF signal includes a media content from the assigned source device. |
| US08341676B1 |
Method and system for performing an alphabetic search using a single application of keys
A method and system for performing an alphabetic search using a single application of keys is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for selecting a program title using an alpha-numeric keypad, comprises gathering one or more searchable items from a broadcast source; generating a dynamic directory of the one or more searchable items by a set-top box; narrowing the scope of the dynamic directory upon receiving a narrowing command from the keypad; receiving a partial program title from the keypad at the set-top box; returning a list of possible selections by the set-top box, wherein the list includes the program title; and receiving a subselector key selector signal from the keypad at the set-top box, wherein the subselector key selector signal selects the program title. |
| US08341666B2 |
ADM enabled OITF, supporting IPTV infrastructure and associated methods
A system and method for the automated discovery of advertisement decision services and advertisement management services employs an advertisement application server which receives the address of an advertisement management service from an IPTV Controller during the registration phase. The advertisement application server then begins the configuration process by informing the advertisement decision server of the availability of a new advertisement management service. Additionally, an OITF having an embedded ADM makes use of markers in a received content stream to identify the location at which an advertisement is to be inserted, requests and receives advertisements from an ADS, and renders a video stream based on the received content and the received advertisement. |
| US08341664B2 |
System and method of selective advertising on a TV channel
A method and system for providing selective advertising on a television channel is accomplished by downloading appropriate advertisements from an advertising server to a subscriber's set top box over an out-of-band channel. The set top box monitors for events. When an event occurs, the set top box signals the head-end to download ads to the set top box. The ads may be selected using demographic or common channel preference pattern information associated with the set top box. |
| US08341661B2 |
System and method for transmitting a video signal from a transmitter to a receiver and reading and writing EDID
The present invention relates to system and method of reading and rewriting EDID in a video transmission system includes a transmitter transmitting a video signal and a receiver receiving the video signal that the transmitter transmitted which are connected to each other through digital interface, the method includes a reading step where the transmitter reads the EDID of the receiver through the digital interface; a first transmitting step where the transmitter transmit the video signal to the receiver on the basis of the EDID which the transmitter read; a second transmitting step where the receiver transmits a first message related to the EDID of the receiver; and a third transmitting step where the receiver transmits a second message related to the EDID of the receiver; wherein the transmitter, which received the first message from the receiver, does not read the EDID of the receiver until the second message is received. |
| US08341659B2 |
Multimedia service system based on user history
Disclosed is a user history based multimedia service system, wherein user history data include a multimedia consumption type and/or consumption behavior of the user. The consumption type data includes a start time or end time of the multimedia content consumption (i.e., simple view data), content recording time and format, content backup time and format, and content transfer time and format. The consumption behavior data includes a content access/play data such as a normal finish, skimmed, skipped, slowed, or replay, and a stopped data of the content access/play. The consumption type or consumption behavior data include information on program identification and information on access to the consumption type/consumption behavior data. The respective data is provided for each user and program. |
| US08341657B2 |
Lens driving mechanism for optical pickup and optical disc apparatus
An optical pickup, mounting a lens actuator 101 thereon, the lens actuator comprises: a lens 1 having an optical axis in direction in parallel with an optical disc; a holder 2, which holds the lens thereon; a first guide shaft 3 holding the holder, so as to regulate the holder to change a position thereof, into an inner surface direction of a surface having the optical axis of the lens as a normal line vector thereof; a second guide shaft 4, which regulates the holder to change the position thereof, into a normal line vector of an optical disc; and a reed screw, which moves the holder into direction of the optical axis of the lens, wherein a distance between the optical axis of the lens and the optical disc, a distance between a central axis of the first guide shaft and the optical disc, and a distance between a central axis of the second guide shaft and the optical disc are lager than a distance between a central axis of the reed screw and the optical disc. |
| US08341655B2 |
Slot-in optical disc drive with disc loading/unloading mechanism
A slot-in optical disc drive is provided to comprise a driving element moveably disposed in the optical disc and capable of moving toward a disc loading direction and a disc unloading direction, wherein the driving element has a loading drive groove; a disc loading element pivoted in the optical disc drive, wherein the disc loading element has a loading driven pin for operating with the loading drive groove; a disc unloading element pivoted in the optical disc drive; and an elastic element used for providing an elastic force on the disc unloading element. |
| US08341646B2 |
Information system with event-enabled data objects
A computer-implemented information system involves data objects stored in the database with characteristics of such data objects defined at a design time. The system is able to associate customized data object events with at least some of the data objects subsequent to the design time to define subscriber objects. Data objects which are publisher objects are determined based on the events. In one implementation, the information system includes a messaging manager, with a message broker and an event controller associated therewith. |
| US08341642B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program and information processing system
An IC chip in which secure information is recorded is mounted on an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus is connected to a service providing server for providing a service and a settlement operator server for executing a settlement concerning the service via a network. The apparatus includes a content data acquisition part that acquires content data containing a network location of a script file capable of reading the secure information in the IC chip from the service providing server, that transmits to the network location a request for the script file, and that acquires the script file from the settlement operator server based on the request. The apparatus also includes a file reading part that reads the script file, and a secure information reading part that reads the secure information from the IC chip based on a secure information access description contained in the script file. |
| US08341641B2 |
Task processor
A task processor includes a CPU, a save circuit, and a task control circuit. A task control circuit is provided with a task selection circuit and state storage units associated with respective tasks. When executing a predetermined system call instruction, the CPU notifies the task control circuit accordingly. When informed of the execution of a system call instruction, the task control circuit selects a task to be subsequently executed in accordance with an output from the selection circuit. When an interrupt circuit receives a high-speed interrupt request signal, the task switching circuit controls the state transition of a task by executing an interrupt handling instruction designated by the interrupt circuit. |
| US08341626B1 |
Migration of a virtual machine in response to regional environment effects
To place virtual machines on physical machines, at least one controller receives indicators related to regional environment effects. The at least one controller selects at least one of the virtual machines to migrate from one or more first physical machines to one or more second physical machines in response to the received indicators. |
| US08341625B2 |
Systems and methods for identification and management of cloud-based virtual machines
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for identification and management of cloud-based virtual machines. A user requests the instantiation of a set of virtual machines from a cloud computing environment. A cloud management system requests the resources necessary to build the machines from a set of resource servers. After populating the set of virtual machines from the cloud, the cloud management system inserts a token ID into one of the virtual machines to designate that machine as a management instance. An image of that machine can be stored in the cloud management system to represent the configuration of the set of virtual machines, even when the cloud itself lacks permanent storage. When the user wishes to update the set of virtual machines, the cloud management system can insert another token ID into another virtual machine, reconfigure the software, processing, or other resources of that machine as a revised management instance. |
| US08341623B2 |
Integrated placement planning for heterogenous storage area network data centers
A storage placement planning system receives a resource graph describing SAN's resources and virtual machine applications requiring a particular amount of a processing resource element and a storage resource element. The system then determines a coupled placement of the processing element and storage element for each of the applications on a coupled pair of the resource nodes based on a specified throughput and a distance factor between coupled pairs of resource nodes. The coupled placement is determined using an algorithm that implements a cost function that determines affinities between processing nodes and storage nodes for each of said applications of a particular workload. The coupled placement for each of said applications identifies the particular amount of processing resource element placed on a first node for providing a processing resource and the particular amount of storage resource element placed on a second node for providing a storage resource for that application. |
| US08341622B1 |
Systems and methods for efficiently using network bandwidth to deploy dependencies of a software package
A package deployment manager on an administrative system deploys a dependent software package to a plurality of target nodes. The package deployment manager also identifies one or more dependencies of the dependent software package. For each dependency that is identified, the package deployment manager determines which of the plurality of target nodes already have the dependency installed, and deploys the dependency only to the target nodes that do not already have the dependency installed. |
| US08341614B2 |
Memory management for closures
Methods, software media, compilers and programming techniques are described for creating copyable stack-based closures, such as a block, for languages which allocate automatic or local variables on a stack memory structure. In one exemplary method, a data structure of the block is first written to the stack memory structure, and this may be the automatic default operation, at run-time, for the block; then, a block copy instruction, added explicitly (in one embodiment) by a programmer during creation of the block, is executed to copy the block to a heap memory structure. The block includes a function pointer that references a function which uses data in the block. |
| US08341613B2 |
Reducing stack space consumption via head-call optimization
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for reducing stack space consumption via a head-call optimization. When compiling the source code of a computer application, a compiler application may be configured to analyze program flow to identify a “head-call” within any functions included in the program source code. Once identified, the “head-call” may be removed during program compilation. Doing so may reduce the number of elements pushed onto a program's stack space during program execution. |
| US08341609B2 |
Code generation in the presence of paged memory
A computer is programmed to automatically identify multiple sequences of executable code such that each sequence fits within a page of memory. When the executable code comprising several sequences is loaded into the paged memory, each sequence is placed in its own page. The computer is further programmed to prepare a number of structures which identify a corresponding number of instructions that transfer control between sequences. Each structure identifies at least a control transfer instruction in one sequence and a target in another sequence. When loading the sequences into memory, the structures are used to replace destination addresses of control transfers between sequences with new addresses derived from base addresses of pages that have been allocated in memory to hold the sequences. |
| US08341605B2 |
Use of execution flow shape to allow aggregate data reporting with full context in an application manager
Data relating to execution flows at a computer system is aggregated across multiple execution flows by categorizing each execution flow into an execution flow shape. The execution flows may represent sequences of software components that are invoked or other computer system resources that are consumed. The execution flow shapes are developed by observing and recording the execution flows at the computer system and applying lossy compression rules. Execution flows are categorized into an execution flow shape which is a closest match. The execution flow data may be aggregated by an agent at the computer system, and communicated to a manager for subsequent use. The aggregation combines the information from all execution flows into a small enough data set that can be reported without consuming unduly large processing overhead while still preserving as many of the interesting aspects of the execution flows as possible. |
| US08341603B2 |
Test case management controller web access
Described is a technology in which test case content in the form of a web application is provided to a client browser from a test case management system over a web server. Results of running the test case are similarly communicated back. This allows different web application test harnesses to be run on whatever Internet browser the client computing device is running, and is independent of any operating system. The client registers with the test case management system through the website, and receives a browser identifier for use in future communications. In one protocol, the client uses the identifier in heartbeats sent to the test case management system, including a heartbeat indicating when the client is available to run a test case, when the test case is complete, and the results of performing the test case. Also described are various interfaces that facilitate component communication. |
| US08341602B2 |
Automated verification of a type-safe operating system
An “Automated, Static Safety Verifier” uses typed assembly language (TAL) and Hoare logic to achieve highly automated, static verification of type and memory safety of an operating system (OS). Various techniques and tools mechanically verify the safety of every assembly language instruction in the OS, run-time system, drivers, and applications, except the boot loader (which can be separately verified). The OS includes a “Nucleus” for accessing hardware and memory, a kernel that builds services running on the Nucleus, and applications that run on top of the kernel. The Nucleus, written in verified assembly language, implements allocation, garbage collection, multiple stacks, interrupt handling, and device access. The kernel, written in C# and compiled to TAL, builds higher-level services, such as preemptive threads, on top of the Nucleus. A Hoare-style verifier with automated theorem prover verifies safety and correctness of the Nucleus. A TAL checker verifies safety of the kernel and applications. |
| US08341596B2 |
Method and system for controlling the re-execution of a rule branch
A method control for the re-execution of a rule branch in a rule represented by a graphic flowchart in a MES system. At developing time there is defined a recycle step which includes a conditional expression to be customized. Each time it is executed in run time, the status of the recycle step is set by the execution engine as “active” until the set of steps of the rule branch that follows is executed and then the recycle step status is set as “non-active.” At run time, the execution engine keeps waiting any request of executing a certain recycle step that is in “active” status and when the execution engine executes a certain recycle step, it sets the status of the set of steps of the rule branch as “non already-executed”. As the execution engine executes a step that is not a recycle step, it sets the status of the executed step to “already-executed” status and ignores the execution of these steps. |
| US08341593B2 |
Integrated development framework for composite applications
There is disclosed an integrated development environment for development of a composite application, wherein the development environment integrates a plurality of different heterogeneous development frameworks to provide a single user interface and perspective for developing a composite application including components from the different heterogeneous frameworks. In the environment, objects from different frameworks and layers may be viewed simultaneously, navigated between, edited and composed. Error checking functionality allows edits across different layers or objects of different frameworks to be checked at design time. |
| US08341591B1 |
Method and software tool for real-time optioning in a software development pipeline
As provided, a method for real time optioning includes providing, for each of multiple projects in a software development pipeline, a set of inputs, the inputs comprising at least one input from a group consisting of 1) work-in-progress inputs relating to a current project in a software development pipeline and 2) placeholder inputs relating to a future project in the software development pipeline. The method also includes aggregating the inputs resulting in one or more constraints. The method further includes implementing a test change that has an impact on one or more constraints in the software development pipeline, and outputting, in real-time, the impact of the test change on the one or more constraints in the software development pipeline. The impact is at least one of positive and negative. |
| US08341586B2 |
Method and system for routing
Disclosed is a method, system, and computer program product for routing, modeling routes, and measuring congestion. In some embodiments, Gcells are implemented with reduced number of nodes to facilitate route modeling and congestion measurement. Some embodiments are particularly suitable for direct congestion and routing analysis of diagonal routing paths. In this way, congestion analysis can be directly performed along diagonal boundaries for diagonal routes, without requiring association with Gcell boundaries on Manhattan routing layers. |
| US08341583B2 |
Packaging design supporting device and packaging design supporting method for semiconductor integrated circuit and recording medium
A disclosed packaging design supporting device for a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a selection data acquisition unit inputting a change of the selected logic cell; a bulk fix data generation unit generating bulk fix data in which a bulk layer of the semiconductor substrate of the semiconductor integrated circuit has been fixed, arranging a design-change dummy logic cell in a region where no logic cell is arranged in the bulk layer, and generating a design-change logic cell by wiring the design-change dummy logic cell; and a selection cell move determination unit prohibiting the change with respect to the selected logic cell. |
| US08341582B2 |
Programmable analog tile configuration tool
A programmable analog tile integrated circuit configuration tool communicates a power management control characteristic query soliciting control requirement information for a novel Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) tile in a Multi-Tile Power Management Integrated Circuit (MTPMIC). The configuration tool receives a user response to the query indicating control requirements across a network. The PMIC tile includes configuration registers. Configuration information bit values stored in the configuration registers control the operational characteristics of the functional circuitry of the tile. The configuration registers of each novel PMIC tile are accessible at pre-defined addresses on a standardized bus of the MTPMIC. In response to the user response, the configuration tool generates appropriate tile configuration information for loading the configuration registers such that the PMIC tile within the MTPMIC is programmed to satisfy the user's control requirements. |
| US08341577B1 |
Parallel circuit simulation with partitions
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for parallelizing simulation of circuit partitions. A circuit is divided into a number of partitions, for example, according to channel-connected regions. In some embodiments, the partitions are sequenced and assigned to multiple threads for parallel analysis. Iterative timing analysis (ITA), or some other form of analysis, is performed on the partitions over a series of integration time steps. Using the multiple threads, some partitions are solved at later integration time steps while the ITA continues toward relaxation convergence for a current integration time step. |
| US08341575B2 |
Circuit design device, circuit design method, and circuit design program
A circuit design device comprises a logic synthesis unit that generates a circuit with reference to a circuit design description, a statistical timing analysis unit that obtains a probability distribution of delay times of a path in a circuit, a relative delay restriction fulfillment rate calculation unit that obtains a fulfillment rate of the relative delay restriction according to the probability distribution of the delay time from the same starting point at each restricted path subjected to the relative delay restriction, a path delay probability distribution changing unit that changes the probability distribution of delay times of the restricted path to changed probability distribution when the fulfillment rate does not reach a predetermined rate, and a logic circuit structure changing unit that changes the structure of the circuit so as to follow the changed probability distribution. |
| US08341571B1 |
Pattern signature
A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for generating a pattern signature to represent a pattern in an integrated circuit design. In one approach, the method, system and computer program product transform pattern data, two dimensional data for the pattern, into a set of one dimensional mathematical functions, compress the set of one dimensional mathematical functions into a single variable function, compress the single variable function by calculating a set of values for the single variable function, and generate a pattern signature for the pattern from the set of values. |
| US08341567B1 |
Boolean satisfiability based verification of analog circuits
A method is provided to formally verify a property of a circuit design comprising: receiving a description of at least a portion of the circuit; receiving an indication of search accuracy criteria; receiving a description of a relationship between current and voltage (I-V relationship) for one or more of devices of the circuit; converting each I-V relationship to a conservative approximation of such I-V relationship; assigning voltage labels to one or more terminals of one or more identified devices that indicate voltage relationships among the one or more terminals consistent with KVL; defining a respective current relationship among one or more respective sets of currents of the one or more of the identified devices that is consistent with KCL; searching for one or more combinations of current and voltage values that are within at least one region of each conservative approximation and that are consistent with the voltage labels and that are consistent with each respective defined current relationship; converting each region determined to have a searched for combination of current and voltage values to multiple respective smaller regions; and repeating the acts of searching and converting until regions are obtained that meet the received search accuracy criteria. |
| US08341561B2 |
Methods of arranging mask patterns and associated apparatus
Methods and apparatus are disclosed that arrange mask patterns in response to the contribution of a second pattern to image intensity. In some methods of arranging mask patterns, a distribution of functions h(ξ−x) is obtained which represents the contribution of a second pattern to image intensity on a first pattern. Neighboring regions of the first pattern are discretized into finite regions, and the distribution of the functions h(ξ−x) is replaced with representative values h(x,ξ) of the discretized regions. A position of the second pattern is determined using polygonal regions having the same h(x,ξ). As described, the term x is the position of the first pattern and the term ξ is the position of the assist. |
| US08341559B2 |
Incremental concurrent processing for efficient computation of high-volume layout data
Some embodiments of the present invention overcome I/O bottlenecks of an EDA work flow by keeping layout data distributed during handoffs among different processing stages. Specifically, some embodiments leverage a concurrent computation paradigm where data is propagated incrementally between stages, and where data processing among consecutive stages and the I/O between stages are executed concurrently. Specifically, some embodiments can generate a template database which contains the unique templates in a set of templates. During operation, an embodiment can determine a set of templates for a layout. Next, the system can determine a processing schedule based on a spatially coherent ordering of the set of templates. Next, the system can process the templates according to the spatially coherent processing schedule. Processing templates in a spatially coherent order can ensure that the downstream processes in the concurrent work flow will be able to maximize concurrency, thereby improving overall performance of the system. |
| US08341556B2 |
Method and system for attention-free user input on a computing device
A method and system for attention-free user input on a computing device is described that allows the recognition of a user input irrespective of the area of entry of the user input on a writing surface (such as a digitizer) without the user having to make a visual contact with the writing surface. |
| US08341547B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for providing contact information at turf level
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing contact information at turf level. According to embodiments, a method for providing contact information at turf level is provided. According to the method, a selected turf from a plurality of turfs displayed in a spreadsheet-based graphical user interface (GUI) is received. In response to receiving the selected turf, contact information for field supervisors associated with disciplines of the selected turf is displayed. |
| US08341546B2 |
Method for visualizing a change caused by scrolling in a scrolling direction of a section of a text and/or graphic displayed on an optical display means
The invention relates to a method for visualizing a change caused by scrolling in a scrolling direction of a section of a text and/or graphic displayed on an optical display means. A visible marking is thereby displayed at a first position within the displayed section. A visible marking is displayed at a second position within a section displayed during the scrolling prior to or as soon as the first position is no longer within the section displayed during the scrolling in response to the scrolling. In particular with small screens, which are increasingly used for displaying information, which can be visually captured, for example in personal digital assistants, which are referred to as PDAs, or in mobile cellular telephones, the method makes it possible to increase the capability of capturing the displayed information and to thus increase the field of application of these devices. |
| US08341545B2 |
System and method for focusing a view of data on a selected subset
A system, method and graphical user interface for focusing a view of displayed data upon a subset of the data. In a view of multiple values, fields, objects or other data, a subset of the data is selected because it has changed, because it is associated with a recommended action, because it warrants a user's attention, or for some other reason. The remaining data is then masked or covered with a semi-transparent layer that suppresses the data and obscures any highlighting, emphasis or other complexity among the covered data. The user's attention is thus focused upon the selected subset of data without increasing the cognitive load forced on the user. |
| US08341542B2 |
Method and apparatus for user customized shading of a graphical user interface
To allow users to compensate for different and dynamically changing lighting conditions, the present invention introduces a graphical user interface shading system. The graphical user interface shading system provides a very simple intuitive interface to the user. In one embodiment, the user is presented with an adjustable user interface widget such as a slider that allows the user to select any shading setting along a shading continuum. The graphical user interface shading system reacts to the users control by adjusting a number of different graphical user interface elements in response to the new shading setting. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface shading system adjusts singled colored areas with a linear interpolation, text with a font color selection, icons with an icon bitmap selection, textured areas with a texture blend, and decals with a decal blend. |
| US08341534B2 |
System and method for flexibly taking actions in response to detected activities
A computer-implemented system and method for flexibly taking actions in response to detected activities is provided. A trigger in a computing environment is defined and includes at least one of specifying one or more documents, persons, key words, times, and projects associable with the activities of at least one user, and defining one or more actions associable with the activities of at least one such user. At least one of activities, events, and stimuli occurring within the computing environment is monitored in relation to the documents, persons, key words, times, and projects, and to the activities. Action is taken within the computing environment upon activation of the trigger by the at least one activity, event, and stimuli. |
| US08341524B2 |
Portable electronic device with local search capabilities
Improved methods and systems that assist a user in searching media items on a portable electronic device are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a portable electronic device is provided with a search function that enables a user to search for media items resident on the portable electronic device. The search function can search through different types of media items. Those of the media items that are deemed matching can be ranked in order of relevance and displayed in a list for the user. Thereafter, the user can navigate the list to select one of the listed media items for playback. According to another aspect of the invention, various graphical user interfaces can be presented on a portable electronic device to assist a user in interacting with the portable electronic device to utilize a search function. |
| US08341520B2 |
Method and system for spell checking
The present invention provides a method of correction of misspelled and confused words in a phrase written in a natural language, as well as a computer system employing this method. The method of the invention comprises creating a fast-lookup N-gram database for context spelling combined with editing and phonetic rules, POS and grammar bindings. Employed in the computing system the method permits to achieve fast and efficient spelling correction with a high correction success level for most difficult texts. The method of the invention does not require any pre-training or pre-learning user-specific patterns of errors. |
| US08341519B1 |
Tab assassin
Systems and methods for managing tabs are provided. Such systems and methods may monitor and identify tabs based on tab usage. A method for web page tab management may include determining if tabs have not been used beyond a tab use threshold. The method may also include removing tabs determined to not have been used beyond the tab use threshold. The method may further include storing information of the removed tabs that will enable the removed tabs to be restored in the web browser. A system for web page management may include a tab use determiner and a tab assassin. The system may also include a stored tab repository. |
| US08341518B2 |
Report format setting method and apparatus, and defect review system
Generated is a template edition screen on which to display components of a report as modules by OSD by use of icons. One of the icons is selected by use of a pointing device including a mouse. By a drag-and-drop operation, the icon is placed at a desired position in an output format setup area formed in the same screen. The icon is set in a desired size by another drag-and-drop operation. Details of a module shown by the icon thus placed can be set up in a detail setup area in the same screen. Information on a format thus set up is retained as a template through a retention function, and accordingly can be used easily by simply calling the information. Moreover, the retained template can be edited as well. This makes it possible not only to create a new template, but also to modify an existing template. |
| US08341517B2 |
Content display method, content display program and content display device
An area dividing section divides a display area into two areas having random dimensions. One of the divided display areas is further divided into two with random dimensions. This division is continued until the number of divided display areas reaches the number of content information to be displayed. |
| US08341516B1 |
Method and system for optimally transcoding websites
Computer systems and computer-implemented methods for transcoding websites adapted for viewing on a personal computer to websites adapted for viewing on a mobile device are disclosed. A computer-implemented transcoding method is implemented on a website server. The computer-implemented transcoding method includes handling a request, selecting a controller, generating a response, and returning the response. |
| US08341513B1 |
Incremental updates of items
An item-providing system supplies items to a user device for consumption at the user device via communication infrastructure. The device may correspond to a book reader device or other type of device. In one illustrative case, the item-providing system may provide items to the user device in incremental form or in full form. The item-providing system and user device implement a protocol for determining whether the content should be delivered in incremental form or full form. |
| US08341508B2 |
System for sending signals between modules
A system for transmission of signals between modules wherein, for example, it is possible to transmit reliably, between modules, information relating to, for example, the actuation of safety devices. A transmission module for transmitting a pulse signal of a specific period, which indicates the existence of information, generates, in time division, pulse signals by a plurality of signal generating units that are provided in parallel, and then combines these pulse signals into a single time series pulse signal. Then an attempt is made to output this pulse signal towards a receiving-side module through a relay for controlling the output, and the signals appearing at a normally-open terminal and at a normally-closed terminal of the relay are monitored to determine whether or not there is a failure, where the generation of the pulse signal is stopped when a failure is detected. |
| US08341507B2 |
Method and device for decoding a received systematic code encoded block
A method of decoding a received systematic code encoded block corresponding to an original block of information, wherein the received systematic code encoded block may include soft systematic values, may include detecting an error condition in the received systematic code encoded block. The method may also include decoding the received systematic code encoded block for retrieving the original block of information if the error condition in the received systematic code encoded block is detected and processing the soft systematic values to retrieve the original block of information instead of the decoding if the error condition in the received systematic code encoded block is not detected. |
| US08341506B2 |
Techniques for correcting errors using iterative decoding
Techniques are provided for iteratively decoding data recorded on a data storage device. An iterative decoder decodes the data using multiple decoding iterations to correct errors. In multiple iterations of the iterative decoder, a post processing block generates soft information, and a decoder applies a minimum sum decoding algorithm to a low density parity check (LDPC) code to generate extrinsic information based on the soft information and updated soft information. |
| US08341505B2 |
Enforcing network bandwidth partitioning for virtual execution environments with direct access to network hardware
A method for enforcing network bandwidth partitioning. The method includes verifying that a guest driver in a guest operating system (OS) is configured to enforce a resource usage policy, wherein the guest OS resides on a host, mapping a hardware receive ring (HRR) residing on a physical network interface card (NIC) operatively connected to the host to the guest OS, wherein after the mapping the guest OS is configured to receive packets directly from the HRR, determining, using monitoring information, that the guest OS should not receive packets directly from the HRR, and in response to the determination, creating a data path from the HRR to a host OS executing on the host, receiving packets for the guest OS from the HRR by the host OS over the data path, and forwarding the packets from the host OS to the guest OS. |
| US08341503B1 |
Methods and systems for storing data in memory using zoning
Methods and systems for storing data in a memory system with different levels of redundancy are disclosed. Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide allow a redundancy level to be associated with received data, wherein associating the redundancy level of the data includes determining a desired level of protection for that data and determining the redundancy level based on the desired level of protection. A zone within a memory system is located that has a redundancy level that matches the redundancy level of the data, and the data is stored in the located zone with the desired redundancy level. |
| US08341502B2 |
System and method for multi-dimensional decoding
A system and method for soft decoding data. A plurality of candidate error corrections may be generated to correct one or more data bits having soft bit information. Each candidate error correction may define suggested changes to the data bits and is associated with a soft bit value. The soft bit values associated the plurality of candidate error corrections may be mapped to a uniform scale, for example, a uniform finite or integer grid. The plurality of candidate error corrections may be ordered to have combined associated mapped values in a monotonically non-decreasing order. One or more of the plurality of candidate error corrections may be soft decoded in the order of the associated mapped values by a decoding operation for each candidate error correction therein with the associated non-mapped soft bit values. |
| US08341496B2 |
Redundant data in storage medium
A data storage medium may have data stored on one physical portion of the medium and error correction and recovery data stored on a second physical portion of the medium. In one embodiment, a write once, read many medium may be written with data and the remaining capacity of the medium may be filled with error correction and recovery data. If a portion of the main data is corrupted, the error correction and recovery data may be used to recreate the corrupted data. The error correction and recovery data may be created to fill the unused capacity of the medium by prioritizing and selectively backing up the data when the data use more than half of the medium's capacity, or may create one or more redundant copies of the data if the data consume less than half of the medium's capacity, for example. |
| US08341492B2 |
Quasi-cyclic LDPC (low density parity check) code construction
Quasi-cyclic LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code construction is presented that ensures no four cycles therein (e.g., in the bipartite graphs corresponding to the LDPC codes). Each LDPC code has a corresponding LDPC matrix that is composed of square sub-matrices, and based on the size of the sub-matrices of a particular LDPC matrix, then sub-matrix-based cyclic shifting is performed as not only a function of sub-matrix size, but also the row and column indices, to generate CSI (Cyclic Shifted Identity) sub-matrices. When the sub-matrix size is prime (e.g., each sub-matrix being size q×q, where q is a prime number), then it is guaranteed that no four cycles will exist in the resulting bipartite graph corresponding to the LDPC code of that LDPC matrix. When q is a non-prime number, an avoidance set can be used and/or one or more sub-matrices can be made to be an all zero-valued sub-matrix. |
| US08341491B2 |
System and method for providing data integrity in a non-volatile memory system
An invention is provided for ensuring data integrity in a non-volatile memory system, including boot block data integrity during Power On Reset. The invention includes loading data into a buffer, such as a flash buffer, and generating an error detection code for the data utilizing a check code generator located in the memory controller. The error detection code is compared to a previously stored error detection code associated with the data. Then, when the error detection code is different from the previously stored error detection code, a correction pattern is calculated and applied to the data directly in the buffer for the non-volatile memory. |
| US08341489B2 |
Permuted accelerated LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) decoder
Permuted accelerated LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) decoder. This decoding approach operates by processing, in parallel, selected rows for multiple individual LDPC matrix rows from various sub-matrix rows (e.g., first group of rows from a first sub-matrix row, second group of rows from a second sub-matrix row, etc.). A memory structure of daisy chains is employed for memory management of APP (a posteriori probability) values and also for check edge messages/intrinsic information (λ) values. A first group of daisy chains may be employed for memory management of the APP values, and a second group of daisy chains may be employed for memory management of the check edge messages. These daisy chains operate to effectuate the proper alignment of APP (or gamma(γ)) values and check edge message/intrinsic information (λ) values for their respective updating in successive decoding iterations. |
| US08341487B2 |
Low complexity communication device employing in-place constructed LDPC (low density parity check) code
Low complexity communication device employing in-place constructed LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code. Intelligent design of LDPC codes having similar characteristics there between allows for a very efficient hardware implementation of a communication device that is operative to perform decoding of more than one type of LDPC coded signals. A common basis of decoder hardware (e.g., decoder circuitry) is employed when decoding all of the various types of LDPC coded signals that such a communication device can decode. However, all of the decoder hardware is only employed to decode signals corresponding to the lowest code rate LDPC code supported by the communication device. A first subset of the decoder hardware is employed to decode signals corresponding to the second to lowest code rate LDPC code, a second subset (being less than the first subset) is employed to decode signals corresponding to the third to lowest code rate LDPC code, etc. |
| US08341484B2 |
Data block size management in a communication system utilizing hybrid automatic repeat requests with soft combining
A first transceiver that supports hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (hybrid ARQ) functionality is operated. Initially, it is operated to transmit data blocks having a nominal maximum data block size, M0. In response to detecting that a second transceiver does not have sufficient soft buffer memory space to store data blocks associated with an anticipated number of active hybrid ARQ processes, the transceiver is operated to transmit data blocks having a reduced data block size, M′. The anticipated number of active hybrid ARQ processes can be, for example, higher than a nominal number of active hybrid ARQ processes. |
| US08341477B2 |
Test board having a plurality of test modules and a test system having the same
A test board includes a plurality of test modules. Each test module stores a first control signal, a data signal, and a second control signal in response to a clock signal, and tests a corresponding device under test (DUT) using the first control signal and the stored data signal in response to the second control signal to generate an error signal indicating whether the DUT is defective. Each test module outputs the first control signal, the data signal, and the second control signal to a test module in a next stage, and each test module of a subsequent stage receives the error signal stored generated by a test module in a previous stage in response to the clock signal. |
| US08341476B1 |
I-R voltage drop screening when executing a memory built-in self test
A built-in self test (BIST) method and system for testing a memory included on an integrated circuit includes activating a component of the integrated circuit, partitioning the memory into a first part for use by non-BIST components and second part for BIST, and executing BIST on the second part of the memory while the component is operating. While the BIST is executing, the non-BIST components can access the first part of the memory and perform normal functional operations. The BIST method and system finds memory faults that are related to an I-R voltage drop due to the physical placement of the memory relative to power supply sources. |
| US08341474B2 |
Moving all TAP controllers through update-IR state after selecting individual TAPs
A method implemented to test a plurality of components coupled in a star configuration, each component having a test access port (TAP) controller. The method comprises performing a capture phase of a scan operation on all of the TAP controllers in the star configuration and sequentially selecting one of the TAP controllers at a time to perform a shift state. When all of the TAP controllers have been sequentially selected to perform the shift phase, the method further comprises selecting all of the TAP controllers to perform an update phase. |
| US08341473B2 |
Microprocessor and method for detecting faults therein
A microprocessor has a silicon area comprising a plurality of transistors implemented on the silicon area and a fault detection circuit occupying less than 20% of the silicon area and configured to detect faults at runtime in at least 80% of the plurality of transistors. |
| US08341472B2 |
Apparatus and method for tamper protection of a microprocessor fuse array
An apparatus in an integrated circuit for precluding the use of extended JTAG operations. The apparatus has a JTAG control chain, a feature fuse, a level sensor, and an access controller. The JTAG control chain is configured to enable/disable the extended JTAG operations. The feature fuse is configured to indicate whether the extended JTAG features are to be disabled. The level sensor is configured to monitor an external voltage signal, and configured to indicate that the external voltage signal is at an illegal level. The access controller is coupled to the feature fuse, the level sensor, and the JTAG control chain, and is configured to determine if the feature fuse is blown, and is configured to direct the JTAG control chain to disable the extended JTAG operations if the external voltage signal is at an illegal level regardless of whether the feature fuse is blown. |
| US08341471B2 |
Apparatus and method for synchronization within systems having modules processing a clock signal at different rates
In a system in which a plurality of modules have different operational rates and a common clock controlling data delivery to the modules, the rate at which data is delivered to the system can be maximized using a return clock signal to prevent the loss of synchronization of the modules. A clocking error signal may be produced when the clock signal makes a transition to a logic state that may cause loss of synchronization between the modules. |
| US08341468B2 |
Information apparatus
A test unit is provided for executing a confirmation test on the storage area of the storage apparatus. A storage area management unit sets an accessible valid storage area in the storage area, and extends the accessible valid storage area to include a part of the storage area. The part of the storage area used to extend the accessible valid storage is confirmed for normal operation by the test unit. |
| US08341462B2 |
System and method for provisioning and running a cross-cloud test grid
An automated method for provisioning a grid used to run a load test on a target website includes sending one or more requests in a multi-threaded manner to at least one cloud provider, the one or more requests for an allocation of N load server instances and M result server instances which comprise the grid. Requests received back from the cloud provider are also handled in a multi-threaded manner; any errors occurring during the allocation being corrected automatically. The N load server instances and the M result server instances are then verified to be operational and correctly running software deployed to provide defined test services. Errors identified during the verification are automatically corrected either by attempting to restart a failed instance or allocating a different instance. |
| US08341458B2 |
Controlling data consistency guarantees in storage apparatus
An apparatus, method and computer program operable in a network controls consistency guarantees of a plurality of data copies in a storage apparatus, and includes: a lease control component for extending a lease to the storage apparatus; and a consistency freeze/thaw component responsive to a failure indication for initiating a consistency freeze action at the storage apparatus prior to expiration of the current group lease period. It may further include a timer component for waiting the apparatus for a predetermined period after the consistency freeze action, where the consistency freeze/thaw component is operable to initiate a thaw action at the storage apparatus. |
| US08341457B2 |
System and method for optimizing redundancy restoration in distributed data layout environments
The present disclosure is directed to a system and a method for optimizing redundancy restoration in distributed data layout environments. The system may include a plurality of storage devices configured for providing data storage. The system may include a prioritization module communicatively coupled to the plurality of storage devices. The prioritization module may be configured for determining a restoration order of at least a first data portion and a second data portion when a critical data failure occurs. The system may include a restoration module communicatively coupled to the plurality of storage devices and the prioritization module, the restoration module configured for restoring at least the first data portion and the second data portion based upon the restoration order. |
| US08341452B2 |
Explicit skew interface for reducing crosstalk and simultaneous switching noise
Methods and apparatus are disclosed, such as those involving an inter-chip interface configured to receive and process electronic data. One such interface includes a receiver circuit that includes a clock tree configured to receive a clock signal at a clock tree input. The clock tree distributes a plurality of clock signals delayed from the clock signal such that one or more of the clock signals have a delay different from the delays of the other clock signals. The receiver circuit further includes a plurality of data input latches configured to receive a plurality of data elements over two or more different points in time. This configuration at least partially reduces crosstalk and simultaneous switching output noise. |
| US08341445B2 |
Power management of electronic devices using transitions between link states based on device activity
A method and apparatus for intelligent power management for low power link states. Some embodiments include methods, apparatuses, and systems for a device coupled to a controller via a link; a link power management engine to alter a power state of the link based on a transaction and some knowledge of future transactions between the device and the controller; and a memory or logic to store the link power management engine. In some embodiments, the memory stores information about at least one of the following: the power state of the link, the device buffering, the controller or device state or a history of transactions. In some embodiments, the device is a peripheral of a computer system. In some embodiments, the method may include transitioning the device to various link states. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08341443B2 |
System and method for secure real time clocks
A secure real time clock (RTC) system is provided, comprising a secure RTC, a frequency signal generator, and a frequency adjuster connected between the secure RTC and the frequency signal generator to receive a signal having a first frequency from the frequency signal generator. On receipt of a first control signal the frequency adjuster outputs the signal having the first frequency to the secure RTC, and on receipt of a second control signal the frequency adjuster adjusts the signal having the first frequency to generate a signal having a second frequency, the second frequency being lower than the first frequency, and outputs the signal having the second frequency to the secure RTC. A clock line transmits the signal having the first frequency and the signal having the second frequency from the frequency adjuster to the secure RTC, and has a first power consumption when transmitting the signal having the first frequency and a second power consumption when transmitting the signal having the second frequency, the first power consumption being greater than the second power consumption. |
| US08341440B2 |
Power sharing between midspan and endspan for higher power PoE
Methods and systems for higher power PoE are provided. Embodiments overcome system limitations to PSE power scaling by using an endspan-midspan configuration which allocates power to the PD from both an endspan PSE and a midspan PSE. Embodiments are particularly suitable for deployed PoE systems having limited power supplies and/or ports designed for lower power. Further, embodiments include power management schemes to enable the proposed endspan-midspan configuration to intelligently allocate power between the endspan PSE and the midspan PSE according to required PD power. |
| US08341438B2 |
Information processing device for assigning interrupts to a first CPU or a second CPU based on a sleeping state
An information processing device of the present invention comprises a main CPU capable of taking at least two states which are an operating state and a sleeping state, a sub-CPU having power consumption lower than that of the main CPU and capable of taking at least two states which are an operating state and a sleeping state, and a process request determining section for determining which of the main CPU and the sub-CPU is caused to execute a process related to a request from a peripheral device. The process request determining section determines whether the main CPU is in the sleeping state or the operating state, and when the main CPU is in the sleeping state, determines whether or not the sub-CPU can be caused to execute the process, and when the main CPU is in the operating state, determines whether or not the main CPU can be caused to execute the process, and depending on a result of the determination, causes the main CPU or the sub-CPU to execute the process. |
| US08341434B2 |
Optimizing voltage on a power plane using a networked voltage regulation module array
A method, system, and computer program for using an array of networked 3D voltage regulation modules (VRMs) to optimize power usage by components on a voltage island in real time is presented. The networked VRM devices work in parallel to supply adequate power to connected voltage islands, and to supplement other VRMs in the system that may require additional power in the case of a critical event. |
| US08341431B2 |
Scalable and extensible secure rendering of digital content
A number of digital content rendering modules are equipped such that selective subsets of the modules may be employed to render digital content of different media, and of different format types. The modules are organized into a hierarchy, with a selected one occupying a root position of the hierarchy, to exclusively receive the digital contents to be rendered, and that each module is further responsible for verifying the integrity of its immediate downstream modules, to collectively protect the digital contents being rendered. Additionally, in accordance with another aspect, a tamper resistant module is employed to recover digital contents provided in a protected state, obfuscating the recovery. Further, the modules may be of different application domains. |
| US08341430B2 |
External encryption and recovery management with hardware encrypted storage devices
Hardware encrypting storage devices can provide for hardware encryption of data being written to the storage media of such storage devices, and hardware decryption of data being read from that storage media. To utilize existing key management resources, which can be more flexible and accommodating, mechanisms for storing keys protected by the existing resources, but not the hardware encryption of the storage device, can be developed. Dedicated partitions that do not have corresponding encryption bands can be utilized to store keys in a non-hardware-encrypted manner. Likewise, partitions can be defined larger than their associated encryption bands, leaving room near the beginning and end for non-hardware encrypted storage. Or a separate bit can be used to individually specify which data should be hardware encrypted. Additionally automated processes can maintain synchronization between a partition table of the computing device and a band table of the hardware encrypting storage device. |
| US08341429B2 |
Data transfer device
A data transfer device for transferring data to a removable data storage item. The data transfer device receives content data to be stored to the removable data storage item, encrypts the content data using an encryption key, and transforms at least one of predetermined reference data and the encryption key. The data transfer device also encrypts the transformed predetermined reference data using the encryption key or encrypts the predetermined reference data using the transformed encryption key, and then stores the encrypted content data and the encrypted transformed/predetermined reference data to the removable data storage item. |
| US08341428B2 |
System and method to protect computing systems
A system and method for protecting computing systems, and more particularly a system and method which a dedicated hardware component configured to communicate with a protection program. A computer hardware subsystem includes a memory comprising content. The content is at least a list of files which have been modified within a predetermined period of time. The list of files is a subset of files of a hard drive. A dedicated hardware component is configured to track the files which have been modified and provide a location of the files to the memory. A communication link between the dedicated hardware component and a protection program provides the protection program with the subset of files of the hard drive as referenced by the memory content. |
| US08341421B1 |
System and method for enrolling in a biometric system
The present invention is a system and method of enrolling potential system users for a biometric system for identity verification. Potential system user information is entered into the system, either by the user or a system operator, and is stored as a partially-enabled user record. The user of a partially-enabled user record fully enables the record by presenting information previously stored in the user record and presenting the remainder of user information necessary to complete record activation. Enrollment data is used to authenticate the system user's identity and authorize related transaction accesses in a biometric system for identity verification. |
| US08341419B2 |
Apparatus and method for limiting access to model specific registers in a microprocessor
A microprocessor having a control register to which the manufacturer of the microprocessor may limit access. The microprocessor includes a manufacturing identifier that uniquely identifies the microprocessor and that is externally readable from the microprocessor by a user. The microprocessor also includes a secret key, manufactured internally within the microprocessor and externally invisible. The microprocessor also includes an encryption engine, coupled to the secret key, configured to decrypt a user-supplied password using the secret key to generate a decrypted result in response to a user instruction instructing the microprocessor to access the control register. The user-supplied password is unique to the microprocessor. The microprocessor also includes an execution unit, coupled to the manufacturing identifier and the encryption engine, configured to allow the instruction access to the control register if the manufacturing identifier is included in the decrypted result, and to otherwise deny the instruction access to the control register. |
| US08341418B2 |
Electronic mail transmission and reception system
An electronic mail transmission/reception system is provided, capable of maintaining the confidentiality of restricted attachments desired to be limited in destination, thereby ensuring the security of the restricted attachments. A system management server 11 of an electronic mail transmission/reception system 10 includes: first conversion means for hashing a restricted attachment intended for a predetermined destination by a one-way hash function, and converting the restricted attachment into a first hash output value; first storage means for storing the first hash output value for the restricted attachment converted via the first conversion means; second conversion means for hashing a received attachment by the one-way hash function, and converting the attachment into a second hash output value; and destination restriction means for comparing the first hash output value with the second hash output value, and when these hash output values are equal, transmitting the attachment corresponding to the second hash output value only to the predetermined destination. |
| US08341414B2 |
License managing method and device
A license managing device sets a security area for storing a license file, maintains the security area as an encoded file in an inactive state of the security area by encoding the security area, maintains the security area as a directory in an active state of the security area by decoding the security area, and encodes a license file by using a file encoding key according to the user's request and stores the same in a security area in an active state of the security area. |
| US08341413B2 |
Method of communicating a digital signature to certify a transmission, associated system and aircraft
A communication method intended to ensure the receipt of digital data by at least one remote entity, and an associated system, in particular in the context of data transfer with an aircraft, includes receiving of numerical data by at least one remote entity, digital signing of the data received by the remote entity so as to generate a digital signature, and transmitting the digital signature to a local entity. The digital signature is transmitted with at least one identification information item for the received and signed data. The identification information item is smaller size than the received data. |
| US08341412B2 |
Methods for identifying audio or video content
The disclosed technology generally relates to methods for identifying audio and video entertainment content. Certain shortcomings of fingerprint-based content identification can be redressed through use of crowdsourcing techniques. |
| US08341407B2 |
Method and system for protecting electronic data in enterprise environment
Even with proper access privilege, when a secured file is classified, at least security clearance (e.g. a clearance key) is needed to ensure those who have the right security clearance can ultimately access the contents in the classified secured file. According to one embodiment, referred to as a two-0pronged access scheme, a security clearance key is generated and assigned in accordance with a user's security access level. A security clearance key may range from most classified to non-classified. Depending on implementation, a security clearance key with a security level may be so configured that the key can be used to access secured files classified at or lower than the security level or multiple auxiliary keys are provided when a corresponding security clearance key is being requested. The auxiliary keys are those keys generated to facilitate access to secured files classified respectively less than the corresponding security or confidentiality level. |
| US08341406B2 |
System and method for providing different levels of key security for controlling access to secured items
With files secured by encryption techniques, keys are often required to gain access to the secured files. Techniques for providing and using multiple levels of keystores for securing the keys are disclosed. The keystores store keys that are needed by users in order to access secured files. The different levels of keystores offer compromises between security and flexibility/ease of use. |
| US08341404B2 |
System and method for intelligence based security
Included in the present disclosure are a system, method and program of instructions operable to protect vital information by combining information about a user and what they are allowed to see with information about essential files that need to be protected on an information handling system. Using intelligent security rules, essential information may be encrypted without encrypting the entire operating system or application files. According to aspects of the present disclosure, shared data, user data, temporary files, paging files, the password hash that is stored in the registry, and data stored on removable media may be protected. |
| US08341402B2 |
Method of controlling content access and method of obtaining content key using the same
Provided is a method of controlling content access in a home network. The method includes: (a) defining a predetermined sub group and allocating a sub group key for the sub group; and (b) checking whether a user belongs to the sub group and transmitting the sub group key to a user device requested by the user, wherein the user device obtains an encrypted content key using a domain key and the sub group key. Since a content key is twice encrypted using a domain key and a sub group key and transmitted to a user device, it is possible to provide authorized content access to a user. |
| US08341399B2 |
System and method for retrieving certificates associated with senders of digitally signed messages
A system and method for retrieving certificates and/or verifying the revocation status of certificates. In one embodiment, when a user opens a digitally signed message, a certificate that is required to verify the digital signature on the message may be automatically retrieved if it is not stored on the user's computing device (e.g. a mobile device), eliminating the need for users to initiate the task manually. Verification of the digital signature may also be automatically performed by the application after the certificate is retrieved. Verification of the revocation status of a certificate may also be automatically performed if it is determined that the time that has elapsed since the status was last updated exceeds a pre-specified limit. |
| US08341397B2 |
Security system for handheld wireless devices using-time variable encryption keys
In one embodiment, the invention provides a portable wireless personal communication system for cooperating with a remote certification authority to employ time variable secure key information pursuant to a predetermined encryption algorithm to facilitate convenient, secure encrypted communication. The disclosed system includes a wireless handset, such as PDA, smartphone, cellular telephone or the like, characterized by a relatively robust data processing capability and a body mounted key generating component which is adapted to be mounted on an individual's body, in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, for wirelessly broadcasting, within the immediate proximity of the individual, a secret or private key identifying signal corresponding to a time variable secure key information under the control of the certification authority. The key identifying signal is generated in a format that facilitates secure wireless communication with the individual in accordance with a predetermined encryption algorithm including a PKI encryption algorithm. The disclosed system may be used with a console for coordinating access to a variety of different communication system and networks. |
| US08341396B1 |
Dynamic selection and insertion of signature blocks during message transmission
A method is provided for inserting signature blocks into a message being transmitted along a communication path between a first client station and a second client station. The method includes a step of receiving, at an intermediate node in the communication path, a message transmitted from the first client station destined for delivery to the second client station. The message bears a sender-identifier (e.g., email address) and a recipient-identifier (e.g., email address). The method further includes a step of selecting, based at least in part on the sender-identifier, a predefined signature block for the message. The method further includes a step of inserting the selected signature block into the message. The signature block to be inserted may be based on both the sender identifier and the recipient identifier. |
| US08341389B2 |
Device, systems, and method for securely starting up a computer installation
A device for the secured start-up of a computer installation comprising a first connection interface to the computer installation and a second connection interface to an external data medium unit separate from the computer installation and which contains data and executable codes for a start-up program of the computer installation. The device also includes means for securing the use of data and executable codes and for transmitting data and executable codes of the start-up program from the external data medium unit via the second connection interface to the computer installation via the first connection interface, and after executing the means of security, to start-up the computer installation using transmitted executable codes and data. |
| US08341388B2 |
Information processing apparatus and setup program execution method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a display unit, a touch panel, a BIOS storage unit, and a setup program execution unit. The display unit displays various kinds of information. The touch panel is installed on a display screen of the display unit and used for input corresponding to a contact operation. The BIOS storage unit stores a BIOS (basic input/output system) to execute startup of an operating system. The setup program execution unit executes a setup program for the BIOS in response to that an input from the touch panel is detected during the execution of the startup based on the BIOS. |
| US08341387B2 |
System and method to manipulate a system setting when booting an information handling system
A method of manipulating a system setting when booting an information handling system can include providing an update request repository that includes a plurality of entries. Each of the plurality of entries can correspond to a particular system setting. A system setting value associated with each entry can be included in a handoff block (HOB) of a plurality of handoff blocks associated with a cache. The method also includes receiving a command from a PEI module (PEIM) indicating a change to be made to a particular system setting at the information handling system. The method also includes creating or changing a particular entry of the update request repository based on the command. |
| US08341385B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and computer readable medium therefor
An information processing device, configured to perform information processing with an application run on an operating system, includes an installing unit configured to install the application into the information processing device, an instruction accepting unit configured to accept an instruction to run the application, a first determining unit configured to determine whether the operating system has been rebooted after the installation of the application, in response to the instruction accepted through the instruction accepting unit, and a prohibiting unit configured to prohibit the application from being run when the first determining unit determines that the operating system has not been rebooted. |
| US08341384B2 |
Installation of software onto a computer
An indication is received from a user to initiate installation of an operating system onto a storage device of a computer. The storage device is partitioned into an original partition and a new partition. Installation software for the operating system is loaded onto the new partition. The computer is booted into the installation software on the new partition. The operating system is installed onto the original partition via the installation software on the new partition. The computer is then re-booted into the operating system on the original partition and the new partition is removed from the storage device. |
| US08341380B2 |
Efficient memory translator with variable size cache line coverage
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a system and method for supporting high-throughput virtual to physical address translation using compressed TLB cache lines with variable address range coverage. The amount of memory covered by a TLB cache line depends on the page size and page table entry (PTE) compression level. When a TLB miss occurs, a cache line is allocated with an assumed address range that may be larger or smaller than the address range of the PTE data actually returned. Subsequent requests that hit a cache line with a fill pending are queued until the fill completes. When the fill completes, the cache line's address range is set to the address range of the PTE data returned. Queued requests are replayed and any that fall outside the actual address range are reissued, potentially generating additional misses and fills. |
| US08341379B2 |
R and C bit update handling
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a memory management unit (MMU) and an interface unit coupled to the MMU and to an interface unit of the processor. The MMU comprises a queue configured to store pending hardware-generated page table entry (PTE) updates. The interface unit is configured to receive a synchronization operation on the interface that is defined to cause the pending hardware-generated PTE updates, if any, to be written to memory. The MMU is configured to accept a subsequent hardware-generated PTE update generated subsequent to receiving the synchronization operation even if the synchronization operation has not completed on the interface. In some embodiments, the MMU may accept the subsequent PTE update responsive to transmitting the pending PTE updates from the queue. In other embodiments, the pending PTE updates may be identified in the queue and subsequent updates may be received. |
| US08341371B2 |
Method of managing copy operations in flash memories
Upon the arrival at a memory device of one or more data chunks associated with respective logical addresses, each data chunk is assigned a signature, stored in a first location, and copied to a second location. The copy is assigned a signature that matches the signature of its parent data chunk. Before erasing a memory block that includes one or more data chunks, it first is verified that those data chunks have been copied, i.e., that copies of all the data chunks in the block, with matching signatures, exist in the memory device. |
| US08341363B2 |
Efficient cloud network attached storage
Snapshots of data and metadata associated with the data are created. The snapshot of the data is separate from the snapshot of the associated metadata. The snapshot of metadata is maintained locally in a cloud network attached storage (NAS) and globally. The snapshot of data is maintained according to an accessibility metric.Snapshot of metadata is transmitted from a backup remote site to a cloud network attached storage (NAS). A request for data corresponding to the metadata is received from the cloud NAS. The requested data is not available at the cloud NAS. The requested data is transmitted from the backup site to the cloud NAS. |
| US08341362B2 |
System, method and apparatus for memory with embedded associative section for computations
A system and method for data processing, the method includes: storing input data words in a row-wise manner in a memory that comprises multiple memory cells arranged in rows and columns; and transposing multiple data words by performing a sequence of shift operations and associative operations; wherein an associative operation comprises comparing in parallel multiple columns of associative memory cells to at least one comparand; and storing transposed data words in the memory. |
| US08341355B2 |
Reducing energy consumption of set associative caches by reducing checked ways of the set association
Mechanisms for accessing a set associative cache of a data processing system are provided. A set of cache lines, in the set associative cache, associated with an address of a request are identified. Based on a determined mode of operation for the set, the following may be performed: determining if a cache hit occurs in a preferred cache line without accessing other cache lines in the set of cache lines; retrieving data from the preferred cache line without accessing the other cache lines in the set of cache lines, if it is determined that there is a cache hit in the preferred cache line; and accessing each of the other cache lines in the set of cache lines to determine if there is a cache hit in any of these other cache lines only in response to there being a cache miss in the preferred cache line(s). |
| US08341350B2 |
Analyzing sub-LUN granularity for dynamic storage tiering
A method for metadata management in a storage system may include providing a metadata queue of a maximum size; determining whether the metadata for a particular sub-LUN is held in the metadata queue; updating the metadata for the particular sub-LUN when the metadata for the particular sub-LUN is held in the metadata queue; inserting the metadata for the particular sub-LUN at the head of the metadata queue when the metadata queue is not full and the metadata is not held in the metadata queue; replacing an entry in the metadata queue with the metadata for the particular sub-LUN and moving the metadata to the head of the metadata queue when the metadata queue is full and the metadata is not held in the metadata queue; and controlling the number of sub-LUNs in the storage system to manage data accessed with respect to an amount of available data storage. |
| US08341344B2 |
Techniques for accessing a resource in a processor system
A technique of accessing a resource includes receiving, at a master scheduler, resource access requests. The resource access requests are translated into respective slave state machine work orders that each include one or more respective commands. The respective commands are assigned, for execution, to command streams associated with respective slave state machines. The respective commands are then executed responsive to the respective slave state machines. |
| US08341343B2 |
Controller
A controller includes a first judging part that judges abnormality of a first memory part, and a second judging part that judges abnormality of a second memory part based on (1) results of comparing with each other data having a same content written in the second memory part multiple times, and (2) a total amount of the data read out from the second memory part, when the first memory part is judged to be abnormal. In addition, a third judging part judges abnormality of the second memory part, based on results of comparing the data written in the second memory part with the data read out from the second memory part. |
| US08341342B1 |
Storage system with incremental multi-dimensional RAID
A method for storing data including receiving a request to write data and in response the request, selecting a RAID grid location in a RAID grid to write the data. The method further includes writing the data to memory, updating a data structure to indicate that the RAID grid location is filled, identifying a parity value in the RAID grid to update, where the parity value is associated with a second RAID grid location in the RAID grid, updating the parity value using the data and the parity value to obtain an updated parity value and storing the updated parity value in the memory. Prior to the first data grid being filled determining a physical address in persistent storage corresponding to the RAID grid location and writing the data to the first physical address. |
| US08341340B2 |
Multi-tier address mapping in flash memory
A user data portion of a flash memory arrangement is grouped into a plurality of mapping units. Each of the mapping units includes a user data memory portion and a metadata portion. The mapping units form a plurality of groups that are associated with at least one lower tier of a forward memory map. For each of the groups, a last written mapping unit within the group is determined. The last written mapping unit includes mapping data in the metadata portion that facilitates determining a physical address of other mapping units within the group. A top tier of the forward memory map is formed that includes at least physical memory locations of the last written mapping units of each of the groups. A physical address of a targeted memory is determined using the top tier and the metadata of the at least one lower tier. |
| US08341339B1 |
Hybrid drive garbage collecting a non-volatile semiconductor memory by migrating valid data to a disk
A hybrid drive is disclosed comprising a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) comprising a plurality of blocks, and a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of tracks, each track comprising a plurality of data sectors. A garbage collection operation is executed on the NVSM by reading valid data from a first block of the NVSM, writing the valid data to the disk, and erasing the first block. |
| US08341336B2 |
Region-based management method of non-volatile memory
A region-based management method of a non-volatile memory is provided. In the region-based management method, the storage space of all chips in the non-volatile memory is divided into physical regions, physical block sets, and physical page sets, and a logical space is divided into virtual regions, virtual blocks, and virtual pages. In the non-volatile memory, each physical block set is the smallest unit of space allocation and garbage collection, and each physical page set is the smallest unit of data access. The region-based management method includes a three-level address translation architecture for converting logical block addresses into physical block addresses. |
| US08341335B2 |
Flash memory apparatus with a heating system for temporarily retired memory portions
Flash memory apparatus including a plurality of memory portions, and a controller operative to reserve for data retention purposes, for at least a first duration of time, only certain portions from among said plurality of memory portions including allocating data, during the first duration of time, only to the certain portions, thereby to define at least one of the plurality of memory portions other than the certain portions as a retired memory portion for the first duration of time. |
| US08341334B2 |
Flash memory apparatus and method for operating the same and data storage system
A flash memory apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the flash memory apparatus with a plurality of operation states is coupled to a host and includes a controller having an engine and a register array. A state machine logic circuit of the engine is provided for transition of the operation states and the register array provides state transition information. When a command is received from the host, the engine obtains the state transition information from the register array according to a first operation state and determines whether the valid command is one of a plurality of valid commands corresponding to the first operation state. The state machine logic circuit determines transition to the operation states according to the state transition information. The transition of the first operation state to the second operation state is performed in response to the valid command. |
| US08341332B2 |
Multi-level controller with smart storage transfer manager for interleaving multiple single-chip flash memory devices
A solid-state disk (SSD) has a smart storage switch with a smart storage transaction manager that re-orders host commands for accessing downstream single-chip flash-memory devices. Each single-chip flash-memory device has a lower-level controller that converts logical block addresses (LBA) to physical block addresses (PBA) that access flash memory blocks in the single-chip flash-memory device. Wear-leveling and bad block remapping are preformed by each single-chip flash-memory device, and at a higher level by a virtual storage processor in the smart storage switch. Virtual storage bridges between the smart storage transaction manager and the single-chip flash-memory devices bridge LBA transactions over LBA buses to the single-chip flash-memory devices. Data striping and interleaving among multiple channels of the single-chip flash-memory device is controlled at a high level by the smart storage transaction manager, while further interleaving and remapping may be performed within each single-chip flash-memory device. |
| US08341331B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for storing data on a flash device using multiple writing modes
Methods, apparatus and computer readable medium for writing data into a flash memory device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the data is written in a writing mode selected in accordance with an extent to which the flash memory storage device or a flash die thereof is full of previously-stored data. The presently disclosed techniques may be implemented on the “device-side” (for example, by a device controller of the flash device) and/or on the “host-side.” In some embodiments, the selected writing mode is a bits-per-cell density mode. In some embodiments, the selected writing mode is a “slower” or “faster” writing mode. The presently disclosed techniques relate to SBC as well as MBC devices. |
| US08341329B2 |
Method and system for providing hardware support for memory protection and virtual memory address translation for a virtual machine
A method for providing hardware support for memory protection and virtual memory address translation for a virtual machine. The method includes executing a host machine application within a host machine context and executing a virtual machine application within a virtual machine context. A plurality of TLB (translation look aside buffer) entries for the virtual machine context and the host machine context are stored within a TLB. Memory protection bits for the plurality of TLB entries are logically combined to enforce memory protection on the virtual machine application. |
| US08341328B2 |
Method and system for local memory addressing in single instruction, multiple data computer system
A single instruction, multiple data (“SIMD”) computer system includes a central control unit coupled to 256 processing elements (“PEs”) and to 32 static random access memory (“SRAM”) devices. Each group of eight PEs can access respective groups of eight columns in a respective SRAM device. Each PE includes a local column address register that can be loaded through a data bus of the respective PE. A local column address stored in the local column address register is applied to an AND gate, which selects either the local column address or a column address applied to the AND gate by the central control unit. As a result, the central control unit can globally access the SRAM device, or a specific one of the eight columns that can be accessed by each PE can be selected locally by the PE. |
| US08341323B2 |
Method and apparatus for data movement in a system on a chip
There is provided a system for comprising a plurality of blocks, each block comprising any hardware element and a plurality of segments for providing interconnection of the plurality of blocks. A segment comprises a connector between multiple blocks and other segments and segments are connected via the ports of blocks or other segments. Communications between blocks is packet based, each packet including at least a destination block. The packet includes at least one of data, packet/message identification and padding. Blocks have an associated address. A block has one or more input ports and one or more output ports. Segments include means for routing packets to destinations. Each block and segment includes properties. Properties include one or more of clocks, bandwidth, bit widths, and latencies. The plurality of segments for multiple packets to be active on different segments. A single segment includes a plurality of ports for multiple packets to be active on different ports of the segment. |
| US08341322B2 |
Device and method for scheduling transactions over a deep pipelined component
A device and a method, the device has transaction scheduling capabilities, and includes: (i) a memory unit adapted to output data at a first data rate, (ii) a data transaction initiator adapted to receive data at a second data rate that is lower than the first data rate; (iii) a deep pipelined crossbar characterized by a latency; and (iv) a data rate converter connected between the deep pipelined crossbar and the data transaction initiator; wherein the data rate converter is adapted to schedule a transaction of data unit from the memory unit in response to the latency of the deep pipelined crossbar, the first data rate, the second data rate, and size of an available storage space, within the data rate converter allocated for storing data from the memory unit. |
| US08341319B2 |
Embedded system and method for controlling electronic devices using the embedded system
An embedded system acquires hardware device information of an electronic device via a universal serial bus (USB) port, sets parameter information for each hardware device of the electronic device, and generates a control file recording one or more control commands that are generated according to the parameter information. The control file is sent to the electronic device by the embedded system via the USB port, and executed by the electronic device, to control one or more hardware device of the electronic device according to the one or more commands. |
| US08341315B2 |
Alignment of instructions and replies across multiple devices in a cascaded system, using buffers of programmable depths
Buffers of programmable depths are used in the instruction and reply paths of cascaded devices to account for possible differences in latencies between the devices. The buffers may be enabled or bypassed such that the alignment of instruction and result may be performed at the boundaries between separate groups of devices having different instruction latencies. |
| US08341314B2 |
Managing I/O request in storage system
The host interface module is configured to receive a plurality of I/O request which includes an associated priority; create an I/O request queue for each associated priority; define a threshold value for the queue length for each of the plurality of I/O request queues; and determine if the queue length for one of the plurality of the I/O request queue corresponding to the associated priority is less than the defined threshold value for the queue length for the one of the plurality of the I/O request queues. If the queue length of the one of the plurality of I/O request queues is more than the defined threshold value for the queue then the host interface module is further configured to rejecting the I/O request and sending a queue full message; wherein the threshold value for the queue length is based on the processing rate of the I/O requests in the plurality of the I/O request queues. |
| US08341313B2 |
FIFO serial control device, semicondicutor device, and serial data transfer method that indicates inclusion or non-inclusion of end data of serial data
Provided is a serial control device that makes the length of data transferred as one frame variable. The serial control device transfers serial data having an arbitrary length, and uses end information indicating inclusion or non-inclusion of end data of the serial data. The serial control device transfers data having a transfer unit length in the serial data when the end information indicates non-inclusion of the end data, and transfers an untransferred part of the serial data when the end information indicates inclusion of the end data. |
| US08341312B2 |
System, method and program product to manage transfer of data to resolve overload of a storage system
Managing a data transfer from one or more source storage devices to one or more target storage devices. The data transfer comprises concurrent transfer of a multiplicity of data units pursuant to respective data transfer commands. The concurrent transfer of the multiplicity of data units is currently in-progress. A computer determines a currently-overloaded storage component involved in the data transfer. The computer determines a plurality of the data transfer commands that involve the overloaded storage component. The computer determines an approximately-minimum number of the data transfer commands to cancel to stop overload of the overloaded storage component. In response, the computer cancels the minimum number of the data transfer commands. |
| US08341310B2 |
Method for adjusting the transmission speed of the electronic aid
A method for adjusting a transmission speed of an electronic aid includes the steps of making a rate negotiation between the electronic aid and a computer, judging whether the rate negotiation is successful or not, if it is successful but data can not be transferred between the electronic aid and the computer, the computer will self-correct the transmission speed of the electronic aid. The present invention ensures that the electronic aid, which can not work normally at high-speed, works normally after deceleration, thereby improving the compatibility of the electronic aid. |