| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08337051B2 |
Reflector assembly and method of making same
A luminaire reflector assembly comprises a top pan having a light socket connected to one of an upper or lower surface of the top pan, the top pan having a plurality of spaced slits about the periphery of the top pan, a lower pan spaced from the top pan, the lower pan connected to the top pan by at least one strut, a plurality of reflective panels extending between the top pan and the lower pan, the plurality of reflective panels bent in a first direction by a punch and an elastomeric die pad, the plurality of reflective panels also bent in a second direction by the punch and elastomeric die pad. |
| US08337042B2 |
Liquid crystal module
A liquid crystal module includes a lamp socket and a lamp frame. The lamp socket has a holding part holding a cold cathode tube which is inserted into the holding part through a silt. The slit is formed on a part of a face of the lamp socket. The lamp frame fixes the lamp socket to a rear frame so as to cover the lamp socket. A supporting part is formed on a face of the lamp frame and contacts the face of the lamp socket. A part of the face of the lamp frame opposing the part of the face of the lamp socket where the slit is formed is cut out. |
| US08337039B1 |
Window frame with integrated solar electric cell and illumination
A window frame features solar electric cells on its exterior side that provide solar electricity for buffer storage in rechargeable batteries housed also in the window frame. Also integrated in the window frame are light emitting diodes that are activated during absence of daylight and powered from the solar electricity stored in the batteries. In that way a simple and compact system is provided for solar powered interior lighting that may be easily maintained and retrofitted in existing buildings. |
| US08337038B2 |
Solar powered candle
A solar powered light device having a shade having an upper edge, an interior area, and an outside bottom surface having a solar panel set thereinto which is electrically connected to a light bulb and a battery located within the interior area of the shade; a switch operatively connected to the light bulb which can be closed when the device is made to rest on the bottom surface; wherein the solar panel charges the battery when the device is resting on the upper edge and wherein the battery powers the light bulb when the device is resting on the bottom surface and the switch is closed. |
| US08337037B2 |
Mounting bracket
A bracket assembly for suspending an object from a portion of a bar joist, the bracket assembly having a rigid hangar having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, the second end portion including at least one connector for engaging the object and means for connecting the rigid hanger to the bar joist, the first end portion of the rigid hangar being pivotally connected to the connecting means so that the object connected to the rigid hangar is able to self-level upon the connecting means being connected to the bar joist. |
| US08337034B2 |
Illumination device
The invention relates to an illumination device (10) for illuminating a surface, with a lighting element (20) and an illuminating body (30), wherein the lighting element (20) emits an artificial light (21,21′), a housing element (40) comprises the lighting element (20) and supports the illuminating body (30), the illuminating body (30) comprises a transparent light conductive material and is generally overlying the surface, being illuminated. The invention discloses, that the illuminating body (30) comprises a light extraction layer (50), configured to receive and to deflect the artificial light (21,21′) from the lighting element (20) onto the surface. |
| US08337033B2 |
Washing counter
A washing counter, including a bowl portion having a concave configuration used for washing and the like, a counter portion supporting the bowl portion, and a light source portion disposed on a backside of the bowl portion to emit light toward the bowl portion. The light radiates from the surface of the bowl to the surroundings with at least one portion of the bowl portion being formed of a transparent member. The transparent member is obtained by dispersing a light diffusing member in a base member having a transparent raw material having light-transmitting transparency. The light diffusing member being a micro particle having a transparent raw material having a light refractive index different from a light refractive index of the base member. |
| US08337027B2 |
Light source unit and projector
A light source unit including an excitation light source for emitting light in a blue wavelength band, a fluorescent wheel, a light emitting device for emitting light in a red wavelength band and a light guiding optical system for guiding light emitted from the fluorescent wheel and the light emitting device to a light guiding device. The fluorescent wheel has a fluorescent area where a green fluorescent material layer for emitting fluorescent light in a green wavelength band is disposed and a diffuse area for converting light emitted from the excitation light source into diffuse light of which directivity is weak are disposed end to end in a circumferential direction. A concentration of weight content of the green fluorescent material and a thickness thereof are such that a luminescent intensity of fluorescent light emitted from the green fluorescent material layer is enhanced. |
| US08337021B2 |
Optical projection type image display device
A projection type image display device using, in a projection optical system thereof, a flat mirror, which is easy to design and manufacture, as a projection mirror is provided. The projection optical system is a diagonal projection optical system and includes plural lenses. Among the plural lenses, the one disposed closest to the flat mirror has an effective area, along the vertical direction of an image, through which a light beam passes and which is off an optical axis of the other plurality of lenses, shared by the most lenses so as not to allow light reflected from the projection mirror to return to the projector body. A polarization converter using, for example, a quarter wavelength plate is provided at an output surface of a crossed prism to decrease reflectance differences between differently colored light and to thereby prevent the occurrence of color unevenness. |
| US08337019B2 |
Testing vision
A system for testing visual fields comprising a display for presenting a visual stimulus and an eye tracker for tracking movement of at least one of a patient's eyes to determine its position in three dimensions without requiring the patient to wear any tracking equipment. A computer controls the position of the stimulus on the display and causes it to move by an amount that is a function of the tracked three-dimensional position of the patient's eye and a visual field position that is to be tested. Changes to the position of the stimulus and any corresponding tracked eye movement are used to assess the patient's visual field. |
| US08337017B2 |
Eye viewing device comprising video capture optics
There is described in one embodiment an eye viewing device for viewing a structure of an eye such as a retina. The eye viewing device can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an eye viewing device can be adapted to facilitate both visual viewing of an eye structure and electronic image capture. |
| US08337013B2 |
Eyeglasses with RFID tags or with a strap
A pair of glasses includes a clock that is at least partially embedded in the glasses. The clock can be in one of the temples of the glasses. In one implementation, the clock can be positioned at a region close to a hinge of the corresponding temple, with the clock facing inward towards the user. The clock can also be in a temple arrangement. Instead of or in addition to a clock, other types of electrical components can be at least partially embedded into a pair of glasses or a temple arrangement of a pair of glasses. For example, the other electrical components can pertain to a RFID tag, a temperature sensor or an eyewear finder. |
| US08337011B2 |
Inkjet recording sheet
An inkjet recording sheet for forming an image using aqueous pigment ink that includes a substrate and an ink-receiving layer formed on the substrate. The ink-receiving layer is obtained by applying, on the substrate, a coating composition containing: a cationic acrylic silicone emulsion-based resin having a hydrolyzable silyl group as a crosslinking component; a cationic polyether-based urethane resin; and a carbodiimide group-containing resin, followed by curing the applied coating composition. In the coating composition, the content of the cationic acrylic silicone emulsion-based resin is 2 to 7% by mass, the content of the cationic polyether-based urethane resin is 88 to 94% by mass, and the content of the carbodiimide group-containing resin is 2 to 6% by mass in terms of solid matter. |
| US08337010B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating a graphic image on a reflective metal surface
A method for creating a graphic image on a reflective metal surface. A digital representation of the graphic image in a negative form is created on a computer and stored in memory. The negative image is then sent to an inkjet printer, where ultraviolet light curable ink representative of the negative image is printed onto the reflective metal surface using the inkjet printer. The portions of the reflective metal surface that are not covered with the ink remain exposed. The reflective metal in the exposed areas is mechanically scuffed to render it less reflective and visually distinct from the covered portions. The ultraviolet light curable ink is then removed with a high pressure water spray to reveal the graphic image made by the contrast between the original reflective metal and the scuffed metal surfaces. |
| US08337008B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method
An inkjet recording apparatus has: an inkjet head which ejects ink so as to record an image on a recording surface of a recording medium; a drum-shaped member which includes a drum, holds an edge of the recording medium, and conveys the recording medium in close contact with a circumferential surface of the drum; an intermediate conveyance body which holds an edge of the recording medium while moving the recording medium in rotation, and transfers the recording medium to the drum-shaped member; and a conveyance guide which guides a non-recording surface of the recording medium which is moved in rotation by the intermediate conveyance body, wherein the conveyance guide has a back tension application device which produces a force to act on the recording medium in an opposite direction to a direction of movement of the recording medium. |
| US08337006B2 |
Energy activated printing process
Reactive inks and methods of generating an image on a substrate using both reactive and heat activated inks are presented. An image is printed on a substrate, without reacting the reagents in the ink. Subsequently, the reagents are reacted to fix the image to a substrate, with substantial permanency and fastness. Sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are printed are also printed on the substrate. The sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are activated, and have an affinity for polymer that is applied to the substrate. |
| US08337005B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes a head main body, an ink supply needle, a cartridge case, a filter which is nipped between the first ink supply path and the second ink supply path, an integral molding portion which integrally molds and bonds the ink supply needle and the cartridge case, and a rib which is arranged so as to extend into the second ink supply path continuously from a wall of the cartridge case along a line passing through a center of the filter in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which warpage of the integral molding portion is larger. |
| US08337004B2 |
Ink jet recording device
An ink jet recording device comprises a main body equipped with an ink container, an ink supply pump ink, an ink recovery pump, and a control unit. A printing head equipped with a nozzle emits ink supplied from the main body as ink particles. An electrification electrode electrifies the ink particles and a deflection electrode deflects the electrified ink particles. A gutter collects ink particles which are not used for printing. An exhaust circulation path connects the ink container and the gutter. The gutter comprises two members of an ink flow path block in which ink flows and an exhaust flow path block in which exhaust solvent vapor flows. |
| US08337002B2 |
Ink ejection head unit and image forming apparatus
An ink ejection head unit includes a head that ejects ink drops from plural two nozzles. The head includes a common liquid chamber connected to the plural nozzles. The common liquid chamber has a supply opening and an ejection opening. A tank is connected to the head and includes an ink containing section that contains ink to be supplied to the head. Also included is a supply path to supply the ink from the ink containing section to the supply opening of the head. An ejection path is provided to eject the ink ejected from the ejection opening of the head to an outside of the ink ejection head unit. A communication path is also provided to communicate the highest section of a seal of the containing section with the ejection path higher than the highest section of the seal. A fluid resistance of the communication path is larger than the total fluid resistance of a path starting from the supply opening to the ejection opening. |
| US08337000B2 |
Inkjet print head and ink storage apparatus
An objective of the invention is to provide an improved ink storage apparatus and an inkjet print head including the ink storage apparatus. Furthermore, an effective elimination of the air bubbles flowed into or generated in the print head is realized by an ink storage apparatus and an inkjet print head including the ink storage apparatus. |
| US08336996B2 |
Inkjet printhead with bubble trap and air vents
An inkjet printhead that has an array of ink chambers arranged to remove air bubbles entrained in the ink supply flow. Each of the ink chambers has a nozzle and a thermal actuator respectively, the array of ink chambers defined by sidewalls extending between a nozzle plate and an underlying wafer substrate. The printhead also has ink inlets extending through the underlying wafer substrate. Each of the ink inlets has an ink permeable trap and a vent sized such that the surface tension of an ink meniscus across the vent prevents ink leakage. The ink permeable trap has columns extending from the underlying wafer substrate to the vent to direct gas bubbles entrained in a flow of ink through the ink inlet towards the vent. |
| US08336995B2 |
Dispensing liquid using curved outlet opening dispenser
A liquid dispenser includes a liquid supply channel, a liquid dispensing channel, and a liquid return channel. The liquid dispensing channel includes a wall. The wall includes a surface. A portion of the wall defines an outlet opening that includes an upstream edge relative to a direction of liquid flow through the liquid dispensing channel. The upstream edge includes a radius of curvature when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the wall. A liquid is provided that flows from the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel to the liquid return channel. A liquid drop is caused to be ejected from the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel by selectively actuating a diverter member to divert a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. |
| US08336994B2 |
Droplet ejection device and manufacturing method thereof
A droplet ejection device includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a droplet ejection surface which has a plurality of nozzles opening thereon and a flat bonding surface which lies opposite to the droplet ejection surface. The droplet ejection surface is curved corresponding to a curved surface onto which the nozzles ejecting droplets. The second member is bonded to the bonding surface of the first member. |
| US08336991B2 |
Ink jet printer
In an ink jet printer having a plural number of line heads arranged in a paper printing direction, it is sought to render the printing density high in the nozzle row direction without the need to exchange the line heads.The invention provides an ink jet printer in which line heads other than at least one of the line heads 3 are each displaceable by a distance that is equal to a part per the plural number of a nozzle pitch in the line head in a direction of the nozzle row. |
| US08336990B2 |
Ink supply unit for printhead of inkjet printer
An ink supply unit for supplying ink to a printhead includes an elongate manifold defining a recess for receiving the printhead, and a plurality of ink slots in fluid communication with a back surface of the printhead, the plurality of ink slots being grouped into sets; and an ink supply comprising an elongate housing and a partition unit that together define a plurality of elongate ink chambers, each elongate ink chamber being in fluid communication with a respective set of ink slots. The ink supply further comprises a baffle unit including a number of spaced apart baffles extending into each ink chamber, the baffle unit for reducing acceleration of ink in a longitudinal direction along a length of the elongate housing. |
| US08336987B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a carriage, and a damping mechanism. The carriage includes an image forming mechanism and moves back and forth in a main scan direction. The damping mechanism generates an impact to suppress vibration caused by movement of the carriage. The damping mechanism suppresses vibration during at least one of acceleration and deceleration of the carriage, and is inactive during movement of the carriage at a constant speed. The damping mechanism suppresses vibration when acceleration of the carriage equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold acceleration. The damping mechanism includes a suppression member and a mass member that strikes the suppression member. The suppression member is at least one of a shock absorber and an elastic member. Shock absorbing characteristics of the shock absorber and elasticity of the elastic member are variable. |
| US08336986B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method and computer readable storage medium
An image forming apparatus includes: a detection unit that detects the position of the leading edge of a medium in a sub-scanning direction, the detection unit being moved in a main-scanning direction at a speed identical to the speed of a carriage that moves in the main-scanning direction and discharges ink; a position acquisition unit that acquires the end position of the detection unit in the main-scanning direction when image formation on a first medium is completed; and a control unit that controls a leading edge detection position of the detection unit in the main-scanning direction according to a detection unit moving amount and a medium moving amount when the detection unit detects the leading edge of a second medium on which an image is formed after the image formation on the first medium. |
| US08336985B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a platen provided with a suction-collection section which sucks in and collects ink discharged deviating from an end portion of recording medium. The ink-jet recording apparatus includes a suction force generation unit for collecting ink configured to enable the suction collection section to generate a suction force, a collection flow path connecting the suction collection section to the suction force generation unit for collection, and a flow path control unit configured to vary an sectional area of the collection flow path. The sectional area of the collection flow path is varied according to an image forming time or a type of the recording medium. |
| US08336981B2 |
Determining a healthy fluid ejection nozzle
A method of determining a healthy fluid ejection nozzle includes measuring changes in impedance across the nozzle as fluid passes through it. A printhead includes a metal probe that intersects an ink nozzle and an integrated circuit to sense a change in impedance across the nozzle through the metal probe. |
| US08336979B2 |
Liquid jetting device
A liquid jetting device includes a plurality of nozzles. A driving signal generated by a driving signal generating section is applied to a charge-discharge actuator in correspondence with each nozzle to jet liquid from the nozzle. A charging source potential preliminary adjusted wave-form signal is pulse modulated and electrically amplified using a charging source potential transistor pair connected in a push-pull configuration, and output by a ripple filter to a collector of a charge-use transistor of the driving signal generating section to make a preliminary adjustment to the charging source potential for the driving signal generating section. |
| US08336978B2 |
Heating flow path unit and liquid ejecting head
In the heating flow path unit, the entrance-side sealing member has an inflow restriction portion which restricts flow of liquid on a portion corresponding to an individual entrance-side opening of a liquid flow path in which flow rate is relatively high among the liquid flow paths. |
| US08336977B2 |
Printer, supplied power controller and computer program
A printer includes: an inkjet print head; an image processing part that processes image data and supplies the data to the print head; a main power supply that is connected to a commercial power source and supplies first power to the print head; a rechargeable sub-power supply that supplies second power for supporting the first power to the print head when power necessary for driving of the print head exceeds the first power during execution of printing; and a switch part that is located on a power supply line and electrically connects the sub-power supply to the power supply line when the power necessary for driving of the print head exceeds the first power. |
| US08336973B2 |
Flush-mounted guiding arrangement for furniture components, in particular drawers in the body of furniture pieces
A flush-mounted guiding arrangement adjustably mounts furniture parts that are extractably and insertably mounted inside a furniture carcass by means of a pair of extensible guides encompassing one respective guide rail. The sliding rail is longitudinally guided on the guide rail and can be placed in the lateral edge region on the bottom face of the extractable furniture part. An adjusting fixture grips the bottom of the furniture part that is to be mounted and in the forward end area of the sliding rail. The adjusting fixture has a mechanism for adjusting the position of a sliding rail relative to the extractable furniture part in the direction of at least one axis of a Cartesian coordinate system formed by three coordinate axes that run substantially perpendicular to each other. |
| US08336972B2 |
Displacement device for pivotally held separation elements and article of furniture
The displacement device serves to hold a separation element, which is pivotally connected to a bracket, which is held slideably by a first beam of a scissor assembly and firmly by a second beam of the scissor assembly with a scissor assembly bearing. The scissor assembly bearing comprises a profile body that is adapted to the bracket and can be connected thereto, which profile body comprises a profile part which is connected articulated to the first end element of an adjusting lever, of which the second end element is connected on the one hand pivotally with the second beam and on the other hand is held by an adjusting bolt, of which the threaded shank is rotatably mounted in a threaded channel of the profile body. |
| US08336971B2 |
Enclosure of electronic device with groove
An enclosure of an electronic device includes a chassis and a cover plate. An opening is defined in the chassis. The chassis includes a top plate and a flange substantially perpendicular to the top plate. A groove is defined in the flange. The groove extends along a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top plate. The cover plate covers the opening of the chassis and partially covers the groove. |
| US08336964B2 |
Beanbag sofa with retractable headrest
The present invention relates to a beanbag sofa with a retractable headrest, and more particularly, to a beanbag sofa with a retractable headrest, which is configured to interpose an auxiliary outer cover having a predetermined size and communicating with an outer cover in a predetermined position of the outer cover, so that a filling material filled in the outer cover can be introduced toward an interior of the auxiliary outer cover upon opening the auxiliary outer cover, thereby selectively forming a headrest and armrests as required for a user's convenience.A beanbag sofa with a retractable headrest according to the present invention for achieving the objects comprises an outer cover for defining an external shape of the beanbag sofa, the outer cover having a U-shaped cut portion formed at a position of the outer cover with which the head of a user is in contact when a user sits on the beanbag sofa; an auxiliary outer cover connected to the U-shaped cut portion to be received in the outer cover or protrude; an open/close member formed along the cut portion to receive the auxiliary outer cover in the outer cover or to expose the auxiliary outer cover; and a filling material filled in the outer cover, wherein when the user sits on the beanbag sofa with the auxiliary outer cover exposed by opening the open/close member, the filling material is introduced toward the auxiliary outer cover to form the headrest. |
| US08336961B2 |
Stand up seat assembly with retractable rear leg
A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in a vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion extending between front and rear ends. The front end is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor for pivoting the seat cushion between a seating position and a kneeling position. A seat back is pivotally coupled to the rear end of the seat cushion and is adapted to be releasably secured to the floor. A drive link is pivotally coupled between the floor and the seat back. The drive link urges the seat back to pivot relative to the seat cushion as the seat cushion pivots between the seating and kneeling positions thereby maintaining the seat back in a generally vertical orientation. |
| US08336952B2 |
Waterproof structure for outer roof
A waterproof structure for outer roof includes a sealing plate fixed to an upper frame so as to form a cabin member, a first elastic sealing member sandwiched between the cabin member and the outer roof, and a second elastic sealing member attached to the outer roof. The first elastic sealing member is sandwiched between the outer roof and the cabin member to form a first sealing portion that seals the inner space of the cabin from the outside. A sealing site of the second sealing member is pressed against an outward extending region to form a second sealing portion that seals the inner space of the cabin from the outside at a position outside the first sealing portion. The present invention can enhance waterproof property as well as quality in outer appearance. |
| US08336949B2 |
Link-type sliding door mechanism
A sliding door mechanism includes an upper slide rail and a lower slide rail fixed to a vehicle side body structure. An upper slider is associated with the upper rail, and a lower slider is associated with the lower rail. An upper link includes a control arm pivotally connected to both the upper slider and a vehicle door. A lower link includes a control arm pivotally connected to both the lower slider and the vehicle door. A control mechanism is operatively associated with a selected one of the upper link and the lower link. The control mechanism includes a first control fixed to the vehicle side body structure and a second control fixed to the control arm of the selected link. Movement of the second control is based on predetermined structural constraints associated with the first control. The control mechanism controls rotation and translation of the upper and lower links. |
| US08336946B2 |
Tonneau cover assembly for a vehicle
A tonneau cover assembly includes a flexible cover, a rigid cross member connected with the cover, and a tensioning and/or latching mechanism connected with the cross member. The flexible cover includes a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed adjacent a cab of a vehicle to which the tonneau covers assembly is configured to attach. The second end is disposed adjacent a tailgate of the vehicle. The rigid cross member connects with the cover such that the cross member moves with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end. The tensioning and/or latching mechanism connects with the cross member such that the tensioning and/or latching mechanism moves along with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end. |
| US08336943B2 |
Sun visor with plastic mirror
A sun visor, comprising at least one mirror surface integrated in the sun visor body is proposed, wherein the sun visor body comprises a receiver for at least one mirror. The mirror comprises a support made of plastic glass, wherein guide elements for means for concealing the at least one mirror in the sun visor body are integrally molded at said support. |
| US08336940B2 |
Structure including an item that moves vertically
A lifting system can be used to move an item between a use position and a stowed position in a structure such as a vehicle or home. The item may be an article of furniture, an appliance, a storage unit, a platform, workbench, or the like. The lifting system may be motorized and/or utilize a flexible drive to move the item. The lifting system may be used to reciprocally move the item between the use position and the stowed position in the structure. |
| US08336939B2 |
Roll-on, foldable litter and patient handling system for emergency transport vehicles
A patient transport litter and system includes a patient support platform interconnected to a foldable frame that may be supported by and rolled upon a first plurality of wheels in an unfolded state. In a folded state, a second plurality of wheels may be provided to support and allow for rollable movement of the patient transport litter. A leading plurality of wheels may be provided at one end of the patient support platform for initially and rolling upon engaging the floor of an emergency transport vehicle during loading of the patient transport litter thereupon. One or more of the plurality of wheels may comprise multi-directional wheels, e.g., to allow for omnidirectional rolling movement. The litter may be selectively lockable in and unlockable from the unfolded state, the fully-folded state, and optionally, one or more partially-folded state(s). In a system implementation, the patient transport litter and an emergency transport vehicle may include complimentary interconnection members to secure the patient transport litter to the emergency transport vehicle during transport. |
| US08336934B2 |
Bumper beam assembly for vehicle
A bumper beam assembly for a vehicle may include a bumper beam having a horizontal support plate, front and rear vertical support plates attached to the horizontal support plate, wherein the rear vertical support plate includes an insertion hole, a partition formed along the horizontal support plate between the front and rear vertical support plates, and a stay, an end portion of which may be inserted into the insertion hole. |
| US08336927B2 |
Tilt latch with cantilevered angular extension
A latch is provided for use on a pivotable sash window of a single-hung or double-hung sash window assembly to releasably secure the window to the master frame. The latch comprises a latch-bolt slidably mounted within, and biased relative to a housing. The housing is adapted to be installed into the top rail of the sash window through an opening in the stile and top rail, which has a periphery contoured to match the housing end profile. The latch bolt, while maintaining an aesthetically appealing external appearance, is configured to incorporate a cantilevered member which only becomes visible when biased to an angled position where it maintains engagement of the latch housing with the edge of the top wall of the rail during window deformation resulting from high wind loading. The cantilevered member ensures integrity of the latch installation under high wind load conditions typically experienced during extreme weather phenomena. |
| US08336923B2 |
Dryer duct elbow
A dryer duct elbow for attachment between a dryer vent and flexible ducting, or between flexible ducting and a wall vent, may include a first larger end, containing threading and a groove containing an O-ring, and a second tapered end, having circumferential threading and a groove containing an O-ring. Either end is capable of rotational sealing engagement with the flexible ducting, or with frictional engagement with the dryer or wall vents. The dryer duct elbow is formed of two halves which are connected together at the edges to form one elbow. |
| US08336919B2 |
Snap-on coupling for connecting a fluid pipe to a rigid end fitting with a connection indicator and method of inspecting this connection
The present invention relates to a snap-on coupling between a fluid pipe and a rigid tubular end fitting, this coupling having a sleeve mounted on a pipe to be coupled to an end fitting that has a peripheral connecting projection, a locking member engaging with this projection to retain the end fitting in the sleeve, and a visual indicator which engages with the projection behind the locking member and occupying an extended position and a depressed position in the sleeve, the member and the indicator each having a head and two elastically deformable side legs, each leg of the indicator having a retention arm engaging with a lower side tooth and with a bottom stop, both formed on the corresponding side of the sleeve, when the indicator occupies the depressed and extended positions, respectively. |
| US08336918B2 |
Electrically driven connector
A connector that is designed with an integrated electric drive mechanism to actuate the connector to connect a first fluid system to a second fluid system. The connector includes a connector body, a connection mechanism connected to the connector body and configured to connect the connector to the second fluid system, and an electric motor connected to the connector body and to the connection mechanism to actuate the connection mechanism. |
| US08336917B2 |
Color coded anatomical and non-anatomical sticker labels to be used on medication bottles to identify what medication is used for and when medication is due to be administered
Current medication labels are very difficult for people with disabilities, language barriers, functional impairments, or illiteracy to read, potentially increasing the risk for accidental medication overdoses and/or poor compliance with medication administration and adherence. By having a color coded sticker system with an enclosed full body guide in the form of a poster, and a home health medication record card, these stickers are placed on each medication bottle as a symbol for what the medication is used for. The stickers are color coded in order to distinguish the time the medication is to be administered. Home health agencies may use the poster and stickers as they educate their patients about the medications they take. |
| US08336916B1 |
Rolls of image-customized value-bearing items and systems and methods for providing rolls of image-customized value-bearing items
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide image-customized postage labels, and systems and methods for providing image-customized postage labels, in rolls adapted for high-speed application to mail pieces. The output of the exemplary systems and methods of the present invention is one or more exemplary rolls of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels per an order placed by a customer. Each of the exemplary rolls comprises a label roll core and an exemplary length of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels rolled around the label roll core. |
| US08336911B2 |
Safety arrangement and method for the production of such a safety arrangement
The invention relates to a safety arrangement comprising a module support (1, 10) for an airbag module (2) and an airbag module (2) to be installed in a steering wheel in a vehicle with at least two first and second horn contacts (3, 3′, 4) which are electrically isolated from one another in the installed state and can be electrically contact-connected to one another in the activation state in order to trigger an acoustic horn signal, with at least one of the first or second horn contacts comprising a plurality of horn contact sections (3, 3′) and the airbag module (2) being electrically conductively connected to the horn contact sections (3, 3′) when the airbag module is installed in order to complete the horn contact. |
| US08336909B2 |
Rear airbag system having advanced safety performance
A rear airbag system includes a rear-end collision sensor (10) installed on one side of a car body to sense the rear-end collision, a controller (20) outputting a control signal when an electrical signal input from the rear-end collision sensor (10) exceeds a reference value, a rear seat airbag module (100) mounted in a seat (30) and inflated to protrude upwards from the seat (30) so as to protect a rear head part of an occupant when receiving the control signal from the controller (20), and a support unit (200) sliding upwards along with the rear seat airbag module (100) when the rear seat airbag module (100) is inflated upwards out of the seat (30), supporting a rear of the rear seat airbag module (100), and protecting a head of the occupant from flying materials occurring in the event of the rear-end collision. |
| US08336906B2 |
Sealing assembly for air bag door
A sealing assembly for an air bag door is disclosed. The sealing assembly may include a crash pad formed with an opening portion, through which an air bag is deployed, wherein the opening portion is provided with a locking portion recessed with a predetermined length from an upper surface of the crash pad along the opening portion thereof, and an air bag door displaced on the locking portion and engaged thereto to cover the opening portion of the crash pad. |
| US08336902B2 |
Hitch coupler
A hitch coupler includes a frame that includes a back plate, a first plate connected to the back plate, a second plate connected to the back plate at a position spaced from the first plate extending between the first plate and the second plate and cooperating therewith to define an interior space, and a third plate connected to the back plate spaced from the second plate, wherein the first, second and third plates each include an aperture extending therethrough. The frame also includes a pin extending through the first, second and third apertures, such that the pin extends through the interior space and is adapted to slide within the apertures between an extended position and a retracted position, and a spring member biasing the pin towards the extended position. |
| US08336900B2 |
Tail wheel transporter
A tail wheel transporter with a single-beam chassis in a tricycle carriage and a towing arm extending from the single beam for towing and steering. The single beam is offset on the rear two-wheel axle to pivotably support a lifting arm, or lever, that is side mounted on the chassis. The short foot of the “L” supports one or more adjustable studs for initially engaging the underside of a tail wheel from the side. The lifting arm is manually operated to lift the tail wheel off the ground. In the lifted position, the lifting arm is latched to the towing arm so that constant manual force to maintain lift is not required. The tail wheel is received between the front and rear axles and exerts force below the height of at least some of the axles, so no manual force is required to maintain balance during operation. |
| US08336898B2 |
Reconfigurable tilt wheelchair
A modular wheelchair assembly is adapted to be reconfigured between a fixed angle of tilt, a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's knees and a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's center of gravity. The reconfiguration is achieved by modifying a limited number of selectively removable components of the support assembly or the pivot assembly of the wheelchair. |
| US08336897B2 |
Phase independent row motion propelled bicycle
A standard-sized bicycle includes a main frame, a rear drive wheel and a rowing mechanism. The rowing mechanism is coupled to the steering column about a fulcrum. The fulcrum allows the rowing mechanism to oscillate forward in response to a pushing force and backward in response to a pulling force. The rowing mechanism includes a power lever and a pair of drive levers. The power lever has a handle on one end. The power lever also has a second end. The pair of drive levers extend from the second end of the power lever and provide foot rests for additional force. Each of the pair of drive levers is in mechanical communication with the rear drive wheel such that a forward oscillation of the rowing mechanism will drive the rear drive wheel in a same direction of rotation to propel the bicycle forward. |
| US08336894B2 |
Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter
A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. |
| US08336891B2 |
Electrostatic chuck
An electrostatic chuck includes (a) a cooling device serving as an RF electrode, including a gas supply port penetrating through the cooling device, the gas supply port extending from one main surface to the other main surface, and a main counter bore portion having a diameter larger than that of the gas supply port, the main counter bore portion provided in an opening of the gas supply port; (b) an arc prevention member buried in the main counter bore portion and made of an insulating member, wherein a gas path is provided, the gas path is configured to communicate with the gas supply port; and (c) an electrostatic chuck body arranged on the cooling device, defining a work mounting surface on a top surface of the electrostatic chuck body, provided with a pore in communication with the gas supply port via the gas path. |
| US08336887B2 |
Seal assembly
A seal assembly disposed between relatively rotating members such as a rotating shaft passing through an opening in a stationary housing. The seal assembly may include a housing, such as a canister, and a seal member retained in the canister. The seal member may include an inner portion and an outer portion interconnected by a flexible wall and an aperture for receiving the shaft. The flexible wall may permit the inner portion to move relative to the outer portion of the seal member. The inner portion of the seal member may forms a seal with the shaft, and the seal member may rotate with the shaft within the canister. The seal assembly may engage an oil seal and may function as an excluder seal. |
| US08336886B2 |
Contaminant exclusion seal
A seal assembly for sealing a space between a rotating shaft and a housing. In this regard, the seal assembly includes a rotating component connected to the shaft, and a stationary component connected to the housing. A first seal is connected to the rotating component and a second seal is connected to the stationary component. The first seal includes at least one dispersion member that generates a fluid disturbance in a region adjacent the space during rotation of the rotating component and a discontinuity that provide a pathway for a contaminant to exit the space. |
| US08336881B2 |
Method of producing a gaming chip, and a gaming chip comprising two plaques
A method of producing a gaming chip comprising at least two plaques forming the opposite faces thereof, the method comprising a step of connecting said two plaques placed against one another by arranging therebetween a connection material. The method comprises (i) a step of arranging in a mold two blanks of said two plaques which are placed against one another with the faces thereof facing one another, the total thickness thereof being smaller than that of the finished chip, the mold having an impression with a shape complementary to that of the chip to be produced, (ii) a step of holding the periphery of the plaque blanks within the mold, and (iii) a step of injecting connection material under pressure between facing faces of the two plaque blanks at a pressure and temperature suitable for deforming the plaque blanks against the surface of the impression of the mold. |
| US08336877B2 |
Medium discharging device and image forming apparatus
A medium discharging device includes a medium stacking portion, a medium discharge member and a moving mechanism. A medium having an image recorded thereon is to be stacked on the medium stacking portion. The medium discharge member discharges the medium to the medium stacking portion. The moving mechanism includes a separation member. Based on a discharge timing at which the medium is discharged from the medium discharge member, the separation member moves the medium discharge member between an advanced position at a downstream end in the medium conveyance direction and a retracted position that is located upstream of the advanced position in the medium conveyance direction, to separate from the medium discharge member a rear end of the discharged medium in the medium conveyance direction. |
| US08336872B2 |
Paper feeding module and scanning device using the same
A paper feeding module including a first shaft, a first ring-shape structure, a paper picking roller and a paper feeding roller is provided. The first shaft has a first stopping block. The first ring-shape structure rotatably covers the first shaft and has a second stopping block and a third stopping block, wherein the first shaft drives the first ring-shape structure to rotate while the second stopping block is pushed by the first stopping block. The paper picking roller rotatably covers the first shaft and is located on the paper feeding path, and has a fourth stopping block, wherein the first ring-shape structure drives the paper picking roller to rotate while the fourth stopping block is pushed by the third stopping block. The paper feeding roller is disposed on the paper feeding path. |
| US08336867B1 |
Workholding apparatus having a detachable jaw plate
A device for holding a workpiece, the device comprising, in one form, a base and a jaw member, wherein the jaw member includes a detachable jaw plate. The jaw member can further include a lock assembly which can attach or affix the jaw plate to the jaw member. In at least one embodiment, the lock assembly can include a cam, or lock, configured to pull the jaw plate toward the jaw member and/or secure the jaw plate against the jaw member. In certain embodiments, the lock assembly can include a slide which can be moved by an actuator such that the slide can engage the jaw plate and move the jaw plate into position. In at least one such embodiment, the slide can pull the jaw plate against the jaw member and, in addition, pull the jaw plate downwardly against a workpiece support surface. |
| US08336863B2 |
Gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method
The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a gas liquid contactor module including a liquid inlet and outlet and a gas inlet and outlet. An array of nozzles is in communication with the liquid inlet and the gas inlet. The array of nozzles is configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas flow and maximize gas flow and liquid flow interactions while rapidly replenishing the liquid. |
| US08336860B1 |
Method and apparatus for gripping chain
A method and apparatus for a hand tool useful for gripping a chain or chain portion of a chain hoist. The tool comprises a shaft having a handle portion on one end and a body or ring portion on the other end which ring has an slot or cut-through therein through which a chain can be inserted into a central hole or opening of the ring; furthermore, an indention is provided in the ring wherein a link of a chain is captured in the indention thereby allowing the user to pull on the handle so as to move the chain a given distance. Thereafter, the chain is removed from the indention, repositioned in the center hole and the tool repositioned to a different link of the chain wherein the succeeding link is captured in the indention and the chain is again pulled another distance. By repeating this process, the chain can be pulled a great distance in a much easier manner than is currently available. |
| US08336855B2 |
Antler holder
According to one embodiment, a first engaging surface can be configured to engage a first region of an antler set, and a second engaging surface can be configured to engage a second region of the antler set. A support structure can support the first and second engaging surfaces. The support structure can be configured to adjust a distance between the second engaging surface and the first engaging surface to inhibit shrinking of a distance between the first and second regions of the antler set. |
| US08336853B2 |
Recock handle assemblies for coupler devices and coupler devices comprising the same
Recock handle assemblies for bottom loading couplers and bottom loading couplers comprising the same are disclosed. The recock handle assemblies for bottom loading couplers may include a lever portion comprising a first lever arm, a second lever arm and a lever bar oriented in a substantially u-shaped configuration. A handle portion may be joined to the lever portion with a first pivot block and a second pivot block, the handle portion comprising a first connecting leg, a second connecting leg, and a bail. The first connecting leg and the second connecting leg may be positioned in a first plane and the bail is non-coplanar with the first plane. A first base plate may be pivotally coupled to the first pivot block. The first base plate may include a first body guide member and a first sleeve guide member. A second base plate may be pivotally coupled to the second pivot block, the second base plate comprising a second body guide member and a second sleeve guide member. |
| US08336849B2 |
Conical seat shut off valve
A valve includes a housing defining a bore having an inlet and extending along a longitudinal axis. A head is attached to the housing and defines a head passage having an outlet. A piston is disposed within the bore and includes a piston passage extending through the piston along the longitudinal axis. The piston is moveable between a closed position in which a sealing end of the piston abuts a seat of the head to close fluid communication through the piston passage and an open position in which the sealing end of the piston is axially spaced along the longitudinal axis from the seat of the head to permit fluid communication through the piston passage between the inlet and the outlet. The housing defines an equalizing chamber in fluid communication with the head passage for damping movement of the piston. |
| US08336848B2 |
On-off flow valve
An on-off flow valve extends along an axis and has a valve body through which a supply duct and a delivery duct pass; a main shutter assembly; and a cover fitted to the valve body by means of a snap-on coupling system. |
| US08336843B2 |
Secure locking attachment device useful with suspended ceiling systems
An attachment device useful with suspended ceiling systems is provided. In disclosed embodiments, the device comprises a clip that matingly engages a bulb of a ceiling grid tee. The device may include a reinforcing sleeve and can be used to increase the load carrying capacity of suspended ceiling systems while providing a simple, quick method of attaching the suspended ceiling grid to the true ceiling. |
| US08336841B2 |
Compact cup holder with retractable front
A cup holder (1) for receiving a vessel (6) includes a drawer (2) capable of sliding inside a body (3) so as to move identically between a closed position and an open position. The drawer (2) locally includes an outer outline (9) in the shape of an open arc of a circle that engages a partial perimeter (C1) of the vessel (6). The cup holder further includes a stowable front (4) that is flush with a side of the drawer (2) when the drawer (2) is in the closed position, and that is in an inclined position relative to the drawer (2) when the drawer (2) is in the open position in order to hold the base of the vessel (6). |
| US08336839B2 |
Medical equipment transfer arrangement
An arrangement for transferring a post assembly carrying medical equipment thereon between first and second support structures. The arrangement includes a positioning arm which is supported at one end on the first support structure and at the opposite end is configured for supporting the post assembly. The positioning arm cooperates with a receiver assembly provided on the second support structure. A freestanding cart and wheelchair are also provided which are configured to accept the post assembly from a support structure such as a patient bed, to allow the patient to ambulate with the associated medical equipment. |
| US08336828B2 |
Traversing jet actuator
An apparatus comprises a platform configured to move in a streamwise direction, an actuation unit associated with a control surface of the platform, a fluid source configured to supply an airflow to the actuation unit, and a control unit for moving an air jet across the control surface. The actuation unit is configured to form a traversing air jet pointing in the streamwise direction. |
| US08336827B2 |
Method and device for reducing the induced speeds in vortices in the wake of an aircraft
A method and a device for creating a continuous protected space along the path of an aircraft, in which protected space a maximum induced speed Vtc in a vortex of radius Rtc in the wake of an aircraft is decreased by increasing the radius Rtc. The method includes a preliminary step of identifying changes in the aerodynamic configurations of the aircraft liable to initiate disruptions in the wake that will have the effect of increasing the radius Rtc, —for each change in configuration determining beforehand the characteristics of propagation of the wake disturbances in the vortex, —carrying out, along the course of the aircraft, at least two configuration changes separated by a distance such that spaces, in which the effects of the wake disturbances resulting from each of the configuration changes propagated for a predetermined length of time, forms a substantially continuous protected space. |
| US08336826B2 |
Propulsion systems and methods utilizing smart propellant
Propulsion systems and methods utilize one or more propellant masses in the form of smart propellant devices to move a spacecraft or other object through outer space and/or substantially airless environments. A spacecraft maneuver, for example, is facilitated by forces imparted on the spacecraft resulting from the ejection of one or more smart propellant devices from the spacecraft and/or the recapture of one or more of the propellant masses at the spacecraft. The smart propellant devices are each programmed to return to the spacecraft along a particular trajectory and to impact the spacecraft at a particular time and place. The spacecraft is provided with ejection devices and recovery devices that eject and recover, respectively, the one or more smart propellant devices. The recovery devices can also be configured to capture kinetic energy from incoming smart propellant devices. |
| US08336825B2 |
Passenger stairway for an aircraft and method for pulling in and out the passenger stairway
A passenger stairway, which may be integrated with an aircraft, contains at least one first stairway segment having a first plurality of steps and a receptacle device, and at least one second stairway segment having a second plurality of steps, which is insertable into the receptacle device, so that the first and second stairway segments come to rest lying one on top of another. |
| US08336824B2 |
Device for protecting and guiding a cable from a direct-vision window of an aircraft flight deck
A device for protecting and guiding at least one cable (22) that connects a direct-vision window (10) of an aircraft cabin that is provided for blocking an opening, and connects its support (14), includes a cable chain (26) that can deform along a winding plane and protect and guide the cable (22), on both sides of the cable chain (26), a first support (28) that is articulated relative to the direct-vision window (10) so as to be able to pivot around an axis of articulation (36) that is essentially parallel to the release translation and a second support (30) that is articulated relative to the support (14) so as to be able to pivot around an axis of articulation (38) that is essentially parallel to the release translation and the first and second supports (28, 30) have a square cross-section. |
| US08336822B2 |
Apparatus for providing variable thermal insulation for an aircraft
An aircraft insulation apparatus is disclosed having a variable thermal insulating member adjacent the inner fuselage wall and adjacent an aircraft heat source. The variable thermal insulating member is operable to provide variable thermal insulation between the heat source and the exterior of the inner fuselage wall by being changeable between a first state and a second state, the first state providing a first level of thermal insulation and the second state providing a second level of thermal insulation. |
| US08336819B2 |
Landing gear casing provided with a dissociated structure
A reduced-volume casing for a landing gear including a chassis for fixing and taking up loads, to which the landing gear is exposed and an envelope-type structure arranged on the chassis for taking up pressurization forces. The chassis can include, in particular, a frame which is even to the output opening of the landing gear and is provided with beams used for receiving means for maintaining the fastening bearings of the gear and also including polygons which are used for receiving the fastening bearings of the gear manoeuvring strut and are fixed to the beams, wherein the beams and polygons form a lattice structure. |
| US08336818B2 |
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. |
| US08336816B2 |
Sliding frame aircraft launcher
An aircraft launcher includes a base frame, a first sliding frame that slides with respect to the base frame, a second sliding frame that slides with respect to the first sliding frame, an aircraft support located on the second sliding frame, and a drive apparatus adapted to slide at least one of the first sliding frame and the second sliding frame with respect to the base frame. |
| US08336808B2 |
Aircraft having helicopter rotor and front mounted propeller
An aircraft features a nose mounted propeller on a fuselage having a typical helicopter rotor assembly. By reducing the amount of forward thrust needed from the main rotor, the propeller allows greater forward speeds as the angle of attack on the rotor's blades can be kept low to avoid the stalling and violent vibration experienced by conventional helicopters at relatively high speeds. By reducing the maximum angle of attack experienced by the main rotor during its rotation during forward cruising from that of a conventional helicopter but still using the main rotor to generate lift, the addition of wings extending from both sides of the fuselage can be avoided. The aircraft may be flown in a forward direction in a generally horizontal orientation, as the nose does not have to be pitched downward to create thrust from the main rotor. |
| US08336807B2 |
Combined helicopter landing pad and clamshell enclosure
A clamshell case for enclosing a helicopter includes a base for supporting said helicopter, a first side section attached by a first hinge to one edge of the base, a second side section attached by a second hinge to the other edge of the base, and a drive system for rotating said side sections towards each other to substantially enclose said helicopter and substantially completely protect it from the weather and other damage. |
| US08336806B2 |
Lift fan flow path device
A flow path is disclosed that is capable of being deployed when needed and stowed in a relatively small space when not in use. The flow path device is flexible and may be made from a variety of materials. In an illustrative embodiment the flow path device is annular and transitions from an ellipsoidal annular shape to a quadrilateral annular shape. A vane box can be disposed at one end of the flow path device. Doors can be coupled to the vane box to cover the flow path device. The doors can be used to provide a structural load path for the flow path device and vane box. The doors and the flow path device can be moved together such that the doors uncover the flow path device as the device is deployed. |
| US08336803B2 |
Sensing retraction of perforated paper towels within housing after dispensing
A towel dispenser includes: a housing for receiving toweling; a motor assembly that causes a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing such that a line of perforations in the toweling along which a user tears the toweling is located downstream of the sensor, and the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended; and a sensor that senses a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling. The sensor causes the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling. The toweling may be a roll of perforated paper towels. |
| US08336802B2 |
Bobbin holder
The improvement relates to a bottom holder for winding up a thread, wherein a bobbin case can be slid onto a protruding bobbin spindle. In order to catch and clamp a thread on the circumference of the bobbin spindle at the beginning of a bobbin travel, a thread catching device and a thread clamping means are provided at a free insertion end of the bobbin spindle. In order to both securely clamp and automatically release the thread end when sliding off a bobbin, according to the improvement, the clamping means is formed by a hollow cylindrical clamping bushing, an outer cone thereof being fitted into an inner diameter bounded by catches, such that a clamping slit substantially axially oriented and open toward the insertion end of the bobbin spindle is formed between the clamping bushing and the catch. |
| US08336800B1 |
Powered hose reel device
The present invention relates to a powered hose reel device for taking up a hose about a reel without having to do so by hand. A reel is disposed between the reel support walls and mounted on one end to a rim integrally formed on an inner wall of one of the reel support walls. The reel is adapted to carry a hose thereabout. There is a motor mounted to one of the reel support portions, and disposed within the chamber formed by the inner wall of the reel. A rechargeable battery provides power. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor and is engaged with a bracket mounted to the inner surface of the reel. When the motor is activated the shaft turns the reel. A hose guide assembly is provided for leading and guiding the hose during the retrieving of the hose about the reel. A solar panel recharges the battery when the device is not operating. |
| US08336799B2 |
Bail for spinning reel
A bail assembly is provided for a spinning reel of the type having a spool mounted for reciprocal and rotational movement with respect to a body, a drag system, a rotor with a line pickup generally surrounding the spool, and a handle drive mechanism for reciprocating the spool and rotating the rotor thereabout to wind line onto the spool. The bail assembly has a bail wire formed of spring tempered stainless steel wire stock and is bent in an arc with first and second ends respectively attached to the rotor by generally diametrically opposed first and second end mounts. The arcuate bail wire exerts spring tension and the end mounts are cooperatively configured so that the bail wire is manipulable in spring toggle motion from an open position permitting line to play freely off the spool to a closed position directing line to the line pickup for collecting line on the spool. The arcuate bail wire also biases the bail assembly to remain in one of the open and closed positions until manipulated to the other position. |
| US08336798B2 |
Apparatus for material-bed comminution
Apparatus for the material bed comminution of wet agglomerations, in particular wet coke, has a storage container for material to be comminuted, and a material bed roller mill. For efficient grinding, the storage container takes the form of a storage silo having a discharge screw which is moved in two dimensions, wherein the discharge screw feeds the material to be comminuted from the storage silo to a compressor screw which is arranged directly upstream of the material bed roller mill and has at least one discontinuous screw blade. |
| US08336792B2 |
Bin level detection with light intensity sensing
An assembly has a bin level detection system having at least one sensor positioned to receive radiation reflected off any material deposited in a bin and to determine an intensity of the reflected radiation. The intensity corresponds to an amount or level of shredded material deposited in the bin. The system may detect radiation from one or more emitters, or, alternatively, detect ambient light entering the bin via a window. A level indicator system may also be provided to indicate the amount of material deposited in the bin, including if the bin is full. The assembly may comprise a shredder and a shredder housing. |
| US08336791B1 |
Insert assembly for a nozzle
An insert assembly for use in a nozzle, the insert assembly including a sleeve and a fitting. The sleeve includes a first end and a second end, a tapered opening in the first end, and a bore extending from the second end. The fitting is positioned within the bore and includes an orifice therethrough. The tapered opening terminates at an inner opening that is in fluid communication with the orifice to allow fluid to flow through the nozzle insert. The sleeve may be made of stainless steel. |
| US08336790B2 |
Personal aromatherapy device
A personal device for releasing the aroma of an essential oil includes an inner flexible container received within a rigid outer shell that is open on opposite sides to expose side portions of the inner flexible container. An interior chamber of the flexible container is partially filled with cotton or other fibrous material and a charge of an essential oil that saturates the cotton material. A cap fitted to an open top end of the flexible container includes a flip nozzle with a ball valve. The flip nozzle is operable between a lowered position to close the ball valve and seal the open top of the flexible container closed, and a raised straight up position to open the ball valve and permit release of beneficial aromas of the essential oil from an open end of the nozzle upon squeezing the exposed sides of the flexible container while holding the nozzle below the user's nostrils so that the aromas are released for direct inhalation through the user's nostrils. |
| US08336784B2 |
Identification of installable card
In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes providing an integrated circuit (IC) card having a first size and carried as part of a surrounding card having a second size larger than the first size, the IC card including an IC, the IC card having a perimeter defining the IC card within the surrounding card; and printing a payment card account number within the perimeter. In accordance with some embodiments, an identification token includes a carrier having a body; a card including an RFID integrated circuit and information printed within a perimeter of the card; a bridge joining the card to the carrier; an antenna; and an electrically conductive connection running along the bridge, the electrically conductive connection coupling the RFID IC to the antenna. In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes providing a carrier having a body; providing a card including an RFID integrated circuit and a perimeter; providing a bridge joining the card to the carrier; providing an antenna and an electrically conductive connection running along the bridge, the electrically conductive connection coupling the RFID IC to the antenna; and printing information within the perimeter. In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes providing an integrated circuit (IC) card attached to a surrounding card, the IC card including an IC, the IC card having a perimeter defining the IC card within the surrounding card; and printing information within the perimeter. |
| US08336782B2 |
Combination stored value card holder
A combination stored value card holder has a card backer having a planar shape. A primary stored value card container includes a sealed package having a front sheet and a rear sheet. The front sheet is laminated to the rear sheet. A stored value card is retained between the front sheet and the rear sheet of the sealed package. The sealed package is attached to the backer. A secondary stored value card container for the stored value card can be included and the secondary stored value card container can be attached to the backer. An account identifier is disposed on the stored value card. A card window is formed on the rear sheet of the sealed package, and the card window opening exposes the account identifier. |
| US08336781B2 |
Fixing device for hand scanner and information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a hand scanner including a head section having a reading section configured to read a mark affixed to a commodity and a handle having width formed smaller than that of the head section, a fixing device including a holding section having, from a part of the periphery to the center thereof, an opening formed wider than the width of the handle and movable sections provided to be opposed to each other in the opening, arranged to have width therebetween smaller than the width of the handle, and configured to move until the width therebetween increases to width same as or larger than the width of the handle when the handle is inserted through the opening, and control unit configured to enable the reading section to read the commodity according to movement of the movable sections. |
| US08336780B1 |
Windowed housing with rotatable imaging device
A verifier imaging unit structured with a movably mounted imaging device, housed within a housing of the imaging unit, such that the orientation of the imaging device may be altered so that the imaging device may be placed in one of a number of available and pre-established imaging orientations. Each available imaging orientation has an associated imaging window, and a support surface provided about or proximate to the imaging window. The imaging window and support surface enable the placing, distancing, and generally proper locating of a data carrying graphical symbol for subsequent imaging and data collection activities. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring abstracts, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims. |
| US08336779B1 |
System for automatically reading a response form using a digital camera
A system for automatically reading a response form marked by a user, including the response form containing a structured set of markers and a structured set of response areas, a camera for obtaining a digital image which contains the response form, programming for identifying positions of a majority of the markers within the digital image, programming for using a set of structuring rules in conjunction with the positions of the markers to obtain a structured set of response areas, programming for reading responses located at the response areas, and programming for generating an output of user responses. |
| US08336776B2 |
Aiming system for weapon
An aiming system for use with a weapon is provided and may include a processor, at least one sensor in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The aiming system may also include a display in communication with the processor that displays a corrected-aiming point based on at least one simulated bullet trajectory and at least one simulated bullet impact location determined by the processor. |
| US08336775B2 |
Aerospace-ground integration testbed
An aerospace-ground integration testbed may include a truth data scheme, a common sensor adaptor, a common sensor framework, a visualization scheme and a communications scheme. The truth data scheme may generate truth data configured to provide data of at least one of threats, terrain, targets and offensive and defensive systems. The common sensor adaptor may provide sensed data generated from at least the truth data. The common sensor framework may provide modeled sensed data generated from at least the truth data utilizing sensor models. The visualization scheme may generate visual data to be displayed from the sensed data and the modeled sensed data. The communications scheme may provide communication and testbed messaging infrastructure between the truth data scheme, the common sensor adaptor, the common sensor framework, and the visualization scheme. |
| US08336774B2 |
Shopping apparatus and methods
Methods and apparatus related to enabling a shopper to utilize a mobile electronic device to check-in to a physical store while at the store. A shopper may utilize the mobile electronic device to read a check-in code at a location proximal to an entrance of a physical store. A substantially instantaneous pecuniary reward may be provided to the shopper upon reading of the check-in code and the shopper may be notified of such reward via the mobile electronic device. |
| US08336773B2 |
Systems and methods for accessing media content using multiple user input devices
A system includes a media content processing subsystem and a plurality of user input devices each configured to transmit at least one command to the media content processing subsystem. Each of the user input devices also corresponds to a distinct user profile. When the media content processing subsystem receives a command from one of the user input devices, the media content processing subsystem is configured to identify the particular user input device that transmitted the command and execute the command in accordance with a user profile that corresponds to that particular user input device. |
| US08336764B2 |
Fraud control when granting instant credit
Credit applicants may apply for instant credit, and use an instant account number (“IAN”) to make purchases after the instant credit has been granted. Fraud control methods may be used in authorizing the instant credit. When the IAN is issued to purchase airline tickets, it can be ensured that the applicant's last name matches the passenger's last name for the airline ticket being purchased, and that the ticket will not be renamed or sold. When the IAN is issued in conjunction with a partner's loyalty or rewards program, the applicant's account information with the rewards program is captured. It is ensured that the applicant has some tenure with the partner and that data submitted by the applicant is consistent with data on file with the partner. |
| US08336763B2 |
System and method for processing transactions
There is disclosed a transaction processing server (300), comprising: means (304) for receiving a request (224) to initiate a transaction, the request including user identification data (220) and monetary value authorization data; validating means (302) for validating the monetary value authorization data; processing means (302) for processing the monetary value authorization data to select monetary value data (210) corresponding to the monetary value authorization data; storing means (306) for storing data representing an association between the user identification data (220) and the monetary value data (210); and output means (302) for outputting a monetary value identifier (228) associated with the monetary value data (210). The invention finds particular application in the field of transferring monetary value from a sender to a recipient. |
| US08336761B1 |
Barcode verification
Methods, machine-readable media, and devices for barcode verification are described herein. One method includes capturing an image of a barcode included with an item and an image of packaging associated with the item proximate to the barcode, decoding the image of the barcode included with the item to obtain item identification information represented by the barcode, extracting item identification information from the image of the packaging associated with the item, and determining whether the item identification information decoded from the image of the barcode matches the item identification information extracted from the image of the packaging associated with the item. |
| US08336758B2 |
Pouring element for a package for holding flowable or pourable products and method of producing such a package
There is shown and described a pouring element for a package for holding flowable or pourable products, and particularly a cardboard/plastics composite package having a gabletop, said pouring element having a pouring passage, the pouring passage having passage cross-sections of substantially identical areas arranged perpendicularly to its centerline, the outer passage cross-sections of the pouring passage being a product inlet opening and a substantially circular product outlet opening and the product inlet opening having associated with it a flange for connection to the package. To enable improved pouring characteristics to be achieved without having to accept disproportionately large costs and complication in production, provision is made, in the form for application, for the product inlet opening to be of an elongated shape which is not symmetrical in rotation. |
| US08336757B2 |
Apparatus for transporting substrates for bonding
A bonding apparatus for conducting bonding on substrates comprises a first substrate holding device for clamping a first substrate during bonding and a second substrate holding device for clamping a second substrate during bonding. Each substrate holding device is operative to move sequentially between its respective onloading position for receiving substrates, bonding position whereat substrates are bonded and offloading position whereat bonded substrates are removed from the substrate holding device. A first actuator is operative to drive the first substrate holding device along a first feeding path from its onloading position to its bonding position and from its offloading position to its onloading position along a first return path. A second actuator is operative to drive the second substrate holding device along a second feeding path from its onloading position to its bonding position and from its offloading position to its onloading position along a second return path. |
| US08336756B2 |
Reflow apparatus, a reflow method, and a manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A reflow apparatus, where formic acid is used for cleaning a surface of a solder electrode on a processing target, is disclosed. The reflow apparatus includes a processing chamber, a formic acid introduction mechanism for supplying an atmosphere gas containing formic acid to the processing chamber, and a shielding member that is made of a material having corrosion resistance against formic acid. The shielding member is arranged between a reflow processing section of the processing chamber and an inner wall of the processing chamber. In place of or in addition to the shielding member, the reflow apparatus may include a heater for decomposing residual formic acid. |
| US08336751B2 |
Grasping jaw mechanism
A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a first grasping mode of operation and a second clamping mode of operation. The handle assembly includes a rotation control member and an articulation lever. The rotation control member is configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated member with respect to the handle assembly. The articulation lever is configured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated member. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly configured to clamp and staple tissue in the second clamping mode of operation of the device. |
| US08336750B2 |
Stapler
A stapler 100 is provided with a driver 5 provided at a forward end of the driver arm 4, as shown in FIG. 20A, driving a staple 30 out according to any predetermined clinching force, the driver 5 having projections 5b, 5b which contact portions of the staple 30 over the legs of the staple pushed against the front inner wall of the magazine 3 by a staple-pushing member 40. Accordingly, the clinching force is transferred to the legs through the projections 5b, 5b of the driver 5 so that the clinching force can be concentrated onto the legs. Furthermore, a staple-pushing member 40 pushes the staple 30, so that it is possible to prevent buckling from occurring in the legs. |
| US08336747B2 |
Bicycle rack with cross oriented bicycle cradle
A bicycle rack includes at least one arm and a cradle installed on the arm for receiving a bicycle thereon. The cradle has a body including a through-hole extending through the longitudinal length of the body. The through-hole is sized to be received by the arm of a bicycle rack. A saddle extending along a length of the longitudinal body is positioned above the through-hole and has a top surface for receiving a tube of a bicycle. The saddle is oriented cross-ways to the longitudinal axis of the through-hole. The top surface of the saddle can increase in dimension on one side of a vertical axis of the through-hole and decreases in dimension on the other side of the vertical axis as the saddle extends toward each end of the longitudinal body. A latch is positioned on opposite sides of the vertical axis at either end of the saddle. |
| US08336743B2 |
Tap
A tap for use in association with bag in box containers comprising a body, a plug member, an upper seal assembly and a lower seal assembly. The body includes a tap nozzle in the form of an elongated tube having an inner surface and an outer surface, a handle opening at a first end and a dispensing opening at the second end. A nozzle opening extends into the elongated tube between the first and second ends and is placeable in fluid communication with a bag of a bag in box container. The plug member is structurally configured to fit and slidably move within the elongated tube of the body such that the outer surface of the plug member faces the inner surface of the elongated tube. In the open orientation, the nozzle opening is in fluid communication with the dispensing opening. In the closed orientation, the nozzle opening is precluded from fluid communication with the dispensing opening. The upper seal assembly includes an upper seal surface region and an upper seal bead positioned between the nozzle opening and the handle opening of the body. The upper seal assembly maintains continuous sealing engagement between the closed orientation and the open orientation of the tap. |
| US08336742B2 |
Aerosol systems and methods for dispensing texture material
Aerosol material for applying a repair coat to an uncoated portion of a substrate substantially to match a coated portion of the substrate using an aerosol assembly comprises a container defining a product chamber and a valve assembly operable in open and closed modes, the aerosol material comprises a base portion, a particulate portion, and a propellant portion. The particulate portion is made of at least one of urethane foam and melamine foam. With the valve assembly in the open mode, the propellant portion in the gas state gas state forces at least part of the base portion, the particulate portion, and the propellant portion in the liquid state out of the product chamber and onto the uncoated portion of the substrate to form the repair coat such that the repair coat substantially matches the coated portion of the substrate. |
| US08336740B1 |
Fluid dispenser and pump adapter system therefor
The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispenser of a type having a housing in which a container filled with a fluid to be dispensed is removably received. The container incorporates a pump and an adapter assembly for securing the pump within an opening or fitment of the container and for removably securing the container within the housing. In another aspect, an improved push bar-type actuator is provided. In certain embodiments, an angled receptacle for receiving the pump and adapter receptacle is provided for ease of emplacing the container within the housing. |
| US08336732B1 |
Container with an integral lid retained onto the top of the sidewall of the container by a living hinge, the container used to retain hot liquids, the container having a thermal barrier incorporated into the exterior surface of the container
A container used to retain hot liquids in manner which enables the liquid within the container to be consumed by a person holding the container in the person's hand and drinking the liquid when the lid is in either the open or closed condition. The container has the unique features of having a self-sealing lid which is retained on the container through a living hinge. Another unique feature of the present invention is the incorporation of a thermal barrier comprised of ribs or ridges formed into the sidewall of the container. |
| US08336723B2 |
Stopper for a container
A stopper which engages a neck of a container. The stopper includes a circular bottom section and a head section which rises above the container and encompasses a slide. The rim of the head section has a maximum diameter that does not exceed the external diameter of the opening of the container. The slide can be pushed against the force of a spring device in one direction and, when released, returns to its retracted initial position as a result of the spring force. Opposing sides of the slide each end in circumferential sections. A first one of the circumferential sections forming an outer surface for receiving a first applied force for advancing the slide and causing the second one of the circumferential sections to protrude from the stopper. The second one of the circumferential sections receiving a second different applied force to remove the stopper from the container. |
| US08336721B2 |
Modular display unit for cylindrical products, in particular tubes of sweets
A display unit for cylindrical products, in particular tubes of sweets, includes at least one modular basket element 2, a support base 3 and a cover cap 4, the basket element including a perforated base part 5, an external shell 6 and a central tubular body shaped so as to allow stacking of several elements 2, the shell 6 having internally a plurality of concave seats 8 suitable for housing products 11 and forming externally convexities 9 separated by concave recesses 10. |
| US08336717B2 |
Porous filter media with vent
A novel surface treatment is provided for portions of filter media coming in contact with the filter media holder, such as filter housing. In certain applications, the treatment is also applied to the filter media holder, depending on the application. Filter media having at least two distinct surface property modifications are provided in liquid filtration applications to enhance the performance of a filtration system, reduce the cost of the system, provided a visual means of detecting fluid bypass, and minimize fluid holdup volume within the filter media, all with substantially no loss of performance performances parameters, even in steam sterilization applications. |
| US08336714B2 |
Heating system for material processing screen
A separation screen has multiple discs configured to receive a material stream at an in-feed end and move a first group of materials from the material stream up an inclined angle and over a top out-feed end of the separation screen while a second group of materials from the material steam either fall through openings between the discs while being carried up the separation screen or roll off the in-feed end of the separation screen. A heating system heats an outside surface of the discs so that the discs can separate the first group of materials from the material stream during cold environmental temperatures. |
| US08336707B2 |
Packaging baby apparel items in the shape of a baked good
The present invention can include a method of packaging baby apparel items in the shape of baked goods. In the method, one or more baby apparel items can be folded into a desired shape. An optional baking receptacle, enveloping apparel item, and binding element can be used. Once folded, the apparel items and optional items can form an aggregate shaped like a baked good, such as a cupcake, a tart, a loaf of bread, a pie, a cake, and a pastry roll. This shape can be formed without affixing adhesive to the baby apparel items and without creating holes in the baby apparel items. Hence, a usability and function of the baby apparel items is preserved despite the innovative shape. In one configuration, the shaping of the apparel items can be performed by agents of a storefront and can include customer selected apparel items. |
| US08336705B2 |
Multi-chamber container
The present invention provides causing a plurality of filling chambers to be opened and mixing agents inside the filling chambers using user's general operation between taking out a packed multi-chamber container and mounting the container on a device. The user's general operation includes operations for taking out a packed multi-chamber container and removing the package, for unfolding the multi-chamber container typically folded in two, for mounting i.e. hanging the unfolded multi-chamber container on the device, and the like. |
| US08336704B2 |
Grain bag extractor augers
An auger apparatus for moving in a forward direction into a quantity of granular material includes an enclosed housing having a horizontal main floor and right and left inclined floors sloping downward and outward from corresponding ends of the main floor, and walls extending upward from lower ends of the inclined floors. Right and left feed auger tubes extend laterally from the walls, and feed augers are mounted in the tubes. Outer front portions of the feed auger tubes are open to expose outer portions of the feed augers. A main auger tube extends upward from a top of the housing, and a main auger extends from the main floor upward through the main auger. A middle material moving apparatus is mounted forward of the housing and moves grain laterally to the exposed outer portions of the feed augers as the housing moves forward. |
| US08336695B2 |
Power transmitting apparatus
A power transmitting apparatus can include a clutch housing rotatable together with an input member and supporting a plurality of driving clutch plates. A clutch member can support a plurality of driven clutch plates alternately arranged between the driving clutch plates via spline fitting and connected to an output member. A pressure member can be mounted on the clutch member and axially movably therealong for carrying out the pressure-contact or release between the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates. Back-torque limiting cams can be configured to release the connection between the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates when the rotation speed of the output member has exceeded that of the input member. A rotational force input to the input member can be transmitted to or cut-off from the output member by carrying out the pressure-contact or release between the driving clutch plates and the driven clutch plates. The driven clutch plates can be supported by a two-part structure in which some of the driven clutch plates are supported on the clutch member by a spline fitting portion and the other driven clutch plates are supported on the pressure member by a spline fitting portion. The power transmitting apparatus can further comprise a device or assembly configured to preventing slipping-off of the driven clutch plates into a separated portion between the spline fitting portion of the clutch member and the spline fitting portion of the pressure member. |
| US08336692B2 |
Fan drive
A fan drive (1) includes a drive shaft (6), a fluid friction clutch (2) as well as a fan (3). The fluid friction clutch (2) includes a drive disc (5) as well as a housing (4) having a front-end housing part (4a) and a rear-end housing part (4b). The housing (4) is journalled on a drive shaft (6) via at least one bearing (7). Air flows against the fluid friction clutch (2) and the fan (3) in flow direction (L). An air-conveying unit (13) is mounted in flow direction (L) behind the fluid friction clutch (2). The fan drive is especially for a motor vehicle. |
| US08336691B2 |
Multi-plate clutch
A multi-plate clutch includes clutch discs which are disposed between a clutch outer and a clutch inner and are movable in an axial direction of the transmission shaft to permit and cut off the transmission of the rotational driving force from a crankshaft to a transmission shaft. A first biasing mechanism is configured to apply a clamping force to the clutch discs. A cam mechanism is configured to adjust the clamping force in accordance with the rotational driving force. A second biasing mechanism is configured to generate a biasing force to separate the clutch discs away from one another and to weaken the clamping force. The cam mechanism is configured to apply to the second biasing mechanism a force against the biasing force generated by the second biasing mechanism in accordance with the rotational driving force. |
| US08336690B2 |
Power transmission apparatus
A power transmission apparatus includes a first power transmitting member, a second power transmitting member, a synchronizer ring, arranged between the first power transmitting member and the second power transmitting member, a sleeve held at the first power transmitting member, a synchronizer key arranged between the first power transmitting member and the sleeve, and a drag restricting member arranged between the first power transmitting member and the sleeve. A synchronizer ring engaging portion is formed at a side of the drag restricting member facing the second power transmitting member so as to protrude in the radially inward direction, and a drag restricting engagement portion is formed at the outer circumferential surface of the synchronizer ring at a side thereof facing the first power transmitting member, the drag restricting engagement portion being engageable with the synchronizer ring engaging portion. |
| US08336685B2 |
Damper
A damper includes a housing, a hollow outer rotor provided inside the housing, an inner rotor disposed inside the outer rotor to constitute a plurality of liquid chambers and rotating in a state decentered relative to an axial core of the outer rotor, a communicating passage connecting between the liquid chambers, and a valve mechanism moving inside the communicating passage. Viscous fluid is filled between the outer rotor and the inner rotor. When the pressure inside the communicating passage reaches a predetermined value or above due to the rotation of the inner rotor, the communicating passage is closed or a flow passage area of they communicating passage is narrowed, and when the pressure inside the communicating passage falls to the predetermined value or less, the communicating passage is opened. |
| US08336684B2 |
Stop damper
A stop damper with a damper member including a receiving space inside which a piston is movably guided between an initial and an inserting position. The piston includes a bellows section and a sealing element, the sealing element resting on a sliding surface of the damper member and the bellows section being allocated to a rest section of the damper member at the initial position. To improve a damping characteristic of a stop damper, the rest section includes at least sectionwise a region that enlarges in the direction of the inserting movement of the piston. |
| US08336683B2 |
Bicycle damper
A damper for a bicycle having a primary unit and a remote unit that, in some arrangements, is substantially entirely outside of the primary unit. The primary unit includes a damper tube, a spring chamber, and a piston rod that supports a main piston. The main piston is movable within the damper chamber of the primary unit. The main piston and the damper tube at least partially define a compression chamber. The remote unit comprises a remote fluid chamber and, in some arrangements, an inertial valve within the remote unit. The inertial valve is preferably responsive to terrain-induced forces and preferably not responsive to rider-induced forces when the shock absorber is assembled to the bicycle. |
| US08336679B2 |
Brake system and method
A brake system for a vehicle can include a brake actuator, an equalizer operably connected to the actuator, and two brake wires that are each connected to the equalizer and extend to first and second brake assemblies. The first and second brake wires can extend in a first direction extending from a front of the vehicle toward a rear of the vehicle. The first brake wire can cross over the second brake wire at least once and possibly twice, each time in a direction transverse to the first direction. Additionally, the first and second brake wires can each include a cover that protects a respective wire. The covers can be in contact with each other at the crossover point for the wires to minimize noise, friction and to improve operating ability and durability of the brake wires. The various features, such as the cross-over configuration, the contacting wires, and/or the covers, also make it possible to minimize the space requirements for the wires in the vehicle. |
| US08336675B2 |
Elevator with flat belt as suspension means
An elevator with belt-sheaves and at least one flat belt to suspend and move an elevator car. For the purpose of guiding the flat belt on the belt-sheaves, the belt has at least one guide groove in which at least one guide rib projecting from the sheave running surface of the belt-sheave engages. |
| US08336674B2 |
Device for a guide rail
A device for a guide rail (1) for a scaffold (2), in which the guide rail (1) is connected to a building (4), and wherein the guide rail (1) is movable between an inactive, stowed away position and an active position. |
| US08336673B2 |
Muffler, muffler insert, and methods and apparatus for making
A fiberglass-binder insert is made by fabricating a shape-constant, cured fiberglass-binder mixture, into a shape-constant insert core, and shrink-wrapping the core while leaving exposed any bore which extends into the core. The core is fabricated by mixing fiberglass and uncured binder in a mixer, dropping the mixture into a conforming guide such as a funnel, and moving the mixture through the conforming guide and into a mold. A tamper can tamp the mixture to move the mixture from the conforming guide into the mold, and to distribute portions of the mixture vertically in the mold. Rotation of the mold effects circumferential distribution of the mixture in the mold. The mixture in the mold is heated to cure the binder, thus to establish a fixed shape of the resultant core product. A shrink film is shrunk about the core, providing apertures in the shrunk film at bore openings in the core. |
| US08336670B2 |
Microelectromechanical system testing device
The invention provides a microelectromechanical system testing device, comprising an acoustic chamber having two opposing walls; a sound source for generating sound within the acoustic chamber at a first frequency in the range of 20 Hz to 10 kHz, the sound source being arranged at one of the opposing walls; and an interface for coupling one or more microelectromechanical systems thereto, the interface being arranged at the other of the two opposing walls and comprising a respective coupling site for each microelectromechanical system; wherein the acoustic chamber is adapted to have a total harmonic distortion (THD) at each coupling site of the interface for the first frequency below 1%, preferably below 0.8%, more preferably below 0.6%, most preferably below 0.4% when including all harmonics of the first frequency in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, in particular for the first frequency being 1 kHz or 4 kHz. |
| US08336667B2 |
Tire valve assembly, system and apparatus for deflating a tire following unauthorized access to a motor vehicle
Apparatus deflates a tire following unauthorized access to a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, a self-damaging tire valve assembly is capable of being damaged to such a degree by damage inflicting apparatus in close proximity to the valve assembly that air escapes from the corresponding tire. An activation device housed within the damage inflicting apparatus, when activated, following unauthorized access of a motor vehicle is able to damage the body and grommet of the valve assembly without damaging the tire rim. In one embodiment, a processor transmits an activation signal to a wireless switch following reception of an unauthorized access signal when the motor vehicle is in an armed state. In one embodiment, a housing containing the tire deflating apparatus is in contact with the valve assembly, and the tire deflating apparatus is activated to cause the tire to be deflated following unauthorized access of the motor vehicle. |
| US08336666B2 |
Hood hinge
A hinge for a hood of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The hinge is configured to bend towards a frame of the motor vehicle during a collision. The hinge includes upwards turned flanges to help prevent upwards buckling. |
| US08336663B2 |
Adaptive seatbelt apparatus
The present invention is an adaptive seatbelt apparatus having the means in response to a first situation to readily allow release or disengagement of the seatbelt apparatus when the seatbelt apparatus is loaded with a predetermined belt tension load, and having the means in response to a second situation to prevent release or disengagement of the seatbelt apparatus notwithstanding the seatbelt apparatus being loaded with the predetermined belt tension load. |
| US08336652B2 |
In-wheel motor drive unit
An in-wheel motor drive unit (21) comprises a casing (22), a motor part (A), a deceleration part (B), a wheel hub (31), and a wheel hub bearing (33) rotatably supporting the wheel hub (31) with respect to the casing (22). The wheel hub bearing (33) includes first and second outer track surfaces (33a) and (33b) provided on the inner diameter surface of the casing (22), a first inner track surface (33c) provided on the outer diameter surface of a wheel-side rotation member (30) and opposed to the first outer track surface (33a), a second inner track surface (33d) provided on the outer diameter surface of the wheel hub (31) and opposed to the second outer track surface (33b), and a plurality of rolling elements (33e) arranged between the outer track surfaces (33a) and (33b) and the inner track surfaces (33c) and (33d). |
| US08336651B2 |
Charge/discharge control device for secondary battery and hybrid vehicle using the same
A state estimation value indicating a battery state is successively calculated from time to time according to a battery model capable of dynamically estimating the internal state of the secondary battery by using an inspection value of a sensor group indicating the secondary battery behavior. By using the sate estimation value at each moment estimated by the battery model expression at each predetermined cycle, an I/O-enabled time is predicted when a predetermined power is continuously inputted (charged) or outputted (discharged) from the current moment. A load operation instruction of the secondary battery is set so as to avoid overcharge and over-discharge of the secondary battery according to the operation request to the load and by considering the predicted characteristics between input/output power and input/output-allowed time. |
| US08336645B2 |
Drilling cuttings mobilizer and method for use
A rotating drill string sub redistributes wellbore drill cuttings into the drilling fluid flowstream to improve the efficiency of the drilling operation. Standoff elements are located on each side of an agitator, all configured on a relatively short section of drill pipe. The agitator comprises a plurality of alternating blades standing radially outward from and arranged helically about the axis of the sub, and grooves located between pairs of adjacent blades, each groove comprising a flow channel that is open at both ends of the agitator. The standoff elements contain abutment surfaces having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the agitator, so that the agitator is prevented from contacting the wall of the wellbore and therefore does not experience the forces that the standoff elements experience. |
| US08336643B2 |
Vibratory drilling apparatus
A vibratory unit interposed between a planetary drive and earth-penetrating device, e.g., an auger, is powered by the hydraulic system of a tractor, skid loader or the like. The unit includes a housing having a base plate with a slidable striker plate mounted therein. A Kelly bar displaces the planetary drive from the auger and through the housing. A rotatable shaft with weights eccentrically mounted thereon produces vibratory forces and urges the striker plate into contact with the base plate to provide hammer-like forces on the auger. |
| US08336640B2 |
Hand-held power tool
The invention is based on a hand-held power tool, in particular a cordless screwdriver, having a drivable output shaft, a supporting element, and a roller bearing unit that is provided to transmit a supporting force of the output shaft to the supporting element. According to the invention, the output shaft and/or the supporting element constitutes at least one roller element running surface of the roller bearing unit. |
| US08336638B2 |
Method and apparatus for harvesting and picking up sod
A sod harvester includes a sod cutting knife, a sod carrier, and an inclined conveyor for carrying a sod piece from the sod cutting knife to a horizontal conveyor, where the inclined conveyor moves at faster than ground speed. The sod carrier is movable between a first location above the horizontal conveyor and a second location. In the first location, the sod piece is removably secured to the sod carrier when the sod piece is on the horizontal conveyor. In the second location, the sod carrier releases the sod piece. |
| US08336637B2 |
Fire extinguishing system for hydrocarbon storage tanks
A fire extinguishing system for a floating or fixed roof hydrocarbon or petro chemical storage tank includes an above-ground storage tank having a cylindrically shaped upwardly extending annular wall and a floating or fixed roof on top of the storage tank. The tank also includes a sensor for detecting fire or smoke in the above-ground storage tank and a mass of fire extinguishing materials and a dispenser for dispensing the fire extinguishing materials inwardly across the top of the storage tank upon sensing a fire within the tank. Further, a sub-terrian tank having a capacity greater than the capacity of the above-ground storage tank is disposed below the above-ground storage tank and is connected to the above-ground storage tank so that the hydrocarbon or petro chemical liquid from the bottom of the above-ground storage tank can be almost immediately emptied into the sub-terrain storage tank. |
| US08336635B2 |
Downhole apparatus with packer cup and slip
A downhole apparatus and for use in a well bore and associated method are disclosed. The downhole apparatus includes a center mandrel. A slip means is disposed on the mandrel. The slip means can include teeth or the like for grippingly engaging the well bore when in a set position. A retractable packer cup is also disposed on the mandrel. The retractable packer cup is provided for sealing an annulus between the mandrel and the well bore. The retractable packer cup is slidable relative to the mandrel, and can be controlled to slide along the mandrel in order to move the slip to the set position. Also disclosed is a downhole assembly that includes a downhole tool and a setting apparatus. The setting apparatus can be used for lowering the downhole apparatus to a desired setting depth and then releasing the downhole apparatus. |
| US08336634B2 |
System and method for packing
Disclosed herein are sealing assemblies which include a mandrel; an inner element formed around the mandrel; an outer element formed around the inner element; and a plurality of slats arranged between the inner and outer elements. The slats have a friction-reducing agent on the surface of the slats. Also disclosed herein are methods for zonal isolation within a wellbore. The methods include providing a mandrel; providing an inner element formed around the mandrel; providing an outer element formed around the inner element; providing a plurality of slats arranged between the inner and outer elements; and axially compressing the inner element and the outer element to radially expand the inner element and outer element. The slats have a friction-reducing agent on their surface. |
| US08336633B2 |
System and method for connecting devices in a well environment
A technique facilitates formation of communication line connections in a well environment. An electro-optic splitter enables communication line connections which comprise electrical conductor connections and optical fiber connections. The electro-optic splitter comprises a universal block which enables the electrical conductor and optical fiber to pass through the universal block while also enabling splitting of at least one of the electrical conductor and optical fiber for additional connection to one or more downhole gauges or other devices. |
| US08336626B2 |
Downhole magnetic retrieval devices with fixed magnetic arrays
A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel with one or more pockets formed in its outer radial surface. A removable insert resides within each pocket. Each of the inserts retains a plurality of individual magnets in a fixed array or matrix surrounding the mandrel. |
| US08336624B2 |
Squeeze process for reactivation of well treatment fluids containing a water-insoluble adsorbent
A process for fracturing a subterraneous formation in the production of an oil well is described. The process steps include injecting an initial charge of a mixture, the mixture being formed from at least a water-insoluble adsorbent and at least one well treatment agent, into a well bore formed in the subterraneous formation so as to form a downhole matrix within the formation; injecting a solution comprised of an additional amount of the well treatment agent into the formation after the initial charge of the at least one well treatment agent has been substantially depleted; and then pressurizing the well bore for a time and under conditions sufficient to reactivate the downhole matrix in the formation, so that the treatment agent activity of the matrix is increased relative to the treatment agent activity of the matrix just prior to injecting the solution. |
| US08336623B2 |
Process for dispersing nanocatalysts into petroleum-bearing formations
Embodiments include methods for recovering petroleum products from a formation containing heavy crude oil. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a steam generator within the petroleum-bearing formation, flowing a fuel source and an oxidizing agent into the steam generator, generating and releasing steam from the steam generator to heat the heavy crude oil, flowing a catalytic material containing a nanocatalyst into the petroleum-bearing formation, and exposing the catalytic material to the heavy crude oil. The method further provides forming lighter oil products from the heavy crude oil within the petroleum-bearing formation and extracting the lighter oil products from the petroleum-bearing formation. In some examples, the fuel source contains methane, syngas, or hydrogen gas, and the oxidizing agent contains oxygen gas, air, or oxygen enriched air. The nanocatalyst may contain cobalt, iron, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, titanium, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof. |
| US08336618B2 |
Method and apparatus for isolating tubing with a swellable seal
An apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a tubular for use in a wellbore comprising a first, inner tubular in the form of carrier tube and a second, outer tubular in the form of protective shroud, coupled to the carrier tube. One or more aperture is provided in a wall of the carrier tube for permitting fluid transfer through the tube and one or more aperture is provided to permit fluid transfer through the shroud. A sealing layer is disposed on a surface of the shroud, the sealing layer defining a first configuration permitting fluid flow through the apertures and, on exposure to a selected reactant, adopting a second configuration to restrict fluid flow through the apertures, the sealing layer adapted to return from the second configuration to the first configuration where concentration of the selected reactant falls below a selected threshold. |
| US08336617B2 |
Downhole filter tool
Apparatus for downhole filtration of fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus has a diverter and a filter slidably mounted on a mandrel. The diverter has a circumferential wiper element between the mandrel and the casing within which the apparatus is run. When fluids are reverse circulated, or the tool is being pulled out, the diverter shifts to a downward position, wherein it seals against an upper end of the filter, filtering out solids in the fluids and retaining them in a chamber between the sleeve and mandrel. When running the tool into a wellbore, the diverter shifts to an upper position to permit fluids to bypass the filter sleeve. The filter sleeve bears against a spring loaded seat, which permits creating a gap between the diverter and an upper end of the filter sleeve to allow fluids to bypass the filter sleeve should the filter sleeve slots become plugged. |
| US08336613B2 |
Back pressured hydraulic pump for sucker rod
A hydraulic pump includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly comprising a cylinder sealed by an upper head and a lower head and carrying a piston which divides the hydraulic cylinder assembly into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A load is connected to the piston and urges it toward the lower head. A conduit connects a reversible hydraulic pump assembly in fluid flow communication with a pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid and the lower chamber for counterbalancing the load. A control system is operably associated with the reversible hydraulic pump assembly to cause hydraulic fluid to flow back and forth between the lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly and the pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid. A system is also provided to counteract leakage in the pump by adding hydraulic fluid makeup on an as needed and controlled basis. |
| US08336612B2 |
Severing of downhole tubing with associated cable
Methods for severing a tubular string having a cable in association therewith can include lowering a cutting apparatus into the tubular string and actuating the cutting apparatus to form a cut in the tubular string and sever the cable. Severing the cable in this manner can be performed through a single actuation of a single cutting apparatus, enabling at least a portion of the tubular string to be subsequently severed and retrieved, unimpeded by the cable. |
| US08336611B2 |
Enhanced heat pipe cooling with MHD fluid flow
A heat source is cooled by employing heat pipes, magneto-hydrodynamic fluid pipes, and a heat sink. Heat is transmitted from evaporating ends of the heat pipes connected to the heat source to condensing ends of the heat pipes connected to the heat sink. The magneto-hydrodynamic fluid is circulated inside the magneto-hydrodynamic fluid pipes. Magnetic fields are generated using an array of magnets and an electric potential is created from a top surface to a bottom surface of each magneto-hydrodynamic fluid pipe using metal films. The magnetic fields and electric potential induce an electrically-conductive magneto-hydrodynamic fluid to circulate in the magneto-hydrodynamic fluid pipes thereby dissipating heat from the heat sink. |
| US08336610B2 |
Device and method for temperature control in an aircraft cabin
A device for temperature control in an aircraft cabin includes a first supply control arrangement and a first pressure control arrangement. The first supply control arrangement includes an air duct and a valve arrangement that controls a supply of heated air delivered to a first temperature area of the aircraft cabin such that a first specified temperature for the first temperature zone is achieved. When the valve arrangement fails, the first pressure control arrangement operates to control a pressure of heated air supplied into the first temperature area such that the first specified temperature for the first temperature zone is achieved. |
| US08336609B2 |
Method for controlling the feed air temperature of a passenger aircraft
A passenger aircraft includes a cabin subdivided into a plurality of cabin zones supplied with feed air from respective supply lines, a plurality of temperature sensors, and an electronic control unit coupled to the plurality of temperature sensors. The plurality of temperature sensors measures a plurality of individual ambient temperature values associated with different locations in at least one of the plurality of cabin zones. The electronic control unit derives a derived ambient temperature value for the at least one cabin zone from the plurality of individual ambient temperature values. The electronic control unit then controls a temperature of the feed air supplied to the at least one cabin zone based on the difference between the derived ambient temperature value and a room temperature target value for the at least one cabin zone. |
| US08336606B2 |
Investment casting cores and methods
A method involves forming a core assembly. The forming includes deforming a wire, the deforming including increasing a transverse linear dimension along at least one portion of the wire. The wire is assembled to a ceramic core. |
| US08336605B2 |
Continuous casting device
A continuous casting device includes a mould, a nozzle, and an electromagnetic stirrer provided around the nozzle above the mould, the stirrer including a core of a magnetic material that extends circumferentially around the nozzle and a plurality of windings wound around the core. The windings are wound around a cross section of the core as seen in the circumferential direction of the core. |
| US08336603B2 |
Oxide restraint during co-casting of metals
A method and apparatus is disclosed for casting a composite ingot made of metals that are susceptible to surface oxide formation when molten. The method involves co-casting at least two metal layers from at least two molten metal pools formed within a direct chill casting apparatus. During the casting operation, movement of metal oxide formed on the upper surface of at least one of the pools towards an edge of the pool is restrained by an oxide skimmer positioned close to an edge of the pool above an external surface or metal-metal interface of the ingot. The apparatus provides a DC caster with at least one oxide skimmer that operates in this manner. |
| US08336600B2 |
Casting device
The casting device (1) comprises a die (3) consisting of two die halves (3a, 3b) forming in their interior a die cavity (4). In addition, the casting device (1) comprises connected to the die cavity (4) a casting chamber (6), the outlet (9) of which can be closed off at least partially by means of a closure member (18,26). At least the one die half (3a) is provided with a vent passage (13) for evacuating the die cavity (4) and/or the casting chamber (6). The vent passage (13) ports into the die parting (12) of the one die half (3a) such that it can be closed off by the other die half (3b) when locking the die (3). |
| US08336596B2 |
Composite lamination using array of parallel material dispensing heads
Aspects of the present disclosure include various exemplary embodiments of systems and methods relating to composite lamination using one or more arrays of parallel material dispensing heads. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a high aspect ratio composite article generally includes applying a first strip material to a work surface datum at a first angle with a first material dispenser, and applying a plurality of second strip materials to a work surface datum each at a second angle with a plurality of rotatable parallel material dispensers. The method also includes advancing the first material dispenser and the rotatable parallel material dispensers as a unit the width of the second strip material and continuing application of the first strip material by the first material dispenser and a plurality of second strip materials by the rotatable parallel material dispensers until a desired length is reached. |
| US08336594B2 |
Labeling unit
A labeling unit having a label holder for at least one first size or format of label, at least one transfer-plate shaft which is at least drivable in rotation and which carries at least one transfer plate for the first size or format of label, a gripper cylinder at least able to be driven in rotation which carries controlled grippers set at least to the first size or format of label, and having pressure-applying members on the gripper cylinder which are associated with the grippers. The label holder, the transfer plate and the gripper cylinder are three main sub-assemblies of the labeling unit which define a transfer path for labels, which co-operate with one another at positions for co-operation and which can be converted for a change of size or format. |
| US08336592B2 |
Pneumatic tire and process for producing the same
A pneumatic tire in which, in employing as an air-impermeable layer a film formed of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer component obtained by blending a thermoplastic resin with an elastomer, separation of the film during tire production is prevented; and a process for producing the same. The pneumatic tire is obtained by disposing a film closer to a tire cavity than a carcass layer, disposing a first rubber layer closer to the tire cavity than the film so as to cover the film, and disposing ends, in the width direction, of the first rubber layer outward of ends, in the width direction, of the film, the film being formed of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by blending a thermoplastic resin with an elastomer. |
| US08336588B2 |
Patch and electronic monitoring device for tire
A patch and method for mounting an electronic monitoring device to the innerliner of a pneumatic tire is provided wherein the monitoring device is potted directly to an attachment patch. A frame is built on an attachment patch and the electronic monitoring device is disposed inside the frame. An encapsulation material is poured into the frame and cured to encapsulate the monitoring device directly against the patch. The patch may then be connected to the innerliner of a pneumatic tire. |
| US08336580B2 |
Cartridge
The present invention relates to a cartridge which comprises separate temperature and flow adjusting shafts whereby temperature and flow adjustments can be controlled separately from each other and where, if desired, the flow adjusting cartridge (3) and the temperature adjusting cartridge (4) can be separated from each other to be used in different mechanisms independent of each other. |
| US08336576B2 |
Compressed air supply device for motor vehicles
A compressed air supply system for motor vehicles includes a compressor, control electronics, an air dryer having an inlet channel for non-dried compressed air, an outlet channel for the dried compressed air, and a dehumidification device through which the compressed air to be dried can flow, a pressure regulator having an outlet valve for controlling the compressor between an idle phase and a load phase, a multi-circuit safety valve that is connected to the outlet channel of the air dryer via a compressed air line, and over-flow valves for the individual circuits, a regeneration valve and a moisture sensor for detecting the atmospheric moisture in the compressed air flowing in the compressed air line. To reduce the detrimental effects of admixtures and components of the compressed air on the moisture sensor, the moisture sensor is located in a bypass channel of the compressed air line. |
| US08336574B2 |
Pressure averaging sense tube for gas regulator
A regulator comprises a regulator valve and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and comprises a control element for controlling the flow of fluid through the regulator valve. The actuator is additionally equipped with a pressure averaging sense tube to sense the actual pressure at the outlet of the regulator valve. The actual pressure is then supplied to a sensing element such as a diaphragm of the actuator to adjust the position of the control element. The pressure averaging sense tube includes an open sensing end and an elongated slot. The elongated slot advantageously senses and averages the pressure across the length of the sense tube to maximize the accuracy of the pressure signal supplied to the sensing element. |
| US08336573B2 |
Modular manifold with quick disconnect valve fittings
A manifold for accommodating at least one fluid is constructed of a plurality of modules that can be interconnected and configured to create a customized manifold. Couplers interconnecting a flow cavity of each module can be selected to determine fluid flow characteristics between module flow cavities. Each module has one or more valve ports. Valves or other flow accommodating apparatus are attached to the manifold via adapters. A first end of each adapter is sized and configured to engage a valve port, and a second end engages the attached apparatus. |
| US08336571B2 |
Overpressure shutoff and relief valve assembly
A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly comprises a housing having an inlet, a first outlet, and a passageway extending therebetween, the passageway having a first inner diameter at the inlet and a second inner diameter at the first outlet, a first poppet valve disposed in, and adapted to selectively seal, the inlet, a second poppet valve disposed in, and adapted to selectively seal, the first outlet, the second poppet valve coupled to the first poppet valve, and a biasing member coupled to the second poppet valve, the biasing member adapted to exert a force sealing the second poppet valve. |
| US08336566B2 |
Detachable gutter system for use with an umbrella
The “Umbrella Water Control” is a gutter with tubes, affixed to the circumference of the umbrella. It is snapped onto the circumference of the umbrella, which is supported by a retractable frame. The gutter channels the water flowing off the umbrella's surface through the tubes. The gutter is made of plastic and nylon (or material used to make the umbrella covering). All tubes are made of plastic and act like a straw to funnel the water. They are joined into one main tube that extends along the stick of the umbrella. At the end of the main tube is an added extension that is made to open like an antenna where the water continues. This allows the user to direct where the water flow is deposited. This prevents the excess dripping of water on by-standers as the umbrella user walk, sits or stands in an arena, stadium or crowded area. |
| US08336565B2 |
Drawer dishwasher
The present invention relates to a drawer dishwasher (1), comprising an extractable washing tub (2) for receiving objects that are to be washed, and a lid (9), for sealing engagement with the washing tub (2). The lid (9) is movable between an engagement position (A), wherein it is in sealing engagement (10) with an upper edge (6) of the washing tub (2), and an opening position (B), wherein it is spaced from the upper edge (6) of the washing tub (2). The drawer dishwasher (1) has a sealing device (10) arranged to press the lid (9), when it is in the engagement position (A), towards the upper edge (6) of the washing tub (2). |
| US08336563B2 |
Device for application of a cosmetic powder to a sponge
In accordance with the invention the device has a housing (112, 114), a receiving shell (150) arranged on the housing (112, 114) to accommodate the sponge (192) which can be accessed from outside, a powder reservoir (170) disposed in the housing (112, 114) for storage of the powder (190) before application and a transport device (116, 160, 174, 180) provided in the housing (112, 114), wherein the transport device (116, 160, 174, 180) is formed to transport the powder from the powder reservoir (170) to the receiving shell (150). |
| US08336561B2 |
Hairdressing device
A hairdressing device includes a pair of arm members opposed to each other and hingedly connected at one longitudinal ends thereof, each of the arm members including a hinge portion, a grip portion contiguous to the hinge portion and a hair-pinching portion contiguous to the grip portion; and a heater member arranged in the hair-pinching portion of each of the arm members to generate heat when supplied with electric power. The heater member includes a pair of heating plates arranged side by side in a spaced-apart relationship with each other. The heater member includes a heat-resistant transparent member arranged between the heating plates to transmit infrared rays. |
| US08336558B2 |
Direct application brush having flow regulator assembly
A brush assembly releases a fluid and/or liquid solution directly onto a surface, such as a coat of an animal during grooming, or onto inanimate surfaces such as vehicles. The brush assembly includes a molded brush having a plurality of apertures integrated therein for delivery of a fluid. At least one base plate with grooming implementations, such as bristles or a sponge, is interchangeably attached to the brush base. An ergonomical handle is provided having a palm conforming top and finger indentation sides constructed to form an internal cavity. The ergonomical handle is ambidextrous in nature for interchangeable left and right handedness. A center cylinder is located within said internal cavity of said ergonomical handle and includes a bladder which aligns with the mid portion of the brush base for fluid delivery controlled upstream by a flow regulator. An optional mixing chamber housing a water soluble compound containing active ingredients may be attached to the flow regulator to form a liquid solution. The fluid and/or liquid solution is delivered directly to the surface during grooming. |
| US08336555B2 |
System and method for determining dosimetry in ophthalmic photomedicine
A system and method for treating ophthalmic target tissue, including a light source for generating a beam of light, a beam delivery system that includes a scanner for generating patterns, and a controller for controlling the light source and delivery system to create a dosimetry pattern of the light beam on the ophthalmic target tissue. One or more dosage parameters of the light beam vary within the dosimetry pattern, to create varying exposures on the target tissue. A visualization device observes lesions formed on the ophthalmic target tissue by the dosimetry pattern. The controller selects dosage parameters for the treatment beam based upon the lesions resulting from the dosimetry pattern, either automatically or in response to user input, so that a desired clinical effect is achieved by selecting the character of the lesions as determined by the dosimetry pattern lesions. |
| US08336549B2 |
Disposable anesthesia face mask
A disposable anesthesia face mask comprising a shell member having an annular flange and a do-nut shaped pneumatic sealing cushion attached to the shell member annular flange. The shell member and its flange are “pear-shaped” defining a nasal portion of first transverse extent, a mouth portion of second transverse extent, and an under-the-chin engagement portion of third transverse extent where the second transverse extent is greater than the first transverse extent and the third transverse extent is greater than the second transverse extent. |
| US08336545B2 |
Methods and systems for operating an aerosol generator
A method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes delivering a dose of aerosolized medicament intermittently to a ventilator circuit coupled to the respiratory system of the patient. Also, a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes taking the patient off a ventilator, and administering to the patient, a nebulized aerosol comprising from about 100 μg to about 500 mg of a medicament. Also a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, the method comprising administering an aerosolized first medicament comprising amikacin to the patient and administering, systemically a second medicament comprising an antibiotic to the patient that also treats the pulmonary disease, wherein a resulting amikacin concentration in the lung and/or pulmonary system is therapeutically-effective, and an amount of the systemically administered antibiotics is reduced. |
| US08336537B1 |
Sawdust/pellets/waste stove or dryer
A center burn technology for a stove or dryer for the burning of solid, loose or compressed fuels, or mixtures of fuels. The stove uses a center burn draft and combustion through the combustion material. The preferred embodiment of this stove consists of at least two bins, an outer exhaust bin and inner combustion bin. A vertically placed air core combustion tube is resting within a stabilizing support collar at the top and at the bottom the tube rests inside of a tapered apparatus. The smaller opening at the bottom of the tapered apparatus provides return gas venting and easy ash drop system to ash bin or pan below. Exhaust drafts through vents between said bins at the upper portion of the inner combustion bin. The stove provides a long efficient burn with a steady combustion temperature. The stove does not require the use of electricity. |
| US08336536B1 |
Active heating system for underwater diver
An active heating system for an underwater diver uses material particles that can generate heat in an exothermic reaction in the presence of oxygen. The material particles are positioned at selected region(s) within an underwater diver's attire. A source of oxygen gas is coupled to the selected region(s). |
| US08336528B2 |
EGR device
An EGR device includes a first cooling passage that introduces a flowing medium discharged from an engine into a main radiator so that the flowing medium is cooled therein, and then returns the flowing medium to the engine, and a second cooling passage that introduces a part of the flowing medium cooled in the first cooling passage to a sub-radiator so that the flowing medium is further cooled therein. The second cooling passage introduces the flowing medium to an EGR cooler to return the flowing medium, which is discharged from the EGR cooler, to the engine. |
| US08336527B2 |
Evaporated fuel processing device
A solenoid switching valve is provided at a low concentration gas pipe that sends gas from a second separating film unit to a canister. A reflux pipe, that is branched-off from the low concentration gas pipe by the solenoid switching valve, merges with a medium concentration gas pipe that is from the second separating film unit, and further runs via a circulating pipe, and reaches a merge portion with a purge pipe from the canister. By switching the solenoid switching valve to the merge portion side and driving a purge pump that is provided at an exhaust pipe between the merge portion and a first separating film unit, gas, whose concentration has risen within the low concentration gas pipe, is sent to the first separating film unit, and is separated into high concentration gas HG and low concentration gas LG. |
| US08336525B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for estimating deterioration of a NOx sensor response rate
An apparatus for determining a deterioration of a NOx sensor response rate in an internal combustion engine system includes an engine control module configured to stop fueling to an internal combustion engine during motoring of the internal combustion engine. The apparatus also includes a signal monitoring module configured to monitor a NOx sensor signal after the engine control module stops fueling to the internal combustion engine during motoring of the engine and store NOx sensor signal data corresponding to the monitored NOx sensor signal. Additionally, the apparatus includes a time constant module that is configured to determine a time constant of the NOx sensor response after the engine control module stops fueling. The apparatus further includes a response rate deterioration module configured to determine a response rate deterioration value of the NOx sensor based at least partially on the determined time constant. |
| US08336524B2 |
Fuel injection device
The invention relates to an injection device for injecting high-pressure fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, the device comprising an injection valve assigned to a discrete reservoir chamber. A non-return valve operates between the chamber and the high-pressure supply line and the filter, which is preferably designed as an edge filter, forms a stop for limiting the opening motion of the valve member that is preferably designed as a valve member plate. |
| US08336522B2 |
Engine revolution speed control system for construction machine
An engine revolution speed control system for a construction machine is disclosed. The engine revolution speed control system includes an input unit that sets an engine revolution speed by a user, outputs a setting process as a set signal, and determines whether or not an engine is driven at a set engine revolution speed; a control unit that receives the set signal and stores the set engine revolution speed, receives the set signal and an ON/OFF signal to output an output signal corresponding to the received set signal and the ON/OFF signal, and controls operation of the engine at the set engine revolution speed in accordance with the ON/OFF signal; and a display that receives the output signal to visually output the setting process or whether or not the engine is driven at the set engine revolution speed. |
| US08336519B2 |
Intake system of engine
An intake system of an engine, may include first and second intake passages that are collaterally disposed to the engine, first and second shafts that are collaterally disposed along the first and second intake passages respectively, first flaps and second flaps that are mounted on the first shaft and the second shaft so as to open or close the first intake passages and the second intake passages respectively, an inter-lever, of which one end portion is pivotally and eccentrically connected to the first shaft and the other end portion is pivotally and eccentrically connected to the second shaft, and through which a rotation of the first shaft is transferred to the second shaft, and a driving portion connected to the first shaft and rotating the first shaft to have the first flaps and the second flaps open or close the first intake passages and the second intake passages respectively. |
| US08336518B2 |
Rotary machine with roller controlled vanes
A rotary machine is provided, having a stator forming a chamber for a rotor, the stator having two sidewalls defining opposite sides of the chamber and a substantially continuous, circumferentially extending inner wall, and at least one inlet and outlet. A rotor and stator define two cavities at opposite ends of the chamber. The rotor has at least two radially extending slots and at least two radially movable vanes having first and second primary rollers and first and second secondary rollers mounted on a radially inward section of the vane. Two roller cam devices are each provided on a respective one of the stator side walls and are positioned centrally adjacent opposite sides of the rotor. In use, outer tips of the vanes slidingly engage the inner wall of the stator. The primary rollers limit outward vane movement due to centrifugal forces. Secondary rollers limit and control inward vanes movement. |
| US08336516B2 |
Magnetorheological lubrication of an internal combustion engine
A system and method are disclosed for reducing the fuel consumption of an engine, particularly during a cold start or an engine warm-up period. A magnetorheological fluid having a low viscosity is used to lubricate the engine. When viscosity is to be increased, a magnetic field is applied to the magnetorheological fluid. The magnetic field can be selectively applied to electromagnets proximate engine bearings. |
| US08336513B2 |
Variable tappet
A variable tappet may include an outer tappet body, an inner tappet body that is slidably disposed within the outer tappet body and selectively connected with the outer tappet body, a lost motion elastic member that is disposed within the outer tappet body and elastically supports the outer tappet body, and a connecting unit that is slidably disposed within the inner tappet body and selectively connects the outer tappet body and the inner tappet body. |
| US08336512B2 |
Camshaft phaser for a concentric camshaft
A camshaft adjuster for a concentric camshaft assembly of an internal combustion engine is provided. The adjuster includes a stator that is connected to the timing gear, a rotor located within the stator and connected to the outer camshaft. The rotor includes a plurality of vanes that extend into spaces created between inwardly directed projections of the stator to define first and second sets of chambers on each side of the vanes. Front and rear sidewalls are connected to the stator and form the front and rear walls of the chambers. An outer cover connects to the stator to the inner camshaft. Radial loads acting on the timing gear are transmitted from the stator to the rotor and into the outer camshaft. |
| US08336511B2 |
Method and system for controlling a cam phaser
A method and control module includes a control hold duty cycle module generating a control hold duty cycle signal and a voltage correction module generating a voltage correction signal. The control module also includes a correction module generating a corrected proportional correction signal based on a proportional correction signal and the voltage correction signal, and generating a corrected integral correction signal based on an integral correction signal and the voltage correction signal. The control module also includes a force determination module controlling a duty cycle to a phaser operator based upon the control hold signal, the corrected proportional correction signal and the corrected integral correction signal. |
| US08336510B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes an inner rotor, a vane, an outer rotor, a first fluid passage to an advanced angle chamber, a second fluid passage to a retarded angle chamber, a lock mechanism restricting the relative rotation between the inner and outer rotors, a third fluid passage establishing an unlocked state by supplying the fluid to the lock mechanism and a locked state by discharging the fluid from the lock mechanism, a first switching valve supplying the fluid to each of the first and second fluid passages and discharging from each of the first and second fluid passages and a second switching valve controlling a fluid flow to be supplied to or discharged from the third fluid passage, wherein the first switching valve is operated independently from the second switching valve, and the fluid is supplied to the first switching valve via the second switching valve. |
| US08336508B2 |
System and method for use with a combustion engine
A system for use with a combustion engine having an air intake, sensors and an engine control module, comprising a hydrogen cell capable of turning water into hydrogen and oxygen gases and a controller electrically connected to the sensors, the engine control module and the hydrogen cell, wherein the controller is programmed to ratiometrically skew one or more signal inputs to the engine control module to control the engine in response to predetermined signal levels, wherein the controller is programmed to activate the hydrogen cell in response to predetermined signal levels, wherein the hydrogen cell is fluidly connected to the engine through the air intake, and wherein the controller is programmed to cause the engine control module to reduce the rate of fuel flow to the engine and to activate the hydrogen cell simultaneously. |
| US08336504B1 |
Pet collar with retractable leash
A pet collar with retractable leash provides a comfortable collar structure having a retractable leash selectively extendable from the collar. The assembly includes a collar having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a medial portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. A buckle is coupled to the first end portion of the collar. The buckle is selectively securable to the second end portion of the collar to secure the collar around a neck of an animal. A reel assembly is coupled to the medial portion of the collar. A line has a first end coupled to the reel assembly and a second end selectively extendable from the reel assembly. |
| US08336501B2 |
Cat grooming and activity device
A cat grooming and activity device. The device includes a base configured to reside upon a substantially horizontal surface and to support a grooming activity post extending vertically from it. A grooming activity post is appended to and extends from the base, the grooming activity post having a first segment proximate the base and a second segment extending from the first segment. The first segment comprises a grooming surface and the second segment comprises a scratching surface. |
| US08336500B1 |
Pet crate device with separate container for bathroom
A pet crate device for providing a pet a place to rest and a place to use the bathroom. The device features a first container with a first access door is disposed in the front of the first container and a first back opening is disposed in the back, and a second container with a second back opening is disposed in the back. A first attachment means secures the backs of the two containers together. A track surrounding the first back opening, and a divider board can slide into and out of the track allowing and preventing access to the inner cavity of the first compartment. A tab extends upwardly from the top of the divider board. The tab functions as a handle. A divider board lock can secure the divider board in the closed position. |
| US08336499B2 |
Foldable aquaculture net
An aquaculture net forming an open basket has a front wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a back wall, and a bottom. The front wall, the left side wall, the right side wall, and the bottom all preferably have the form of a rectangle. At least part of the left side wall is foldable or has been folded over a diagonal of the at least part of the left side wall and at least part of the right side wall is foldable or has been folded over a diagonal of the at least part of the right side wall, in order to facilitate transport of the aquaculture net. |
| US08336497B2 |
Small animal toilet pad
A small animal toilet pad that includes a base and one or more walls that extend upward from the base to protect floors, and adjacent walls, furniture and other objects from damage associated with animal and pet toilet habits. The base and wall(s) can be made from conventional liquid absorbent materials and can be in the form of woven or non-woven fabrics or webs, or laminated pads, mats sheets, etc. The base and/or wall(s) can include or contain stiffeners such as plastic panels, laminates or coatings, water proofed paper or cardboard panels, or similar reinforcing or stiffening elements whether as a continuous structure, grid, frame, etc. Alternatively, the wall(s) can be supported to adjacent structures by clips, hooks, ties, etc. |
| US08336493B1 |
Pet feeder with insertable ramp
A pet feeder includes a food container. A base supports the food container and includes a food storage area for receiving food from the food container. The base also includes a bowl for allowing a pet access to food. The bowl is disposed adjacent to the food storage area. The pet feeder further includes a ramp adapted to be inserted into the food storage area for directing food from the food container to the bowl. |
| US08336489B2 |
Thermal evaporation apparatus, use and method of depositing a material
A thermal evaporation apparatus for depositing of a material on a substrate is described. The apparatus can comprise material storage means; heating means to generate a vapour of the material in the material storage means; vapour outlet means comprising a vapour receiving pipe having vapour outlet passages, and emission reducing means arranged such that an external surface of the vapour outlet means directed to said substrate exhibits low emission. Also the use of the apparatus, and a method of depositing a material onto a substrate by thermal evaporation are described. |
| US08336486B2 |
Tape core wire manufacturing apparatus, tape core wire wiring apparatus and wiring method
There is provided a tape core wire manufacturing apparatus that makes it possible to manufacture a large variety of tape core wires in small quantities with ease, and in addition, makes it easy to apply a uniform coating over a broad width. In the tape core wire manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, a coating apparatus that applies a coating material to respective optical fiber core wires has a coating head that moves in the longitudinal direction relatively to the respective optical fiber core wires that have been placed in a row on a coating jig. The coating head has a position adjustment surface that is located in the vicinity of a coating member of the coating head and adjusts the positioning in the thickness direction of the respective optical fiber core wires when these are in the form of a tape. This position adjustment surface is pressed against the respective optical fiber core wires. The coating head is also able to be tilted in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08336485B2 |
Coating apparatus
A coating apparatus includes a first vessel, a revolving unit, and a motor having a drive shaft. The first vessel has a receiving space defined therein for receiving substrates and a first solution. The revolving unit is received in the receiving space and rotatable relative to the first vessel to impart a centrifugal force to the first solution. The drive shaft is coupled to the revolving unit. The motor is configured for rotating the revolving unit. |
| US08336483B2 |
System and method for glazing
A system for glazing a sash is disclosed. The system comprises at least two position assemblies, a back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly, and a stabilizer assembly. The position assemblies each include a position member defining a distal end and a housing. Each position member is selectively slidable between a stored position and an extended position; wherein the distal end of the positioner member is extend outwardly from the housing and contacts a glazing leg of the sash when the positioner member is moved into the extended position. The back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly is configured to move from a stored position to a dispensing position, wherein the back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly includes a nozzle head that is configured to fit within a gap defined between an interior surface of the sash and an outer edge of a viewing element disposed within an opening of the sash when the back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly is in the dispensing position and wherein the back bedding glazing compound applicator assembly is fluidly connected to a back bedding glazing compound supply source. The stabilizer assembly is configured to retain the viewing element in a fixed position with respect to the sash while back bedding glazing compound is being dispensed by nozzle head. |
| US08336474B2 |
Wrinkle free garment and method of manufacture
A method of manufacturing wrinkle-free garment seams and garments made therefrom comprises (a) placing a bonding element comprising a thermal adhesive between garment components; (b) stitching along a seam line; and (c) applying heat and/or pressure to cause the adhesive to melt and flow along the seam to bond at least one garment component. The thermal adhesive has a melting point of higher than about 150° C., preferably in the range about 160° C. to about 190° C. Alternatively, a bonding element comprising any adhesive material and having a substantially U shape is used to make various seams, such as a yoke seam, a shoulder seam, a side seam, a pocket seam, a hem button stay seam, a sleeve seam, a collar seam, etc. Wrinkle free garments, such as shirts, pants, blouses, skirts, etc., incorporating the seams are produced. |
| US08336473B2 |
Mattress edge sewing machine
A mattress edge tape machine is provided. More specifically, a workstation for applying a tape edge material about the peripheral side edges of bedding materials such as mattresses or foundation sets is provided. The mattress edge tape machine has a table adapted to support a work piece, at least one conveyor belt coupled to the table, a sewing head mounted directly adjacent to the table for performing a sewing operation on the work piece, and an arcuate turning arm mounted adjacent to the table to selectively turn the work piece on the table. The arcuate arm may include a clamping device for moving and securing the work piece. The machine may also include a guide assembly of actuators, instead of an arcuate turning arm. |
| US08336472B2 |
Multi diameter gauge wheel
A seed planting assembly comprises a depth regulating member and a residue driving member. The depth regulating member and residue driving member may be integrally formed as one structure, or they may be formed separately and later joined to one another. A method of planting comprises selecting the geometries of the depth regulating member and residue driving member for a given set of conditions so that the depth regulating member facilitates travel of a planting unit over debris. |
| US08336470B2 |
Seed meter airflow cover
A cover for a pneumatic metering device for preventing air flow to the ambient environment while dispensing of inputs from the metering device. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. The cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials. |
| US08336466B2 |
Pallets
Enhanced pallets including a plurality of hollow blocks and a plurality of hollow cross members are provided. The pallets may be aluminum extruded pallets. The blocks and cross members are welded together to form a pallet. The blocks and cross members may have internal wall structures which, form one or more crush cells or crush zones. The crush cells or crush zones deform in a controlled manner on impact to reduce impact damage to the pallets. The pallets have a high load strength supporting capability and allow the pallets to withstand repeated or severe impacts while remaining functional. |
| US08336465B2 |
Wind turbine hub transportation device
A wind turbine hub transportation device is provided. The transportation device includes a hub receiving surface for receiving a wind turbine hub, a first beam, a second beam, and a center part connecting the first beam and the second beam. The first and second beam each have at least one first beam connector adapted for connecting the respective beam with a first lifter for lifting the transportation device. The center part includes a center connector adapted for making a connection to a second lifter for lifting the transportation device. |
| US08336463B2 |
Zipline trolley system
A zipline trolley system comprises a cable, trolley, launcher, and a catch block. The launcher is fixed on the cable and comprises a substantially cylindrical inner body with a rigid outer body adapted to rotate about the inner body. A return spring attaches the inner body with the outer body. The catch block is also fixed on the cable and comprises a block with left and right retaining arms pivotably connected to the block and adapted to clasp onto the front plate of the frame of the trolley. |
| US08336459B1 |
Flare adapter and conversion kit for shotgun
A pen flare may be adapted for firing from a weapon having a caliber larger than a caliber of the pen flare. The adapted flare may be fired from a conventional shotgun. The adapted flare may include a pen flare with a portion having external threads and a base. The base may include an extractor rim and a through-bore with internal threads. The pen flare may be fixed in the through-bore of the base via the external and internal threads. A rear portion of the base may have an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of a front portion of the base. A cylindrical sleeve may be disposed around the front portion of the base and around the pen flare. A conventional shotgun may be reversibly converted to a compact, lighter weight shotgun with a kit. The converted shotgun may be more desirable for firing flares. |
| US08336455B2 |
Rotary stamp
Provided is a rotary stamp capable of obtaining an imprint having a uniform density. The rotary stamp includes a sheathing (300) covering an outer side of an upper portion of a leg frame body (1), with a spring (5) interposed therebetween, and being movable upward and downward; and a signet body (2) being movable together with the sheathing (300) and being movable upward and downward with respect to the leg frame body (1). When the sheathing (300) is caused to move downward by exerting a pressing force on the sheathing (300), a stamping face of the signet body (2) makes a half turn and advances to a position where the stamping face is brought into contact with a sealing position. When the sheathing (300) is caused to move upward by releasing the pressing force from the sheathing, the stamping face of the signet body (2) makes an inverse half turn and retracts into the leg frame body (1) to be brought into contact with a vermilion seal ink pad (400) incorporated into the leg frame body (1), in a state where the stamping face is pressed thereagainst. The rotary stamp includes a vermilion seal ink pad rotating mechanism operable to cause the vermilion seal ink pad (400) to rotate by a predetermined angle on a plane orthogonal to a direction in which the signet body (2) advances and retracts, along with upward and downward movements of the sheathing (300) during sealing operation. |
| US08336454B2 |
Stamping device including cover member and interlock mechanism for causing rotation of cover member
When a roller is moved to an opening of a case by a pressing action to the roller, a cover member on a stamp face rotates such that the stamp face is exposed at the opening. Such a mechanism allows a working state and an off-duty state of a roller stamp to be easily switched between. Also, the cover member covers the opening side of the stamp face before the roller is squeezed out. Such a configuration prevents the stamp face from being accidentally exposed while the roller stamp is not in use. |
| US08336448B2 |
Dispensing device and coffee machine for milk and milk foam
A dispensing device for milk and/or milk foam is provided that includes a mixing device for mixing steam, milk and/or air. A mixing device may include a chamber, a first line for the supply of milk into the chamber, a second line for a supply of steam into the chamber, a third line for the supply of air into the chamber, at least one outlet for dispensing the milk and/or the milk foam from the chamber, a valve including an adjustable regulating shaft for regulating the supply of milk and/or air into the chamber. By adjusting the regulating shaft between different predetermined positions at least one flow of milk may be switched on and switched off and/or altered and a flow of air may be switched on and switched off and/or altered. A dispensing device may further include a drive motor for adjusting the regulating shaft of the valve and a control device for controlling the drive motor. The regulating shaft may be movable by controlling the drive motor by means of the control device into respective predetermined positions. |
| US08336445B2 |
Fluid operated pump
Disclosed is a pumping system comprising a pump having a rigid outer casing defining an interior space and a tube structure in the interior space, the tube structure being flexible and substantially inelastic. The interior of the tube structure defines a pumping chamber for receiving pumped fluid. The tube structure is movable between laterally expanded and collapsed conditions thereby providing discharge and intake strokes. The pumping chamber receives pumped fluid to cause the tube structure to move towards the expanded condition and undergo an intake stroke. The pumping chamber—undergoes a discharge stroke upon collapsing of the tube structure. The pumping system also comprises a delivery means and a supplying means for delivering pumped fluid to the pumping chamber and for supplying actuating fluid to an actuating region around the tube structure in timed sequence to cause the tube structure to undergo discharge and intake strokes. |
| US08336442B2 |
Automatically-reloadable, remotely-operated weapon system having an externally-powered firearm
An automatically-reloadable, remotely-operated weapon system may include an operator station located distant from a weapon station. The weapon station may include an externally-powered firearm, a firearm mover for adjusting an azimuth and an angle of inclination of the firearm, and an ammunition storage and transport system for automatically moving ammunition to and from the firearm. From the operator station, a user may remotely control all aspects of firearm operation and ammunition reloading. |
| US08336441B1 |
Rotatable gun mount
A gun mount for spanning an opening, such as a door or window, may include a generally tubular bar having a pivot and lock structure on one end. The bar may include a pair of slots formed on opposing sides of the bar. A locking sleeve may be slidable on the bar. A fastener may be fixed to the locking sleeve and translatable in the pair of slots in the bar. A second generally tubular bar may include a yoke at one end and a hinge assembly at another end. The yoke may be rotatably engaged with the pivot and lock structure. The pivot and lock structure may include a locking groove. A spring-loaded locking plunger may be translatably disposed in the yoke and may include a protrusion that is selectively engagable with the locking groove. |
| US08336438B2 |
Electro-mechanical firearm trigger mechanism
An electro-mechanical firearm trigger mechanism for controlling the rate of fire for a firearm in automatic firing mode. The controlling being achieved through the use of a solenoid directed by a computer processor. The computer processor being connected to multiple sensors to instruct the solenoid on a rate of fire or to disengage automatic fire if needed. |
| US08336434B2 |
Food article end detection system for a food article slicing machine
A food article end location detecting system for a food article slicing machine. The system includes a sensor located so that each food article passes a sensing range of the sensor as the food articles are loaded onto a food article feed apparatus. The system has instructions for calculating the length of each food article based on a location value provided by the sensor. The system also comprises a food article end disposal mechanism. The disposal mechanism has a transport for receiving said food article ends and for removing said food article ends from said food article path. The disposal mechanism also has a paddle for displacing food article ends from the transport. |
| US08336433B2 |
Rotary shear
A rotary shear for subdividing a product moving longitudinally along a path comprises a parallel pair of shafts having cutting blades connected thereto. The shafts are on opposite sides of and arranged symmetrically with respect to a center line of the shear. Driven gears on each of the shafts are spaced one from the other. A first pinion gear is in meshed relationship with one of the driven gears, and a second pinion gear in meshed relationship with the other of the driven gears. The first pinion gear has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second pinion gear. The first and second pinion gears are in an intermeshed relationship at a location spaced laterally from the center line of the shear. |
| US08336431B2 |
Method for trimming multiple edges of a print product
A method for trimming multiple edges of a print product over the course of several processing steps of a processing cycle using a trimming apparatus is disclosed. The method includes the processing steps of feeding the print product from a stacking device to a trimming device using a feeding device, pressing the print product onto a trimming table using a pressing die, trimming the print product positioned on the trimming table using knives associated with the trimming device, releasing the pressing die from the trimming table, and removing the trimmed print product from the trimming table. The pressing die and the knives are driven by separate drives that are controlled by a control unit. The steps of feeding, pressing down, and releasing are time-variable, while the step of trimming includes a respectively time-constant knife movement for trimming the print product. |
| US08336430B2 |
Lathe compound multi-tool
Disclosed is an apparatus and related methods for facilitating the application of a cutting tool to a work-piece rotating on the axis of a lathe. |
| US08336425B2 |
Connecting rod with cast-in insert
A cast metal connecting rod of the type used in a reciprocating piston engine has a beam section between two end sections. The beam section and the end sections are integral with one another and are at least partially made of a cast metal material. At least the beam section of the connecting rod includes an insert made of a sintered powder metal material. The insert is at least partially encapsulated by the cast metal material of the connecting rod. The insert reinforces the connecting rod and can help match characteristics of surrounding or mating parts of the engine that are made of materials more similar to the material of the insert than the cast metal of the connecting rod. The cast metal material, for example aluminum alloy, of the connecting rod can also provide localized regions of high machinability where needed. |
| US08336419B2 |
Hub assembly for robotic arm having pin spacers
A robotic hub assembly is provided which comprises a spacer configuration (101) that includes first (103) and second (105) spacers disposed in opposing relation to each other, and a device, such as a pin (111), for restricting the relative motion of the first and second spacers in a lateral direction. |
| US08336418B2 |
Actuating device with selector lever return
An actuating device for selecting shift positions of a shift-by-wire gearshift transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that is movable between stable lever positions from at least one drive mode position to a parking lock position, a detent device with a spring-loaded detent element, a detent guide-plate and a separating device with an actuator-operated thrust wedge. The detent element and the detent guide-plate can be moved by the thrust wedge from a first position, in which the detent element engages in a shift track of the detent guide-plate, to another second position in which the detent element is disengaged from the shift track of the guide-plate. The actuating device enables automatic return of the selector lever to the parking lock position and thus provides the driver with correct visual and tactile feedback about the actual shift status of the transmission. |
| US08336417B2 |
Chain for a motion transmission apparatus
A chain for a motion transmission apparatus comprises a plurality of spacers and two links two links at both sides of the respective spacers for connecting spacers together. The spacers are equidistantly spaced from one another by a receiving space which is longitudinally asymmetrical and provided for holding rolling elements. |
| US08336410B2 |
Dual clutch multi-speed transmission
A transmission includes an input member, an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second counter shaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member. |
| US08336405B2 |
Cryogenic specimen holder
An improved cryogenic specimen holder for imaging and analysis facilitates imaging at very high tilt angles with a large field of view. A retractable specimen holder tip protects the specimen during transport. An optimized Dewar design is positioned at a fixed, tilted angle with respect to the axis of the holder, providing a means of continuously cooling the specimen irrespective of the high tilt angle and the amount of liquid nitrogen present in the vessel. The Dewar neck design reduces the entrapment of nitrogen gas bubbles and its shape prevents the spilling of liquid nitrogen at high tilt angles. The specimen holder has a retractable tip that completely encapsulates the specimen within a shielded environment internal to the specimen holder body. The cooling and specimen transfer mechanisms reduce thermal drift and the detrimental effects of vibrations generated by both the evaporation of liquid nitrogen present in the Dewar as well as other environmental effects. |
| US08336404B2 |
Bale sampler
A system for sampling a bale of fibrous material is provided including a transportation mechanism for moving the bale from a first point to a second point and a first gripper for obtaining a sample from the bale when the bale is at a position between the first point and the second point. The gripper includes a movable finger for gripping the sample from the bale. An actuator comprising an actuating rod is provided for pushing the sample away from the movable finger. |
| US08336403B2 |
Pipette tip having carrier/fluid enclosed therein, apparatus for treating pipette tip having carrier/fluid enclosed therein and method of treating pipette tip having carrier/fluid enclosed therein
The present invention relates to a pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein, an apparatus for treating the pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein, and a method of treating the pipette tip having a support and a fluid enclosed therein. The present invention aims at providing separation and purification that may be performed more efficiently and rapidly than the treatments using a conventional treatment using liquid chromatograph or a filter, and constituted to have a function for sustainedly activating the support by comprising a pipette tip comprising an attachment opening that is to be attached to a nozzle for sucking and discharging a gas or to a connecting tube attachable to the nozzle and may be communicated with the nozzle, and an opening that allows flow-in and flow-out of a liquid in response to the suction and discharging of the gas; a support enclosed in the pipette tip, which may adsorb or capture a biological material in the liquid or react with or bond to the biological material; and a fluid for sustainedly activating the support, which comprises a predetermined liquid or a predetermined gas that is enclosed in the pipette tip in a breakable state and comes into contact with the support. |
| US08336397B2 |
Method for manufacturing or testing metered-dose-ejection devices and testing apparatus therefore
For testing metered-dose-ejection devices, whether the ejected dose accords with a rated dose, the device (1) is sealingly applied (26) to a test compartment (24) and upon machine manipulation on the device (M, 5) a dose is ejected into the test compartment (24). Pressure difference established by such injection and with respect to a pre-established reference pressure (30) in the test compartment (24) is monitored by a pressure sensor (32). The output signal (o) of this sensor (32) is indicative of the extent of the addressed dose. |
| US08336394B2 |
Device for measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing in a pipe
A device (10) for measuring the flow rate of a fluid flowing in a pipe, especially for a transaction between a hydrocarbon supplier and a hydrocarbon purchaser is provided. The device (10) has a cylindrical body (11) to be interposed between two sections of the pipe. Ultrasound-beam transducers (15) are mounted on the main body (11) and intended to measure at least a rate of movement of the fluid stream as this flows through the device (10). At least one converter converts the signals emitted by the transducers into a flow rate signal. The transducers (15) are mounted and uniformly distributed on two coaxial parallel rings (12, 13). The transducers (15) of a first ring (12) are angularly offset relative to the transducers of the second ring (13). |
| US08336393B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring parameters of a fluid flowing within a pipe using a configurable array of sensors
An apparatus for measuring at least one parameter associated with a fluid flowing within a pipe includes a single sheet of piezoelectric film material wrapped around at least a portion of the pipe and an array of sensors disposed at different locations on the film material. Each of the sensors provides a signal indicative of pressure within the pipe at a corresponding axial and/or circumferential location of the pipe. The sensors are selectively configurable to provide the pressure signals. The signals are processed to determine the parameter. The array of sensors is configurable in response to different criteria. The criteria includes at least one of the parameter of the fluid to be output, an input signal specifying sensors to be selected, a predetermined configuration based on the parameter to be determined, and in response to a previously determined parameter of the fluid. |
| US08336391B2 |
Method and system for non-invasively monitoring fluid flow in a subject
A monitoring system is presented for monitoring fluid flow in turbid medium. The fluid flow monitoring system comprises a processor utility which is connectable to an acoustic generator associated with one or more acoustic ports and is operable for generating signals S0 to activate said one or more acoustic ports for irradiating a region of interest with acoustic radiation of a certain frequency range centered at a frequency F0 and is connectable to at least one light output port associated with one or more light detectors for receiving light of at least one wavelength λ from the region of interest including light tagged by said acoustic radiation. In some embodiments, the processor utility is configured and operable for analyzing the generated signals S0 and data indicative of the received light including light tagged by the corresponding acoustic radiation and determining correlation between said signals S0 and said data indicative of the received light, said correlation being informative of a measure of fluid flow in the medium. |
| US08336389B2 |
Optical fibre sensor array with temperature compensation
An optical fiber strain sensor array comprises several sensor support panels spaced in its longitudinal direction and at least one connecting member extending in the longitudinal direction, which mechanically interconnects the sensor support panels. An optical fiber is supported by the sensor support panels and the connecting member. The optical fiber extends with the connecting member between the sensor support panels and forms a curve on the sensor support panel, the curve including at least one portion of the optical fiber that extends in the transverse direction. The width of the connecting member is substantially less than the width of the sensor support panels, such that the connecting member is capable of flexure in the transverse direction. This has the advantage that the connecting member can be flexed to take up any slack during installation of the optical fiber strain sensor array in a wind turbine blade and can be fitted to the turbine blade even if the blade has a conical shape. |
| US08336384B2 |
Ultrasonic probe
An ultrasonic probe includes a probe body having a contact surface and a cavity that is open at the contact surface, an ultrasonic transducer carried by the body, and a spacer within the cavity. The spacer has a first surface acoustically coupled to the transducer, and a second (coupling) surface within the cavity. The spacer propagates an acoustic signal between the transducer and the coupling surface. The coupling surface is spaced apart from the contact surface to form a recess within the body. The body further has at least one port for circulating a coupling fluid into the recess. Depth of the recess is selected to balance gravitational force on the coupling fluid versus surface tension of the coupling fluid so a bead of the fluid forms over an edge of a structure under inspection as the probe is moved over the edge. |
| US08336383B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic non-destructive testing of tubular axle shafts with variable internal and external radius profiles
An apparatus testing axle shafts includes i) a test bench to receive a tubular axle shaft including a wall exhibiting variable known external and internal radius profiles, ii) at least one ultrasonic probe to analyze at least one selected portion of the wall in a selected angular sector and thus acquire analysis data, iii) a controller to control the test bench to place each probe on the wall external or internal surface in at least one first site selected as a function of its profiles and a possible loading of the shaft such that it analyses the first and second selected wall portions respectively in at least one first and at least one second selected angular sector oriented in first and second opposing longitudinal or transverse directions, to thus acquire analysis data for various relative angular positions of the shaft in relation to the probe, and iv) a processor to create from these acquired analysis data maps representing the transverse or longitudinal orientations and positions of indications of echoes within the wall. |
| US08336382B2 |
Acceleration sensor and method for its manufacture
An acceleration sensor is described that has a base substrate, a first electrode structure situated in stationary fashion relative to the base substrate, a sensor element having a first electrode area, and a spring device having at least one spring element. Via the spring element, the sensor element is coupled to the base substrate so that the sensor element is deflected relative to the base substrate as the result of an acceleration acting on the sensor element, thus changing the distance between the first electrode structure and the first electrode area. The sensor element and the first electrode structure are situated at least partially one over the other and are formed from a common functional layer. |
| US08336379B2 |
Method and device for compensating unbalances of vehicle wheels
For compensating unbalance of vehicle wheels, adhesive weight elements (8) are positioned and pressed onto a determined compensation surface (17) on a wheel (7) using a balancing head (1) and a program-controlled handling device (9). The adhesive weight elements (8) in the form of an endless weight strand (5) are fed by a feed device (2) arranged on the balancing head (1) to a following roll-on roller (3) that presses the beginning of the endless weight strand (5) onto the beginning of the compensation surface (17) and thereafter rolls along thereon. A length cut-off device (4) is provided in or before the roll-on roller (3) and cuts-off the endless weight strand (5) of the adhesive weight elements (8) in a determined length. |
| US08336378B2 |
Method for estimating the moment of inertia of the rotating unit of a washing machine, and washing machine implementing said method
A method for estimating the moment of inertia of a rotating unit of a washing or washing-and-drying machine comprising the steps of: establishing one or more linear parameters; rotating the drum of the rotating unit in such a way as to reach a set of speeds of a pre-set value; once each speed of a pre-set value is reached, detecting the value of the torque provided to the rotating unit; and finally estimating the moment of inertia of the rotating unit through a linear combination of the torques detected and by means of the linear parameters. |
| US08336377B2 |
Adjustable measuring device
Leakage past the sliding dam structure in an adjustable measuring spoon or scoop is stopped by extending an edge-mounted seal into the space between the dam structure and the side flange of the slider to which the dam structure is attached, or by providing thin, flexible curved edges to the dam structure to increase the area of sealing contact with the inside walls of the bowl in which the dam structure slides. Increased surface contact is provided due to the angle that the dam edges make with the inner bowl surface areas. |
| US08336375B2 |
Flow cell assembly for fluid sensors
A flow cell assembly for fluid sensors is provided. The assembly includes a housing configured to couple to an external source of fluid for measurement. The assembly further includes a flow regulator and a flow meter disposed within the housing to facilitate controlled fluid. The housing defines one or more measuring chambers each configured to receive a fluid sensor. Each measuring chamber includes an inlet aperture and a gravity overflow spaced apart from the inlet aperture. Each measuring chamber is configured to receive a fluid sensor such that a sensing end of the fluid sensor is disposed proximate to an inlet aperture of the measuring chamber, thereby ensuring controlled fluid pressure proximate to the sensing end. |
| US08336362B2 |
Pair of pressing jaws for hydraulic or electric pressing tool
The invention relates to a pair of pressing jaws for hydraulic or electric pressing tools for pressing fittings onto pipes or for the press connection of electric cables, two pressing jaws connected to one another in an articulated manner forming a pair of pressing jaws, the pressing jaws being biased into their open position by a tension spring which spans a free space between the two pressing jaws, and in each case one end of the tension spring being accommodated in an accommodating opening which opens out into a narrow peripheral side of the pressing jaw, this narrow peripheral side being directed toward the free space, and, in order to secure the tension spring, a tension-spring end engaging around a pin-like securing part, which securing part is disposed at that end of the accommodating opening which is directed away from the free space. In order to secure the tension spring in a functionally advantageous manner, it is provided that the securing part is formed as an integral crosspiece of the pressing jaw. |
| US08336360B1 |
Notch pressing device for crash box of vehicle
The present invention relates to a notch pressing device for a crash box of a vehicle.The notch pressing device for a crash box of a vehicle includes a lower fixing plate, an upper fixing plate mounted to the lower fixing plate by a plurality of posts, a core rotating unit that selectively rotates a core where the crash box is put and is disposed to one end of the lower fixing plate, a supporting unit that is connected to a moving die for selectively supporting a lower portion of an end of the core and that is disposed to a side of the lower fixing plate, and a forming unit which is connected to a punch, which selectively pushes the crash box put to the core for forming the notch, and that is disposed to the upper fixing plate. |
| US08336358B2 |
Wire stretching device
A wire stretching device for applying a drag force onto a wire wound around an object is provided. The wire stretching device comprises a primary platform, a first sub-platform, a second sub-platform and a driving device. The primary platform comprises a plate, a fixed stick and a track, wherein the fixed stick and the track are disposed on a surface of the plate, and the fixed stick has a first fixing device for fixing a first end of the wire. The object is fixed on a first stage of the first sub-platform, and a second fixing device is disposed on a second stage of the second sub-platform for fixing the second end of the wire. The second sub-platform is moved by the driving device for adjusting the tension of the wire. The first sub-platform is passively moved along the track corresponding to the tension of the wire. |
| US08336353B2 |
Coil spring manufacturing machine
Providing a coil spring manufacturing machine capable of adjusting the shape of a manufactured spring with fixing a wire feeding unit, followed by moving a shaping tool mounting member, attached to one or a plurality of movable members, in the front-rear, left-right, and/or up-down direction of the wire feeding direction. The shaping tool mounting member may be moved in all the three directions. Each movable member is provided with a drive source for driving the movable member. |
| US08336350B2 |
Key and lock assemblies
The present invention is directed to key assemblies and their mating locks, and more particularly, to keys with mutually compressible, actuating elements capable of being continuously positioned axially within apertures in a key blade. |
| US08336348B2 |
Key operated pin tumbler locks and methodology
Apparatus and associated methodology are provided for key operated pin tumbler locks, some of which may incorporate a removable core pin tumbler lock. A selected tumbler of a type commonly used in pin tumbler locks is configured along with a driver pin to control operation of a retainer that, when rotated by use of a control key inserted in the lock, allows alternate selective removal and replacement of the core assembly in the lock. Also, or separate therefrom, one or more tumbler holes may be formed or drilled in a manner so as to prevent engagement of a tumbler with the bite of a key. Presently disclosed structures and associated methodology help to reduce any susceptibility to unauthorized techniques practiced against the lock, such as unintentional activation of the tumblers by unauthorized persons through use of a key with so-called “bumping” techniques. |
| US08336339B2 |
Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine is provided. The drum type washing machine may include a cabinet, a tub fixed to an inner side of the cabinet, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub, and a driving motor positioned at a rear side of the drum for generating a driving force that rotates the drum. The washing machine may also include a supporting plate to rotatably support a rotational shaft extending between the motor and the drum, and a plurality of supporters connected between the supporting plate and the cabinet. Such an arrangement may increase washing capacity by increasing a diameter of the drum without increasing an external size of the cabinet. |
| US08336334B2 |
Glass alignment for high temperature processes
Apparatus, systems and methods for alignment of a glass member for high temperature processing are disclosed. The high temperature processing can, for example, pertain to a slumping process to mold glass into a predetermined shape (e.g., a three-dimensional shape). In one embodiment, a glass slumping system can have a mold and an alignment system that support a glass member to be slumped relative to the mold. The alignment system may have a plurality of alignment members being configured to move away from the glass member as the temperature increases during the slumping process to allow the glass member to bend around the mold without interference. |
| US08336329B2 |
Cooling system and freight container
A system (10) for cooling freight goods on board an aircraft comprises a refrigerating apparatus and a cooling station (14) to which cooling energy generated by said refrigerating apparatus is fed by means of a refrigerating medium and which is connected to an air infeed line (29) of an air-conditioning installation of the aircraft, wherein an air outlet aperture (16) of the cooling station (14) is connectable to a freight compartment (24) of the aircraft in order to discharge into said freight compartment (24) air which has been cooled down to a desired temperature. |
| US08336325B2 |
Ice dispenser for a refrigerator
The invention relates to an ice dispenser (10) for a refrigerator that includes a flap unit (24) which is arranged in an ice dispenser shaft and which can be adjusted between a release position which releases the ice dispenser shaft for dispensing ice and a locking position which blocks the ice dispenser shaft against dispensing ice, a pulse-controlled actuating magnet arrangement (58) for actuating the flap unit (24), and mechanical retention means (36, 64, 66) which releasably retain the flap unit (24) in the release position and in the locking position thereof, respectively. |
| US08336321B2 |
Hybrid multi-evaporator central cooling system for modular kitchen
A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes 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. |
| US08336319B2 |
Thermal management system with dual mode coolant loops
A dual mode, thermal management system for use in a vehicle is provided. At a minimum, the system includes a first coolant loop in thermal communication with a battery system, a second coolant loop in thermal communication with at least one drive train component (e.g., electric motor, power electronics, inverter), and a dual mode valve system that provides means for selecting between a first mode where the two coolant loops operate in parallel, and a second mode where the two coolant loops operate in series. |
| US08336318B2 |
Cryopump and method for diagnosing the cryopump
A cryopump is provided with: a refrigerator that generates a cold state by a heat cycle in which an operating gas inhaled inside is expanded and discharged; a heat shield thermally connected to the refrigerator so as to be cooled to a target temperature; and a control unit that determines a command value for a heat cycle frequency such that a temperature of the heat shield follows the target temperature, and provides the command value to the refrigerator. The control unit estimates whether the refrigerator outputs a refrigerating capacity corresponding to the command value for the frequency based on a flow rate of the operating gas. |
| US08336317B2 |
Ventilation for a turbine wheel in a turbine engine
A turbine engine, including a final centrifugal compressor stage associated with a diffuser for supplying air to a combustion chamber, and a ventilation element for ventilating a high-pressure turbine wheel, is disclosed. The ventilation element includes an injection element for injecting air onto the wheel and a take-up element for taking up a flow for cooling the impeller of the compressor, where the take-up element has a labyrinth seal mounted at the outlet of the injection element, and the air outlet orifices are installed between the injection element and the labyrinth seal and leading upstream of the turbine wheel. |
| US08336314B2 |
Method of manufacturing a nozzle arrangement and method for in-situ repairing a nozzle arrangement
A nozzle arrangement for use in a gas thruster is presented. At least one heater micro structure (20) is arranged in a stagnation chamber (12) of the gas thruster. The heater microstructure (20) comprises a core of silicon or a silicon compound coated by a surface metal or metal compound coating. The heater microstructure (20) is manufactured in silicon or a silicon compound and covered by a surface metal coating. The heater microstructure (20) is mounted in the stagnation chamber (12) before or after the coverage of the surface metal or metal compound coating. The coverage is performed by heating the heater microstructure and flowing a gas comprising low quantities of a metal compound. The compound decomposes at the heated heater microstructure (20), forming the surface metal or metal compound coating. The same principles of coating can be used for repairing the heater microstructure (20) in situ. The driving gas comprises preferably a compound exhibiting an exothermic reaction when coming into contact with a catalytically active material. If the gas is exposed to heater microstructures being covered with the catalytically active material, the gas is further heated by the catalytic reaction. |
| US08336313B2 |
Fuel distributor
A unitary distributor is disclosed, comprising at least one main flow passage located within a distributor ring body, the main flow passage having an arcuate portion oriented in a circumferential direction around a distributor axis. Exemplary embodiments of a unitary distributor having an annular ring located at the axially forward end of the distributor ring body are disclosed. A fuel distributor is disclosed, comprising a fuel conduit and a distributor wherein the fuel distributor has a unitary construction. |
| US08336308B2 |
Lever device for operating a hydraulic actuator, particularly for motorcycles
A lever device for operating a hydraulic actuator for a motorcycle, comprises a support that can be connected to a bearing structure, a hydraulic actuator connected to the support, a main lever, pivotally connected to the support and intended to be operated by being moved close to or away from said hydraulic actuator, a control rod and an adjustment member that are interposed in series between the main lever and a piston of the hydraulic actuator such as to transmit an operating movement from the lever to said piston. The adjustment member pivots about an axis of adjustment and defines a seat that accommodates an end of the control rod. The seat is eccentric to the axis of adjustment, whereby rotation of the adjustment member changes the orientation of the control rod relative to the axis of rotation of the lever, and thus the lever ratio. |
| US08336306B2 |
Hydraulic fluid cooling system for pair of integrated hydrostatic transmissions
A hydraulic fluid cooling system for a pair of integrated hydrostatic transmissions includes a common reservoir holding hydraulic fluid and having hydraulic lines connecting the common reservoir to each integrated hydrostatic transmission, a hydraulic fluid reservoir inside each integrated hydrostatic transmission, and a pump for pumping fluid from each transmission's hydraulic fluid reservoir to the other transmission. Hydraulic fluid lines link each transmission's hydraulic fluid reservoir to the other transmission. The system pumps hydraulic fluid from the sump or reservoir of each integrated hydrostatic transmission to the other transmission, providing the cooling capacity of a non-loaded transmission to cool hydraulic fluid for a fully loaded transmission. |
| US08336290B2 |
Pitch change apparatus for counter-rotating propellers
Axially spaced apart counter-rotatable forward and aft rows of forward and aft propellers mounted on forward and aft rotatable frames includes a flowpath passing through the forward and aft rotatable frames. Hydraulic rotary forward and aft pitch change actuators mounted on the aft rotatable frames are connected to and operable for controlling and setting pitch of the aft propellers. The pitch change actuators are mounted radially inwardly of the flowpath in a one to one ratio with forward and aft rotatable struts extending radially across the flowpath. One or more rotatable shafts extend through one or more of the rotatable struts and connect one or more of the pitch change actuators to one or more of the propellers. The pitch change actuators may be ganged together by unison rings having ring teeth engaging gear teeth on gears connected to the pitch change actuators or connected to the rotatable shafts. |
| US08336289B2 |
Gas turbine engine systems and related methods involving multiple gas turbine cores
Gas turbine engine systems and related methods involving multiple gas turbine cores are provided. In this regard, a representative gas turbine engine includes: an inlet; a blade assembly mounted to receive intake air via the inlet; and multiple gas turbine cores located downstream of the blade assembly, each of the multiple gas turbine cores being independently operative in a first state, in which rotational energy is provided to rotate the blade assembly, and a second state, in which rotational energy is not provided to rotate the blade assembly. |
| US08336284B2 |
Steel cord comprising a heat-curable one-component thermosetting material
The present invention is related a steel cord (500, 600) comprising one or more strands (504, 602), said strands comprising at least two filaments, wherein the void spaces between at least two filaments of at least one of said one or more strands are at least partially filled with a composition comprising a thermosetting material (506, 606), characterized in that the thermosetting material (506, 606) is a heat-curable one-component thermosetting material. Further, the invention relates to a steel cord (100, 200, 300) comprising at least two strands (102, 104, 202, 204, 302, 304), said strands comprising at least two filaments, wherein the void spaces between at least two strands are at least partially filled with a composition comprising a thermosetting material (106, 206, 306), characterized in that the thermosetting material (106, 206, 306) is a heat-curable one-component thermosetting material. |
| US08336282B2 |
Robotic mower housing
A robotic mower housing includes a one piece molded bottom chassis having an inner wall and an outer wall. A top cover is removably attached to and covers the bottom chassis. An outer seal is provided between the outer wall of the bottom chassis and the top cover, and an inner seal between the inner wall of the bottom chassis and the top cover. The vehicle control unit and other electronic components may be located in the inner cavity inside the inner seal and an outer cavity between the outer seal and the inner seal. |
| US08336281B2 |
Climb-up assist structure for mower unit
A mower unit configured to be supported to a work vehicle at a position between front wheels and rear wheels, comprises a mower deck; at least one blade supported by the mower deck; a climb-up assist member in which an inclined surface is formed for assisting the wheels in climbing over the mower unit; and a connecting device for detachably connecting the climb-up assist member to the mower unit in a service position in which the inclined surface assists the wheels in climbing over the mower unit. |
| US08336280B2 |
Pivoting center conveyor for draper platform
A draper platform (100) has a center endless belt conveyor (118) that is supported on and between two adjacent support arms (246A, 246B) that pivot with respect to each other and with respect to the frame (102, 104, 106) of the draper platform (100) to which the two adjacent support arms (246A, 246B) are pivotally connected. |
| US08336275B2 |
Plaster/stucco application and restoration methods and fastener system for use in those and other methods
According to the present invention, a fastener system is provided having an anchor (20) and a washer (40). The anchor includes an upset stud shaft (28) to which the washer is attached. The fastener system is preferably used in the inventive method of restoring/applying cladding such as plaster or plaster-like materials such as stucco. According to the inventive method, the anchors of the fastening system are driven into the building structure before application of a moisture barrier membrane. After application of the membrane, a support mesh (90) is secured to the anchors using the washers (40). This allows the membrane to provide a watertight seal around the fasteners. The inventive method may be used in new construction or restoration. |
| US08336269B1 |
Siding having facing and backing portion with grooved and ribbed backing portion surface
A backed paneling unit comprised of a backing portion that includes at least one rib. In an exemplary embodiment, a rib may be adjacent to a drainage groove or between adjacent drainage grooves. A rib may enable ventilation behind the backing portion. In addition, a rib may also assist with liquid drainage. |
| US08336267B2 |
Construction frame shear lug
A shear lug is disclosed for transferring shear stresses from a structural element, such as a column in a framing element, down into the foundation supporting the framing element. The shear lug is not initially affixed to the structural element. The shear lug is instead affixed to anchor rods of an anchorage assembly, and is installed into the foundation with the anchorage assembly at the time the concrete foundation is poured. The structural element is subsequently affixed to the anchor rods, so that shear forces are transferred from the structural element, through the anchor rods and to the shear lugs, which effectively dissipate the shear forces to the foundation. |
| US08336265B2 |
Reversible sliding glass door
This is a design for a sliding glass door that provides the option to choose an opening right to left, or change to an opening left to right at anytime. The outside panel of the door can slide to either end of the opening and lock into place. The inside panel, sliding can slide to either end of the opening. |
| US08336258B2 |
Self-driving combination sealing system for single-hung door/window
A combined sealing system for connecting a first panel having a sash to a frame includes first, second, and third sealing systems. The first panel is within and movable relative to the frame, comprising: The first sealing system is configured to engage a first portion of the sash with a first portion of the frame. The second sealing system is configured to engage a second portion of the sash with a second portion of the frame. The third sealing system is configured to engage a meeting rail of the first panel with a meeting rail of a second panel within the frame. The first panel is movable between at least an open position and a completely closed position. Prior to the first panel being in the completely closed position, engagement of the first sealing system begins and drives engagement of at least one of the second and third sealing systems. |
| US08336256B2 |
Automated louvre system
A motorized drive system for a louvre assembly of the type containing a surround frame, a pair of spaced apart operating bars positioned within the surround frame and where movement of the operating bars causes rotation of the louvres, the drive system comprising a motor adapted to be positioned within the surround frame, the motor operationally driving a drive shaft which is substantially horizontal when the drive system is fitted within the surround frame, a mounting member which is attached for rotation with the drive shaft, at least two spaced apart attachment points on the mounting member, a first link arm, a second link arm and a third link arm, the first link arm being attached to one of the attachment points and to one said operating bar, the second link arm being attached to another of the attachment points, the third link arm being pivotally attached to the second link arm and to the other operating bar. |
| US08336252B1 |
Root ball and tree stabilizing system
A deep root watering and stabilization assembly and method for supporting, irrigating, and fertilizing plantings, such as trees, shrubs, or root balls is described herein. The assembly can include a harness disposed around the planting and a perforated tube adapted to receive water and nutrients from above the surface and pass the water and nutrients to the roots or root ball. The assembly can include an attachment assembly with adjustable engagement locations and a fastener affixed to the attachment assembly. The fastener can be structured to tighten or loosen a first connector as it engages one of a plurality of positions between the harness and the perforated tube. |
| US08336251B2 |
Trapping system utilizing video attractants
A trapping system includes an enclosure with a one way entry which allows the pest to enter the enclosure, but prevents the pest from exiting through the entry. An attractant is positioned at the entry. The attractant is a video screen arranged relative to the trap door, such that a pest jumping at the video screen is deflected at a downward angle onto the trap door, and is specific to the pest which is to be trapped. |
| US08336249B2 |
Fishing casting device
A fishing casting device (10) for mounting onto a fishing rod (12), the casting device comprising a mount (20) and a catch (30) connected to the mount (20), wherein the fishing line (15) is releasably held by the catch (30). The device (10) also includes a release mechanism (40) adapted to release the fishing line (15) from the catch (30) during a casting action when a predetermined casting force is reached. |
| US08336247B2 |
Clamping system for mounting optical devices onto a picatinny-rail
A clamping system for mounting accessory devices onto a rail type mount such as a Picatinny-rail is characterized in that the clamping system comprises at least one body which is passed through by a cross bolt or a cross screw and wherein the cross bolt or cross screw have a stop bar which engages in a cross slot when mounted to the rail of the rail type mount. |
| US08336242B2 |
Convertible diploma/certificate holder and wall display
The present invention generally relates to a multi-purpose, double paneled, convertible apparatus which may be used as a protective holder and/or wall display for a diploma, certificate, photograph or the like. The apparatus may provide a safe and secure manner for receiving, holding, transporting, protecting, and/or storing, for example, the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like and further may quickly be converted to provide an attractive display for hanging the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like on a wall. The apparatus may have a first panel which may be connected to a second panel. Further, the first panel may rotate with respect to the second panel. The second panel may store the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like while the first panel may provide a cover for the diploma, certificate, photograph or the like. The second panel may have at least one strap which may secure the first panel, when rotated behind the second panel. In an embodiment, the apparatus has a memory page for writing notes and a light and speaker feature for which may be used to view the diploma and play a message or song. The apparatus may have a double-faced mat to accommodate diplomas of different sizes. |
| US08336240B2 |
Two-piece wristband with interchangeable band element for user selectable sizing
A wearable band with an adjustable size or length. The assembly includes a base band element with a body extending from a first end to a second end containing an RFID module. The assembly includes a sizing band element for sizing the assembly to a particular wrist size. The band assembly includes an interlocking fastener that slidably couples the base band element to the sizing band element so as to define a one-piece band with a desired length/size. The interlocking fastener includes a first portion provided on the second end of the base band element body and a second portion on an end of the sizing band element body. The fastener may be a tongue and groove mechanism, with the first portion being a tongue member extending from the base band body and with the second portion being a groove in the end of the sizing band body. |
| US08336237B2 |
Sign holder device
A sign holder in the form of individual parts which, upon assembly, provides for the support and display of signage in a plurality of orientations. The sign holder includes a base configured to receive and support a first end to the stem, the stem having a first end and second end, the first end configured to be releasably retained by the base and the second end configured to retain a sign frame. The second end of the stem is provided with a C-shaped extremity sized to frictionally capture the sign frame such that the sign frame is releaseable from the stem by providing a lateral force to the frame. |
| US08336234B2 |
Promotional luggage tag
According to one embodiment, a perforated card includes a plurality of separable components that includes a tag suitable for the inclusion of personal data such as an address. The tag includes an opening. The card also includes a strap that is separably attached to at least a portion of the tag. The strap is insertable through the opening of the tag and is configured to be fixedly attached about a handle of a piece of luggage. |
| US08336230B2 |
Article of footwear for weight lifting
An article of footwear for use in weight lifting is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a non-deforming midsole. Also, the article of footwear includes a raised heel and a substantially flat bottom surface. Additionally, the article of footwear includes holes formed along the bottom of the midsole in order to reduce the weight of the article of footwear. |
| US08336226B2 |
System for liquid extraction, and methods
A process for removing water from solid material using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. In most embodiments, multiple solvents are used to remove the water from the solids and obtain dry solids. Multiple solvents facilitate the removal of the water from the solids, by replacing the water with a solvent, replacing that solvent with a different solvent, and then eventually removing the second solvent from the solids. The process utilizes a lesser amount of thermal energy to dry the solids and separate the solvents than conventionally used in drying processes. The first solvent selected has a lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property, than water. Each additional solvent can have a still lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property. |
| US08336223B2 |
Roundness measuring apparatus
A roundness measuring apparatus includes a stylus stocker and a controller. The stylus stocker stores plural types of styli prepared corresponding to shapes of measurement sites of a measurement target object. The stylus stocker can store styli in such a manner that each stylus can be held thereon and taken out thereof. The stylus stocker is provided outside a measurement region, which is determined on the basis of the operation range of a turntable and a detector driving mechanism. The detector driving mechanism can move the detector to the outside of the measurement region. When a measurement command is given, the controller carries out roundness measurement of the object while controlling the turntable and the detector driving mechanism. When a stylus replacement command is given, the controller carries out stylus replacement operation between a detector main unit and the stylus stocker while controlling the detector driving mechanism. |
| US08336219B2 |
Apparatus and method for calibrating a scanning head
A method of calibrating a measurement scale in a motorized scanning head using a reference artefact is described. The method comprises the step of rotating a surface sensing device, such as a scanning probe, mounted on the scanning head about at least one axis of the scanning head to move the surface sensing device into a plurality of different angular orientations relative to the reference artefact. A step is then performed of measuring, with the surface sensing device, at least one property of the reference artefact at each of the different angular orientations. An error map or function is then created for at least one measurement scale of the scanning head using the properties of the reference artefact measured and optionally known or calibrated properties of that reference artefact. The method may comprise use of co-ordinate positioning apparatus, such as a co-ordinate measuring machine, to move the scanning head. The reference artefact may comprise a single feature or an array of features. |
| US08336218B2 |
Inclination sensor
To be able to measure the angular deviation simultaneously in two directions in space a magneto-sensitive sensor unit on the one hand (that can measure the magnetic flux density in at least two directions in space or orthogonal to each other) and a magnet on the other hand are moved relatively to each other, wherein one of both elements are provided in such a way that it aligns itself directly or indirectly according to the gravity. An optimal measuring result is achieved by guiding one of both elements on a defined, reproducible surface so that the center axis of this element is directed always to the center axis of the other element. |
| US08336217B2 |
Node placement apparatus, system and method
A node placement apparatus, system and method employ an optical source to define a grid for placement of nodes. The node placement apparatus includes a structure that provides a predetermined height and the optical source positioned at the predetermined height. The optical source is configured to produce an optical beam having a predetermined declination angle. The optical beam is configured to provide illumination of a plurality of discrete points on a surface to define the grid. The system further includes the nodes. The method of node placement includes locating the optical source above a fixed point on and at the predetermined height above the surface, illuminating the plurality of discrete points with the optical beam, and positioning a node at a selected discrete point of the plurality of discrete points illuminated by the optical beam. |
| US08336216B2 |
Low velocity projectile aiming device
Provided are devices for determining the correct aiming point of a low velocity projectile and methods and systems for using the devices. For example, the devices can be attached to a bow and used to improve accuracy for hunting game. |
| US08336213B2 |
Handle assembly for power tool
A handle assembly for a power tool is disclosed, in which the power tool has a housing, a motor provided in the housing, and an output shaft adapted to be caused by said motor to actuate a working member extending from the housing along a first axis (A-A). The handle assembly (102) comprises a front handle (106), a rear handle (107) integral with the front handle, and a mounting portion adapted to be mounted to the housing of the tool, wherein the front handle (106) forms an obtuse angle with the axis (A-A) of the working member in use. This last feature makes the power tool more comfortable for a user to operate, provided that the centre of mass of the power tool lies in the region between the front handle (106) and the rear handle (107). This will usually be the case, since the heaviest parts of the tool are generally the working member and the motor housing thereof. Thus the user does not have to stretch his forward arm as far relative to the rear handle (107) as he would have to do when using the handle assembly of a conventional power tool of this type. |
| US08336210B2 |
Method for manufacturing spacers for spindle device
Inner and outer ring spacers include respective load bearing portions, which are positioned on respective sides of a gap of a predetermined size and which confront with each other in an axial direction. Each of the inner and outer ring spacers is divided into two spacer segments along a surface of division extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and passing through the associated load bearing portions. Inner and outer ring divided spacer segments, having the load bearing portions, are simultaneously machined so as to have the same axially measured width. Along therewith, inner ring divided spacer segments, having no load bearing portions, are simultaneously machined so as to have the same axially measured width, thereby rendering the latter axially measured width to be larger than the former axially measured width by a quantity corresponding to the gap. |
| US08336209B2 |
Method of making compressible elastomeric spring
A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly. |
| US08336195B2 |
Electronic component mounting apparatus
The invention is directed to an unfailing pickup operation of an electronic component from a component storage portion at a seam of storage tapes connected even using a connection tape and prevention of reduction in a pickup rate of an electronic component. A CPU sends a feeding command to a component feeding unit to perform a component feeding operation or the like. Then, when the CPU judges that a connection tape reaches a pickup position, the CPU drives an X axis drive motor and a Y axis drive motor to move a board recognition camera to the pickup position of the feeding unit, the camera takes an image of a storage portion of a storage tape, and a recognition processing device performs recognition processing. A correction value based on a result of this recognition processing is stored in a RAM, and a suction nozzle is moved taking this correction value into account and lowers to pick up an electronic component. |
| US08336191B1 |
Method of forming an integrated circuit system
An electronics filter circuit includes an electromechanical resonator that is mounted directly to the surface of a silicon integrated circuit, rather than being a surface mounted or leaded filter can on a circuit board. This filter circuit allows the integrated circuit electronic package to be significantly smaller than a conventional electromechanical resonator package. The electromechanical resonator may be protected during processing and during use with a protective cover that is made of a material such as titanium. The protective cover is attached to the integrated circuit chip. |
| US08336188B2 |
Thin wafer chuck
Methods and systems, in one embodiment, are described related to a chuck with a plurality of vacuum grooves on a surface. Each single vacuum groove of the plurality of vacuum grooves has a single port connected with a single vacuum line coupled to a vacuum source. The single vacuum line is not shared with another groove and a restriction is applied to the single vacuum line in order to isolate each single vacuum groove. |
| US08336187B2 |
Method of inserting fuel tubes
A fuel insertion tube tool for installing a fuel tube on a barb. The tool has first and second arms that are pivotably attached through an arm pivot axis. Each arm has a grip to engage the fuel tube. A tab extends from the first arm and is pivotably attached to a proximal end of a bar with a pivot pin that defines a bar axis. The bar axis and the arm axis are perpendicular to each other. A hook is disposed at a distal end of the bar for engagement with an attachment site. The tab functions as a fulcrum to reduce the amount of force required to install the fuel tube on the barb. The bar has weight reducing holes and the grips have straight knurls for frictional engagement with the fuel tube. |
| US08336186B2 |
Apparatus for placing and attaching formed filters into brewing cups
A filter setting and sealing apparatus includes a wobble plate mounted to press a filter edge into a plane defined by the top rim of a brew cup. A sealer defined by expandable sealer jaws is moveable into the filter. The jaws are actuated for radial outward expansion to seal the filter to the cup proximate the filter rim and cup edge. A second sealer is used to seal any gaps remaining in the seal after initial sealing. |
| US08336179B2 |
Fixture assembly
A fixture assembly suitable for use in a manufacturing process includes a crowder plate coupled to a datum plate, which is configured to receive a work piece, such as a disc drive system. In some embodiments, the datum plate is configured to gimbal relative to at least a portion of the crowder plate, and substantially maintain a position along first and second directions relative to at least the portion of the crowder plate. The datum plate is also configured to translate in a third direction relative to at least the portion of the crowder plate, where the first, second, and third directions are substantially orthogonal. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a platform coupled to the crowder plate, where the crowder plate may translate in at least one of the first and second directions relative to the platform. |
| US08336176B2 |
Method and tool for producing structured sheet metal layers, method for producing a metal honeycomb body, and catalyst carrier body
A method for producing multiple structured sheet metal foils includes the steps of A) reshaping the sheet metal foil to produce a primary structure having a first primary structure width; B) reshaping the sheet metal foil having the primary structure to produce a secondary structure; and C) reshaping the structured sheet metal foil to produce a second primary structure width being smaller than the first primary structure width. A method for producing a metal honeycomb body, a catalyst carrier body having multiple structured sheet metal foils for exhaust gas purification and a tool for producing multiple structured sheet metal foils, are also provided. |
| US08336174B1 |
Commemorative urn display device
An urn display device for commemorating and honoring a deceased individual. The device features an urn body formed of substantially transparent material. Cavities forming indicia viewable through the urn body are formed and can include one or a combination of an image, text, or a facial depiction of the deceased, or combination thereof, as a means to employ customized indicia on the urn body to honor said deceased. The media to enhance viewing ability of the indicia includes or is supplemented by the deceased's ashes. |
| US08336173B2 |
Clip assembly
A clip assembly adapted to engage a male track member. The clip assembly includes a clamshell clamping member including a first leg and a second leg. The clip assembly further includes a female compression member adapted to fit in sliding relation at least partially about the clamshell clamping member. The female compression member is adapted to compress the first leg towards the second leg. |
| US08336172B2 |
Clamping collar
A clamping collar including: a belt comprising a strip and two free ends, each of said the ends being curved back to form a loop and each loop being defined by an outer belt portion and by an underlying inner belt portion; and a tightening system suitable for bringing the loops closer together and for tightening the belt; and in which each of ends of the belt is curved back towards the inside of the collar, the inner belt portion being extended beyond the loop, under the strip, and the outer belt portion presenting a tightening wall with which the tightening system, comes into engagement. |
| US08336169B2 |
Converter for the conversion of one or more fibers into staple fibers
A cutting device, in particular a converter cutting device, comprising at least one cutting unit that is configured to rotate, and at least one counterweight unit that is provided, at least partially, to compensate a centrifugal force active on the cutting unit during the operation thereof. |
| US08336168B2 |
Hinge mechanism and electronic device using the same
A hinge mechanism includes a fixing member, a rotary member, a rotary member, an adjusting member and a support member, all of which are interconnected. The rotary member is capable of being positioned in a preset manner to form an acute angle relative to the fixing member, the adjusting member is capable of being positioned in a preset manner to form an acute angle relative to the rotary member; and the support member is capable of being positioned in a preset manner to form an obtuse angle relative to the adjusting member. An electronic device using the hinge mechanism is also provided. |
| US08336166B2 |
Hinge damper
A hinge damper is configured to be adhered to a door hinge of the furniture having a door to attenuate impact and is designed in a small size but to attenuate a large amount of impact. In the hinge damper, first and second seals are formed in an oil seal to prevent air from being introduced. A cross rib is formed on a piston to absorb a larger amount of impact with a small size. The hinge damper can be sized as small as a size of a screw used for fixing the hinge. |
| US08336164B2 |
Upright cleaning appliance
An upright cleaning appliance having a handle for maneuvering the appliance across a floor. The handle is secured on a reclining upright body of the appliance for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the upright body. The handle includes a forward-extending handgrip portion which terminates in an abutment flange for preventing the handgrip portion from slipping out through the bottom of a user's grip. |
| US08336163B2 |
Collection means for a mobile vacuum apparatus for the collection of liquid or semi-liquid materials
The apparatus comprises a front-mounted collection means for a vacuum tank for the collection of liquid or semi-liquid materials. The collection means comprises a substantially V-shaped housing with a scraper at the bottom thereof, a height adjustable suction inlet at the apex thereof, and a pair of laterally adjustable pivoting wings for varying its width to correspond to that of an alley or gutter. A plurality of rotary feeders, each having a vertical axis of rotation, are mounted to the housing adjacent the scraper to prevent accumulation of the materials on the scraper. The feeders do not contact either the surface upon which the scraper is operated, nor the scraper itself, but serve to mix thick consistency materials with thinner consistency materials and also to dislodge any accumulation that does occur. |
| US08336161B1 |
Air wiping device
The air wiping device includes a housing having an internal elongated tubular passage through which the elongated product extends and including opposite one and other ends with the housing tubular passage having an inlet end and an outlet end for respectively receiving and passing the elongated product; a first set of nozzles mounted at the one end of the housing for communicating a compressed gas stream to the internal elongated tubular passage and second set of nozzles mounted at the other end of the housing for communicating a compressed gas to the internal elongated tubular passage. A ceramic insert is disposed in the internal tubular passage of the housing and through which the elongated product passes. The ceramic insert includes a tapered input through which the elongated product is received and an output through which the elongated product passes from the housing. The first and second sets of nozzles are mounted for directing the respective gas streams in a direction having a compressed gas stream component toward each other for discharge transversely from the housing. |
| US08336158B2 |
Windshield wiper assembly having an optimized airfoil
A wiper assembly having a wiping element for contact with a windshield within a predetermined attack angle range of ±10° perpendicular relative to the surface to be wiped. The wiper assembly further includes two elongated beams that are engaged to the wiping element and apply a downward force thereto. The wiper assembly also includes a connecting member mounted to the elongated beams. The wiper assembly also includes an airfoil that has an attachment portion attached to the elongated beams and an upper portion that is attached to the attachment portion. The upper portion includes a wing having a facing surface and a trailing surface that extend outwardly from the upper portion at converging angles to improve wind lift resistance and reduce drag. |
| US08336156B1 |
Baby bottle microfiber drying wand
A device to aid in drying baby bottles after washing is herein disclosed, comprising a plastic handle, a flexible “wand”, and a drying head having a plurality of absorbent cloth strips. In use, the cloth end of the device is reciprocated therewithin a baby bottle after it has been washed and rinsed. The cloth strips and drying head are removably attached thereto the handle assembly and may be released for washing, drying, or and/or replacement purposes. In such a manner the highly absorbent cloth strips will absorb any excess moisture in a bottle, thereby leaving the bottle clean and dry. |
| US08336155B2 |
Replacement head for electric toothbrush
A replacement head for an electromagnetic toothbrush drive includes a mechanical linkage assembly for converting linear drive motion into rotational movement of the brush head. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a fixed shaft and a lever arm that extend between a movable bottom member and a fixed top member, and a link member rotatably connected to the top member and the brush head. The lever arm pivots about a fulcrum formed in the top member, and engages the link member. When the bottom member oscillates as a results of the actuation of the electromagnet in the drive unit, the lever arm pivots about the fulcrum and drives the link member to rotate in an arc shaped pattern. The rotation of the link member consequently rotates the brush head. |
| US08336154B2 |
Mop
The mop has a handle, a holding assembly and a head assembly. The holding assembly is mounted on the handle and has a sleeve mounted rotatably around the handle. The head assembly is mounted pivotally on the handle and has fiber strips. A user can hold the sleeve when the mop is wrung by a dehydration device. The sleeve will not be driven by the fiber strips or the handle. Therefore, the mop is stably and safely held and the mop can be more efficient to use. |
| US08336153B2 |
Cleaning device
A cleaning device includes a handle member having opposed first and second ends and defining an imaginary longitudinal axis. A brush member is fixedly attached to the first end of the handle and extends outwardly along the axis. The cleaning device also includes an attachment member fixedly attached to the second end of the handle and extending outwardly along the axis. A pad member includes a configuration that is substantially similar to a configuration of the pad holding member and removably coupled thereto. |
| US08336151B2 |
Microbial scrubbing device
The microbial scrub brush in one embodiment employs an insert of foam material that is impregnated with an anti-bacterial disinfectant that is housed within a housing of alcohol compatible material and sealed over by a removable lid. The insert is maintained in sterile condition until ready for use. After the removal of the lid, the insert of foam material is moved over the end of a female luer or other portion of a medical device and rotated in order to clean the exterior surface as well as the interior luminal surface of the device. In one embodiment, the insert includes a plurality of resilient fingers that substantially occupy a cross sectional area of the cavity to enable the cleansing of both the exterior surface and an interior luminal surface of the medical device. |
| US08336149B2 |
Fiber optic component cleaning device with grooved platen
A cleaning device for cleaning multiple types of fiber optic connectors includes a container having an opening in a face formed in a side of the container and a plurality of discrete soft, work surfaces on a face of the container. The surfaces are configured as a pair of outwardly disposed surfaces having a width and a pair of inwardly disposed surfaces having a width that is less than the width of the outwardly disposed surfaces. The surface are parallel to each other. Gaps are disposed between each of the adjacent work surfaces. Each of the gaps has a width. A plurality of cleaning wipes are located inside the container. The wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic connector. The wipes provide indication that they have been used. |
| US08336147B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning spherical objects
An apparatus for cleaning (washing) spherical objects, preferably golf balls, includes two substantially round disks which are disposed in register with one another with an interspace which is less than the diameter of the spherical objects, at least the one disk being rotary and provided with a device for guiding the spherical objects out towards the periphery of the disk, and the second disk has a centrally located infeed opening and is provided with a brush which extends from the surface of the disk at an angle of less than 90° to the surface of the disk from the center of the disk out towards the periphery of the disk. |
| US08336145B2 |
Device for mitigating odor in an article of clothing or footwear
A deodorizer in particular, a deodorizer substrate with a porous carrier material formed in a monolithic form, and an odor neutralizing composition in the porous carrier material. |
| US08336137B2 |
Semi-fitted bedsheet and method of manufacturing same
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a bedsheet comprising a non-fitted portion and a fitted portion for securing the bedsheet onto one end of a mattress, and a method for manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a semi-fitted bedsheet comprises a seamless fitted portion, a non-fitted portion, and a securing means incorporated along an edge of the fitted portion. In another embodiment, a semi-fitted bedsheet further comprises a position indicator for identifying a proper positioning of the bedsheet on a mattress. |
| US08336134B2 |
Bed with mobile lift docking
A patient support may, among other things, support a person in a laying-down or a seated position. A mobile lift may assist a person with the process of moving from a seated or laying-down position to a standing position, or moving from one type of patient support to another (e.g. from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa). A docking apparatus may secure the position of the mobile lift relative to the patient support. The docking apparatus may include an electrical connection between the mobile lift and the patient support. The docking apparatus may permit control of the mobile lift by the patient support, and/or permit control of the patient support by the mobile lift. |
| US08336131B2 |
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. |
| US08336129B2 |
System and method for disposal of mutagen waste
An assembly and method for processing human waste includes providing a supporting base having an opening within which a waste reservoir is affixed. The assembly may be installed on or below a rim of a toilet bowl. Solidification and pathogen killing materials are provided. The materials are deposited in the reservoir either prior to or upon accumulation of waste in the reservoir. The reservoir with the solidified waste is then sealed and transported to a collection facility. |
| US08336125B2 |
Shoulder protector and safety harness
A device for protecting a shoulder when an object is carried thereon comprises a top layer as well as a bottom layer. The bottom layer comprises a resilient material. The top layer and bottom layer are attached to one another. The top layer comprises rubber, such as styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). The bottom layer comprises at least one recess which exposes the underside of the rubber top layer. A hook and loop fastener is attached to the rubber top layer in said recess. The hook and loop fastener forms a transversely extending loop into which a shoulder strap can be introduced. This device can be used with a safety harness, which is provided with two shoulder straps and two leg straps, or with a pair of dungarees or another garment. |
| US08336124B2 |
Upper body protective garment
An upper body protective garment having a lower portion including flexibly interconnected protective abdominal and lower back members, an upper portion including protective thoracic and upper back members with a neck hole defined therebetween, a flexible front connection allowing at least limited movement of a bottom end of the thoracic member with respect to the abdominal member, and a flexible rear connection between the lower back member and the upper back member provided by a protective spinal member including flexibly interconnected rigid members for overlaying a spine of the wearer, the front and rear connections allowing the upper portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to shoulders of the wearer and the lower portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to a waist of the wearer while the shoulders and waist are moved relative to one another. |
| US08336123B2 |
Latching mechanism for retention of face shield lens
A face shield includes a crown, a head gear, and a lens removably secured to the crown with a latch lever having a wide paddle-shaped actuator that is easily manipulated from the rearward edge of the crown. The crown has an opposing pair of studs extending inwardly from the lower edge. The upper edge of the lens includes an opposing pair of keyhole-shaped slots adjacent its opposing side edges which receive and rotatably engage the studs. The engagement end of the latch includes a spaced pair of detents. The fulcrum is secured to an inner surface of the crown so that the engagement end of the latch extends toward the front edge of the crown and the upper actuator end extends toward the rearward edge of the crown. The upper edge of the lens includes a pair of spaced openings that releasably engage the detents on the latch lever. |
| US08336121B2 |
Waistless underwear alternative secret pants shield
A women's waistless and seamless clothing adherable underwear includes an oval pad made of a soft absorbent material, wherein the pad has double sided strips of adhesive tape with removable peel-off cover strips to attach to the inside crotch area of low slung clothing pants, such as tight pants, leotards or dungaree jeans facing upward to the skin and crotch of the wearer. The material is preferably a soft, non-woven, absorbent material. The underwear is particularly suited for women who wear tight pants, or low waist hip hugger pants, which widely reveal waist bands and seams of panty underwear, or expose underwear waist bands. The underwear is minimally intrusive and is attractive for women who like to wear jeans without underwear but who fear bacterial infection or exposure to clothing dyes or irritating stitching. |
| US08336119B2 |
Hand covering with conductive portion
Hand coverings having a conductive portion are described herein. In some embodiments, a hand covering includes a shell defining an opening. A conductive membrane can project through the opening, such that a first portion of the conductive membrane disposed outside the shell is operable to interact with an interface of an electronic device. A second portion of the conductive membrane can be disposed inside the shell. Some embodiments described herein further include a second conductive membrane disposed within the shell and coupled to the first conductive membrane. |
| US08336117B2 |
Article of apparel with material elements having a reversible structure
An article of apparel is disclosed that is at least partially formed from a material element having a substrate and a plurality of projections. The substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The projections extend from the first surface of the substrate, and the projections each have terminal ends located opposite the substrate. The material element has a first permeability when the first surface has a convex configuration, and the material element has a second permeability when the first surface has a concave configuration, the first permeability being greater than the second permeability. The apparel may be reversible such that either the first surface or the second surface of the substrate faces outward. |
| US08336116B2 |
Garment closure system
A garment having a ventilated garment closure system including a vented zipper is provided. A first flap is disposed on a first side of a vented zipper, and a second flap disposed on a second side of the vented zipper. |
| US08336114B1 |
Protective mask
A protective mask is revealed. The protective mask includes a mask body, a hoop mounted in the mask body, two angle adjustment members, and a head size adjustment device. The mask body is pivoted to the hoop and the hoop is adjusted by the head size adjustment device on a rear side of the mask body so as to fit head size of users. While being lifted, the angle of the mask body is adjusted and positioned by the angle adjustment members on left and right sides of the mask body. Thereby the protective mask can be applied to users with various head sizes. The users can wear the protective mask firmly and comfortably. Moreover, the angle adjustment of the protective mask is more convenient and simpler. |
| US08336113B2 |
Cool, clean air welding helmet
An improved welding helmet encloses a welders head and a portion of the neck. The helmet contains a fan, filter and thermoelectric cooling module to provide clean, cool air that reduces welding fume levels below suggested maximums and provides cool air to the welders head and neck area making their body feel cooler. Air exhausted from the helmet is captured and further utilized to significantly improve system efficiency by causing it to be in contact with the hot side heat sink that is a part of the thermoelectric cooling module assembly. The use of an external power source, including readily available welding power, is suggested as one option for supplying system power. An optional configuration is presented where an external container strapped to the welders body is employed containing the fan, air filter and thermoelectric cooling module and is connected to the helmet by cool air intake and exhaust air hoses. |
| US08336112B2 |
Body armor with overlapping layers of ballistic material
A soft body armor panel includes a subpack that is formed by overlapping sections of ballistic material and sewing them at one or more seams to form discontinuous layers in the subpack. |
| 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. |
| US08341307B2 |
Semiconductor storage device, electronic apparatus, and mode setting method
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor storage device operable in a plurality of operation modes each having a separate maximum current consumption. The device includes: a data communication section configured to be capable of performing data communication in a plurality of communication modes; an attribute information storage section configured to store attribute information indicating the operation and communication modes; and a mode setting section configured to set the device to one of the operation modes and one of the communication modes. The data communication section transmits, to an electronic apparatus to which the device is attached, the information and receives from the apparatus a mode setting command for directing that the device be set to a combination of an operation mode and a communication mode selected from among the information. In accordance therewith, the mode setting section sets the device to the selected combination of modes. |
| US08341299B2 |
Reusing system configuration information and metadata for related operations
Reusing system configuration information and metadata for related operations is disclosed. It is determined that a group of content management system commands may be treated as a related set for purposes of updating content management system configuration information and/or metadata. The content management system configuration information and/or metadata are updated once for purposes of processing the group. |
| US08341298B2 |
Scalable on-board open data network architecture
An embodiment of an open data network system facilitates communication between applications related to operation of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and re-use of components in different systems and implementations. A switch/router communicates data between on-board systems. A server communicates with the switch/router and provides at least one of processing services and storage services to the on-board systems via the switch/router. A network manager communicates with the switch/router to direct the switch/router in selectively allowing access between the on-board systems. In other embodiments, an avionics interface unit communicates with the switch/router and enable communications between at least one avionics system and at least one of the on-board systems. Other embodiments selectively enable on-board systems to communicate with a ground-based network to provide communications between the aircraft and a stakeholder in the operation of the aircraft while isolating flight-critical avionics and flight communications systems from the open data network. |
| US08341296B1 |
Method and system for automatically mapping secure network address translations
Disclosed is a system and method for providing persistence in network access, by enhancing the likelihood that a gateway that is employed by a server array controller to send a client's message to a resource in another network outside of a local network behind the server array controller, is the same gateway employed by the resource for a responding message. In one embodiment, an outbound gateway is selected based on load-balanced gateways that have been enabled for automatic mapping of a source address to an available corresponding global Internet Protocol address. In another embodiment, multiple server array controllers are employed in a multi-active mode that enables multiple network address translation tables to be available in the event of a failover of one or more of the server array controllers. |
| US08341292B2 |
Network communications of applications running on device utilizing different virtual network connections with different routing protocols
A method includes detecting, at a first device, a request for a network connection from a first application; spawning a first virtual machine that virtualizes network capabilities of the first device such that a first virtual network connection is provided; selecting a first routing protocol for the first virtual network connection; detecting, at the first device, a request for a network connection from a second application; spawning a second virtual machine that virtualizes network capabilities of the first device such that a second virtual network connection is provided; selecting a second routing protocol for the second network connection; using the selected first routing protocol, communicating data from the first application to a second device using the first virtual network connection; and using the selected second routing protocol, communicating data from the second application using the second virtual network connection. The first and second routing protocols are different routing protocols. |
| US08341289B2 |
System and method for communication in a wireless mobile ad-hoc network
A system and method for improving digital communication in a wireless mobile ad-hoc network. More specifically, the system includes one or more portable network devices operable to support the seamless operation of a self-initializing, self-healing, adaptive portable network. The portable network devices implement protocols that provide bandwidth management capabilities for use with radios, routers and other wireless network devices. Each portable network device includes at least one wireless transceiver, a processor and control software. The processor and control software are logically coupled to the wireless transceiver to facilitate digital communication via a plurality of communication channels with other network devices. |
| US08341287B2 |
Systems and methods for configuring policy bank invocations
Systems and methods for configuring and evaluating policies that direct processing of one or more data streams are described. A configuration interface is described for allowing users to specify object oriented policies. These object oriented policies may allow any data structures to be applied with respect to a payload of a received packet stream, including any portions of HTTP traffic. A configuration interface may also allow the user to control the order in which policies and policy groups are executed, in addition to specifying actions to be taken if one or more policies are undefined. Systems and methods for processing the policies may allow efficient processing of object-oriented policies by applying potentially complex data structures to unstructured data streams. A device may also interpret and process a number of flow control commands and policy group invocation statements to determine an order of execution among a number of policies and policy groups. |
| US08341286B1 |
TCP offload send optimization
A host with a network interface that offloads a TCP connection is disclosed in which the notification that relatively small data transmit commands have completed is batched whereas the notification that relatively large data transmit commands have completed are not batched. The notification that data transmit commands have completed may be intrinsically modulated by the size and frequency of the commands and the processing of the data transfer by the TCP connection. One embodiment involves a method comprising: running an application on a computer having a network interface; running, on the network interface, a TCP connection for the application; providing, by the computer to the network interface, a command to send data from the application; updating, by the network interface, a SndUna value for the TCP connection; and providing, by the network interface to the computer, the SndUna value, thereby indicating to the computer that the command has been completed. |
| US08341283B2 |
Method and system for peer-to-peer content dissemination
A method is provided for delivery of content data to a plurality of hosts. Each host is configured to operate as at least one of a content uploading host and a content downloading host. The plurality of hosts form a peer-to-peer network. |
| US08341282B2 |
Hybrid buffer management
A computing device selectively receives a media stream. A buffer included within the computing device selectively stores frames from the media stream, the buffer being configured to be a certain size. Program instructions within the computing device are for sending an alert message when the alert threshold is reached and for receiving, in response to the alert message, a flush instruction along with recovery information. |
| US08341280B2 |
Request and response decoupling via pluggable transports in a service oriented pipeline architecture for a request response message exchange pattern
A computer-implemented system and method for decoupling processing of request and response messages supporting different pluggable respective transports in a service-oriented pipeline architecture for a request-response Message Exchange Pattern (MEP) is disclosed. The method in an example embodiment includes receiving a message having coded therein information identifying a desired pluggable transport mechanism respectively for a request and a response; processing the message through a message processing pipeline; dispatching the processed message to a dispatcher; determining if the desired pluggable transport mechanism is available; activating the desired pluggable transport mechanism, if the desired pluggable transport mechanism is available; and transporting the processed message via the desired pluggable transport mechanism. |
| US08341279B2 |
Dynamically activating buffered data publishers in sensor networks
In one embodiment, a node in a computer network may receive data of a particular type at a first frequency (e.g., a sensor in a sensor network), and may correspondingly determine whether there is at least one interested subscriber for the data of the particular type, where the interested subscriber desires the data at a second frequency. If there is an interested subscriber, buffered data publishing may be dynamically activated at the node in response to a ratio between the second and first frequencies being less than a configured threshold. In particular, buffered data publishing comprises buffering the received data and transmitting a latest received data to the interested subscriber at the second frequency. |
| US08341274B2 |
Method, terminal, and computer readable media for processing message
A method, a system, a server, and a terminal for processing message are described. The method includes the steps as follows. A notification message for requesting to establish a session sent by a session requester is received, in which the notification message carries session management information related to the session. The session management information of the session in the notification message is acquired, and a session connection with the session requester is initiated according to the session management information. Alternatively, the notification message is acknowledged according to the session management information, a reply message is generated according to an acknowledgement result, and the reply message is sent to the session requester. A Data Synchronization (DS)/Device Management (DM) server determines problems of the sent notification message according to the information returned from the terminal, so as to perform the further processing, thereby preventing the DS or DM server from blindly and repeatedly sending the notification message when not being informed that a session connection is established by a DS or DM terminal. |