| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08408758B2 |
Recessed luminaire
In an embodiment, a luminaire may include a housing that includes a support panel, a rotation ring supported by the support panel where the rotation ring is infinitely adjustable with a range of adjustments with respect to the support panel, a rotation drive unit configured to rotate the rotation ring with respect to the support panel, an aiming frame supported by the rotation ring, a tray system pivotally mounted to the aiming frame and configured to receive the bulb, and a tray drive configured to rotate the tray system about the pivotal mounting, whereby, in operation the rotational and angular orientation of the bulb may be adjusted while the bulb is on. |
| US08408756B2 |
Light having a housing part and a cover
A light includes a housing part and a translucent cover connected to the housing part, in a pressure-tight manner, by a screw-on ring. A flame-extinguishing gap is formed between the housing part and the cover. The flame-extinguishing gap is formed directly between a surface of the cover, and a surface of the housing part, and the screw-on ring covers the flame-extinguishing gap at the gap end pointing to the outer side of the light. |
| US08408752B2 |
Surface lighting unit, surface lighting light source device, surface lighting device
In a surface lighting unit comprising a footprint portion, a sidewall portion, and an optical reflector with an opening spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the footprint portion. The opening substantially satisfies a relation A=bx2+c, assuming A is the open area ratio, i.e. the ratio of the opening area in a preset predetermined region to the area of the preset predetermined region, b and c are constants, and x is the distance from the center of the optical reflector. The opening has a circular non-through hole concentric to the center of the optical reflector, a concentric arcuate hole on the outside thereof, and a plurality of round holes farther on the outside thereof. |
| US08408747B2 |
Light emitting devices having heat-dissipating surface
A light-emitting device may include a heat-dissipating base, a light-emitting unit, a housing, and a first conductive contact and a second conductive contact. The heat-dissipating base has a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the heat-dissipating base may include an exposed heat-dissipation surface. The light-emitting unit is over the top portion of the heat-dissipating base and is arranged to provide heat conductivity at least from the light-emitting unit to the heat-dissipating base. The light-emitting unit may include at least one light-emitting diode for emitting light and a first electrode and a second electrode. Heat may be generated as the light-emitting diode emits light, and the at least one light-emitting diode may have power input terminals for receiving power input to the at least one light-emitting diode. The power input may include one of an alternating-current input and a direct-current input. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled with the input terminals of the at least one light-emitting diode. The housing encloses at least a portion of the light emitting unit and covers the top portion of the heat-dissipating base. The first conductive contact and the second conductive contact are near or below a portion of the heat-dissipating base and are configured to receive external power supply. The first conductive contact may be electrically coupled with the first electrode, and the second conductive contact may be electrically coupled with the second electrode. |
| US08408746B1 |
Artificial candles with glowing canopies that flutter
An artificial candle has a flexible glowing canopy that can flutter like a candle flame, and the canopy may surround a “wick” that can be seen through the canopy to glow. Such a diaphanous canopy can be actuated by a solenoid, piezoelectric actuator or other mechanism, which can be provided adjacent to the canopy. Light can emanate from at least one light emitting diode (LED), and the canopy can include fluorescent material that absorbs and reradiates some of the light from the LED(s). The wick and the canopy can be coupled to a shaft that simulates a wax candle body. A standard threaded fitting can be provided so that the artificial candle can thread into a socket to replace an incandescent light bulb. |
| US08408744B2 |
RGB LED control using vector calibration
Color matching and coordinated illumination is achieved using RGB LEDs and vector calibration. |
| US08408743B1 |
LED module with fixing device
An LED module includes a light bar and a fixing device. The light bar includes a supporting plate and a circuit board mounted on the supporting plate. The circuit board has a plurality of light emitting diodes thereon. The supporting plate includes a first tongue and a second tongue respectively extending from two opposite ends thereof. The fixing device includes a substrate to support the light bar, a fastening piece and a tenon fixing respectively the two ends of the light bar on the substrate. The fastening piece includes a seat fixed on the substrate and a locking arm connecting to the seat. The first tongue of the light bar is embedded in the tenon, and the second tongue of the light bar is received in a space defined between the seat and the locking arm. |
| US08408737B2 |
Light emitting diode sign lighter
A light emitting diode (LED) sign lighter is positioned to illuminate a sign. One or more LED modules on the LED sign lighter are directed toward different portions of the sign. Each LED module is configured with a reflector or over-optic to control the angle of the light emitted toward the sign. Each LED module includes an array of LEDs. The configuration of each LED module within the LED sign lighter helps to reduce the build-up of environmental contaminants on the LED module. The center section of the LED sign lighter includes a compartment for housing electrical components to power the LED modules. Heat sink fins are oriented along the back side of the LED sign lighter to provide thermal efficiency for the LED modules. |
| US08408728B2 |
Lighted fittings for bathing installations
A fixture for through hole mounting to a panel includes a flange structure fabricated of a translucent material. The flange structure includes a body portion adapted to extend through a mount hole in the panel and having a outer peripheral portion, and a transverse flange portion having an outer size larger than the hole opening. A periphery flange portion overlaps the panel surrounding the hole when the flange structure is installed in the panel hole. A light source attachment portion is configured to direct light emitted from a light source into the body portion of the flange structure, so that at least some of the emitted light passes into the flange portion to illuminate the flange portion. |
| US08408724B2 |
Light source module and lighting apparatus
A light source module includes a module substrate, a metal conductor, a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements, a white diffuse reflection layer, and translucent sealing members. The metal conductor is provided in a predetermined pattern on a front surface of the module substrate. The semiconductor light emitting elements are electrically connected to the metal conductor and mounted on the front surface of the module substrate. The white diffuse reflection layer includes a plurality of holes in which the semiconductor light emitting elements are located, is thinner than the semiconductor light emitting elements, and is laminated to the front surface of the module substrate. The translucent sealing members bury the semiconductor light emitting elements, project below the diffuse reflection layer, and are mixed with a phosphor. |
| US08408721B2 |
Projection system with imaging light source module
An imaging light source module that includes a plurality of light guides, a plurality of light emitting sources, and an intermediate image surface is disclosed. Each of the plurality of light guides has an entrance face, an exit face, and at least one side wall, and all of the light guides are capable of delivering light along associated light distribution axes intersecting a common reference point. Each of the plurality of light emitting sources delivers light only to a single light guide of the plurality of light guides. The intermediate image surface comprises a plurality of pixels, where each pixel receives light from the exit face of a single associated light guide of the plurality of light guides. |
| US08408720B2 |
Image display apparatus, image display method, and recording medium having image display program stored therein
A projector divides and projects a single image onto two different projection surfaces and performs virtual user interface through one projection surface. The projector projects a VUI screen image on a desk and projects a main projected screen image on a wall. The projector includes a light receiving element, which is installed at a position that receives light emitted to the desk (the projection surface of the VUI screen image) and reflected (or scattered) by an object in the vicinity of the desk. The projector calculates a position of the object based on a light detection timing of the light-receiving element and a scanning position of light at each time and changes a projected image based on the calculated position. The projector displays a designated region of the VUI screen image to be brightened. |
| US08408717B2 |
Projection type image display apparatus
A projection type image display apparatus includes a first lens group including a plural number of lenses being disposed in a direction of propagation light with respect to an image display element, a second lens group including a plural number of lenses being disposed in a direction of propagation light with respect to said first lens group and a reflection mirror, which is configured to reflect light emitted from at least one of said first and second lens groups, so as to project the light obliquely upon a screen. A ratio (Lo/Lp) of a diagonal size (Lo) of said screen and a distance (Lp) from a center of said reflection mirror to said screen is at least 2, and the second lens group includes a refractive lens having a negative power and a rotationally symmetric surface configuration. |
| US08408715B2 |
Projector with single fan
A projector with single fan including a casing, a heat source, a light source module and an axial-flow fan are provided. The casing has an air outlet and a first air inlet. The heat source, the light source module and the axial-flow fan are disposed in the casing. The light source module includes a lamp shade and a light-emitting part. The axial-flow fan is disposed in a light outgoing side of the light source module and has an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. When the axial-flow fan is operating, a first airflow is generated. After flowing through the heat source, the first airflow enters the airflow inlet and generates a second airflow. The second airflow, blown out from the airflow outlet, dissipates the heat generated by the light source module and then flows out to the outside of the casing. |
| US08408711B2 |
Projector and reflector thereof
A reflector applied in a projector including a projection control circuit, a light source unit, a beam combiner, and a lens is disclosed. The reflector includes a transparent electrode layer, an electrophoresis layer and a pixel electrode layer. The electrophoresis layer includes a plurality of micro cups, each micro cup contains suspension therein and a plurality of charged particles. The pixel electrode layer includes a plurality of pixel electrodes corresponding to the micro cups. The projection control circuit provides voltages between each pixel electrode and the transparent electrode layer to drive the charged particles to migrate. When the charged particles arrive at the transparent electrode layer, the lights from the light source unit are reflected by the charged particles to the beam combiner to be combined into an image to be transmitted to the lens to project an image. |
| US08408710B2 |
Presentation recording apparatus and method
Provided are an apparatus and method thereof for recording a presentation. The presentation recording apparatus includes: a projector operable to project an original image of a presentation onto a screen; a camera operable to capture the image of the presentation projected onto the screen and a light of a pointing device which is irradiated onto the screen; a memory; and a controller, wherein if the projector projects the image of the presentation onto the screen, the controller controls the camera to capture the image of the presentation projected onto the screen, determines coordinate information corresponding to a position of the light of the pointing device irradiated onto the screen, and controls the memory to store the original image of the presentation together with the determined coordinate information. |
| US08408709B2 |
Illumination optical system and projector
First and second light sources emit first and second light beams, respectively. A light condensing system condenses the beams, and a polarization separation system separates each of the beams into first and second polarization components. A ½ phase plate converts the polarization state of the first polarization component to one equal to that of the second polarization component, and a rod integrator uniformizes spatial energy distribution of the beams condensed by the light condensing system. A relay system forms an image of an exit face of the rod integrator on a region to be illuminated. The light condensing system condenses the first and second polarization components onto first and second regions, respectively, of an entrance face of the rod integrator; and the ½ phase plate is placed at the first region of the entrance face of the rod integrator or at a position conjugate with the first region. |
| US08408706B2 |
3D gaze tracker
An embodiment of the invention provides a gaze tracker for determining a gaze vector for a person, which comprises a 3D camera that and a picture camera that image the person and a controller that processes images acquired by the cameras to determine a gaze direction and origin for the gaze vector. |
| US08408703B2 |
Spectrometer
A spectrometer is described, especially for an optical coherence tomograph for detecting parameters of the human eye, with said spectrometer having an input for measurement radiation to be analyzed, fanning the measurement radiation spectrally out along a direction in a fan and guiding it onto a detector that extends along the direction and comprises a plurality of detector pixels that are sensitive to the measurement radiation, with the spectrometer having an adjusting element which can be adjusted in a controlled manner to adjust the relative position of the fan and the detector, thereby optimizing the incidence position of the fan on the detector, in which it is provided that the detector has at least two superimposed, adjacent pixel lines, and a control device is provided which reads out the superimposed pixels of a plurality of pixel lines in a combined manner for a spectral analysis of the measurement radiation in a pixel binning and evaluates signal differences between superimposed pixels to control the adjusting element and to center the incidence position of the fan at a right angle to the direction of the pixel lines. |
| US08408694B2 |
Apparatus for labeling containers, comprising a printer unit
An apparatus for labelling containers, includes a storage unit, in which a supply of labelling material is accommodated, a labelling device which is disposed in the transport direction (T) of the labels and attaches the labelling material onto the containers, and a print device, which provides the labelling material with an imprint. The print device is disposed in the transport direction (T) of the labelling material between the storage unit and the labelling device and is positioned in the transport direction (T) of the labelling material at a distance from the labelling device. |
| US08408692B2 |
Ink set for inkjet recording, image recording method and image recording apparatus
The ink set for inkjet recording includes: a water-based ink containing pigment particles and 10 to 25 wt % of water-soluble high-boiling-point organic solvent having an SP value of not higher than 30; and a treatment liquid containing a fluidity reducing agent which reduces fluidity of the pigment particles by making contact with the water-based ink, and 10 to 25 wt % of water-soluble high-boiling-point organic solvent having an SP value of not higher than 30. |
| US08408691B2 |
Ink jet recording ink, ink jet image forming method and ink jet recording apparatus
The invention provides an ink jet recording ink containing a self-dispersion pigment to a surface of which an anionic functional group represented by the following general formula (1) is bonded directly or through another atomic group, an ammonium salt of an organic carboxylic acid, water, and a water-soluble compound having a hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity coefficient of 0.26 or more as defined by the following equation (A), the ink having a surface tension of 34 mN/m or less, wherein M1 and M2 are, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, alkali metal, ammonium or organic ammonium; Hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity coefficient=[(Water activity of a 20% aqueous solution)−(Molar fraction of water in the 20% aqueous solution)]/[1−(Molar fraction of water in the 20% aqueous solution)] (A). |
| US08408690B2 |
Active energy ray curable ink jet recording liquid composition and ink jet recording method using the same
The invention provides an active energy ray curable ink jet recording liquid composition including a radically polymerizable compound, an active energy ray polymerization initiator, a wax and water, wherein the melting point of the wax is 40° C. or more and 120° C. or less. |
| US08408688B2 |
Bubble tolerant manifold design for a liquid ejecting head
A liquid ejecting head includes pressure generating chambers; nozzles that communicate with respective pressure generating chambers; a manifold that communicates with a liquid introduction opening and that serves as a common flow channel for the multiple pressure generating chambers; liquid supply channels, having liquid supply openings that open into the manifold, that communicate between the manifold and the pressure generating chambers; and a pressure generating element that causes liquid to be ejected through the nozzles by generating pressure within the pressure generating chambers. At least one of the liquid supply openings is physically separated from at least one adjacent liquid supply opening, such as by a partition, which prevents air bubbles from moving between adjacent liquid supply openings. |
| US08408684B2 |
Ink jet module
A core module for an ink jet printer includes a housing and a connection manifold disposed on the housing and including a plurality of ports providing fluid communication into and out of the module. A plurality of components is disposed within the housing, including a filter module, an ink reservoir, and an ink circuit. The filter module includes a fluid filter disposed in a filter housing. The filter housing has an inlet and an outlet. The ink circuit is in fluid communication with the components and the ports, and includes fluid paths for conveying ink between the components. The filter module is connected to the connection manifold such that the filter housing inlet and outlet are each in fluid communication with one of the plurality of ports on the manifold. |
| US08408681B2 |
Liquid discharge head having an increased rigidity
A liquid discharge head includes a plurality of nozzle arrays. A concave portion is formed on a back side of a head substrate, and all supply ports are formed in the bottom of the concave portion. The head substrate and a supporting member are bonded at the bottom of the concave portion so that the supply port and an introduction port communicate with each other. According to such a configuration, a ground contact area can be sufficiently secured, so that a liquid discharge head that is highly reliable and having high heat dissipation ability, and that can be manufactured with high productivity can be achieved. |
| US08408679B2 |
Printhead having CMOS drive circuitry
A printhead is provided having a plurality of integrated circuits defining an elongate printing zone of at least 914 mm, each integrated circuit having a plurality of ejection nozzles, and CMOS drive circuitry operatively connected to the integrated circuits to drive operation thereof. |
| US08408678B2 |
Liquid ejection head and method for producing the same
A liquid ejection head includes a substrate having an energy-generating device configured to generate energy used for ejecting a liquid from an orifice; a transparent channel wall member forming an inner wall of a channel leading to the orifice; and an intermediate layer disposed between and in contact with a surface of the substrate and the channel wall member and having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the channel wall member. The intermediate layer has a first outer end surface forming contours of a symbol as viewed in a direction from the orifice toward the substrate and making a first angle with the surface of the substrate and a second outer end surface facing the channel and making a second angle with the surface of the substrate. The first angle is an obtuse angle. The second angle is smaller than the first angle. |
| US08408674B1 |
System and method for incorporating inkjet printing into a printing press process
This invention provides an inkjet print engine in combination with a conventional lithographic printing press so as to allow variable information to be applied to the fed sheets. Such information can include, but is not limited to, address information for mailing and/or special messages to the recipient. The system and method locates an inkjet printing head (single-color or multi-color) with respect to one of a number of locations along the print path. More particularly, the inkjet head can be located on a transverse carriage with movement is controlled by a conventional print head controller. The controller also addresses the formation of print at the head in conjunction with the movement of the carriage and also with respect to the movement of the sheet through the printing press. The locations at which the inkjet assembly can be located include the upstream or downstream blanket or plate rollers, the sheet in the region of the impression roller, the infeed region or the outfeed region. |
| US08408668B2 |
Recording apparatus
A record head has an actuator which is selectively switchable between a small-capacity state in which the capacity of a pressure chamber connected to an outlet is V1 and a large-capacity state in which the capacity of the pressure chamber is V2 which is larger than V1. A head driving unit selectively supplies, to the actuator, ejection drive signals which change the state of the actuator to eject liquid from the outlet and non-ejection drive signals by which the state of the actuator is changed from the small-capacity state to the large-capacity state and then returns to the small-capacity state, to the extent that no ejection of the liquid occurs from the outlet. The head driving unit successively supplies the non-ejection drive signals to the actuator while causing at least one of a first time and a second time to repeatedly increase and decrease in length, the first time being a time from an increase timing at which the state is changed from the small-capacity state to the large-capacity state to a decrease timing at which the state is changed from the large-capacity state to the small-capacity state, and the second time being a time ranging from an input of a non-ejection drive signal to an input of a directly-subsequent non-ejection drive signal. |
| US08408663B2 |
Consumer appliance drawer with improved anti-racking system
A consumer appliance, for example a refrigeration appliance, includes a compartment with a pull-out drawer. A slide member is configured on each opposite side of the compartment, with the drawer having a slide bracket mounted to each respective slide member for movement of pull-out drawer into and out of the compartment. A gear rail is configured on each opposite side of the compartment adjacent to the slide member. A gear assembly is mounted to each slide bracket and includes a first gear engaged with the gear rail and a pinion gear engaged with the first gear. The pinion gear has a rotational axis that is vertically displaced from the rotational axis of the first gear. A cross bar is connected between the pinion gears. |
| US08408661B2 |
Electronic device enclosure
An electronic device enclosure includes a computer case, a mounting tray for receiving an expansion card and a fastening member. The computer case includes a front plate. A positioning slot and an opening are defined in the front plate. The fastening member includes a main body attached to the mounting tray and a latching plate connected to the main body. The latching plate is positioned in the positioning slot. An inserting portion is located on the latching plate and elastically engaged in the opening. |
| US08408657B2 |
Bed leveling system for dump truck
A bed leveling system for a dump truck to prevent an imbalance of the truck bed during unloading of material. The system controls the side to side tilt of the truck bed and returns that bed to a generally level orientation when the bed tilt exceeds a predetermined angle. The truck bed is pivotally affixed to the truck chassis through a hinge pin. Thus, the tilting of the dump bed is carried out by a hydraulic system that changes the tilt of the hinge pin. The leveling system includes a cylindrical tube that supports the hinge pin and which is rotatable with respect to the chassis. A roll cylinder rotates the cylindrical tube to change the tilt angle of the hinge pin. A tilt sensor senses the out of level orientation of the truck bed and activates the leveling system to bring the bed back to a generally level orientation. |
| US08408651B2 |
Motor vehicle seat with an adjusting device
A motor vehicle seat is provided with an adjusting device that includes, but is not limited to a longitudinal sliding device for sliding the motor vehicle seat in a longitudinal direction and a transverse sliding device for sliding the motor vehicle seat in transverse direction. The transverse sliding device includes, but is not limited to at least one swiveling lever which on the one hand is arranged on the longitudinal sliding device and on the other hand indirectly or directly on the motor vehicle seat. The swiveling lever can be swiveled from a first swiveling position, in which the motor vehicle seat is arranged in a transverse position, into a second swiveling position in which the motor vehicle seat relative to the first transverse position is arranged in transverse direction offset in a second transverse position. |
| US08408649B2 |
Walk-in seat
A walk-in seat is provided, which has decreased number of components, and has a vacant space formed below a seat cushion so that the walk-in seat may be used even for a different-level seat track. The walk-in seat has a first control lever 171 for unlocking a first locking mechanism 100; a second control lever 181 for unlocking a second locking mechanism 100′; a memory mechanism 300 holding the first control lever 171 such that when a first upper rail 5 is located between a middle position and a foremost position with a seatback being tilted most forward, the first locking mechanism 100 is unlocked; first cable means FC operating such that when the seatback of a seat is tilted to a most forward position, the means FC drives the first control lever 171 to unlock the first locking mechanism 100; and second cable means SC transmitting operation of the first control lever 171 to the second control lever 181. |
| US08408647B2 |
Movable chair backrest
A movable chair backrest is substantially composed of an upper board pivotally attached to a front of a backrest frame. A lower end of the upper board is connected to a lower board by a resilient sheet. A bouncing board connects between the lower board and the backrest frame. Therefore, the lower board operationally swings forward, backward, rightward, leftward relative to the upper board to correspond to different sitting and leaning postures of a user. |
| US08408645B2 |
Active head restraint utilizing solenoid activation and bar linkage transmission
An active head restraint for supporting the head of an occupant, includes a shell, and an actuator disposed within the shell, wherein the actuator further includes a spring-biased bar linkage system pivotally coupled to the shell, a radial ratcheting sector coupled to the linkage system, a pawl selectively engaging the sector, and a solenoid drivenly coupled to the pawl, and configured, when activated, to cause the pawl to disengage the sector. |
| US08408643B2 |
Seat for powered aircraft, the seat incorporating means for protecting its passenger in the event of a crash
A seat for a powered aircraft, the seat comprising a bucket (2) that is supported in hyperstatic manner on a stand. Leg members (7, 8) carry the bucket (2) via bolts (10). A first hinged mechanism for geometrically compensating deformation of the floor associates a ball-joint mounting of the bolts (10) on the leg members (7, 8) with an axial deformation arrangement of the bolts (10) between opposing axial bearing surfaces where they press against a strength member (9) of the bucket (2) and against the leg members (7, 8). A second energy-absorber mechanism associates fuses (22) with deformable support members (23) for the bucket (2), which members engage the bolts (10) and the leg members (7, 8) via slides (25) arranged to adjust the initial height position of the bucket (2). |
| US08408639B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat and head restraint assembly is disclosed in which the configuration of the seat back is automatically adjusted as the position of the head rest is changed. Upon lowering the head restraint, a forwardly directed face of the seat back is urged outward to thereby decrease a torso angle associate with the seat assembly. Additional versions are described in which the torso angle is decreased by raising the head rest. And, versions are described in which horizontal or pivotal movement of the head restraint causes movement of a forward face of the seat back. |
| US08408638B2 |
Reinforced vehicle structure
A reinforced vehicle structure includes a first vehicle wall, a second vehicle wall, an accessory attachment member and a reinforcement member. The first vehicle wall has a first outer wall surface facing an outboard direction and a first inner wall surface facing an inboard direction. The second vehicle wall extends transverse to the first vehicle wall, and has a second outer wall surface facing a first direction and a second inner wall surface facing an opposite direction. The accessory attachment member is mounted to the first inner wall surface. The reinforcement member has a first end mounted to the accessory attachment member and a second end mounted to the second inner wall surface with the reinforcement member spanning the first and second vehicle walls such that the reinforcement member does not extend parallel to either of the first and second vehicle walls. |
| US08408636B1 |
Motor vehicles having bumper counter rotation brackets
A motor vehicle includes a first side member having first lower and upper darts. The motor vehicle also includes a second side member parallel with and spaced apart from the first side member, the second side member having second lower and upper darts. The upper darts are positioned between the lower darts and end portions of the respective first or second side members. The motor vehicle further includes first and second bumper brackets coupled to the end portion of the respective first or second side members, a bumper reinforcement member coupled to the first and second bumper brackets, and a counter rotation bracket coupled to the bumper reinforcement member and extending upwards from the bumper reinforcement member. The lower darts and the upper darts form a preferential buckling zone of the first and the second side members. |
| US08408635B2 |
Energy-saving vehicle
An energy-saving vehicle including a housing, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering wheel. The housing includes an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, at least a first air inlet, and at least an air outlet. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The first air inlet is disposed in the front of the vehicle. The air outlet is disposed at the back of the vehicle. The first air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the air-flow channel. The front wheels and the rear wheels are driven by a power unit. The length of the air-flow channel is no less than that of the upper portion of the housing. The vehicle consumes less energy and travels more stably compared to conventional vehicles. |
| US08408631B2 |
Vehicle seat easy entry assembly with position memory
An adjustable memory track assembly for a vehicle seat has a lower rail adapted to be secured relative to a vehicle frame, and an upper rail adapted to support the seat for fore/aft sliding movement relative to the lower rail. The adjustable memory track assembly also has a track lock assembly operable via a first actuator between a locked, engaged state wherein relative movement between the lower and upper rails is resisted, and an unlocked, disengaged state wherein the seat can be slid to and then locked in a user-selected position. A memory module is operable via a second actuator to record the user-selected position. The second actuator is also operatively connected to disengage the track lock assembly to allow forward movement of the seat from the user-selected location to a forward location, and thereafter allow rearward movement of the seat back to, but not past, the user-selected location. The adjustable memory track assembly is characterized in that the memory module is provided with a blocking element to prevent rearward movement of the seat past the user-selected position independent of the locking state of the track lock assembly. |
| US08408630B2 |
Vehicle seat reclining apparatus
A slide member is slidable along a slide rail provided at a vehicle-body side portion. When lock pawls provided at the slide member are engaged with the slide rail, the slide member is locked. The slide member is unlocked by operating an operation cable connected to the lock pawls. The operation cable is fitted to a fitting portion of an attachment bracket connected to the slide rail. A portion from a fixed portion fixed to the fitting portion to a movable portion (one end portion) extends through a region where a non-contact portion is disposed, and does not contact the non-contact portion. The movable portion is connected to the slide member and moved integrally with the slide member. |
| US08408628B2 |
Storable seat for vehicle
A storable vehicle seat is provided, which can be rotationally moved smoothly and can further be prevented from wobbling in a seating state even though the storable vehicle seat has a structure in which the rotational path of the seat is defined by front and rear links.An elongated support hole 52 and a guide hole 53 are formed in a seat cushion frame 50, a rotational support shaft 30 which is rotatably engaged in the elongated support hole 52 to be relatively movable therein and a guide projection 60 which is engaged in the guide hole 53 to be movable therein are projected from an end of the front link 27, and an extension spring S is installed between the rotational support shaft 30 and a locking projection 56 of the seat cushion frame 50 to bias the rotational support shaft 30 rearwardly. |
| US08408624B2 |
Vehicle barrier
A barrier for a vehicle that comprises a main section adapted to reside in a vehicle footwell and the main section has a width that is defined between opposite first and second ends thereof that is about half of a width of the vehicle footwell. A divider section is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the main section. The divider section is configured to rest on a vehicle seat. The divider section defines a length between opposite first and second ends thereof. The length of the divider section is substantially the distance from one of the first and second ends of the main section to a back of the vehicle seat, whereby the divider section is configured to define first and second discrete areas in the vehicle such that the divider section is located between the first and second discrete areas. |
| US08408620B2 |
Device having a handgrip for transporting containers
A device for transporting containers includes a band (2) of limp material which is closed in a loop and which is joined at a transversal strip (3) defined by respective opposite end edges (2A, 2B). A slot is provided in a median position in the strip (3) for defining a handgrip (M), the band (2) being adapted to wrap around and support at least one container, such that the strip (3) is arranged at an upper and practically central position with respect to the container. The device can be provided with blocking structures (4) for preventing exit of the container from open sides thereof. |
| US08408615B1 |
Pickup device for animal waste
An animal waste pickup device that has a handle, an elongate member and an upper pair of operating arms and a lower pair of operating arms located at the lower end of the elongate member. A fibrous material attaches to spiked material underlying the upper pair of arms. The upper arms are hingedly raised and lowered where the hinge connection is at the bottom of the elongate member. The lower pair of arms is configured to clamp together along a generally central point and the lower pair of arms further has spaced-apart apertures that are aligned to correspond with the spiked material such that the spiked material protrudes through the apertures a sufficient distance to engage the fibrous material. The lower pair of arms is operable using a grip trigger at the handle area that is in mechanical communication with the lower arms. |
| US08408611B2 |
Vehicle door handle device
A vehicle door handle device whereby a door is kept in a locked state by a locking device even if excessive external force is applied to an operation handle. A vehicle door handle device includes a handle base with which an operation handle and a cable are integrated. The handle base has a first portion including a securing part fixed to a door panel, and a second portion including a handle attachment part and a cable fixing part. The handle base further has a weak part between the first portion and the second portion, the weak part being designed to have lower rupture strength than these portions. |
| US08408608B2 |
Hood hold down device
A hood hold down device for securing a vehicle hood to a cab includes a cab mount assembly securable to a portion of the cab and a hood mount assembly securable to a portion of the hood. The hood hold down device further includes a linkage assembly extending from the cab mount assembly and a handle moveably coupled to the linkage assembly, wherein the handle is releasably securable to the hood mount assembly to secure the hood to the cab. |
| US08408606B2 |
Pipe clamp assembly with tightening element keeper
A pipe clamp assembly including a band having an inner annular seal element wrappable around a pipe, opposing clamp members extending from the band, tightening elements for clamping together the clamp members, the tightening elements passing through holders located at ends of the clamp members, and a keeper fastened to one of the holders at a first end of at least one of the tightening elements, the keeper having a cover portion that lies over the first end. |
| US08408604B2 |
Quick connector
A quick connector capable of surely confirming that a pipe body is engaged by a retainer when an elastically-deformable claw of the retainer and an elastically-deformable claw of a checker are adjacently arranged in an axial direction. Checker-axis direction elastically-deformable claws have distal-end sides formed flexibly deformable in the axial direction, maintain a state of being engaged by a second engagement portion of a retainer body by having deflective deformation regulated by a retainer diameter-expanding elastically-deformable claw in a state in which the retainer diameter-expanding elastically-deformable claw is expanded diametrically, and regulate sliding from a first position with respect to the retainer body toward a set radial direction by being engaged by the second engagement portion of the retainer body. |
| US08408601B1 |
Magnetic tire guard
A magnetic tire guard for picking up metal objects before they come in contact with a tire of a vehicle featuring a flap. A curved indentation is disposed at the intersection of the first side edge and the top edge of the flap. A plurality of mounting holes is disposed in the flap along the curved indentation, allowing for attachment of the flap to a wheel well of a vehicle. A magnet is disposed at the bottom edge of the flap. The magnet functions to attract metal objects. The magnet is attached to the flap via a magnet attachment means. |
| US08408597B2 |
Airbag and airbag device
A sewing thread of a sewn portion provided in an air chamber of an airbag is prevented from being cut during manufacturing, and damage to the airbag starting from an end of the sewn portion is suppressed. An inner connecting portion (30) provided in an air chamber of an airbag, at which opposing base fabrics are connected to each other, is formed of a first sewn portion (31) formed by sewing the base fabrics together so as to divide the air chamber, a second sewn portion (32) that surrounds an end (31T) of the first sewn portion (31) to protect it, and an adhesive layer (35) formed around the sewn portions (31) and (32). Ends (32T) of the second sewn portion (32) disposed on both sides of the first sewn portion (31) are formed such that they are continuously sewn toward an inner region (R) of the second sewn portion (32) along the end (31T) at a predetermined distance therefrom, such that they project further than the end (31T) of the first sewn portion (31), without intersecting the first sewn portion (31). |
| US08408592B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided having a sufficient rigidity and strength as well as a lighter weight. It comprises cushion materials and skin materials on a seat frame and has a plurality of triangle or circular recesses and projections that are continuously formed in at least a part of the seat frame. |
| US08408591B2 |
Inflatable curtain airbags with expanded-volume lower portions for ejection mitigation
An inflatable curtain airbag can be used to cushion an occupant during a vehicle collision as well as retaining the occupant within the vehicle during a rollover event. Curtain airbags that do not extend to the vehicle's waist line may allow the occupant to fit between the bottom of the curtain airbag and the waistline, and thereby be ejected from the vehicle. This risk is increased with vehicles that do not have vertical pillars between the doors and windows of the vehicle. Increasing an inflation gas volume capacity of a lower portion of the airbag, may mitigate the risk of occupant ejection, if the increased volume portion of the curtain overlaps the vehicle pillars. The lower portion of the curtain airbag may have a first chamber and a separate second chamber. |
| US08408588B2 |
Fixture having airbag outlet flap
A fixture for a motor vehicle includes an airbag outlet flap in an airbag outlet region. In the region of the airbag outlet flap, at least one breaking point region is provided, along with at least one joint region. An airbag module is included that itself includes an airbag. A guide element is included such that, when the airbag is deployed, force is applied by the airbag on the guide element, force is applied to the airbag outlet flap. |
| US08408587B2 |
Dashboard support part having flap configuration
A dashboard support part is provided for fastening on a dashboard of a motor vehicle, having an airbag exit opening for unfolding a passenger airbag, and a flap configuration, which is hinged on the dashboard support part and closes the airbag exit opening. The dashboard support part has a depression, in which the flap configuration is received. The flap configuration comprises a separate flap, which closes the entire airbag exit opening, is only connected to the dashboard support part along a hinge line, and rests in the depression along its remaining circumference. |
| US08408586B2 |
Curtain airbag device for vehicle
A curtain airbag device for a vehicle has a curtain airbag main body 17 that is disposed along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body while covered with an A pillar trim 41 and roof trim 42, and folded in an A pillar 7 and a roof side rail part 30 of the vehicle body so as to be able to deploy downward within a cabin. The curtain airbag main body 17 is provided with a twisted part 17b that is twisted such that an initial deployment force, generated upon inflation and deployment of the curtain airbag main body 17 located in a vicinity of the A pillar trim 41, is acted in a separation direction in which the A pillar trim 41 is parted away from the A pillar part 7, to push open the A pillar trim 41 toward an inside of the cabin. At least an upper surface of the twisted part 17b is regulated by a supporting bracket 21 and disposed in the vehicle body. |
| US08408583B2 |
Flangeless inflators and methods of making such inflators for use with inflatable airbag cushions
Flangeless inflators include a body comprising a base member and a diffuser member coupled together, where the body is devoid of a lateral inflator-coupling flange. At least one fastener is coupled to the base member of the body. In an inflatable airbag system, the flangeless inflator is coupled to an airbag cushion, as well as to a steering wheel armature. In forming flangeless inflators, a body is formed that is devoid of the lateral inflator-coupling flange, and at least one fastener is attached to the body. |
| US08408581B1 |
Collapsible shopping cart device
The collapsible shopping cart device provides a shopping cart with pivoting telescopic legs. Two spaced apart front legs mount to a pair of spaced apart leg pivots proximal to the basket bottom front. The pivoted legs provide for total collapse to the basket bottom or extension to positions that allow the basket to be selectively varied in height above a given surface such as a store floor. The basket may be provided with hinges between the basket sides and front and back and the basket bottom such that sides, front, and back may collapse for even greater collapsibility for either transport or storage. The sides, front and back are selectively locked in place when expanded. The seat bottom and back may be removable. The handle may be removable. The entire basket and its upwardly disposed components may therefore provide extreme compactability. |
| US08408579B2 |
Ski
Ski adapted to receive a skier's boot, the ski having a front tip, a rear end, front and rear contact lines, and a central zone between the front tip and the rear end. The distance separating the forward contact line and the ski tip is greater than or about 500 mm. The shovel, located between the front tip and the forward contact line has a convex zone which includes a first shovel portion having a lateral profile extending between an arc of circle with a 9-meter radius and an arc of circle with a 5-meter radius; a second shovel portion contiguous with the first shovel portion and having a lateral profile extending between an arc of circle with a 9-meter radius and an arc of circle with a 1-meter radius; a third shovel portion contiguous to the second shovel portion and extending to the front tip of the ski. |
| US08408577B2 |
Height adjustable stow-away receiver hitch
An adjustable hitch assembly including a mounting collar, a hitch base with a vertical post having a plurality of alternating square sections and circular sections, a hitch ball member having at least one hitch ball and a pivot shaft extending therefrom. The vertical post is slidably and rotatably received through the mounting collar; the pivot shaft is rotatably received in the mounting collar. The mounting collar, to which the hitch ball member is attached, may slide vertically along the vertical post and may rotate about the vertical post to adjust the height and angular position of the hitch ball member. The hitch ball member may have a plurality of variously sized hitch balls that a user may select by rotating the hitch ball member about the pivot shaft. A single rotatable latch pin received by the mounting collar engages and disengages the various components of the hitch assembly to allow adjustability. |
| US08408576B2 |
Off-road hitch assembly
Disclosed is an improved all terrain vehicle (ATV) trailer hitch system, comprising a first and second pivotal joint connected by an elongated driveshaft for navigating uneven terrain and maneuvering through tight turns without joint binding or trailer tipping. The driveshaft comprises a length adjustable member having a first end connecting to a lead vehicle via a first pivotal joint that statically supports the joint and allows pitching of the driveshaft. The driveshaft second end attaches by way of a second pivotal and rotatable joint to a trailer attachment assembly. The trailer attachment assembly provides connection to the trailer and for receiving an elongated drive screw member that establishes a rotational joint. The second pivotal joint therefore provides yaw and roll capability for the trailer. The system provides a multiple joint connection separated by an elongated driveshaft between a vehicle and a trailer for reduced binding and off-road maneuvering. |
| US08408575B2 |
Vehicle body frame of motorcycle
A vehicle body frame of a motorcycle comprises a front frame portion extending rearward from a head pipe, and a rear frame portion extending downward or rearward from a rear end of the front frame portion. The front frame portion includes at least a pair of right and left frame members. A front end of the rear frame portion is welded to a center cross member coupling rear ends of the frame members. The center cross member has a closed cross-section structure in which plate members are joined together in a forward and rearward direction. Thus, a fuel tank and devices can be laid out more flexibly from a location above the center cross member to a location behind the center cross member more flexibly and mounted more easily. |
| US08408572B2 |
Steering damper with active adjustment of damping characteristics
A steering damper varies damping based upon the input source: the steering device or the ground contact parts. The device comprises a housing fixed on an attaching part that couples the steering device and the ground contact parts. A main chamber is partitioned into a first and second damping chamber and flow is at least partially controlled by a main valve unit. The opening area of the main valve unit is determined by a relative motion between the attaching part and the steering device. |
| US08408571B2 |
Retractable vehicle step
A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages. |
| US08408570B2 |
Vehicle side fairing system
A vehicle side fairing having a first fairing panel fixedly secured to the underside of a trailer box, and a second fairing panel slidable mounted to plural cylindrical bars mounted on the underside of the trailer box in a fore and aft orientation. The second fairing panel is secured to the wheel set with a mechanical fastener that selectively joins and releases the second fairing panel and the wheel set. |
| US08408568B2 |
Suspension apparatus
A suspension apparatus includes a first suspension arm having a front end section pivotally supported on a vehicle body. The first suspension arm extends toward a rear of a vehicle from the front end section. A second suspension arm has an outer end section and an inner end section. The outer end section is attached to the first suspension. The inner end section is disposed at an inner side of the outer end section in a vehicle width direction and is pivotally supported on the vehicle body. An elastic joining section is provided on the second suspension arm and connects the second suspension arm to the first suspension arm with a plurality of elastic bodies disposed substantially in parallel in the vehicle width direction. A knuckle is supported by the first suspension arm and the wheel and is supported between the plurality of elastic bodies. |
| US08408560B2 |
Saddle riding type vehicle
A saddle riding vehicle that allows the amount of roll to be reduced includes a vehicle body, a handle, and a suspension mechanism. The suspension mechanism is provided at a front portion of the vehicle body and supports a pair of left and right front wheels or a pair of left and right skis. The suspension mechanism includes a pair of left and right arm members and a pair of left and right air shock absorbers. The pair of left and right arm members supports the pair of front wheels or the pair of skis in a vertically movable manner. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers is coupled to the pair of arm members. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers each includes a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, a first gas chamber, and a second gas chamber. |
| US08408556B2 |
Low and reverse pressure application hydrodynamic pressurizing seals
The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. Additional grooves are contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional grooves direct and create pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. The additional grooves are comprised of a first and a second axial bore groove extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the seal ring segment in fluid communication with the dead end circumferential groove so as to direct fluid flow generated from a rotating shaft into the dead end circumferential groove wherein the first axial bore groove is spaced at one end of the seal segment and the second axial bore groove is approximately centered on the seal segment. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment. |
| US08408545B2 |
Auxiliary feed conveyor
Apparatus for feeding sheets of paper printed by a printer to a sheet processing device is disclosed where the printer has a sheet discharge outlet and the processing device has a sheet inlet at a different location (e.g., a different height) than the discharge outlet. A sheet conveyor is provided for conveying the sheets from the sheet discharge outlet to the sheet inlet. The apparatus blows air to cool on each sheet as it is conveyed from the discharge outlet to the sheet inlet, and the apparatus at least partially eliminates static electricity from the sheets as they are conveyed. |
| US08408543B2 |
Banknote storage unit
A banknote store includes a banknote storage roller, two banknote conveyor belts and two collection sprockets of said belts, each belt being wound on one side to the storage roller and on the other to one of the collection sprockets, the two belts being arranged to come into contact with the banknotes respectively on opposite faces, a handling device being present to move the roller, the sprockets and the belts so as to alternatively realize the storage of the banknotes on the roller or their release from the store. The collection sprockets are mounted on a same shaft. |
| US08408542B2 |
Media processing device
A media processing device enables opening an openable unit so that the media transportation path is open with a minimal operation and little operating force. The media processing device has an openable unit that can rotate on a first pivot axis CL1 from a closed position to an open position; a lock member that can move to a locked position where it locks the openable unit in the closed position and an unlocked position where the lock is released; and an operating lever that can rotate on a second pivot axis CL2 through a range from a first pivot position passed a second pivot position to a third pivot position. A first cam mechanism converts rotation of the operating lever from the second pivot position to the third pivot position to rotation of the openable unit from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08408541B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling transfer of paper
A method and apparatus for controlling transfer of paper. In order to align the leading end of a sheet of paper, when the sheet arrives at a predetermined position in an image forming apparatus, a registration unit is stopped from operating and a driving unit that transfers the sheet from an auxiliary paper-feeding unit is also stopped from operating so that bending and crumpling of the sheet can be minimized. |
| US08408535B2 |
Attachment assist device and image forming apparatus employing the attachment assist device
An attachment assist device includes an engaging member, an engaged member, a drawing-force generator, biasing members, and rotational members. The engaging member is provided at one of a main unit and a sub unit detachably attached to the main unit. The engaged member is engaged by the engaging member and provided at the other of the main unit and the sub unit. The drawing-force generator generates a drawing force to draw the sub unit into an interior of the main unit. The biasing members are provided at the drawing-force generator to generate biasing forces in different directions. The rotational members are provided rotatably around support points at the drawing-force generator and engaged with the biasing members. The biasing members are serially connected with the rotational members to convert the biasing forces of the biasing members to the drawing force. |
| US08408529B2 |
Clamp
The problem of firmly gripping a cylindrical component over a range of permitted diameters is solved by providing a protrusion on the surface of a cantilevered seat, the seat being substantially complementarily curved to accommodate the cylindrical component. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a clamp for holding a cylindrical component is provided comprising at least one curved seat having at least one protrusion, the curved seat being cantilevered by a first end. The protrusion is configured to contact the cylindrical component under load such that a concentrated load is exerted on the curved seat between a first end and a second end causing the curved seat to be elastically deflected. |
| US08408527B2 |
Multiple jaw vise and method of making the same
A two jaw vise having a base extending in a longitudinal direction between two ends, a central fixed block and opposing jaws on either side of the central block. The opposing jaws being movable longitudinally and joined to the base for controlled movement longitudinally. The base including a base block extending longitudinally between the first and second ends and including first and second longitudinally extending rails. The first and second rails extending parallel to the base block and being spaced from the base block. The first and second rails at least partially forming the controlled movement of the jaws. The base further including first and second pluralities of vertically extending columns extending between the base block and the first and second rails, respectively. The base including at least one gap between adjacent columns. |
| US08408523B2 |
Baluster with beveled end
A baluster with beveled end having, near one or both ends of the baluster, the perimeter of the baluster proceed increasingly more inward as such end of the baluster is approached. There is some indentation at all points along the perimeter, although such indentation need not necessarily be uniform. |
| US08408516B2 |
Fluid pressure control device with integrated pressure sensor
Provided is a fluid pressure control device that includes an actuator and a body configured to house the actuator. The body has an opening arranged to receive pressurized fluid. The fluid pressure control device additionally includes a pressure sensor incorporated into the body relative to the opening to sense fluid pressure and to generate an electrical signal indicative of the sensed pressure. Furthermore, the fluid pressure control device includes an integrated circuit incorporated into the body, and operatively connected to the pressure sensor. The integrated circuit includes a transceiver configured to communicate with an external device by transmitting the electrical signal indicative of the sensed fluid pressure to the external device and receiving a control signal from the external device. The integrated circuit additionally includes a driver configured to power the actuator in response to the control signal. |
| US08408513B2 |
Holder systems for mobile devices
A holder system for mobile devices includes a generally rectangular holder base and a holder configured to secure the mobile device therein. The holder may be removably attachable to the holder base. A retractor mechanism may be attached to the holder base. The holder base includes a pair of spaced cord ports, each cord port receiving a line part of a retractable cord that is engaged to the retractor mechanism. |
| US08408512B2 |
Bayonet mirror mount
A mount for mounting a mirror on a knife. The knife has a blade, a blade tip, and a handle. The mount has a base that is configured to engage a mirror, and a housing that is coupled with the base. The housing defines a cavity that is configured for receiving at least a portion of the knife blade such that the blade tip is substantially enclosed by the housing when the blade is positioned in the cavity. Preferably, the housing encloses approximately between 1 to 5 inches of the knife blade. |
| US08408507B2 |
Locking device
A locking device includes: a pivot rod extending through a connecting block of a U-shaped seat and through a connecting block of a rotary cover such that the rotary cover is rotatable relative to the seat between unlocking and locking positions; a resilient member for biasing the rotary cover to move toward the locking position; and a position-limiting unit including a guiding groove formed in one of the connecting block and the pivot block, and a guiding rod provided on the other one of the connecting block and the pivot block, and extending into and engaging movably the guiding groove. When the guiding rod is limited and engaged in one end of the guiding groove, the rotary cover is positioned at the unlocking position, where the rotary cover is spaced apart from the seat. |
| US08408505B2 |
Display support device and display using the same
A display support device includes a fixing base, a connecting member mounted on the fixing base, a frame connected on the connecting member, and an expanding bracket mounted on the frame. The frame includes a hold plate. The hole plate defines two first slots. The expanding bracket includes two first expanding bars and two second expanding bars. Each of the first expanding bars defines a number of through holes. Each of the second expanding bars defines two second slots. A number of first fasteners slidably extend through the first slots and the second extending bars to adjustably mount the second expanding bars to the hold plate. And a number of second fasteners slidably extend through the second slots and the through holes of the first expanding bars and are mounted to a display. |
| US08408504B1 |
Television support assembly
A television support assembly includes a vertical support that has a top end and a bottom end. The vertical support is engageable with a bed frame. A monitor support is attached to the upper end. A panel is attached to the monitor support. The panel is configured to receive fasteners to hold a monitor on the panel. The panel has a bottom side facing downward and is angled between 10° and 50° with respect to a horizontal plane such that the bottom side is angled toward the vertical support. |
| US08408502B2 |
Thin design display apparatus and display unit detachment method
In order to provide a display monitor, such as a thin design television or the like, in which its display unit is easily attachable and detachable from the stand structure and can be easily carried about, and where the place of installation of the display unit is not limited, a stand type thin design television includes a display unit (1), a joint body (15), a pillar (25) and a stand base (29). The joint body (15) is attached to the display unit (1) while the joint body (15) is free to be attached to and removed from the pillar (25) that is fixed to the stand base (29). In the first usage mode in which the pillar (25) and the stand base (29) are used, the joint (15) is inserted into the pillar (25). In the second usage mode in which the pillar (25) and the stand base (29) are not used, the joint body (15) itself is used as a stand. |
| US08408501B2 |
Hose clamp for tractor rig
A hose clamp includes a hanger configured to be suspended from a harness. A clasp defines lower pockets and is rotatably attached to the hanger by a hinge. The clasp is configured to rotate about the hinge between an open position, in which flexible lines can be laid into the pockets, and a closed position in which the hanger and the clasp together surround and capture the lines in the respective pockets. A latch is configured to latch the clasp in the closed position. |
| US08408499B2 |
Aircraft
The invention provides according to one aspect an aircraft, comprising a fuselage, an airfoil mounted to the fuselage and a flap for steering the aircraft. Furthermore, connecting means articularly connect the flap to the airfoil such that the flap is allowed to rotate around a rotation axis substantial parallel to the trailing or leading edge of the airfoil between a retracted position and an extended position and to translate in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis. A rod articularly connect the flap to the airfoil or to the fuselage, wherein the rod defines the translation of the flap in the direction parallel to the rotation axis. Hence, by way of one aspect of the invention, forces acting of the flap in a direction parallel to the rotation axis can be taken up by the rod. Consequently, there is no need for using locating bearings having negative aerodynamic effects due to their by comparison large dimensions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flight of the aircraft. |
| US08408494B2 |
Airbag system for aircraft
The invention relates to an airbag system for aircraft, intended to protect crew and passengers. The system comprises: inflatable cushions; a supply of air from individual tanks, communal tanks and the aircraft APU; a connection to the landing gear and the altimeter; a manual switch; an approach and contact sensor enabling automatic activation; electric lines, electrovalves and air ducts. The system also includes a second version which is activated using electrochemical batteries which operate on the basis of sharp deceleration. |
| US08408490B2 |
Oblique blended wing body aircraft
An oblique wing aircraft (1) designed for reduced surface area to volume ratio. The aircraft has an oblique wing comprising a forward swept wing segment (27) on one side of the wing and an aft swept wing segment (29) on the opposite side of the wing. A center oblique airfoil section (25) connects the forward and aft swept wing segments. The center oblique airfoil section has a larger chord near its centerline than the chords of either of the forward or aft swept wing segments. The chord of the center oblique airfoil section tapers down more rapidly than the forward or aft wing segments as the center oblique airfoil section extends outboard toward the forward and aft swept wings. The center oblique airfoil section is not shaped solely to function as a circular fairing to fill the gap between an oblique wing and a fuselage at different oblique wing angles, nor is it a second wing in an X wing configuration. Preferably, the aircraft is an all-wing aircraft. |
| US08408489B2 |
Annular airborne vehicle
An airborne vehicle having a wing-body which defines a wing-body axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the wing-body axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends. A propulsion system is provided comprising one or more pairs of propulsion devices, each pair comprising a first propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a first side of a plane including the wing-body axis, and a second propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a second side of the plane including the wing-body axis. |
| US08408488B2 |
Safety flier—a parachute-glider air-vehicle with vertical take-off and landing capability
One embodiment of a Vertical Take-off and Landing (VToL) air-vehicle (FIG. 1.) having a horizontal rotor, a. providing lift and propulsion, and communicating at or near its centre to structural elements, or fuselage, b. Upon or within the fuselage structure is attached a platform, to which a payload, or occupant or pilot, d. is secured in such a manner as to permit a movement, or range-of-motion, of the payload, as a means of weight-shifting, or mass-balancing, of the vehicle for stability and control in flight. At least two planar elements, or descent-vanes, c.i & c.ii are connected to a structural element of the fuselage at a location which provides vertical and horizontal separation between the rotor and the descent-vanes, thus creating a tandem, biplane arrangement of two aerodynamically active elements which are aerodynamically balanced to provide stability and controllability in hovering flight, in forward flight, and in un-powered gliding and vertical descents. Other embodiments are described and shown. |
| US08408487B2 |
Rolled material dispenser with energy harvesting
An automatic dispenser for a rolled material has a sensor that detects the presence of a user in front of the dispenser. When that occurs, a motor is driven by energy stored in a battery or a capacitor and a short length of the material is dispensed from the roll. The user then grasps that short length and pulls more of the material off the roll, thereby causing the roll to rotate. Rotation of the roll drives the motor as a generator producing electrical energy that recharges the battery or capacitor. |
| US08408485B2 |
Skid steer mixer attachment
A mixer attachment for use with a skid steer. In one embodiment, the mixer attachment includes a mixing tub with a circumferential wall extending between a floor and a rim to define an interior compartment for holding a quantity of material. An auger may be provided that mixes the materials and is driven by a hydraulic drive unit. In some embodiments, one or more material retarders extend into the interior compartment to impede movement of the material within the interior compartment. A discharge chute allows discharge of material from the interior compartment. The mixing tub is movable between a scooping position and a mixing position. |
| US08408482B2 |
Sprinkler with pressure regulation
A sprinkler pressure regulator module has a compact arrangement with a shiftable member having an upper cavity for receiving water flow debris, and a portion of a bypass valve may reciprocate therein. The module includes a stator plate directing water into a drive mechanism, such as a turbine drive mechanism. The shiftable member receives fluid flow from a radially outboard direction and is sealed with a cup portion receiving the shiftable member to define a cup cavity. A module exterior surface is separated from a sprinkler housing to define a vent cavity. A pressure release vent communicates with the cup cavity, a vent channel between the cup portion and the exterior surface, the vent cavity, and the exterior environment. The vent cavity and cup portion provide receptacles for debris deposit. Ribs around an opening of the vent channel with the vent cavity generally prevent debris from entering the vent channel. |
| US08408481B1 |
Mobile fragrance-dispensing device resembling a pet
A mobile fragrance-dispensing device resembling a pet. The device features a base with an inner cavity for storing a fragrance canister, a microprocessor, wheels disposed on the ends of the legs on the base, and a motor with steering mechanism operatively connected to each wheel. A dispenser system is fluidly connectable to the fragrance canister. The dispenser system functions to spray fragrance from said fragrance canister when activated. A motion sensor is disposed on the head of the base, wherein when the motion sensor is activated the microprocessor activates the dispensing system for a certain length of time. |
| US08408476B2 |
Length measurement system based on optical recognition pattern for length measurement
An optical recognition pattern for length measurement is mounted on an optical contact surface and includes a plurality of optical recognition units, each of which corresponds to a length value. The sequence of the optical recognition units on the optical contact surface is consistent with that of the corresponding length values in such a way that the optical recognition pattern imitating the conventional measuring ruler can be constituted. Besides, the optical recognition pattern can further work with an optical recognition device to constitute a length measurement system that the optical recognition is applied to. |
| US08408473B2 |
Method for producing an RFID transponder product, and RFID transponder product produced using the method
A method is provided for producing an arrangement, which, for example, may be used for further processing into a non-contact chip card or an identification document and which comprises a multi-layer structure, with a first part of an RFID antenna, at least comprising a coil-shaped antenna structure and a connecting structure, being arranged on a carrier layer and the chip being directly mounted on this part of the antenna structure and contacted, with a compensation layer being arranged thereabove, which in the area of the chip comprises an embedding opening and which comprises at least two contacting openings in the intersection area of the first part of the RFID antenna with a bridge structure, which is located on a cover layer, and subsequently the individual layers being connected to each other via lamination. |
| US08408470B2 |
Object for authentication verification, authentication verifying chip reading device and authentication judging method
A structure of a subject such as a card, a bank note, or a stock certificate easily faked and needing authenticity validation and a method for judging the authenticity of the subject. An authenticity validation chip having structural color developers irregularly arranged is attached to a card. An optical sensor detects the arrangement of the structural color developers to individually recognize the card or judge its authenticity. To validate the authenticity, when or after the card is taken in, the information in the authenticity validation chip provided on the card is read. Each of the structural color developers is a transparent resin flake or a transparent resin thin layer. The information is read two-dimensionally with a camera, and the authenticity of the authenticity validation chip is judged by observing the distributed state of the structural color developers. Alternatively, the information can be read linearly. A given straight or curved line can be used by altering the read portion while associating the shape of the read line with the movement of the card in taking in the card. |
| US08408468B2 |
Method of and system for reading visible and/or invisible code symbols in a user-transparent manner using visible/invisible illumination source switching during data capture and processing operations
Method of and system for reading visible and/or invisible code symbols in a user-transparent manner using visible/invisible illumination switching during data capture and processing operations. |
| US08408461B2 |
System and method for image analysis pointing-error correction
The disclosure relates to a system and a method for light beam interrogation of an optical biosensor and for monitoring a biological event on the biosensor for use, for example, in microplate image analysis. The system and method correct pointing-errors that can be encountered, for example, in scanning label-independent-detection biosensor applications. |
| US08408460B2 |
Auto adjusting ranging device
A ranging system for use with a projectile launching device is provided. The ranging system includes an alignment marker visible with an optical sight device. The position of the alignment marker is adjusted based at least on a determined range to a target. |
| US08408456B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling access to media content by detecting one or more user fingerprints
A system includes a media content processing subsystem and user input device having a plurality of control surfaces each configured to cause the input device to transmit at least one command to the media content processing subsystem. The input device is configured to acquire an image of a fingerprint of a finger touching the control surface and cause the processing subsystem to execute the command in accordance with a user profile that corresponds to the acquired fingerprint image. |
| US08408455B1 |
System and method for granting promotional rewards to both customers and non-customers
Aspects of the invention include systems and methods of using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to access a rewards account. The customer may access the ATM using a card or other device. Account information associated with the customer, including a rewards account, may be retrieved by the ATM. Through the ATM, the customer may perform actions upon the rewards account. The actions may include, but are not limited to, a balance inquiry, a withdrawal and/or redemption, an account transfer, and preferences. Subsequent to, or coincident with, a withdrawal/redemption or account transfer, the rewards account may be debited an appropriate amount to equate to the amount of the withdrawal/redemption or account transfer. Following the completion of the customer's transaction, a receipt may be dispensed from the ATM. The receipt may include the rewards account balance. |
| US08408454B2 |
Multifunctional portable consumer payment device
A card can be used to make a payment or to gain access to a secure facility. The card embeds a chip, a passive circuit, and an antennae that receives frequencies upon which the chip executes corresponding payment and access applications. The passive circuit powers the chip upon being energized by an external circuit that emits the frequencies. The card docks into a card dock having a user interface. The user interface has buttons which, when particularly engaged, permits reception of one of the frequencies that energizes the passive circuit to power the chip for the execution of the corresponding application. |
| US08408451B2 |
Reclosable folding box with tamper-evident closure without adhesive
A reclosable folding box of cardboard with at least one tamper-evident closure is provided, which comprises a lid flap with an insertion tab, a cover tab, and a cutout. The tamper-evident closure of the reclosable folding box can be closed by machine without the need for gluing, and the tamper-evident closure can be opened only by destroying the tamper-evident closure. The insertion tab comprises at least one tear-off tab, to which it is connected along one side by at least one first predetermined break line. The tamper-evident closure is set up in such a way that, when the reclosable folding box is opened for the first time, the insertion tab cooperates in the cutout with the cover tab, so that, when the insertion tab moves beyond a breaking point, the at least one tear-off tab tears at least partially along the at least one first predetermined break line. Alternatively, the cover tab comprises at least one second predetermined break line, and the tamper-evident closure is set up in such a way that, when the reclosable folding box is opened for the first time, the insertion tab cooperates in the cutout with the cover tab, so that, when the insertion tab moves beyond a breaking point, the cover tab is torn at least partially along the at least one second predetermined break line. |
| US08408450B2 |
Packaging methods and packs made thereby
A packaging configuration is disclosed. The packaging configuration comprises a sheet of packaging film having a leading end portion and a trailing end portion. The sheet is formed into a tube such that the leading end portion and the trailing end portion overlap each other to form an overlapped region having overlapping films. The overlapped region comprises a tear line region along a tear line extending in a machine direction. The sheet further comprises a tab having an attached end attached to the sheet at the leading end portion and a free end opposite to the attached end. The overlapping films in at least a portion of the overlapped region are sealed against each other; and the overlapping films within the tear line region are not sealed against each other or are less strongly sealed against each other than the overlapping films outside the tear line region. |
| US08408447B2 |
Method for manufacturing a module with a hollow area by hot isostatic compression
A method for manufacturing a module with a hollow area by hot isostatic compression, including: making an assembly including superposed elements defining the hollow area, the assembly forming a sealed casing containing the hollow area, including at least one meltable obturation member separating the hollow area from the outside of the assembly; followed by hot isostatic compression of the assembly, to obtain diffusion-welding of its elements, by letting temperature and pressure conditions change over time to cause a rupture of the meltable obturation member allowing pressurization gas to penetrate into the hollow area. |
| US08408442B2 |
Tool assembly for a surgical stapling device
A surgical device comprising an anvil, a cartridge assembly, a dynamic clamping member, a clamp ring and a drive mechanism is disclosed. The cartridge assembly is configured to house a plurality of fasteners at least partially therein. The anvil and cartridge assembly are movable in relation to each other between open and approximated positions. The dynamic clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the cartridge assembly to eject fasteners therefrom. The dynamic clamping member engages the anvil and the cartridge assembly. The clamp ring is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position at least partially encircling proximal portions of the anvil and cartridge assembly for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the anvil and cartridge assembly from exceeding a predetermined distance. The drive mechanism includes a single actuator for driving both the clamp ring and the dynamic clamping member. |
| US08408439B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument with an articulatable end effector
In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a closure tube configured to at least partially surround the anvil and the staple cartridge channel to hold the anvil in a closed position. The closure tube can extend around the anvil a greater distance than the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and, in addition, an articulation joint pivotably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The articulation joint can further comprise a floating guide member which can guidably support a knife bar extending into the end effector and, at the same time, move independently of the end effector and the shaft to provide such support. |
| US08408438B2 |
Easy grip tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment
An adjustable depth-of-drive assembly for use with a fastener-driving tool upper probe includes a workpiece contact element carried on the upper probe and having a contact end and an adjustment end, a stop configured for being secured to the upper probe and being moveable between an adjusting position in which the workpiece contact element is movable relative to the upper probe, and a locked position wherein the adjustment end is secured against movement relative to the upper probe, a biasing element associated with the stop and configured for urging the stop and the adjustment end into a selected locked position relative to the upper probe with a biasing force, and at least one camming element carried on the stop for selective camming engagement between the upper probe and the stop by means of a user's manual force to urge the stop into the adjusting position against the biasing element force. |
| US08408436B2 |
Wearable device assembly having athletic functionality
A wearable device has a carrier having an aperture. A device has a USB connection and a protrusion wherein the protrusion is received in the aperture to connect the device to the carrier. The device is a USB type device having athletic functionality. |
| US08408435B2 |
Baby harness
The present invention concerns a small and neat harness (1) of light weight, which may be carried by the child as a garment, and which gives the child ample freedom of movement when it walks on its own, yet support while being carried. The harness may swiftly be coupled to and from a carrying strap (14) in order to carry the child, or for example to a pram or chair as a safety harness. The harness (1) may in addition be used as a walking or safety harness when the child wants to walk by itself. |
| US08408434B2 |
Clothes hanger
The invention discloses five embodiments of hangers for clothes having a first crossbar forming together with means for arranging the hanger on a support a main frame, which comprises an additional second crossbar having a free end for hanging trousers and capable of moving it in space into various positions relative to the main frame and its subsequent pressing to the first crossbar. |
| US08408432B2 |
Dispensing closure
The present invention relates to a dispensing closure for a container, said dispensing closure comprising: a base (200) and mounting means (200) on said base for mounting said base to a container at an opening of the container, said base also constituting an outer side-wall (240) of said closure; a dispensing element (100) having a dispensing channel (160) and a discharge opening (164) said dispensing element being movable between a closed position and an open position; said dispensing element comprising at least one operational control element (142), at least partially extending into at least one opening (242) in said outer side wall of said base to be accessible by a user in order to move said dispensing element between said closed and said open position; said dispensing closure being arranged such that said discharge opening is closed by said outer sidewall of said base, when said dispensing element is in its closed position, and/or such that said dispensing channel is closed by a shut-off element (260) of said base, when said dispensing element is in its closed position. |
| US08408431B2 |
Valve
A fluid dispenser valve having a valve body (10) containing a metering chamber (20), and a valve member (30) that is slidable in the valve body (10) between a rest position and a dispensing position so as to dispense the contents of the metering chamber (20) selectively. The valve member (30) is urged resiliently towards its rest position by a spring (8) that co-operates firstly with the valve body (10) and secondly with a radial collar (320) of the valve member (30), the radial collar (320) being of a shape that is polygonal, the vertices (325) of the polygon being substantially rounded. |
| US08408427B2 |
Single dose nasal spray pump
In one or more embodiments a single dose nasal spray pump includes a reservoir configured for holding a single dose of material to be dispensed, the reservoir extending between a closed end and an open end; a cap to be configured to be disposed over the open end of the reservoir, the cap including an aperture; a stem extending between an outlet end and a lower end, the stem having a conduit extending from the outlet end of the stem to a conduit inlet at or adjacent the lower end of the stem; and a piston disposed about the stem and configured for movement between a first position wherein the piston seals or substantially seals the conduit inlet and a second position wherein the piston is remote from the conduit inlet; wherein the stem is configured for movement from a first stem position wherein the piston is disposed in the reservoir in the first piston position and a second stem position wherein the stem is moved toward the closed end of the reservoir such that the piston is moved into the second piston position. |
| US08408424B2 |
Active hopper for promoting flow of bulk granular or powdered solids
An apparatus that promotes the flow of materials has a body having an inner shape for holding the materials, a wall having a shape that approximates a portion of the inner shape of the body, and a vibrator attached to the wall. The wall may be disposed vertically within the body close to the body's inner shape. The vibrator transfers vibrations to the wall to agitate the material and encourage material flow. |
| US08408423B1 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid
A method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid from a door handle. The apparatus includes a handle having a nozzle, an actuator fluidly coupled to the nozzle, and a cartridge of sanitizer fluid fluidly coupled to the actuator. Manipulation of the handle causes the actuator to dispense sanitizer fluid from the nozzle. |
| US08408422B2 |
Device for fastening a dispensing pump on a bottle containing a product
A device for fastening a dispensing pump on a bottle containing a product, a sleeve fastening the pump and fastening on the bottle, a dressing hoop intended to be mounted by axial sliding around a peripheral seating of the sleeve, the peripheral seating having axial splines and the internal wall of the hoop having axial ribs which are arranged to be placed in the splines during the mounting of the hoop around the seating. |
| US08408421B2 |
Flow regulating stopcocks and related methods
A dispenser using a stopcock valve has a first and second chamber. The first chamber has a flow material and is pressurized with air. The first chamber is connected to a stopcock valve that holds a second chamber which has a pressure sensor when the stopcock valve is rotated to the proper orientation. The stopcock valve is then rotated to a dispensing position where the flow material is dispensed under pressure to an outlet. By using the air pressure sensor and by taking into consideration the volume of the second chamber, the amount of flow of material can be dosed out consistently. |
| US08408419B2 |
Slanted sheet dispenser
A sheet dispenser is defined by at least six panels having outwardly facing surfaces, wherein at least one of the panels is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the other panels. Sheets may be dispensed from an opening located on the oblique surface. The sheet dispenser may sit on a surface such as a countertop for dispensing, or may be placed between a wall and other structure attached to the wall such as a towel bar. Furthermore, the sheet dispenser may be hung from a structure using a strap attached to the towel dispenser. |
| US08408415B2 |
Fuel tank cap for a fuel tank
A fuel tank cap includes a housing having a side wall, a bottom wall, and a receptacle, a fuel vapor adsorption material positioned within the receptacle, an inlet at least partially defined by the bottom wall and configured to provide fluid communication with a fuel tank vapor space, an outlet at least partially defined by the bottom wall and configured to provide fluid communication with the atmosphere, an internal wall extending from the bottom wall at least partially into the receptacle, and an aperture at least partially defined by the internal wall and configured to permit fuel vapor to flow in a vapor flow path from one side of the internal wall to the other side of the internal wall. |
| US08408408B1 |
Nipple assembly and mounting tools
Nipple assemblies including nipples which attach to a threaded nipple adapter which can be attached to feeding containers with threaded spouts are disclosed. Mounting tools are also disclosed, to aid in attaching the elastic nipples to the adapters. |
| US08408407B2 |
Knuckle formed through the use of improved external and internal sand cores and method of manufacture
A method for manufacturing a railcar coupler knuckle, said method includes providing a cope mold portion and a drag mold portion. The cope and drag mold portions have internal walls that define at least in part perimeter boundaries of a coupler knuckle mold cavity. At least one chill core is positioned within one of the cope mold portion and the drag mold portion. The cope and drag mold portions are closed, with the at least one core therebetween, and the closed cope and drag mold portions and the chill core define a parting line. The mold cavity is filled with a molten metal, which solidifies after filling to form a casting. The casting includes a pulling face portion defined by the chill core, and a central section of the pulling face portion does not contain the parting line and requires no finish grinding upon its formation. |
| US08408406B2 |
Central datum feature on railroad coupler body and corresponding gauges
A coupler body for a railcar coupler, said coupler body comprising at least one central datum feature that does not wear during coupler use. |
| US08408405B2 |
Shelving system
A shelving system including an elongated support member and a plurality of shelves, each of which can be supported by a clamping mechanism. The support member has a telescoping configuration so that upper and lower ends of the support member can be pressed against upper and lower stationary objects. The clamping mechanism allows the plurality of shelves to be adjusted both vertically and laterally along a length of the elongated support member. |
| US08408400B2 |
Limpness detecting device, limpness detecting method, and sheet handling apparatus including limpness detecting device
According to one embodiment, a limpness detecting device includes a transmitting unit to irradiate an acoustic wave towards a conveyed sheet to excite a Lamb wave, a first receiving unit to detect a leaky wave of the Lamb wave emitted from a front surface of the sheet, a second receiving unit to detect a leaky wave of the Lamb wave emitted from a back surface of the sheet, a comparison data calculating unit to calculate comparison data based on the signal detected by the first receiving unit and the signal detected by the second receiving unit, and an intactness judgment unit to compare the comparison data calculated by the comparison data calculating unit with a preset standard value and judge whether the sheet is an intact bill or not, based on a result of the comparison. |
| US08408393B2 |
Packaged toy with selector
The present disclosure is directed generally to product packaging and, more specifically, to product packaging assemblies with try-me toys that may allow a consumer to visualize, experiment, and design various looks available in the product line at the point of purchase while the product remains in the product packaging and after purchase. |
| US08408390B2 |
Smoking accessory
A smoking accessory. The accessory includes a base having an upper surface with two openings. A first of the openings providing access to a pipe receptacle extending into the base from the first opening. A second of the openings providing access to a tobacco receptacle extending into the base from the second opening. The accessory includes a lid pivotally connected to the base by a hinge located above the upper surface of the base for selective movement in directions toward and away from the smoking pipe receptacle and the tobacco receptacle between an open position and a closed position. |
| US08408389B1 |
Button activated dispensing cap for a liquid container
A three piece sealed dispensing and storage cap that is inserted onto the neck of a liquid bearing container threaded neck of a bottle, said device being a storage chamber for sealably containing a liquid and/or dry material and a dispenser for releasing the material when desired into the primary container. The dispensing cap may include a desiccant to prevent moisture from reaching the storage chamber. The bottom seal that is frangible and ruptured to activate the device may include a line of weakening. The button top is depressed manually forcing an actuator against the bottom of the cap body seal to rip away the bottom seal dispensing the material. The present invention allows the use of materials that would discolor, degrade or interact with other substances when added to the contents of the bottle, to remain stable and/or inactive until the time of use. |
| US08408388B1 |
Locking structure for a tool box
A locking structure for the box body is provided with a box body, a handle, and a cover. The handle is a rotatable structure which can support the box body to make the box body stand in an inclined manner, so as to allow the user to have a full clear view of the hand tools inside the tool box. On top of that, the tool box offers an antitheft feature, when the tool box is closed, the cover cannot be opened and removed from the box body unless the locking ends of the retainers are destroyed. Therefore, the hand tools cannot be taken out of the tool box without permission. |
| US08408383B2 |
Methods for mounting or removing belts from telescoping conveyor mechanisms that cooperate with packaging systems having clippers
Methods of mounting a conveyor belt to a telescoping conveyor include: (a) providing a conveyor belt configured to mount to a telescoping conveyor mechanism; (b) pivoting a first idler roller to an operative fixed position; and (c) translating an idler residing below the first idler roller upward and rearward into its respective operative fixed position to thereby mount a telescoping conveyor belt. |
| US08408379B2 |
Parts manipulation, inspection, and replacement
Manufacturing lines include inspection systems for monitoring the quality of parts produced. Manufacturing lines for making semiconductor devices generally inspect each fabricated part. The information obtained is used to fix manufacturing problems in the semiconductor fab plant. A machine-vision system for inspecting devices includes a flipper mechanism. After being inspected at a first station, a tray-transfer device moves the tray from the first inspection station to a flipper mechanism. The flipper mechanism includes two jaws, a mover, and a rotator. The flipper mechanism turns the devices over and places the devices in a second tray so that another surface of the device can be inspected. A second tray-transfer device moves the second tray from the flipper to a second inspection station. The mover of the flipper mechanism removes the tray from the first inspection surface and places a tray at the second inspection surface. |
| US08408373B2 |
Clutch unit
The invention relates to a clutch unit, which has two subunits. One subunit is connected to the output shaft of an engine, and the other subunit is pre-mounted on the side of the transmission. Both subunits are coupled to one another via an axial plug-type connection, which includes meshing first profiles and second profiles. |
| US08408369B2 |
Bimetallic brake rotor
A bimetallic brake rotor includes a rotor body composed of a first material and a pair of cheek inserts serving as the rotor cheeks, being composed of a second material less dense than the first material. Each of the cheek inserts has a first sequence of slots and teeth, and a disc component of the rotor body has a second sequence of slots and teeth on each side thereof which mesh with the first sequence such that a radial edge interface is provided at each adjoining tooth and slot which transfers braking heat and mechanical loading from the cheek inserts to the rotor body. |
| US08408368B2 |
Caliper brake
A caliper brake including a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a pair of laterally spaced holes, and a mounting bolt is received through each hole. Each bolt includes a head and a threaded portion on opposing ends, and a nut is received on each threaded portion. An inner spacer extends between the mounting bracket and the nut on each bolt, and an outer spacer extends between the mounting bracket and the head on each bolt. |
| US08408367B2 |
Drum brake
The invention relates to a drum brake having an electromechanical actuating device. The invention proposes to convert a rotating drive movement of the actuating device by use of a gearwheel and two toothed racks. The toothed racks mesh with the gearwheel on opposite sides thereof and are driven in opposite directions by the gearwheel into translational movements for pressing attached brake shoes against a brake drum. The toothed racks are configured in such a way that the two toothed racks have a common line of action, with resulting symmetrical actuating forces. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lines of action of the toothed racks run tangentially with respect to the gearwheel. |
| US08408365B2 |
Locking device for preventing a rotation and/or an axial movement of a pin, including shape memory releasing means
A locking device for preventing the rotation and/or the axial movement of a pin includes a coil spring wound around at least a portion of the pin and having one end rigidly connected to a support structure. In its undeformed condition, the spring has an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the pin, whereby in its resting condition the spring is tightened around the pin to prevent a rotation thereof at least in a direction or an axial movement in any direction. The device includes shape memory means for causing the unwinding of the turns of the spring for the purpose of temporarily releasing the pin. |
| US08408360B2 |
Automatic belay warning system
A warning system for use with a climbing wall and an automatic belay apparatus for belaying a climber, the warning system providing a warning that a climber is not protected by the auto-belay apparatus. The warning system includes a sensor positioned to sense that a lower end of the climbing rope is secured to the climbing wall and the climber is not attached to the auto-belay system which indicates a dangerous situation, and a height sensor for sensing when the climber has reached a selected height on the climbing wall. A processor receives signals from the sensors and compares the signals to determine if the climber has reached the selected height with the lower end of the climbing wall still secured to the wall, and if so, then actuates a warning alarm. |
| US08408354B2 |
All terrain vehicle
An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft coupled to a handle; a power steering device including an input shaft coupled to the steering shaft, and an output shaft driven to rotate together with the input shaft, the power steering device being positioned between right and left front wheels in a rightward and leftward direction; a link unit for coupling the output shaft to each of the right and left front wheels, the link unit receiving a rotation of the output shaft and changing a direction of the front wheels; and a stopper disposed to face the output shaft with a clearance between the stopper and at least a left portion and a right portion of an end portion of the output shaft. |
| US08408351B2 |
System and method for enhancing vehicle handling and traction
A vehicle includes a suspension system operatively connecting a vehicle body to a plurality of wheels for maintaining contact between the wheels and a road surface, and for maintaining handling of the vehicle. A system for steering the vehicle and a braking system for decelerating the vehicle are also included. The vehicle additionally includes a plurality of thrusters, wherein at least one of the thrusters is arranged relative to each wheel and each of the plurality of thrusters is configured to generate a force. Furthermore, the vehicle additionally includes a controller configured for regulating the force generated by each of the thrusters to assist the suspension system with maintaining contact between the wheels and the road surface and maintaining handling, assist the steering system with steering, and assist the braking system with decelerating the vehicle. A method of assisting the vehicle suspension, steering, and braking systems is also disclosed. |
| US08408349B1 |
Electric bicycle
An electric bicycle and electric bicycle frame including batteries stored in a pair of substantially parallel top tubes. In some cases, the top tubes extend rearward of the bicycle seat tube, and an electronics housing may be disposed between the rearward extending top tube portions. |
| US08408346B2 |
Motor vehicle front end
A motor vehicle front end has a frame, which supports a heat exchanger and has an upper horizontal crosspiece connected to two uprights by means of connection elements, which are plastically deformable so as to allow the upper horizontal crosspiece to be lowered in the event of an accident; the upper horizontal crosspiece comprises a rigid rear portion and a plastically deformable, front portion which is made of plastic material and is fixed to the rigid rear portion. |
| US08408345B2 |
Moving body equipped with fuel cell
A fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell, a radiator, a radiator fan, and a mounting frame. The mounting frame has an opposed member located on an axially extension of a rotating shaft of the radiator fan. When a compression load acting on the rotating shaft reaches a preset load, the rotating shaft of the radiator fan is compressed in an axial center direction along an axial center. |
| US08408344B2 |
Sealing members for radiator assemblies and radiator assemblies comprising the same
Sealing members for vehicle radiator assemblies and vehicle radiator assemblies comprising sealing members are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sealing member for a radiator assembly includes a central panel, a mounting connector, and a flexible skirt element. The mounting connector may be formed in an upper edge of the central panel and extend across a width of the central panel. The mounting connector and the central panel are formed from a first polymeric material. The flexible skirt element may be formed in a lower edge of the central panel and extend across the width of the central panel. The flexible skirt element may be formed from a second polymeric material that is elastically deformable and recoverable. The first polymeric material may be relatively harder than the second polymeric material. The sealing member may be coupled to a radiator assembly installed in an engine compartment of a vehicle. |
| US08408343B2 |
Powered wheelchair configurations and related methods of use
A wheelchair includes a frame, a chair, a pair of drive wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a pair of front wheels. Each front wheel is part of a front arm assembly that is rigidly coupled to a drive via a mounting plate. The mounting plate is connected to the wheelchair frame by a pivot. The drives are transversely mounted. The batteries are disposed rearward of the drives. The wheelchair seat can be moved forward to provide access to the batteries without fully removing the wheelchair from the frame. |
| US08408339B2 |
Frictional drive device and inverted pendulum type vehicle using the same
In a frictional drive device comprising a pair of drive disks each rotatably supported by a frame around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship and configured to be individually rotatively actuated by a pair of actuators, a plurality of drive rollers arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk so as to be rotatable along a prescribed plane of rotation, and an annular main wheel disposed at least approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member and a plurality of driven rollers supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member, each drive roller includes at least a pair of individually rotatable disk members coaxially disposed to each other and having different diameters, the diameters being selected so that the disk members engage the corresponding driven roller at outer peripheral parts thereof. Typically, each drive roller include a plurality of disk members coaxially stacked upon one another in a mutually freely rotatable manner so as to jointly define a substantially hourglass shaped outer profile. Thereby, the slippage in the frictional engagement between the drive rollers and driven rollers can be minimized so that the drive efficiency can be improved and the drive force capacity can be maximized. |
| US08408334B1 |
Stabbing apparatus and method
A tubular handling apparatus has a main rotating structural member pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, an arm interconnected to the main rotating structural member, and a gripper mechanism affixed to an end of the arm opposite the main rotating structural member. The gripper mechanism has a stab frame, a first gripper translatably attached to a side of the stab frame, and a second gripper translatably attached to the side of the stab frame below the first gripper. A connection bar is connected to the first and second grippers so as to translate the grippers for a substantially identical distance. A translating mechanism translates the grippers along the side of the stab frame. |
| US08408331B2 |
Downhole downlinking system employing a differential pressure transducer
A downhole tool includes a downlinking system deployed in a downhole tool body having an internal through bore. The downlinking system includes a differential pressure transducer configured to measured a pressure difference between drilling fluid in the internal through bore and drilling fluid external to the tool (in the borehole annulus). The differential transducer is electrically connected with an electronic controller (deployed substantially anywhere in the drill string) that is configured to receive and decode pressure waveforms. |
| US08408326B2 |
Hydraulic remote control for hydraulic system of an agricultural implement
A hydraulic control apparatus for a foldable farm implement has a first hydraulic control system is used to control weight transfer to a plurality of ground engaging tools mounted to stationary and wing frame sections of the farm implement. A second hydraulic system is used to fold and unfold the wing sections for placing the implement in a compact position for transport and storage. A hydraulic control is provided that interfaces with both hydraulic systems to control sequencing of the functions provided by the first and second hydraulic systems. |
| US08408325B2 |
Hydraulic upper link with float position
An upper link for a utility vehicle, in particular for an agricultural tractor having a hydraulic cylinder (34) for adjusting the upper link (32) and at least one fluid tank (36), to which the hydraulic cylinder (34) can be coupled, so that in a coupled condition, hydraulic fluid limited to a pre-determined volume can be exchanged between the hydraulic cylinder (34) and the fluid tank (36), and so that a piston (40) of the hydraulic cylinder (34) can move in floating fashion by a distance (ls) corresponding to the pre-determined volume in the hydraulic cylinder (34). The present invention further includes a front-end as well as to a back-end three-point hitch of a utility vehicle with two pivotally connected lower links and an upper link with such a fluid tank. |
| US08408322B2 |
Man-rated fire suppression system and related methods
A fire suppression system for producing an inert gas mixture having a minimal amount of carbon monoxide, particulates, or smoke. The inert gas mixture may be generated by combusting a gas generant. The gas generant may be a composition that includes hexa(ammine)-cobalt(III)-nitrate. The fire suppression system also includes a heat management system to reduce a temperature of the inert gas mixture. In one embodiment, the system includes multiple gas generators and is configured to ignite the respective gas generant of each gas generator in a predetermined, time based sequential order. For example, the gas generant of each gas generator may be ignited in a sequential order at specified time intervals. Methods of extinguishing fires are also disclosed. |
| US08408319B2 |
Control swelling of swellable packer by pre-straining the swellable packer element
A swellable packer including a first retainer, a second retainer, a swellable element, a piston, and a piston lock. The second retainer is spaced axially apart from the first retainer. The swellable element is at least partially disposed between and fixed to the first and second retainers. The piston is fixed to the second retainer and configured to move the second retainer from a first position in which the swellable element is unstrained, to a second position in which the swellable element is strained. The piston lock is configured to releasably fix the second retainer in the second position. |
| US08408317B2 |
Tubular expansion tool and method
A downhole hydraulically powered tool (10) moves an expander (36) in a well to radially expand a downhole tubular. The tool includes a plurality of fluid-powered pistons (16, 20) for axially stroking the expander relative to a tool mandrel (12), and one or more slips (52) for axially securing the tool in the well. The tool mandrel is rotatably secured to the tubular to rotate with the tubular, thereby rotating a bit (60) at the lower end of the tubular. The expander is moved axially downward in response to axial movement of the pistons to radially expand the tubular after at least a portion of the well is drilled with the bit and while the slips secure the tool in the well. |
| US08408316B2 |
Downhole apparatus with a swellable support structure
A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described. |
| US08408308B2 |
Apparatus and method for increasing the amount of dynamic underbalance in a wellbore
A method for use in a wellbore includes the steps of providing an elongated, closed tubular body defining an internal chamber wherein the tubular body has an external surface formed with treated areas and an elongated recess extending longitudinally of the tubular body and running through the treated areas; retaining a detonating device in the recess adjacent the external surface of the tubular body; positioning the tubular body with the detonating device in a wellbore adjacent perforation tunnels previously formed in a surrounding well formation and filled with debris; and activating the detonating device to rupture the tubular body inwardly along the external surface forming the recess at the treated areas to expose the chamber within the tubular body to a dynamic underbalanced pressure condition such that fluid from the wellbore and debris from the perforation tunnels is drawn through the wellbore and into the chamber. |
| US08408307B2 |
Wellbore cleaning method and apparatus
This invention relates to well cleaning methods and apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore.In one embodiment of the invention, a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore (12) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a drill string (10) having a drill bit (28) and a cleaning tool (24) with selectively activatable cleaning members (34); drilling a wellbore using the drill bit while maintaining the cleaning members in a deactivated position; and pulling the drill string from the wellbore with the cleaning members in an activated position, to thereby clean the wellbore. A corresponding cleaning tool is also disclosed. |
| US08408300B2 |
Open-hole stimulation system
A stimulation system configured for use in open-hole wells. The system may alternatively or additionally be configured for multi-zone stimulation applications. The system includes assemblies which employ techniques and configurations for isolating recovery screens downhole even without the presence of well casing. In this manner protection may be provided from dowhnole contaminants such as water which might otherwise leak in from adjacent formation layers. |
| US08408296B2 |
Methods for borehole measurements of fracturing pressures
There is provided a method of testing a subterranean formation for fracture condition, including the steps of creating a side bore into the wall of a well traversing the formation, sealing the wall around the side bore to provide a pressure seal between the side bore and the well, pressurizing the side bore beyond a pressure inducing formation fracture while maintaining the seal and monitoring the pressure to identify the fracture condition. |
| US08408291B2 |
Engaging device
An engaging device includes a body selectively slidably engagable about a first tubular runnable within a second tubular. The body is runnable past at least one profile on the second tubular in a first direction during a first running and is prevented from running past the at least one profile on subsequent runs subsequent to running by the at least one profile in a second direction. |
| US08408289B2 |
Liquified petroleum gas fracturing system
A fracturing system for a well, in which a stream of LPG, a mixture of propane and butane, is injected into the well at frac pressure. Proppant is supplied into the LPG stream, and carried by the LPG mix into the formation. Inert gas such as nitrogen is used for purging system components of LPG, and to help protect against risk of explosion. Nitrogen may also be added to the LPG mix during a frac of shale gas or coal gas formations. |
| US08408287B2 |
Electrical jumper for a producing oil well
A jumper providing electrical communication between two components of a producing well of an oil field. The jumper has two tubings for insertion in two components each with an anchor adapted to be rigidly mounted in its associated component. Each tubing has a centering device, consisting of a pair of rings surrounding the tubing and an array of bowed springs bridging between the rings and biased to bow outwardly into engagement with the bore of the associated component. One of the two rings is electrically and mechanically connected to the tubing, whereas the other ring is free to be displaced longitudinally of the tubing so that the outer diameter of the array of bowed el springs may expand or contract, as needed. Each bowed spring in the array is provided with supplemental electrical contacts to insure a path of electrical conductivity between the connected ring and the associated component through the bowed springs. |
| US08408286B2 |
Perforating string with longitudinal shock de-coupler
A shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string can include perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler, a longitudinal axis extending between the connectors, and a biasing device which resists displacement of one connector relative to the other connector in both opposite directions along the longitudinal axis, whereby the first connector is biased toward a predetermined position relative to the second connector. A perforating string can include a shock de-coupler interconnected longitudinally between components of the perforating string, with the shock de-coupler variably resisting displacement of one component away from a predetermined position relative to the other component in each longitudinal direction, and in which a compliance of the shock de-coupler substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first component a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second component. |
| US08408284B2 |
Heat exchanger assembly
A heat exchanger assembly that includes an outlet header/manifold defining an outlet cavity, an outlet tube in fluidic communication with the outlet cavity, and a heat exchanger core. The outlet tube and the outlet cavity cooperate to reduce a temperature value range across the heat exchanger core by equalizing refrigerant distribution between the refrigerant tubes within the heat exchanger core. The length of the heat exchanger headers/manifolds may be increased for a predetermined packaging width because the outlet tube and inlet conduit may exit the headers/manifolds perpendicularly rather than axially, allowing the heat exchanger core width to be increased. The increased heat exchanger core width allows additional refrigerant tubes to be included in the heat exchanger core, providing decreased air pressure difference for air flowing through the heat exchanger assembly and increased heat capacity of the heat exchanger assembly. |
| US08408283B2 |
Heat exchanger fin with ribbed hem
A serpentine fin for assembly between tubes in a heat exchanger core, and a method of making same from a metal strip. The strip edges have a hem comprising a double thickness of the strip material extending inward from the edge. The metal strip has folds extending across the strip width such that the strip forms a serpentine shape, with the folds being adapted to contact the tubes in the heat exchanger core. Multiple rows of split louvers are disposed between adjacent folds. Each row of split louvers comprises louvers having openings extending in the direction of the strip length and formed in a pair of adjacent, spaced louver banks. Ribs are disposed parallel to the louver openings adjacent the strip edges and in at least one center portion of the strip between the strip edges, and extend across the pair of louver banks. |
| US08408281B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for pulsed-jet-enhanced heat exchanger
A pulsed-jet active flowfield control actuation system enhances the rate of heat transfer and heat removal in a heat exchanger for better management of thermal loads. The pulsed jet actuators impart an unsteady component of velocity to the working fluid of the heat exchanger. This design increases the convective heat transfer, and avoids increases in heat exchanger volume and weight for a given performance value. |
| US08408280B1 |
Bleedout detection system
A continuous casting mold with a bleedout detection system is disclosed, which may include a casting mold framework, a molten metal casting mold with a mold inlet and a mold outlet, the mold outlet having a mold cavity perimeter; and a bleedout detection system which may include: a signal generator that provides a balanced current to a sensor/conductor at or near the mold outlet perimeter; a current detector electrically connected to the sensor/conductor; and a programmable controller configured to receive an electrical signal from the bleedout detection system regarding the status of the sensor/conductor. |
| US08408276B2 |
Organo-modified silicone, mold release agent for mold casting comprising the same, and mold casting method using the same
An organo-modified silicone obtained by an addition reaction of (I) a chain silicone represented by formula (1): wherein the formula (1), R1s represent hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and a and b are numbers satisfying conditions represented by the following formulae (i) to (iii): 0≦a≦195 (i) 5≦b (ii) 10≦a+b≦200 (iii), with (II) a hydrocarbon such as monoolefins and aromatic hydrocarbons, and (III) a di(meth)acrylic acid ester, at a molar ratio satisfying conditions represented by the following formula (iv): {the chain silicone}:{the hydrocarbon}:{the di(meth)acrylic acid ester}=A:B:C (iv) wherein the formula (iv), A represents a number of moles of the chain silicone, and B and C are numbers satisfying conditions represented by the following formulae (v) and (vi): 0.05A≦C≦A (v) A×b−2C=B (vi) in the presence of a hydrosilylation catalyst. |
| US08408268B2 |
Method and apparatus for labeling containers
A label for a container is formed by wrapping a length of label material around a cylindrical mandrel and introducing heat, adhesive or other sealing means into a gap between the leading end portion of the label material and the trailing end portion as the label material is wrapped around the mandrel. The cylindrical sleeve is slid off of the mandrel and telescoped over a container passing thereunder. The container with a cylindrical sleeve therearound is then moved to a heating station which heats the label material, preferably foam polystyrene, to cause it to shrink into conformity with the contour of the container. |
| US08408265B2 |
Tape dispenser
A tape dispenser of the present invention includes an integrally-formed main body. The main body has a rack and two semi-crusts. The semi-crusts are pivotably connected to the rack, so that the semi-crusts can be closed for a tape roll to be received therein. Or, the semi-crusts can be opened for placing or replacing the tape roll. The rack has a front plate and a top plate. The front plate, the top plate, and the semi-crusts are rectangularly arranged. Thus, structure strength of the tape dispenser is increased. |
| US08408261B2 |
Pneumatic tire
The present invention provides a pneumatic tire in which a sectional shape of a bead wire and arrangement of the bead wires have been optimized to increase rotational rigidity of the bead core as a whole and suppress pulling-off of a carcass, so that durability of the bead portion can be enhanced. The pneumatic tire comprises: a pair of bead portions 1; a pair of side wall portions; a tread portion extending over the respective sidewall portions; and a carcass 4 extending in a toroidal shape across the aforementioned portions and having respective end portions being turned up around the bead cores 2, wherein each bead wire 3 has, in a section in the tire widthwise direction, a parallelogram section including a first acute corner portion 7a positioned on the outer side in the tire widthwise direction and on the inner side in the tire radial direction of a second acute corner portion 7b, a first obtuse corner portion 9a positioned on the inner side in the tire widthwise direction and on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the first acute corner portion 7a, a second obtuse corner portion 9b positioned on the inner side in the tire widthwise direction of the first acute corner portion 7a and on the inner side or aligned, in the tire radial direction, of/with the first acute corner portion 7a. |
| US08408256B2 |
Apparatus and method for needle filling and laser resealing
Apparatus for filling containers having stoppers that are penetrable for filling the containers with a substance, and thermally resealable for thermally sealing the resulting hole. A container support supports at least one such container in a substantially fixed position during filling and resealing. A manifold drivingly mounted over the container support comprises (1) a cartridge including a filling needle for penetrating the resealable stopper and introducing a substance therethrough into the container, a mount for mounting the cartridge on the manifold, and a removable cover releasably coupled to the mount for covering the filling needle during transportation, installation and/or removal of the cartridge from the manifold. The manifold includes a thermal source for heating a penetrated region of the stopper and, sealing the hole. |
| US08408255B1 |
Beverage dispensing system
A beverage dispensing system comprising a dispensing port for dispensing a beverage, a drip tray located below the dispensing port for collecting the beverage dispensed and an antenna located between the dispensing port and the drip tray is provided. The beverage dispensing system is RFID-enabled by configuring the antenna to receive signals from radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. |
| US08408248B2 |
Rotary valve for the control of steam throughput in a steam turbine
A rotary valve for the control of the steam throughput in a steam turbine is provided. The rotary valve includes an immovable fixed ring and a rotary ring which is arranged concentrically and rotatably on the fixed ring. The rotary valve is equipped with control profiles including profiled heads and profiled ends, between which control slots are formed, wherein the profiled heads are arranged on the rotary ring, and the profiled ends are arranged on the fixed ring. In the contact plane between rotary ring and fixed ring, the width of the control slot is equal to the width of the control profile. Blades are arranged between the profiled ends in the fixed ring, the blades dividing each control slot of the fixed ring into two partial slots. |
| US08408244B2 |
Sanitary installation part
A sanitary installation part (1) which has an installation housing (2) which can be inserted into a housing mount of a gas line or a liquid line is provided and has at least one latching element which projects into a latching position on the outer circumference of the housing and can be moved in a resiliently elastic manner from this latching position to a zero position. The installation part according to the invention provides that the at least one latching element is designed as a latching protuberance (5) which is beveled or rounded along its transverse edges oriented transversely to the insertion direction on both sides, and the at least one latching protuberance (5), in its zero position, can be can be resiliently fitted into the latching element mount, in which the latching protuberance (5) is incorporated in the outer circumference of the installation housing (2). |
| US08408241B2 |
Wall-mounted faucet that is available for water supply lines of different specifications and sizes
A faucet includes a faucet body, a connecting member mounted in the faucet body, a plurality of elastic plates each connected between the faucet body and the connecting member, a first connector selectively connected with the connecting member, and a second connector selectively connected with the connecting member. Thus, the connecting member is connected with a water supply line by the first connector or the second connector so that the faucet is available for water supply lines of different types and sizes. |
| US08408238B1 |
Yard hydrant with improved valve
A yard hydrant of a type utilizes a reciprocating valve for controlling the flow in a hydrant flow pipe vertically movable within a standpipe. The lower end of the flow pipe has a valve body attached thereto for controlling the flow of water from a supply of water under pressure. An upper end of the flow pipe is secured to the hydrant head and in flow communication therewith and such head is vertically movable with the flow pipe and valve body relative to the standpipe. The opening of the valve is accomplished by elevating the hydrant head with respect to the standpipe and the ground, which correspondingly elevates the flow pipe and valve body to the open position of the valve. Closing the valve is accomplished by lowering the hydrant head, flow pipe and valve body, which simultaneously allows water to drain from the hydrant head/flow pipe/valve. |
| US08408237B2 |
Modular spool valve
A control valve comprising a plurality of interchangeable valve body modules, each module having a main valve cavity and a plurality of separate cross valve communication ports communicating; and at least one interchangeable gasket disposed between adjacent modules and configured to individually communicate the main valve cavity and the communication ports between adjacent valve body modules, wherein the gasket is further configured to selectively communicate between the main valve cavity and a selected one of the cross valve communication ports. In one embodiment, each valve body module further includes a passage communicating with the main valve cavity. In this case, the gasket may be configured to selectively communicate between the passage and the selected one of the cross valve communication ports, thereby selectively communicating between the main valve cavity and the selected one of the cross valve communication ports through the passage by selective orientation of the gasket. |
| US08408236B2 |
Drain treatment system
A drain treatment system capable of achieving balance of pressure between a facility apparatus and a drain treatment apparatus with a simple structure is provided.A bottom part of a heat, exchanger 2 is connected with a top part of a drain tank 3 by a drain discharge pipe 4. The drain discharge pipe 4 has a balance pipe-connecting tube 5. The balance pipe-connecting tube 5 comprises: a balance pipe-connecting part 6; a communicating tube-connecting part 7; and a communicating passage 8 which connects both the parts therein. The top part of the drain tank 3 is connected with the balance pipe-connecting part 6 by a balance pipe 9. Further, the communicating tube-connecting part 7 is connected with a lower part of the heat exchanger 2 by a communicating tube 10 which passes through the drain discharge pipe 4. If a drain level of the heat exchanger 2 is below an open end of the communicating tube 8 on the side of the heat exchanger 2, the balance of pressure is achieved between the heat exchanger 2 and the drain tank 3 by the balance pipe 9, the communicating passage 8, and the communicating tube 10, allowing the drain from the heat exchanger 2 to be smoothly discharged into the drain tank 3 through the drain discharge pipe 4. |
| US08408234B2 |
Process liquid supply system, process liquid supply method, and storage medium
A process liquid supply system includes a pure water supply source connected to a process vessel through a supply pipe; a chemical liquid tank that stores a chemical liquid and supplies the chemical liquid stored therein to the supply pipe; and a compressed gas supply source connected to the chemical liquid tank through a compressed gas supply pipe. A pressure adjusting part is disposed on the compressed gas supply pipe at a position between the compressed gas supply source and the chemical liquid tank. The pressure adjusting part is controlled so that the pressure of the compressed gas supplied from the compressed gas supply source to the chemical liquid tank is gradually or stepwise increased after the supply of the chemical liquid from the chemical liquid tank to the supply pipe is started so that the concentration of the processing liquid remains at desired level. |
| US08408232B2 |
Sequence valve
A sequence valve for a hydraulic circuit provides a control signal through a control signal port to a pressure responsive flow source to maintain pressure in an accumulator between a low pressure setting and a high pressure setting. The valve includes accumulator, flow source and drain ports, in addition to the control signal port. A spool controls communication between the control signal port and the drain port. A piston is moved by pressure in the accumulator port against a control spring to close communication between the control signal port and the flow source port, and to move the valve spool to close communication between control signal port and the drain port. A differential between the net cross sectional area of the spool establishes the differential between the high and low pressure settings of the accumulator. |
| US08408230B2 |
Temperature compensated I/P converter
An I/P converter is disclosed. The I/P converter comprises a nozzle (7) coupled to a magnetic circuit. A temperature compensation ring (3) is coupled to the top side of the magnetic circuit. A flexure (1) is coupled to the temperature compensation ring. The temperature compensation ring is configured to position the flexure relative to a first end of the nozzle and the temperature compensation ring is configured to maintain the relative position between the nozzle and the flexure over a range of temperatures. |
| US08408229B2 |
Plant watering system
An automatic plant watering apparatus having a cavity for receiving a standard houseplant pot, a reservoir for holding water, a pump for removing water from the reservoir, a host for delivering water from the pump to a plant positioned in the cavity. The pump is operated by a microcontroller that is programmed to measure a first time period during which the pump is not operated, and a second time period during which the pump is operated. According, the apparatus can be programmed to automatically water a house plant at predetermined intervals, as well as deliver a predetermined amount of water. |
| US08408228B1 |
Flow control valve for a broken sprinkler
A flow control device is comprised of a body/connector, a simplified sliding cord, a sealing device, and a stopper. The body/connector connects an overhead sprinkler to a supply line by means of male threaded ends. The body/connector is comprised of a wrench connector, which is located between the two male threaded ends, a guiding tube that sits on the top side of the body/connector with the assistance of the supporting ribs. The guiding tube guides the sliding cord up and down inside the flow control device and sprinkler. The sliding cord is made from a material that is flexible enough to bend inside the supply line and strong enough to return to its original straight shape. The stopper and the sealing device are connected to each other with the sliding cord. The sealing device sits against the sealing surface of the body/connector if the sprinkler head is missing. The stopper prevents the sealing device from making contact with the body/connector during normal operational conditions. |
| US08408226B2 |
Needleless access port valves
Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves incorporating a piston comprising slit along an upper piston section for accommodating fluid flow. The slit is closed by the relative geometry of the piston and the valve housing, which acts to terminate fluid flow from between the inlet and outlet of the valve assembly. |
| US08408225B2 |
Collapsible shelter
A collapsible shelter is described herein. One embodiment includes at least three leg members, at least three base members, wherein the each base member includes an opening to receive one of the at least three leg members at an angle less than 90° relative to the bottom surface of the base member, at least two accordion-type collapsible truss assemblies connected to each leg via an upper corner connection mechanism and a lower corner connection mechanism, each accordion-type truss including at least four truss members interconnected by at least two pivotal v-joints and at least two pivotal x-joints, wherein the at least two pivotal v-joints each include two truss members coupled together with a coupling mechanism through openings in the two truss members, wherein the openings in the two truss members are configured to reduce shearing forces in the truss members by the coupling mechanism. |
| US08408221B2 |
Micro bubble generating device and silicon wafer cleaning apparatus
A micro-bubble generating device is provided with a micro-bubble generating mechanism and a leading conduit provided with a widening section and a tube part, the widening section and the tube part in communication with each other in the leading conduit. The widening section has a hollow shape which has an axis Z as a central axis, and has base surfaces and a peripheral surface, and communicates with a nozzle of the micro-bubble-generating mechanism via one base surface of the widening section, and communicates with the tube part via the other base surface. The cross section orthogonal to a flow axis Z of the micro-bubbles of the widening section is larger than the cross section orthogonal to the flow axis Z of the tube part. |
| US08408218B2 |
Applicator with extendable implement
An applicator system for applying a product to a surface includes an extendable implement comprising an applicator that is selectively extendable. By virtue of having an applicator that is selectively extendable, the extendable implement is capable of applying various products utilizing individual portions of the extendable implement to apply the product to hard-to-reach areas and to achieve multiple desired effects. |
| US08408214B2 |
Method for implanting prosthetic valve
A method for implanting a prosthetic valve apparatus in a novel location which replaces the function of a native diseased valve. The prosthetic valve apparatus includes a one way valve and an expandable valve seating. anchoring and securing apparatus in a newly created orifice near or at the center of the anterior valve leaflet. The prosthetic valve apparatus also causes the sealing of the native valve and thus results in a solution for paravalvular leakage and regurgitation. |
| US08408213B2 |
Method and device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring
The device relates to methods and devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. |
| US08408211B2 |
Method of facilitating inhalation of controlled quantities of exhaled air
A method of intercepting controlled quantities of air exhaled from at least one of two nostrils on an individual's nose to permit inhalation of the intercepted air, including the steps of: providing an air flow intercepting apparatus; and placing the air flow intercepting apparatus in an operative position relative to the individual's nostrils so that as the individual inhales and exhales during repeating breathing cycles: a) a first quantity of exhaled air flows past the air flow intercepting apparatus; and b) a second quantity of exhaled air impinges upon the air flow intercepting apparatus so as to at least one of: i) stagnate; and ii) be redirected by the air flow intercepting apparatus so that at least a portion of the second quantity of exhaled air is drawn into the individual's nostrils as the individual inhales. |
| US08408209B2 |
Pressure controller for artificial respirator and artificial respirator using the same
A pressure controller for an artificial respirator according to this invention includes a control valve facing a gas passage between an inspiratory gas inlet and an inspiratory gas outlet, and an elastic biasing means for elastically biasing the control valve against a valve seat. When an adjustment manipulating member moves backward, even the pivotal motion of the adjustment manipulating member does not operate an adjustment operating member. When the adjustment manipulating member is pulled out, the pivotal motion of the adjustment manipulating member operates the adjustment operating member, thereby adjusting the elastic biasing force of the elastic biasing means. This invention provides a pressure controller for an artificial respirator capable of reliably preventing unnecessary operating of the adjustment operating member although the pivoting operation of the adjustment manipulating member is simple as a whole, and there is no possibility that the adjustment manipulating member and the like are broken. |
| US08408208B2 |
Dispenser and counter
The dispenser has a body (1), with a mouthpiece cover (2). Opening of the cover urges a junction member (3) towards a source (4) of a medicament to be released as a dose by pressing a spout (5) of the source inwards of the source. The source is supported by a cap (11) clipped to the end of a source-enclosing barrel (12) with intern al splines (10). The barrel is welded (15) to the main to part (16) of the body at a position determined by the extension of the source towards the distal end (17) of the barrel when the cover is open, the welding position being determined by a plug (18) simulating the cap and its bush. |
| US08408203B2 |
System and methods for ventilating a patient
System and methods for ventilating a patient are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises steps of placing a ventilator in a mode capable of delivering respiratory gas based on at least one fixed parameter and at least one variable parameter, the fixed parameters being tidal volume and peak airway pressure and the variable parameter being PEEP, identifying a first level for the PEEP, configuring the ventilator to deliver the respiratory gas at the peak airway pressure and the PEEP to achieve the tidal volume, monitoring respiratory gas flow over time to measure tidal volume, setting a second level for the PEEP based on the measured tidal volume, automatically adjusting the PEEP to the second level relative to the peak airway pressure and repeating the steps of configuring, monitoring, setting and automatically adjusting to achieve the ventilation. |
| US08408197B2 |
Submergible combustion burner
A burner apparatus includes a first tube having a first longitudinal bore and a second tube having a second longitudinal bore. The second tube is disposed within the first longitudinal bore such that an annular space is defined between the second tube and the first tube. The burner apparatus further includes a nozzle formed at a tip of the second tube. A plurality of side holes are formed in the nozzle. The side holes are slanted relative to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle and are in communication with the second longitudinal bore. |
| US08408193B2 |
Archery bow axle connector
In some embodiments, a connector attaches to an axle of an archery bow and comprises a cable terminal. The connector comprises a body having a groove extending around at least a portion of its periphery. The groove defines a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis forms a teardrop shape. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to snap-fit onto an axle and be removable without tools. |
| US08408192B2 |
Limb mounting system
An apparatus and method for reducing stress in a bow limb of an archery bow connected to a handle/riser of the bow by allowing a butt end of the bow limb connected to a forward end of the handle/riser by a limb bolt to flex forwardly when the bow is drawn and/or allowing the bow to flex rearwardly at the rearward end of the handle/riser when the bow is drawn. |
| US08408187B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a supercharging device, which includes: a valve-drive mechanism that variably controls the valve timings for at least intake valves; a target valve timing setting mechanism setting a target valve timing for at least the intake valves in accordance with an operation condition of the engine in a low engine speed range; and a valve-drive mechanism controller controlling the valve-drive mechanism based on the target valve timing. Each of the target valve timings is differently set such that (a) a valve-overlap duration is provided in a negative pressure region; (b) the valve-overlap duration in the negative pressure region is made shorter in a first supercharging region; and (c) the valve-overlap duration in the first supercharging region is made longer in a second supercharging region where the higher load of the engine is required. |
| US08408184B2 |
Fastening element and fluid injector assembly
A Fastening element has a carrier. A first pair of prongs branches off a first side face of the carrier designed to be in a mechanical engagement with a protrusion of a injector cup. A second pair of prongs branches off a second side face of the carrier. The second pair of prongs is designed to retain a fluid injector and to couple mechanically to a first protrusion of the injector. A pair of pins branches off a respective prong from the second pair of prongs at a respective inner side face of the respective prong. The pins are arranged opposed to each other and in a given distance from each other and they are designed to be in a mechanical engagement with the fluid injector. A clamping device being designed to couple mechanically with the fluid injector cup and to exert a repelling force on the fluid injector cup. |
| US08408183B2 |
Ignition and fuel shutoff for engine
A carburetor assembly includes a carburetor, a fuel supply valve, a valve member and a normally open switch. The fuel supply valve is coupled to the carburetor housing and is fluidly connected to the carburetor. The fuel supply valve includes a lever pivotable between first and second positions. The valve member is configured to move in response to the lever such that fuel is allowed to flow to the carburetor when the lever is in the first position and fuel is not allowed to flow to the carburetor when the lever is in the second position. The normally open switch is adjacent the fuel supply valve and includes a switch actuator. The lever is configured to engage and release the switch actuator to move the switch actuator between a non-actuated position and an actuated position respectively when the lever moves between the first and second positions. |
| US08408182B2 |
Control apparatus and method of controlling internal combustion engine mounted on vehicle
When an automobile is traveling on a road surface with a low friction coefficient upon a shift of an engine to idle operation in the process of stopping the automobile from traveling, a target engine speed of the engine is reduced by a value equivalent to a reduction in a drive request value for any auxiliary at a time point corresponding to start of reduction of the drive request value. |
| US08408181B2 |
Throttle control module
A throttle control module for controlling a throttle, comprises: a BLDC motor; a gear train connecting the motor to the throttle; and a throttle position sensor. A PWM module is connected to the throttle position sensor and generates a pulse-width modulation sequence according to the signal from the throttle position sensor and a desired throttle position signal. A decoder module generates commutation logic for the motor based on the signal from the throttle position sensor. A motor controller controls commutation of the motor according to the pulse-width modulation sequence and the commutation logic. |
| US08408178B2 |
Engine crankcase firing deck having anti-distortion projections
A firing deck (16) for an engine crankcase includes a firing side surface (35) and a coolant side surface (34). A plurality of cylinder bores (18) are disposed through the firing deck (16) from the firing side surface (35) to the coolant side surface (34). The cylinder bores (18) form a centerline defining an intake side (26) of the firing deck (16) and an exhaust side (28) of the firing deck. A plurality of bosses (30) through the deck (16) from the firing side surface (35) to the coolant side surface (34) are disposed around each cylinder bore (18). A plurality of anti-distortion projections (36, 136) are disposed on the coolant side surface (34) of the firing deck (16) and provide the firing deck with a varied thickness. The anti-distortion projections (36, 136) are disposed on both the intake side (26) and the exhaust side (28) of the firing deck (16). |
| US08408177B2 |
Control method for internal combustion engine system, and internal combustion engine system
The invention relates to a control method for an internal combustion engine system, capable of preventing an internal combustion engine in a state after being automatically stopped, from falling into an unrestartable state. Upon satisfaction of a given automatic stop condition, the engine 10 being running is automatically stopped (Step 11). A value of current IEBAT flowing out of a starter battery 520 is compared with a given current value IEBAT—TH, in an automatically stopped state of the engine 10 (Step S30) to diagnosis a discharging status of the starter battery 520. If a result of the diagnosis indicates that the value of current IEBAT flowing out of the starter battery 520 is greater than the given current value IEBAT—TH, it is determined that a post-attached load is detected, and the engine 10 is restarted irrespective of the satisfaction or non-satisfaction of a given restart condition. |
| US08408171B2 |
Variable stroke engine assembly
In a variable stroke engine assembly for a front engine, front wheel drive vehicle, an engine output shaft (OS), a variable stroke control mechanism (63, 65, CR), an actuator (AC) and a starter motor (SM) are laid out in a favorable manner so that the general outer profile of the engine assembly can be made free from excessive protrusions, an increase in the engine room space requirement is avoided, layout freedom can be enhanced, and the cooling performance for the actuator can be improved. |
| US08408167B2 |
Piston of engine
A piston cooling apparatus of an engine may include a combustion chamber formed between a piston disposed in a cylinder block and a cylinder head disposed on the cylinder block, wherein a surface area-enlarging portion is formed inside the piston on bottom surface of a crown of the piston. |
| US08408166B1 |
System with a heat pipe
A system in an engine is provided. The system includes a piston spraying conduit including an inlet in fluidic communication with an oil reservoir, a nozzle in fluidic communication with the piston spraying conduit, the nozzle directing an oil spray toward an exterior surface of a piston positioned within a combustion chamber, and a heat pipe transferring heat from an evaporator section to the condenser section, the evaporator section coupled to the piston spraying conduit. In this way, more effective piston cooling is provided while maintaining lubrication effectiveness. |
| US08408164B2 |
System and method for release and dispersion of flies or other biological control
A system and method of release and dispersion of genetically altered flies or other insects to control insect population. The apparatus can be carried by an aircraft and includes removable fly chambers that contain fly containment cylinders. A refrigeration system operates to physically retard the fruit flies. The flies are then released from the fly containment cylinders and fall to the bottom of the fly chamber. Gates on the bottom of the fly chamber are opened manually or remotely to allow the refrigerated flies to fall through the nesting chute into the spiral release controllers. The spiral release controllers dispense the genetically altered flies into the exit chute. The genetically altered flies travel through the exit chute, fall to the earth below and mate with the population thus serving to decrease population by capitalizing on a weakness in the reproductive cycle of the fruit fly or other insect. |
| US08408163B2 |
Collar used for pet training
A pet training tool includes a pet collar configured to be placed around a neck of a pet, a balloon assembly used for stimulating the neck of the pet during training of the pet, and a movable neck plate. Two ends of the neck plate are movably connected to a lower part of the collar. The balloon assembly, the collar, and the neck plate are disposed together. The balloon assembly controls relative movement of the collar and the neck plate through inflation or deflation to tighten or loosen the collar. |
| US08408158B2 |
Coating/developing device and method
A coating/developing device includes a processing block having a plurality of coating unit blocks stacked and a developing unit block stacked on the coating unit blocks. Each of the unit blocks is provided with a liquid processing unit for coating a liquid chemical on a substrate, a heating unit for heating the substrate, a cooling unit for cooling the substrate and a transfer unit for transferring the substrate between the units. The liquid processing unit is provided with a coating unit for coating a resist liquid on the substrate, a first bottom antireflection coating (BARC) forming unit for coating a liquid chemical for a BARC on the substrate before the resist liquid is coated thereon, and a second BARC forming unit for coating a liquid chemical for the BARC on the substrate after the resist liquid is coated thereon. |
| US08408157B2 |
Painting apparatuses and methods
This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus for painting a work surface including a handle housing. A disposable painting module is configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The painting module includes a paint applicator configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The paint applicator is configured to apply paint to the work surface. A paint reservoir is fluidly coupled with the paint applicator and is configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. An urging mechanism is coupled to the handle housing and configured to interact with the paint reservoir to substantially uniformly discharge the paint from the paint reservoir and supply the paint to the paint applicator. |
| US08408155B2 |
Fleet protection attack craft
A marine vessel comprising:a command module;first and second buoyant tubular foils; andfirst and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively;wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all of the buoyancy required for the marine vessel; andwherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through the water. |
| US08408151B2 |
Watercraft hull and associated methods
A watercraft hull includes a lower portion, an upper portion, and a strake positioned between the lower portion and the upper portion. The lower portion may include a bow portion having a v-shape defined by a keel and sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom to the strake and an aft portion having a tunnel formed therein. The aft portion may be defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls extending downwardly from the strake to a bottom portion. The tunnel may be defined by a pair of opposing tunnel sidewalls that extend upwardly from the bottom portion to a tunnel top having a center rib. The lower portion may also include a medial portion that transitions the bow portion to the aft portion. The medial portion may have a vacuum chamber extending between and transitioning the keel of the bow portion to the tunnel formed in the aft portion. |
| US08408150B1 |
Sewing aid
A sewing tool is provided which has a plurality of apertures therein, each of which is trapezoidal in shape. The apertures are different sizes with respect to one another, each to be used for a different size box-bottom sewn item, such as a tote bag. A method of using such a sewing tool to create an item such as a box-bottom tote bag is also provided. |
| US08408147B2 |
Cards safe
A cards safe for the safe keeping of credit, debit, and switch cards, or any other small personal item used for making payments or for deposit/security purposes. A card is retained inside a box (30) which is retained by the seller. The box (30) is locked in a secure condition with two locking arms (88), which require a key (70) to unlock them. A locking bar (126) slides across the edge of the box (30) in a slot (46). The key has a protrusion (110), which stops at a correct location to bear against locking arms, which are otherwise biased to a locked state by springs. The key (70) enters the box (30) through a slot (106), and the lock releases. The box (30) can only be opened with the unique key. |
| US08408144B2 |
Hybrid locomotive regenerative energy storage system and method
An energy storage car for a locomotive includes a hydraulic energy storage system designed to capture and reuse energy normally lost in dynamic braking. The energy storage car is preferably configured to provide functions sufficient to replace one of multiple locomotives used to pull a freight train. Braking and other methods for improved efficiency of such trains are provided. |
| US08408140B2 |
Device for transporting an object in a cell
A device for entering an object into a cell comprises mainly a track for guiding the object and a lifting pod extending the track. It is then possible to use robots and lower them on the floor of the cell to carry out inspection work. |
| US08408139B2 |
Projectile
A projectile (1) is optionally used as a fragmentation projectile or as a projectile that utilizes a pressure wave effect created when the explosive charge (3) explodes. The projectile (1) contains an ejection charge (12), and an explosive charge (3) arranged in a jacket (4) that can be moved axially with respect to a fragmentation casing (5). The ejection charge (12) allows the explosive charge (3) and surrounding jacket (4) to be pushed at least so far out of the projectile casing (2) that, in the event of explosion, the explosive charge does not act on the fragmentation casing (5). In order to ensure that the jacket (4) of the explosive charge (3) does not develop any fragmentation effect, or develops only a small fragmentation effect, when the explosive charge (3) is ignited, a molded part composed of plastic or a light alloy is used as the jacket (4). |
| US08408137B2 |
Spiral case ammunition
A cartridge for a firearm comprises a case having a base located at one end and a projectile mounted at the other end. A specific volume of propellant is contained in the case and is ignitable via a primer located in the base. The ignition of the propellant causes the projectile to be propelled from the case. The case comprises a wall defining a plurality of circumferential flutes that extend around outer and inner surfaces of the case in a helical or vertical configuration. |
| US08408135B2 |
Apparatus and method for a low fragment explosive access tool using one piece of explosive sheet in the form of a simple geometric shape, a booster charge of explosive sheet in the form of a disk, a blasting cap, and inert materials
Apparatus and method for an explosive access tool using one piece charge of explosive sheet in the form of a simple geometric shape, a disk shaped booster charge, a blasting cap, and inert materials. The one piece charge of explosive sheet, envelopes an inert tamper block with its apexes meeting on the top side of the block facing away from the target. A smoothing layer, preferably in a mostly square shape, is placed between the target and the explosives covering the bottom side of the tamper block. An initiating means is connected to the apexes of the explosive charge so that upon initiation, a series of detonation waves are generated to meet in a manner that result in a plurality of petals cantilevered that are formed in the target material, substantially between the intersections of the meeting shock waves, to define a near fragment-free opening in the target material. |
| US08408132B2 |
Initiator modules, munitions systems including initiator modules, and related methods
Initiator modules for munitions control systems include a mounting portion for receiving a portion of an initiation device, a detonator device disposed within the initiator module, a connection portion configured to connect the initiator module with a munitions control system, and an electronics assembly configured to electronically couple with a munitions control system and transmit a signal to the detonator device. Munitions systems may include initiator modules received in a socket of a munitions control system. Methods of igniting explosive devices include coupling a shock tube to an explosive device, connecting an initiator module to a munitions control system, mounting a portion of the shock tube to the initiator module, and igniting the shock tube with a detonator device disposed within the initiator module. |
| US08408130B2 |
Method of making flexographic printing members
An imaging method provides a flexographic printing member used to transfer ink from an image area to a receiver element. This flexographic printing member has a relief image including an image area that is composed of an elastomeric composition that has an elastomeric topmost surface and a relief image floor. The relief image has a plurality of dots within a sub-area of the elastomeric topmost surface wherein each dot has a minimum receiver element contact area. A fraction less than 1 of the plurality of dots, known as (b) dots, have a topmost surface that is undercut below the elastomeric topmost surface. The (b) dots are undercut below the elastomeric topmost surface in a predetermined number and arrangement so that the (b) dots are still able to transfer ink to the receiver element. Each of the remainder of the plurality of dots in the sub-area, known as (a) dots, has a topmost surface that is essentially coincident with the elastomeric topmost surface. |
| US08408128B2 |
Method for operating a cleaning apparatus of a printing press and printing press for carrying out the method
A method for operating a cleaning apparatus, having a trough and a brush disposed in the trough, in a printing press, includes first, second and third steps. In the first step, a cylinder of the printing press is cleaned by the cleaning apparatus, with the brush bearing against the cylinder. In the second step, the brush is moved away from the cylinder, and a level of a liquid in the trough is changed, resulting in the liquid being brought into contact with the brush. In the third step, the brush is cleaned by the liquid in the trough. A printing press for carrying out the method is also provided. |
| US08408123B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling roller nip force
A device to provide a moment loading to one roller of a pair of nip rollers to counteract the bending moment created by a nip force between the rollers, the one roller being rotatably supported by a journal bearing at each end thereof, the device comprising a lever mechanism for imparting translational and torsional movement to the journal bearing with respect to a frame. |
| US08408120B2 |
Vertical rotisserie broiler
A generally vertically disposed rotisserie broiler. The broiler includes a metal housing with side walls, a floor, and an open end. One or more burners are disposed on opposite side walls of the housing. A generally vertically disposed spit is normally contained within the confines of the metal housing, but is movable towards the open end of the housing. The spit is rotated by a motor. The rotisserie broiler also includes an upper generally horizontal arm, and a lower generally horizontal arm, positioned adjacent an upper end and a lower end of the spit, respectively, for moving the spit transversely within the housing. |
| US08408116B2 |
Method of fitting a piston for use in an internal combustion engine
A piston assembly including a piston body having a crown and a skirt, the skirt including at least a major thrust face and a minor thrust face, wherein the piston body defines a bore between the major thrust face and the minor thrust face, and a wear coating applied to the major thrust face and the minor thrust face, the wear coating having a cured thickness of at least about 30 microns. |
| US08408113B2 |
Machine gun spent brass catch device
A catch device for collecting ejected cartridges and other spent brass from an automatic fire machine gun or the like mounted on a platform includes: (a) a frame portion including an open mouthed, rigid bag frame, and a latch assembly on the bag frame; and (b) a catch bag portion including a collection bag with a hollow interior, a zipper, or a bottom flap with hook and loop strip, closing a bottom slot of the collection bag, at least one attachment mechanism at the top of the collection bag, and at least one flexible cross member extending across the collection bag interior, the catch bag portion being attachable to the frame portion by the attachment mechanism. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims. |
| US08408111B2 |
Adjustable punch assemblies and associated adjustment methods
A punch tool assembly includes an adjustment subassembly coupled to a canister sidewall of the assembly. The adjustment subassembly includes a punch head, which engages a punch holder, or body, of the punch tool, at a threaded interface, so that rotation of the punch head moves the punch body/holder along a central longitudinal axis of the punch tool assembly. The adjustment subassembly further includes a locking member, which is biased with respect to the punch head, in a first position, where the locking member is engaged with a locking feature of an engagement sidewall of the subassembly, to lock the punch head and prevent rotation thereof. The locking member may be released, to unlock the punch head, by applying a force to an externally accessible actuation interface of a release member of the subassembly, for example, to rotate the actuation interface about the central longitudinal axis. |
| US08408108B2 |
Systems and methods for slicing food products
Systems and methods are provided for cutting slices of food product from a larger portion of the food product, whereby the systems and methods can reduce down-time associated with some of the portions of the equipment during cleaning. Components of the system requiring more frequent cleaning can be readily disconnected from those components requiring less frequent cleaning. Further, substitute components can be connected to those components requiring less frequent cleaning to reduce their down-time while the other components are being cleaned. |
| US08408107B2 |
Power tool safety mechanisms
A sensing mechanism (12) for detecting user contact with an active portion (26) of the power tool (10) is provided. In addition, a safety mechanism (14) for preventing prolonged user contact with the active portion (26) of a power tool (10) is provided. The safety mechanism (14) is configured to actuate upon receipt of a signal from the sensing mechanism (12). According to a first aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly displace the active portion (26) away from a user extremity. Alternatively, according to a second aspect, the safety mechanism (14) is arranged to rapidly urge an extremity of the user away from the active portion (26) of the power tool (10). |
| US08408106B2 |
Method of operating power equipment with detection and reaction systems
Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system. |
| US08408105B2 |
Portable profiler for locomotive or railcar wheels
A portable apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a track is provided. The apparatus is in a fixed position with respect to a rail associated with the track when in operation. The apparatus includes a tool configured to engage the wheel, a position system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axis, and a computer control. The computer control is coupled to control the positioning system. The positioning system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile. |
| US08408104B2 |
Screwdriver for exerting an adjustable maximum value of torque
A screwdriver includes a handle, a shaft, a torque-transmitting unit and a torque-adjusting unit. The shaft is partially inserted in the handle. The torque-transmitting unit is located in the handle and operable to transmit an adjustable maximum value of torque to the shaft from the handle. The torque-adjusting unit is partially located in the handle, connected to the torque-transmitting unit, and operable to adjust the adjustable maximum value of torque. |
| US08408103B2 |
Isolative torque-exerting apparatus
An isolative torque-exerting apparatus includes a wrench, a torque unit substantially located in the wrench, and an isolative unit provided on the wrench. The isolative unit includes a first isolative element for covering a portion of the wrench and a second isolative element for covering the remaining portion of the wrench. The first or second isolative element includes at least one cutout defined therein while the second or first isolative element includes a key located in the cutout. |
| US08408102B2 |
Wrench for engaging a workpiece having a plurality of flats
A wrench for engaging a workpiece comprises a pair of fixed jaws and a pair of movable jaws being movable relative to the pair of fixed jaws. The workpiece includes a plurality of flats which may be adjoined at a plurality of corners. The pairs of fixed and movable jaws may be configured to engage the workpiece in at least one of a flat engaging position and a corner engaging position. The flat engaging position comprises the pairs of fixed and movable jaws being engaged to one of the flats on each one of the opposing sides of the workpiece. The corner engaging position comprises the pairs of fixed and movable jaws being engaged to an adjacent pair of the flats on each one of the opposing sides of the workpiece. |
| US08408099B2 |
Tool with working heads and positioning unit
A tool includes a handle including a pivotal end, a holding end held by the user in use of the tool and a plurality of teeth formed on an outer periphery of the pivotal end. A first working head includes a pivotal end coupled to the pivotal end of the handle pivotally, a working end engaged with a work piece desired to be driven and an aperture between the pivotal end of the first working head and the working end. A positioning unit includes a positioning plate and an elastic element received in the aperture, with the positioning plate hooking the first working head and pressing the elastic element of the positioning unit respectively. A restricted portion protrudes from the positioning plate between two ends of the positioning plate toward the pivotal end of the handle. |
| US08408097B2 |
Screwing tool
The invention relates to a screwing tool that comprises a drive arranged in a housing and an output shaft connected to said drive, a screwdriver point being arranged at the front face of the output shaft. The aim of the invention is to provide a screwing tool with which different connecting elements, in particular actuating and clamping elements consisting of a screwable sleeve and an inner screw can be screwed with only a single screwing tool. In order to achieve this aim, the screwing tool comprises a receiving part (500) which surrounds the output shaft and is displaceably guided in the direction of the axis (202) of the output shaft (200) against the force of a return element (505). Furthermore, an annular screwing tool (400), which surrounds the output shaft (200) and the screwdriver point (201), is rotatably mounted on the receiving part (500) for detecting the drive contours (305) of the peripheral surface (304) of a connecting element (303), at least one shiftable clutch (600) being arranged between the rotatably mounted annular screwing tool (400) and the output shaft (200). |
| US08408096B2 |
Shaving/cutting device with directly deposited razor structures
A shaving/cutting device with directly deposited (formed) razor structures without the use of intermediate adhesives. The device is in the form of a substantially flat substrate with miniature razors that have been directly deposited and formed onto the surface of the substrate. The substrate is of a rigid or flexible nature. The substrate is substantially thin and is therefore flexible and its shape is rectangular, circular or oval in nature. The razors are substantially deposited in plurality as an array formation onto the surface of the substrate. In most cases the razor array formation is in the form of parallel, curved and concentric nature. Flat mesa structures that are substantially the same height as the razor structures are incorporated in the razor array formations. The methods of manufacturing one or more directly deposited razor structures and mesa structures is disclosed. |
| US08408091B2 |
Safety rotary operator assembly
A rotary operator assembly (1A) includes a grip member (4), a spindle member (6A), and an operator body member (8). The spindle member (6A) is attached to the operator body member (8), being rotatable with respect to the operator body member (8) about an operative axis of rotation (A). The grip member (4) is movably coupled to the spindle member (6A) and the operator body member (8) and is translatable between a first translational position and a second translational position with respect to the operator body member (8). The grip member (4) and the operator body member (8) include cooperating means for blocking rotation of the grip member (4) with respect to the operator body member (8) about the operative axis of rotation in the first position and for allowing rotation of the grip member (4) with respect to the operator body member (8) about the operative axis of rotation in the second position from a first angular position to a second angular position. The grip member (4) is configured to operably couple with the spindle member (6A) in at least the second translational position, and the grip member (4) comprises at least one portion cooperating with at least one portion of the spindle member (6A) for preventing translation of the grip member (4) between the first translational position and the second translational position in the first angular position. |
| US08408084B2 |
Dual clutch transmission device
In a dual clutch transmission with a main group and final shift group, with a coupling device for coupling a transmission element of the main group to a final shift group transmission element of the final shift group, the transmission comprises two transmission gears (V4L, V5L, V1 H, V2H) which can be formed simultaneously with one of the transmission gears (V4L, V5L) assignable to a lower group of the final shift group and another of the transmission gears (V1H, V2H) assignable to an upper group of the final shift group. |
| US08408078B2 |
Apparatus for removing samples from systems having flexible walls and for introducing fluids into the same
The invention discloses an apparatus for removing samples or introducing fluids from/into system(s) having flexible walls. A sampler/fluid dispenser (3) is fixed on the outside with a connecting area (4) of its base (5) on a sample removal region/fluid dispensing region (6) of the flexible wall (2) and, in its interior, has a severing element (8). At least the severing element (8) can be pushed forward in the direction of the sample removal region/fluid dispensing region (6) in order to remove the samples and in order to introduce fluids, in such a way that the wall (2) can be perforated within the sample removal region/fluid dispensing region (6). The system (1) comprises containers, bags or tubes for filling, mixing, transporting, storage of media, such as biological liquids, sera, buffers, ultra-pure water and can be used as biological reactors or cell culture vessels in the pharmaceutical and biotechnical industry. |
| US08408072B2 |
Coupling element for an ultrasonic flow measuring device
A coupling element for an ultrasonic, flow measuring device, wherein the coupling element has a pedestal with a bearing surface, on which bearing surface a piezoelement is applied. The pedestal is an integral component of the coupling element. |
| US08408071B1 |
Enhanced vortex-shedding flowmeter
A vortex-shedding flowmeter uses two flow obstacles to provide stable generation of vortices that are detected as they pass through an ultrasonic beam between two transducers. The deleterious effects of acoustic signals reflected from the obstacles are minimized both structurally and electronically. The shapes of the obstacles are selected to reflect incident acoustic signals away from the beam between the transducers. Ultrasonic signals are generated simultaneously by two phase-opposed transducers and are detected in a time-windowed fashion in which the time window excludes extraneous reflected signals that have a longer path length. |
| US08408069B2 |
Torsion spring test jig
A torsion spring test jig adapted to assist a torsion spring to show different elastic statuses includes a bottom holder, a sliding element slidably mounted on the bottom holder and a plurality of hinge pin assemblies. The bottom holder includes a first modulating fastener having a first groove and a second modulating fastener having a second groove perpendicularly positioned under the first modulating fastener. An intersection of the first and second groove forms a first locating perforation. The sliding element includes a third modulating fastener having a third groove and a fourth modulating fastener having a fourth groove perpendicularly positioned under the third modulating fastener. An intersection of the third and fourth grooves forms a second locating perforation. The torsion spring are fastened between the first and second perforations through the hinge pin assemblies. |
| US08408062B2 |
Stud scanner
A scanning device (36) is useful for scanning a body, especially a stud (10), from a bore (13) which extends through the body or stud (10) and is accessible from the outside. The scanning device (36) includes a probe (15) which is fastened on a cylindrical rod (14) and can be inserted into the bore (13) for scanning the body or stud (10), which probe, by displacing the rod (14) in its longitudinal direction is longitudinally displaceable in the bore (13), and by rotating the rod (14) around its cylinder axis (34) is rotatable around the bore axis. A compact and light construction, and flexible applicability, are achieved by a compact, controllable drive unit (20), through which the rod (14) extends and which longitudinally displaces and/or rotates the rod (14) depending upon selection, for displacing and rotating the rod (14). |
| US08408057B2 |
Measuring arrangement and measuring process for fluid pressure cylinders
A measuring arrangement for measuring the movement of a piston within a housing of a fluid cylinder includes a voltage generating arrangement for generating a reference voltage which is coupled to two locations of the cylinder which are spaced from each other in the direction of movement of the piston within the housing, these two locations being separately coupled to a piston movement evaluation arrangement which is also separately coupled to one or more further locations of the cylinder to which the two locations are electrically coupled so as to receive varying measurement voltage(s) as the two locations move relative to the further location(s). The evaluation arrangement uses the measurement voltage(s) to determine the piston movement. |
| US08408056B2 |
EGR ratio measuring device
An EGR ratio measuring device comprises a pair of nondispersive infrared gas analyzers that correct a water influence and measure a concentration of CO2 in a gas containing water, an intake air introduction line that is connected to an intake air pipe of an internal combustion engine and introduces a part of the intake air into one nondispersive infrared gas analyzer without removing the water, an exhaust gas introduction line that is connected to an exhaust gas pipe of the internal combustion engine and introduces a part of the exhaust gas into the other nondispersive infrared gas analyzer without removing the water, and a temperature adjusting mechanism that keeps a temperature of whole of the introduction lines and a temperature of the nondispersive infrared gas analyzers so as not to condense dew. |
| US08408052B2 |
Equipment for concentrating and analyzing components contained in a flowing medium and analyzing method
The invention relates to equipment for concentrating and analyzing components contained in a flowing medium, and an analyzing method applying said equipment. The analyzing equipment comprises a concentrator, including a porous sorbent bed, in which components can be absorbed or adsorbed from the medium flow, said bed being electroconductive, so that components can be desorbed to a washing flow by heating the bed with electric current; and to an analyzer defining the desorbed components, said analyzer being for instance a gas detector. According to the invention, the sorbent bed is in the flowing direction widened towards its outlet end, having for example the shape of a truncated cone. By means of the invention, the temperature in the sorbent bed is equalized by transferring heat in the washing flow towards the bed outlet end, which end receives a weaker heating effect per unit of volume, owing to the widening shape of the bed. |
| US08408048B2 |
Soft water monitoring apparatus
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for monitoring the soft water conducted in a main flow, which includes a hardness measuring cell, a first secondary flow line branching off from the main flow and leading to the hardness measuring cell, and a second secondary flow line leading away from the hardness measuring cell and feeding into the main flow, wherein the two secondary flow lines and the hardness measuring cell are connected to a multiway valve. |
| US08408046B2 |
System and method for in line in situ validation of exhaust filters
A system for in line in situ validation of an air filter of an exhaust filter system including a scan head, a means for facilitating movement of said scan head in the XY plane, a means for externally controlling the movement of the scan head from outside the plenum of the exhaust filter system in the XY plane, and a means for coupling the scan head to the means for externally controlling the movement of the scan head, is provided. The system can also include a scanning arm, inside and outside magnetic couples, and rolling means to facilitate movement of the inside and outside magnetic couples. A method for in line in situ validation of an air filter in an exhaust filter system is also described, which involves the use of the system for in line in situ validation of air filters of an exhaust filter system. |
| US08408044B2 |
Automated systems and methods for detection of chemical compounds
Automated systems and methods for processing liquid test samples are generally provided. Automated systems generally include a gas and liquid separator configured for removing at least one volatile component from the test sample, a first trapping vessel in fluid communication with the gas and liquid separator, wherein the first trapping vessel contains a trapping material capable of adsorbing at least one of the at least one volatile component to provide at least one adsorbed component, and a heat source configured to heat the trapping material to a temperature sufficient to release at least one of the at least one adsorbed component from the trapping material to provide at least one released component. |
| US08408043B2 |
Method and device for measuring the amount of a gas in a sealed liquid container
A method for measuring an amount of a determined gas, particularly oxygen, in a sealed container of a liquid, such as a carbonated beverage, in which a gas mixture is dissolved, involves piercing the sealed container, releasing the gas mixture contained in the pierced container, measuring an amount of the determined gas in the released gas mixture, determining, based on the measuring, an initial amount of the determined gas in the sealed container, and injecting an anti-foam agent into the pierced container before and/or during the gas releasing step. |
| US08408039B2 |
Microforming method and apparatus
Method of forming depressions (e.g. dimples) in a sheet material to form a textured surface thereon involves pressing one or more tool tips into a metallic or non-metallic sheet material while the sheet material is supported by a support layer that is relatively softer (e.g. having a lower Young's modulus) than the sheet material so as to allow plastic deformation and reduce pile-up of raised displaced material of the sheet material at the edges of the depressions. |
| US08408035B2 |
Method of and apparatus for hot rolling a thin silicon-steel workpiece into sheet steel
The invention relates to a method and a system for the production of hot-rolled strip silicon-alloy steel for further processing into grain-oriented sheets, such as electrical sheets, wherein a cast product, in this case a thin slab, for example, with a maximum thickness of 120 mm, is subjected to thermal pretreatment and to a subsequent rolling process on a hot-rolling line to set a desired recrystallization state. The invention proposes an intake temperature (Tin) of the cast product (2) into the hot-rolling line (9a or 9b) of at least 1200° C., and preferably in excess of 1250° C., which should be controlled during pretreatment by adding at least one preheating stage (3) and one intensive heating stage (6) to ensure the final rolling temperature (TFR). |
| US08408034B2 |
Hot bulge forming die apparatus
A hot bulge forming die apparatus forms a preheated tubular material 10a into a tubular material 10d. The hot bulge forming die apparatus includes a lower die 21B having a cavity surface 211B and an upper die 31B having a cavity surface 311B. An elongated hole 215 is formed in a circumferential edge portion 215 of the lower die 21B so as to extend outwards, and a projection 315 is formed on a circumferential edge portion 314 of the upper die 31B so as to fit in the elongated hole 215. When the dies are clamped together, the projection 315 formed on the circumferential edge portion 314 of the upper die 31B fits in the elongated hole 215 formed in the circumferential edge portion 214 of the lower die 21B. |
| US08408033B2 |
Autofrettage process and autofrettage apparatus
In the autofrettage process, a thick-walled workpiece (2) to undergo autofrettage is positioned in an autofrettage apparatus (1). The interior space (5) of the workpiece (2) is filled with a fluid and closed so as to be pressure-tight. The volume available to the fluid in the interior space (5) of the workpiece (2) is reduced by a displacement piston (19) which is moved into the interior space (5) of the workpiece (2) through a displacement piston opening (6) of the workpiece (2). The pressure is therefore generated in the interior space (5) of the workpiece (2). |
| US08408029B2 |
Method for thermally conditioning molten glass
An oblong conduit (13) for conditioning molten glass is disclosed. The wall (23) of the conduit is composed of a precious metal, e.g., a platinum-rhodium alloy, and can be equipped with precious metal tabs (29) for supporting the upper surface (25) of the wall so as to reduce sag of that surface at such times as the conduit is at an elevated temperature and is not filled with glass. The precious metal tabs (29) can be received in channels (31) formed in a refractory support structure (27). The refractory support structure (27) can be a laminate of two layers (33,35), where one of the layers (33) has a smaller grain structure than the other layer (35), the layers being held together by an adhesive (37). |
| US08408025B2 |
Raw material recovery method and trapping mechanism for recovering raw material
A raw material recovery method for recovering a raw material of an organic metallic compound, which has the property of being stable toward a specific refrigerant without being decomposed thereby, from exhaust gas discharged from a treatment container in which a metallic thin film is formed on the surface of an object to be treated by using source gas obtained by vaporizing the raw material is characterized by being provided with a solidification step for solidifying the unreacted source gas by cooling the exhaust gas by bringing the exhaust gas into contact with the refrigerant and reprecipitating the raw material, and a recovery step for separating and recovering the raw material reprecipitated in the solidification step from the refrigerant. To provide a method for controlling an exhaust gas flow rate so that flow of gas in a processing chamber becomes uniform. |
| US08408023B2 |
Refrigerator and ice maker
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and an ice maker thereof, and more particularly, to an ice maker provided in a refrigerating chamber of a refrigerator. An ice maker according to the present invention comprises a tray for storing a drinkable water to be used for making ice, an ejector for separating ice formed in the tray, an ice-making pipe provided in the tray, and a heating member provided in the tray. According to a refrigerator and an ice maker thereof according to the present invention, there is no need for forming an additional duct to supply cold air to the ice maker in order to make ice, whereby it is possible to simplify a manufacturing process of a refrigerator and to reduce manufacturing costs of a refrigerator. |
| US08408022B2 |
Hybrid cascade vapor compression refrigeration system
An exemplary system includes a first heat exchanger immediately after the compressor that provides direct, conduction-based cooling with condensate recovered from the evaporator. A second heat exchanger cools the forced air that passes over the condenser by evaporating recovered condensate, rainwater, and/or city water into the air as it passes through a breathable water-retaining medium. Finally, a third heat exchanger is described that utilizes recovered condensate, rainwater, and/or city water within an insulated enclosure to obtain additional cooling before the condensed refrigerant enters the expansion valve. Various alternative embodiments are described that include variations of each of these heat exchangers. Additionally, several alternative placements of the heat exchangers are disclosed. |
| US08408009B2 |
Cooling air bleed device in a turbine engine
Air bleed device for cooling components in a turbine engine, including an annular conduit (18) having a radially internal portion swept by an airflow (22) and which comprises at least one air inlet orifice (20) formed in an upstream radial wall (38) of the conduit (18), a flap valve (40) for controlling the airflow entering through the orifice (20) and of which the flapper (41) includes a plate (42) applied against the wall (38) and capable of being moved by sliding on said wall (38) by a maneuvering member (50) mobile in translation parallel to the wall (38) between a position in which the plate (42) closes off the orifice (20) and a position in which the plate (42) opens said orifice. |
| US08408006B2 |
Power plant with CO2 capture
A method is provided for operating a combined cycle power plant including a CO2 capture system and flue gas recirculation system. The method includes controlling a flue gas recirculation rate and a re-cooling temperature of the recirculated flue gases, depending on load, to optimize the overall plant efficiency including the CO2 capture system. Also provided is a combined cycle power plant including a CO2 capture system and flue gas recirculation system. The plant being configured to carry out a method in which a flue gas recirculation rate and a re-cooling temperature of recirculated flue gases is controlled depending on load to optimize the overall plant efficiency including the CO2 capture system. |
| US08408002B2 |
Gas turbine combustor
A gas turbine combustor includes a pilot burner, a plurality of main burners disposed around the main burners on the radially outer side. Each of the main burners (2) includes an extension tube disposed at the downstream end. The outlet of the extension tube is shaped to have a radial edge which is parallel to the radial direction. In this manner, occurrence of flashback is effectively prevented. |
| US08408000B2 |
Pendular engine
Pendular and differential periodic heat engines with theoretical efficiencies of ONE, and industrial efficiencies close to ONE, exclusively subordinate to the physical constraints inherent in any material device under ordinary conditions of use, operating with recirculation of the gases in closed loops between a thermodynamic pendulum (2/2, 2/4) made up of a chamber (1/2, 1/4) fitted with a piston (2/2, 2/4) connected to a free flywheel (3/2), and a regulated supply of heat (10/4, 10/4, etc.) positioned some distance away from the chamber of the thermodynamic pendulum (FIG. 2), with extension to turbine engines (FIG. 5) thanks to phase changes. |
| US08407999B2 |
Efficiency turbocharged engine system with bottoming cycle, and method of operation
A turbocharged engine system is configured to vaporize methanol using heat from exhaust gases and uses the vaporized methanol to drive the engine's turbocharger. The methanol may also be dissociated into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. After passing through the turbocharger, the vapor is injected into the engine by port injection. By selective timing of exhaust valves, the exhaust gases are separated into two streams, a first stream comprising gases ejected during exhaust blowdown, and a second stream of gases ejected during the remainder of the engine's exhaust stroke. The blowdown gases are employed to drive a separate turbine of the turbocharger. |
| US08407998B2 |
Waste heat recovery system with constant power output
A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine. |
| US08407997B2 |
Multistep turbocharger arrangement
The invention relates to a multistep turbocharger arrangement (1) for an internal combustion engine with a high-pressure step (2), with a low-pressure step (3) which can be brought into operative connection to the high-pressure step (2) over a fluid passage system (4) which can be opened and closed, and with a control unit (5) for controlling the operative connection between the high-pressure step (2) and the low-pressure step (3), wherein the control unit (5) and the fluid passage system (4) are integrated in an engine exhaust manifold (6) which is disposed between the high-pressure step (2) and the low-pressure step (3). |
| US08407995B2 |
Vehicle provided with torque damper
A torque shock or vibrations caused by the rotary inertia of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission is reduced to improve ride quality of a vehicle when excessive torque occurs in a torque transmission path between a crankshaft and a drive wheel. A motorcycle includes a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission rotatably driven by torque of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. A rear wheel is rotatably driven by torque from the transmission. A torque damper absorbs excessive torque occurring in a torque transmission path from the crankshaft to the rear wheel. The torque dampers include an input side torque damper disposed in an input side torque transmission path between the crank shaft and the transmission and an output side torque damper disposed in an output side torque transmission path between the transmission and the rear wheel. |
| US08407993B2 |
Method for controlling a hydraulic cylinder in a work machine
A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic cylinder in a work machine, which hydraulic cylinder is arranged to move an implement in relation to a part of a vehicle, with the hydraulic cylinder being controlled by a hydraulic machine. The method includes the steps of detecting initiation of a movement of the implement that is such that the piston of the hydraulic cylinder is moved in a first direction, of driving the hydraulic machine in a first rotational direction, prior to the movement of the implement taking place, so that a line from the hydraulic machine is pressurized, which line is arranged to connect the hydraulic machine to the side of the cylinder toward which the piston will be moved during the movement of the implement. |
| US08407992B2 |
Ammonia tank of an exhaust gas treatment system of a vehicle
The invention relates to an ammonia tank of an exhaust gas treatment system of a vehicle, having a tank wall. The invention provides that the tank wall is surrounded by a reagent reacting with regard to ammonia. |
| US08407986B2 |
Method for operating a lambda sensor during the heating phase
In a method for operating a lambda sensor disposed in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine,—the heating element is subjected to a predefined heating power substantially with the start of the engine;—during the heating process, the sensor signal is detected and compared to a threshold value specified for a lean and/or rich fuel/air mixture ratio, wherein the threshold value correlates with a sensor temperature, which is below the water ingestion critical temperature, and to a valid lambda signal,—when one of the specified threshold values is reached for the first time, a measured variable correlating with the sensor temperature is determined and the lambda signal is set as valid and forwarded, and—the determined measured variable correlating with the sensor temperature is transferred to a closed heating element control loop as a target value that corresponds to a target temperature. |
| US08407983B2 |
Abnormality diagnosis device of internal combustion engine
A deviation amount of a downstream air-fuel ratio sensed with a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor, which senses an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas downstream of a catalyst, from a target air-fuel ratio is integrated during a period in which the downstream air-fuel ratio continuously shows deviations from the target air-fuel ratio while main feedback control and sub feedback control are performed based on outputs of an upstream air-fuel ratio sensor and the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor respectively. The thus-calculated continuous deviation amount of the downstream air-fuel ratio (deterioration degree of exhaust gas purification rate) is compared with an abnormality determination value to determine existence/nonexistence of an abnormal state where the exhaust gas purification rate is deteriorated by an air-fuel ratio variation among cylinders (i.e., state where control center of main feedback control has shifted). |
| US08407976B2 |
Grass catcher mounting device for reel mower cutting unit
A grass catcher mounting device is provided for a reel mower cutting unit, including a pair of outwardly extending pivot rods on the left and right sides of the grass catcher, and a pair of slots in the side panels of the reel mower cutting unit receiving the pivot rods such that the grass catcher can pitch with respect to the reel mower cutting unit. The mounting device also includes a forwardly extending center support on which the grass catcher rests and which supports most of the weight of the grass catcher. The center support allows the grass catcher to pitch, roll and steer or yaw. |
| US08407972B2 |
Apparatus and method for sealing a container
A container sealing apparatus 10 comprises an electrically conductive linearly displaceable cutting member 14 operable to cut a portion 18 of sealing material from a web 16 and an independently linearly displaceable transfer member 42 comprising an electrically insulating material and extendible relative to the cutting member 14 to transfer the cut portion 18 of sealing material to an open top of a container 12 to be sealed. An induction coil 52 produces an induction field 54 for heating the cut portion 18 of sealing material, either directly or indirectly, by induction heating to seal the cut portion 18 of sealing material to the open top of the container 12. The linearly displaceable transfer member 42 holds the cut portion 18 of sealing material against the open top of the container 12 during induction heating. A field concentrator 56 is provided to concentrate the induction field 54 in a desired region away from the linearly displaceable electrically conductive cutting member 14 and other electrically conductive component parts of the apparatus 10 to optimize the induction heating of the cut portion 18 of sealing material. |
| US08407965B2 |
System and method for construction wall panels
A multi-layer wood panel comprises a core segment, made up of a plurality of layers, and two external finishing layers. Each layer is comprised of several boards, joined at the edges with interlocking fingers or tongues and grooves. The layers of the core segment are joined using wood pegs at specified intervals, with the pegs penetrating all the board layers of the core segment at an angle other than perpendicular to the layers. The core segment and the external finishing layers of the panel are joined using key and groove mortise connections, where the key shape corresponds to the shape of the mortise grooves made in the outer surfaces of the boards of the core segment and in the inner surfaces of the outer finishing layer, which are oriented perpendicular or parallel to the direction of the board fibers. |
| US08407963B2 |
Floor covering
Disclosed is a floor covering consisting of a plurality of panel elements (1) that can be laid in combination with each other. On the front sides (2, 3) and longitudinal sides (4, 5), the panel elements (1) have locking strips (6, 7) that engage with each other in the assembled position in a covering in which panel elements (1) adjoin each other. The front sides (2, 3) of the panel elements (1) have grooves (19, 20). The grooves (19, 20) of two abutting front sides (2, 3) are aligned and form a locking channel (21) for accommodating a front spring (22) that is pre-assembled in one of the grooves (20). The front spring (22) projects from an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the panel element (1) and can be moved in part from one groove (20) into the corresponding groove (19) of the adjoining panel element (1) by sliding the projecting end (24) of the front spring (22) into the groove (20). The groove (20) that accommodates the front spring (22) has at least one recess (45) within which a stop surface (25) is formed and into which a cam (43) of the front spring (22) engages. The front spring (22) has a wavy shape. The wavy sides of the front spring (22) face a decorative side and a bottom side of the panel elements (1). The orientation of the troughs (27) and crests (26) of the wavy zones (28, 29) should correspond to the direction of travel (V) of the front spring (22) when the front spring (22) is slid into the recess (45) and the cam (43) rests thereagainst. |
| US08407961B2 |
Connecting device for a frame structure
A connecting device for a frame structure made of support profiles and crossbars for the arrangement of solar panels, as well as a frame structure with a connecting device, is disclosed. The connecting device has a base element, a receptacle element, and a locking device by which the receptacle element can be fixed relative to the base element on the base element. The base element has a fastening section as well as a support section with a support side facing the receptacle element. The receptacle element has a receptacle for a crossbar of the frame structure as well as an application section with an application side facing the base element. The locking device has a clamping device as well as a bearing device. An application area and at least one depression area are provided between the clamping device and the bearing device. |
| US08407953B2 |
Window framing system
Pieces that are components of a frame for a window having a threat side and a safe side include a base and a pressure plate that together form part of one of a sill section, a head section, and a jamb section of the window. The base and pressure plate are elongated in a longitudinal direction. The base has (1) an L-shaped cross-section at a near portion of the base to receive an end of a glazing unit from the threat side of the window, and (2) a first pocket formed in a far portion of the base and running in said longitudinal direction. The rear portion is closer to the threat side than the far portion. The pressure plate is to be assembled with the base so as to secure the glazing unit in the corner. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08407947B2 |
Adjustable connector for securing a roof to a structure
A connector for securing a horizontally extending member of a sloped roof at a selected angle relative to an upright member of the sloped roof includes a first portion adapted for secure engagement with the upright member and a second portion adapted for secure engagement with the horizontally extending member. An angular measurement section extending from the first portion and having multiple visible features thereon is usable to secure the connector to the upright member at a selected angle by aligning a selected visible feature with a portion of the upright member. Each visible feature corresponds to a selected angular relationship, such that a desired angle between the horizontally extending member and the upright member can be provided through selective alignment of a corresponding visible feature of the connector with the upright member. |
| US08407946B1 |
Closet liner
A self-supporting, folding closet liner assembly for a closet that is both functional and decorative. The assembly is made up of two sets of hinged folding panel assemblies; a wall panel assembly to form the self-supporting, finished, vertical surfaces of the closet and door jamb, and a top panel assembly to form the ceiling, the horizontal upper portion of the door jamb, and the section of vertical wall between the ceiling and the horizontal upper portion of the door jamb. The folding closet liner assembles fold flat for shipping and unfold in the closet for easy assembly. |
| US08407943B2 |
Bleacher seating system
A bleacher seating system provides a compact, automatically extending and retracting set of seating rows, where each seating row can be set at two or more different heights or slopes to provide different sightlines for spectators of different events. The bleacher seating system may be extended, retracted, raised, and lowered by a single operator, and may be retracted into a compact storage configuration, such as a configuration that is only about two seating rows in depth. The seating rows are independently raised and lowered by lift mechanisms, which include lock mechanisms to stabilize and lock each seating row at the different preselected heights. Optionally, a controller is provided for coordinating the powered extension, retraction, raising, lowering, and locking sequences of the seating system. |
| US08407941B2 |
Driving device for driving two door panels to synchronously move
A driving device for driving two door panels to synchronously move has a rail rod, an endless cord and multiple clamping assemblies. The endless cord is parallel to the rail rod and is mounted at a position at inner sides of the door panels. The clamping assemblies are securely connected to the cord, are moveable relative to the rail rod and clamp the door panels. Each clamping assembly has a front clamping panel and a rear clamping panel. The front clamping panel is mounted on an outer side of a corresponding one of the door panels. The rear clamping panel is mounted on the inner side of the corresponding door panel and is connected securely to the front clamping panel and the cord. Accordingly, the conjunction positions between clamping assemblies and a cord are hidden by the inner sides of the door panels. |
| US08407940B2 |
Vehicle door driving apparatus
A vehicle door driving apparatus includes a driving mechanism fixed to a vehicle door and including a motor and a drum rotationally driven by the motor. A rope member is wound around the drum and linked to the vehicle body, and rotation of the drum is transmitted to the vehicle body by the rope member to open and close the vehicle door. The driving mechanism includes: a first small-diameter gear linked to the rotary axis of the motor to rotate together with the rotary shaft of the motor; a transmission gear rotatable around the axis extending in the vehicle width direction; a sun gear rotatable around such axis; a ring gear disposed on the same axis as the sun gear; and a carrier having a planet gear engaging the sun gear and the ring gear, and linked to the drum so that the carrier rotates together with the drum. |
| US08407933B2 |
Above-ground termite station
In an above-ground termite station for detecting and controlling termites above ground in an operating configuration of the termite station, a container of the termite station defines an interior space and is at least in part configured for abutting against and being mounted on an above-ground mounting surface. The container is configurable between a closed configuration and an open configuration in which the interior space of the container is accessible while the container is mounted on the mounting surface. A cartridge is sized and configured for insertion in and removal from the interior space of the container and is generally an aggregation member, a bait matrix separate from the aggregation member, and a holder at least in part holding the aggregation member and bait matrix in assembly with the holder for positioning of the cartridge relative to the interior space of the container as a single unit. |
| US08407931B1 |
Trapping method and apparatus
Snake trap primarily designed to capture relatively long and heavy snakes such as the Burmese Python. The trap is specifically configured to avoid inadvertently capturing non-targeted animals by using at least two weight/pressure-sensing plates. Each pressure plate has an independent release mechanism so that both pressure plates must be in a depressed position to spring the trap. |
| US08407929B2 |
Surf fishing rig
An apparatus provides a fishing rig designed for improved performance in bottom fishing applications such as surf fishing. This fishing rig includes a hoop attached to the top of a sinker. The rig line is attached at its bottom end to the hoop, and a hook-shaped member is attached to the rig line above the hoop. Above the hook-shaped member, one or more fish hooks are attached to the rig line, and a swivel is attached at the top end of the rig line. |
| US08407924B2 |
Device for multi-correcting the trajectory
Disclosed is an apparatus for multi-correcting a trajectory, the apparatus comprising a trajectory correcting unit in which a polygonal cam comprising a plurality of surfaces different in distance from a rotary center is rotatably installed between a dot sight or an optical signal and a firearm to adjust an angle between an optical axis of the dot sight or optical sight and a gun barrel axis of the firearm, wherein the trajectory correcting unit is installed to be movable in an axis direction, and coaxially provided with two or more polygonal cams to respectively set trajectory correcting angles corresponding to distances in accordance with calibers of a bullet and the kinds of bullet. With this, one dot sight or optical sight can be mounted to firearms using bullets different in the trajectory or firearms different in a caliber from one another, thereby enhancing equipment use efficiency. |
| US08407921B2 |
Backlit logo device
A backlit logo device includes an elongated light guiding member and two sources. The two light sources are arranged at opposite ends of the light guiding member. The light guiding member includes a display surface. The display surface includes a transparent logo so light from the light sources passes through the logo. The light guiding member further includes a light reflecting surface opposite to the display surface. The light reflecting surface includes a plurality of light diffusing portions formed in a middle portion of light reflecting surface. The light diffusing portions are configured to diffusely reflect the light from the light sources to the display surface. |
| US08407915B2 |
Tray assemblies and methods for manufacturing ceramic articles
Tray assemblies and methods for manufacturing ceramic articles are provided. In one embodiment, a tray assembly includes a tray body having a supporting surface operable to support a ceramic article for passage through a microwave drying apparatus during a microwave drying process and a microwave coupling cover associated with the tray body. The microwave coupling cover envelopes at least a portion of the ceramic article during the microwave drying process. The microwave coupling cover has a dielectric property such that a greater percentage of microwave energy is coupled into the ceramic article with the microwave coupling cover present during the microwave drying process than with the microwave coupling cover not present. Methods may include rotating the ceramic article when the ceramic article is about 40%-60 dry. |
| US08407911B2 |
Process and system for drying and heat treating materials
This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom. |
| US08407910B2 |
Rowing-boat gauges
A gauge (1) for rig-related measurements of a rowing boat involves a graduated slider (2) which is slidable longitudinally within a tube (3) that is parallel-mounted via pivoted links (6) on a bar (4). A head (9) of the slider (2) carries a laser (10) and is used with the bar (4) located in a seat-runner 21 to sight its beam B on the swivel-pin (24) or the face-of-work (27) of an oarlock (23). A reading of the slider-graduations is made and then again after the slider (2) has been extended with the head (9) turned down to bring the beam (B) onto the heel (25) of a rowing shoe (26) fixed in the boat. Difference between the readings gives the work-to-heel distance. Measurement of the distance-through-the-work is made from the swivel-pin (24) or face-of-work (27), to either the front end of the runners (21) or the front of the seat (22) when pushed fully forward. In an alternative gauge, the sighting device is a gun-sight mounted on a graduated slider (32) which slides on a mounting plate (37) that has feet (38) for engagement in a seat-runner (21) of the boat. |
| US08407908B2 |
Profile measurement apparatus
A profile measurement apparatus includes: a probe which includes a gauge head for measuring a profile of an object to be measured and which moves the gauge head within a given range; a movement mechanism which moves the probe; and a controller which measures the profile by controlling the movement mechanism to contact the gauge head against the object. The controller comprises: a movement amount acquisition section which acquires a movement amount of the gauge head from a reference position; a deviation acquisition section which acquires as a deviation the movement amount when the gauge head is in a non-contact state; a determination section which determines whether the deviation is greater than a first threshold value; and a resetting section which, when the deviation is greater than the first threshold value, resets the reference position to a position arrived at by combining the reference position and the deviation. |
| US08407897B2 |
Method of manufacturing a vibration isolator
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a vibration isolator (10), wherein in a sealing step in which a liquid mixture is sealed inside the interior of a first mounting component (11) in a vibration isolator main body (21), after the internal pressure inside the first mounting component (11) has been changed to a negative pressure which is equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of a first liquid (L1) which has the lower vapor pressure from among the first liquid (L1) and a second liquid (L2), the first liquid (L1) is injected into the interior of the first mounting component (11) so as to raise the internal pressure thereof, and, thereafter, the second liquid (L2) is injected into the interior of the first mounting component (11). According to the present invention, when a liquid mixture which contains a plurality of types of liquid which each have mutually different vapor pressures is sealed inside the first mounting component, it is possible to accurately and with superior reproducibility seal desired quantities of each of the plurality of types of liquid and at the same time prevent air from being retained inside the first mounting component (11). |
| US08407893B2 |
Method of repairing a gas turbine engine combustor
A method of repairing an annular sheet metal combustor liner of a gas turbine engine includes cutting circumferentially around combustor liner bands bounding an effusion patch extending circumferentially around the liner, the effusion patch having effusion cooling holes and being bounded on either side by at least one effusionless band free from effusion cooling holes, to thereby remove a portion of the combustor liner having the effusion patch. A replacement liner portion including an effusion patch is provided and welded to the liner assembly, the weld extending circumferentially around the cut band to provide a welded effusionless band. The welded effusionless bands is cooled during engine use using one of film cooling of an inner surface of the welded effusionless band and impingement cooling of an outer surface of the welded effusionless band. |
| US08407891B2 |
Method for providing a controlled spark plug orientation in an engine structure
A spark plug orientation method may include forming a spark plug housing by advancing a tool a first distance in a first axial direction into a spark plug bore to create a spark plug seat using a seat forming portion of the tool. The tool may be displaced a second distance in a second axial direction generally opposite the first axial direction to provide a predetermined axial orientation between the thread forming portion of the tool and the spark plug seat. The spark plug bore may be engaged at a first predetermined rotational position and the tool may be displaced in an orbital motion and in the second axial direction at a predetermined rate to form a threading on the spark plug bore providing a starting point of the threading at a second predetermined rotational position proximate the spark plug seat. |
| US08407889B2 |
Component mounting condition determination method
A component mounting condition determination method is used in a component mounter of mounting components onto a board using a mounting head having plural suction nozzles, and includes: a maximum suction component number determination step (Loop A, S11 to S16) of determining the maximum number of components to be suctioned by the mounting head so as to be greater than an upper limit of a suction power within which the suction nozzles do not drop components even when the mounting head moves at a predetermined speed; and a task determination step (S18 to S20) of determining a task which is a group of components to be mounted in one iteration of a series of operations that includes suctioning, transporting, and mounting components by the mounting head, based on the determined maximum number of components. |
| US08407882B2 |
Method for manufacturing thin film magnetic heads
According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a thin film magnetic head includes forming on a substrate magnetic head portions having a magnetoresistive element and resistance detection elements for measuring an amount of polishing; slicing the substrate to form at least one row bar; polishing the ABS of each row bar; forming rails on the polished ABS; and cutting each row bar to separate each magnetic head portion. The step of polishing the ABS includes measuring a resistance of each resistance detection element and a resistance of each magnetoresistive element; calculating an offset value between the resistance detection element and the magnetoresistive element; and calculating a final resistance of the resistance detection element by using the calculated offset value. When the resistance of the resistance detection element reaches the final resistance, polishing of the ABS of the row bar is terminated. Other methods are presented as well. |
| US08407881B2 |
Process of manufacturing a stator
An object of the present invention is to provide a small, high-power rotating electrical machine by suitably forming a distributed winding coil such that two stator magnetic poles each formed of in-phase coil turns are arranged within an electric angle of 360 degrees formed by magnetic poles of the rotor. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a stator, the method including a first step of placing a distributed winding coil 207 composed of a wire wound around a reel 210, as a whole, inside a stator core 202, and a second step of moving an insertion blade 213 so as to spread the distributed winding coil 207 in the radial direction of the stator core 202, thus inserting the distributed winding coil 207 into a stator core slot 206. |
| US08407877B2 |
Device and method for blow molding plastic containers
A device for blow molding plastic containers includes an openable and closable blow mold for the conversion of tempered plastic preforms, whereby an inner blow pressure is applied to the plastic containers. The blow mold contains at least two shell like blow mold pieces that are arranged interchangeably at a blow mold carrier and that each contains cooling fluid pipes as conducts for a cooling fluid extending therein to temper the blow mold during and/or after blow molding of the plastic containers. The cooling fluid pipes in the blow mold are connected to a central cooling fluid supply. A coupling module that is associated with the blow mold carrier is arranged between the central cooling fluid supply and the cooling fluid pipes extending in the blow mold pieces. The coupling module and the blow mold carrier are associated spatially and/or structurally. |
| US08407874B2 |
Pulling pliers method and apparatus
Pulling pliers are provided. The pulling pliers include a pair of pliers having a set of jaws; and an attaching point connected to a jaw of the pliers for attaching a slide hammer mechanism. A method for pulling using pulling pliers is provided. The method includes gripping an object with the pliers; locking the pliers in a gripping position; and actuating a slide hammer attached to the pliers. |
| US08407873B2 |
System for loading collars onto bolts in large-scale manufacturing operations
The system includes a collar feed assembly which includes a channel within a step assembly at the end thereof, which defines a receiving cavity for the collar. The receiving cavity is configured so that the collar can move slightly therein, permitting a die portion of a die tool to engage a center opening of the collar, so that the collar can come into accurate alignment with the center axis of the die tool. The die tool is mounted to be movable slightly transversely to permit a reliable transfer of the collar onto the bolt. The collar is more compliant than the die tool during loading of the collar onto the die pin and the die tool is more compliant than the collar during transfer of the collar from the die pin onto the bolt. |
| US08407869B2 |
Carpet having a raschel fabric on the back face
A carpet is having a raschel fabric to the back face. The raschel fabric consists of wefts which are inlay-yarns and warps which are chain-stitched yarns. The warp consists of chain-stitched ground yarns 3a, 3b, and a pile yarn 4 which forms standing loop piles on specified courses and which is chain-stitched with the ground yarns except said specified courses. The pile yarn consists of two mono-filaments 5, 5. The two mono-filaments 5, 5 are twisted at least one time per the length of each loop pile. Cut piles are formed by mechanically cutting the each loop pile near the top thereof. The two mono-filaments in the cut pile are disjoining each other and standing with inclination at random direction on the raschel fabric. When the carpet is placed on the surface of a mat, each mono-filament which is formed on the back face of the carpet, bites into the surface of the mat. Therefore, it is prevented that the carpet is displaced. |
| US08407868B2 |
Manufacturing method for eyelet and structure thereof
The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing an eyelet for a tarpaulin, the eyelet having upper and lower eyelet bodies each provided with a plurality of fixing protrusions formed in a shape of concentric circles on one surface thereof in such a manner that the plurality of fixing protrusions formed on the upper eyelet body confront to the plurality of fixing protrusions formed on the lower eyelet body, the method comprising the following steps of: a step of positioning the upper and lower eyelet bodies by using a conveying means in such a manner as to place the tarpaulin there between; a step of punching a given position on the tarpaulin fabric by means of a punching machine with an integrally-formed ultrasonic horn; a step of conveying the upper and lower eyelet bodies to a position of the ultrasonic horn and fusing the upper and lower eyelet bodies to the tarpaulin through the compression of the ultrasonic horn; a step of fusing a protruded part extending upwardly from the circumference of a through-hole of the lower eyelet body by compression in the ultrasonic-fusing step to form an inner circumferential edge part; and a step of passing a rope through the through-hole of the eyelet mounted on the tarpaulin. |
| US08407865B2 |
Tie-down tension enhancer
A tie-down tension enhancer for in-situ tightening of an installed tie down having a locking mechanism. The tension enhancer generally includes a body having openings for transverse insertion and removal of a line or strap as well as longitudinal movement of the line or strap within the body. A cinch is provided and disposed on the body for engaging the line or strap upon longitudinal movement of the line or strap in one direction and a line or strap mechanism is provided and spaced apart from the cinch for enabling pulling of the line or strap past the cinch for providing further tension to the existing tie down. |
| US08407853B1 |
High place vacuum cleaner attachment
The present invention (High Place Vacuum Cleaner) relates generally to vacuum cleaners and, more specifically to a simple attachment for a vacuum cleaner so that the operator may reach high places with ease. The attachment is a wand with an elongated bent handle and a tool, which has a rotatable connection to the handle. The wand may have an adaptor so that the handle can be connected to the hose of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. The wand may have an adaptor so that the handle can be connected to the hose of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for dirty outside work. The wand with or without extender(s) may be utilized to clean ceiling fan housing and blades, high windows, light fixtures, high ceilings, air conditioner registers, as well as outside windows, eaves of a home, underside of elevated decks, etc. The present invention is also operable in both push or pull directions of motion. The tool has a brush to dislodge dust and other material while drawing suction from both sides of the brush while it is being utilized in a cleaning action. Additionally the present invention is adaptable and lockable to existing vacuum lines and allows for an extended reach for the user. |
| US08407852B2 |
Vacuum cleaner agitator clutch
A vacuum cleaner clutch assembly having an input driven by a motor, an output to drive an agitator, a starter clutch and a drive clutch. The starter clutch moves between an engaged position in which it receives a first drive torque from the input, and a disengaged position in which it receives substantially no torque directly from the input. The drive clutch is moveable between an engaged position in which it receives a second drive torque from the input, and a disengaged position in which it receives substantially no torque directly from the input. When engaged, the starter clutch is coupled to the drive clutch to transmit the first drive torque to the drive clutch to move the drive clutch into the engaged drive clutch position. When engaged, the drive clutch is coupled to the clutch assembly output to transmit the second drive torque to the output. |
| US08407847B1 |
Wet and dry disposable cloth sweeper
Disclosed is a wet and dry disposable cloth sweeper that has a cleaning head with a cleaning body and a ridged substrate, push fit zippers for securing a cleaning pad, an annular universal joint with a handle connector for pivotally securing the cleaning head to a handle, and a handle connected to the cleaning head. The wet and dry disposable cloth sweeper may be a cleaning kit having a cleaning head, a handle, and optionally cleaning pads. |
| US08407844B2 |
Pipeline pig
A device for travelling along a pipeline having fluid flowing along it comprises a turbine for extracting power from the fluid flow and using that power to move the device along the pipeline against the fluid flow. The device is arranged in a series of coupled modules. |
| US08407843B2 |
Clean device for cleaning goldfinger
A clean device for cleaning a goldfinger includes a positioning mechanism for transmitting a circuit board and fixing the circuit board on a predetermined position, a delivering mechanism for delivering a cleaning medium to the predetermined position, and a wiping mechanism for utilizing the cleaning medium to wipe a goldfinger of the circuit board after the positioning mechanism fixes the circuit board on the predetermined position. |
| US08407840B2 |
Self releasing cable system
An embodiment of a self-releasing cable lift system may include a latch coupled to a winch and operable to lift an object, such as a gangway, into a secured position before self-releasing after the object is locked into place. Such a latch may be biased to an open position when setting free, but biased to a closed position when acted upon by an outside surface. Thus, the latch includes a first biasing surface that is operable to bias the latch to the closed position when the latch is moved into contact with a latch receptacle in a first direction. Further, the latch includes a second biasing surface that is operable to bias the latch to a closed position when it is moved into contact with a sleeve, in a second direction. In this manner, the latch may engage a gangway, when lowered, but then self-release when the gangway has been raised. |
| US08407835B1 |
Configuration-changing sleeping enclosure
This invention is a sound-insulating enclosure that contains at least one bed, in which one or more people sleep, wherein the configuration of this enclosure automatically changes from a more-closed configuration to a more-open configuration over time, or vice versa. These changes in configuration can be in response to sounds or can occur in a pre-programmed manner. |
| US08407834B1 |
Sturdy, collapsible, folding mattress support having the appearance of a box spring
A foldable mattress support is made by covering a metal frame with a fabric covering. The metal frame includes two sections that fold together at two hinges. A first section includes first upper and lower frames, and a second section includes second upper and lower frames. Each of the upper and lower frames is pivotally attached to a hinge. A bolt that is oriented along a first axis passes through the first upper frame and through a plate of the hinge. The first upper frame pivots about a first axis; the second upper frame pivots about a second axis; the first lower frame pivots about a third axis; and the second lower frame pivots about a fourth axis. Each of the axes is orthogonal to the plate, and the third axis is spaced farther apart from the fourth axis than the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis. |
| US08407826B2 |
Bath apparatus
An apparatus for bathing a body part, such as the feet, includes a bath chamber for containing a fluid and receiving the body part therein. The bath chamber includes a bottom surface and a wall structure extending upwardly therefrom, where a motor is mounted on an underside of the bottom surface. At least one therapy center is disposed on the bottom surface and operably connected to the motor for providing therapy to the body part when the body part is placed on the at least one therapy center. |
| US08407824B2 |
Multiple position underwater birthing stool
A birthing stool is disclosed comprising a series of closed walls constructed from a non porous rigid material, molded into compound curves. The stool facilitates a range of physiologically effective positioning for labor and delivery and can be used submerged underwater during waterbirth. The stool ergonomically supports the body while also achieving structural integrity through a simple organic form that can be produced inexpensively using minimal material. All elements of the stool, including a seat portion that accommodates a laboring woman and her birthing partner, as well as handles and grips for carrying are integrated into a single part design, facilitating effective cleansing and disinfection of the apparatus.The invention includes the method of production of the stool, and describes method of using device. |
| US08407823B2 |
Spa with waterfall
A vessel for containing liquid includes a floor perimetrically surrounded by a plurality of upwardly projecting walls; at least one exit port incorporated into at least one of the walls proximate to an upper edge of the at least one wall; and a liquid circulation pump apparatus. The liquid circulation pump apparatus includes a first conduit in fluid communication with the vessel; a circulation pump positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a supply conduit positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the circulation pump; and a diverter valve positioned downstream of the circulation pump and upstream of the supply conduit. The circulation pump is adapted to pump liquid from the vessel through the first conduit and deliver liquid through the supply conduit to the exit port. The diverter valve is adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the exit port. |
| US08407822B2 |
Method and compositions for bath
A bathing product for bathing comprises: a sodium hydrogen carbonate, commonly known as baking soda, being usable for softening the bathing water, removing body odor, revitalizing skin and facilitating enhanced body care or treatment, and a water sanitizing agent, being usable for effectively sanitizing the liquid and cleaning the bath apparatus without causing toxic effect to a bather for bathing in the liquid. The sodium hydrogen carbonate mixture may comprise 50-99% by weight sodium of hydrogen carbonate formed in powder form, and the water sanitizing agent may comprise about 1-10% by weight of trichloroisocyanuric acid. The bathing product may further comprise a bubbling agent to create a bubbling action for pleasure and soothing sensation for the bather. |
| US08407818B2 |
Method of manufacturing a hood for use with a personal protection system
A method of manufacturing a hood for use with a personal protection system. The hood includes a shell formed from at least partially out of a filter medium. At least one transparent layer is initially attached to a transparent face shield. The transparent layer-face shield assembly is sterilized with gamma radiation and attached to the shell to form the hood. The hood is then sterilized with ethylene oxide. |
| US08407815B2 |
Apparel incorporating tensile strands
An article of apparel may include a waistband for extending around a waist of the wearer. The waistband may have a first layer and a second layer that lay adjacent to each other, and the waistband may have a plurality of strand segments located between the first layer and the second layer. The strand segments extend at least partially around the waistband. Additionally, the strand segments may lay substantially parallel to surfaces of the first layer and the second layer for distances of at least five centimeters. In some configurations, the strand segments may be bonded to the first layer and the second layer along the distances of at least five centimeters. |
| US08407812B2 |
Knee pad constructions
Protective knee pads are comprised of a first shell member which fits over the patella and knee joint and a second member which is attached to the lower thigh and pivotally engaged with the knee pad shell so that they may articulate one with respect to the other while providing additional support and protection for the user of the knee pad. An additional shin pad may also be attached to the lower end of the shell which covers the knee. |
| US08413255B2 |
Digital rights management method and digital rights management-enabled mobile device
A DRM method and DRM-enabled mobile device are provided, in which determinations are made as to whether a playback request is input for replaying a media file, and, if so, whether the media file is a rights-protected media file on the basis of a file format of the media file. If the media file is a rights-protected media file, at least one sample playback part of the rights-protected media file is verified and replayed; otherwise, the entire rights-protected media file is replayed. |
| US08413251B1 |
Using disposable data misuse to determine reputation
A reputation system generates reputation scores for websites based at least in part on analyses of disposable data misuse associated with the websites. The reputation system receives reports describing disposable data misuses detected by clients and/or other entities, such as credit card issuers. The reputation system also detects certain types of misuse itself by analyzing received disposable data involved in a misuse detection to determine the websites or other entities that misused the data. The reputation system generates misuse statistics describing the amount of data misuse performed by websites. The reputation system generates reputation scores for websites based on the disposable data misuse statistics and, optionally, other reputation information for the websites, such as malware distribution associated with the websites. The reputation system reports the reputations of the websites to the clients. |
| US08413249B1 |
Threat assessment of software-configured system based upon architecture model and as-built code
A method comprising: providing in a non-transitory machine readable storage device a first information structure that includes respective elements that each respectively represent one or more components or communication channels or a combination thereof of a system that includes one or more machines configured with computer software; wherein the first information structure associates at least one element with at least one of an attribute indicative of a mitigation of one at least one known vulnerability of the at least one component or communication channel or combination thereof represented by the at least one element; using a computer system to produce and to store within a non-transitory machine readable storage device an analysis of as-built code used to configure one or more machines to implement the system; wherein the produced analysis includes an output log with respective entries that include respective code references and respective indicia of attributes corresponding to respective observation points within the as-built code that correspond respective elements of the first information structure; mapping at least one respective entry to at least the at least one element of the first information structure; and associating an attribute included within the at least one entry with an attribute associated within the first information structure with the at least one element. |
| US08413247B2 |
Adaptive data collection for root-cause analysis and intrusion detection
Endpoints in an enterprise security environment are configured to adaptively switch from their normal data collection mode to a long-term, detailed data collection mode where advanced analyses are applied to the collected detailed data. Such adaptive data collection and analysis is triggered upon the receipt of a security assessment of a particular type, where a security assessment is defined as a tentative assignment by an endpoint of broader contextual meaning to information (i.e., data in some context) that is collected about an object of interest. A specialized endpoint is coupled to the security assessment channel and performs as a centralized audit point by subscribing to all security assessments, logging the security assessments, and also logging the local actions taken by endpoints in response to detected security incidents in the environment. The specialized endpoint is arranged to perform various analyses and processes on historical security assessments. |
| US08413246B2 |
Evaluating shellcode findings
Concepts and technologies are described herein for evaluating shellcode findings. In accordance with the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, shellcode findings can be evaluated to determine if the shellcode findings are legitimate, or if the shellcode findings are false positive shellcode findings. Legitimate shellcode findings can be determined based not simply upon patterns associated with the suspected shellcode itself, but also based upon a pattern of bit-level entropy in the memory around the suspected shellcode. Mathematical models of the memory can be generated and analyzed to determine if the shellcode finding is legitimate. |
| US08413245B2 |
Methods and apparatus providing computer and network security for polymorphic attacks
A system detects an attack on the computer system. The system identifies the attack as polymorphic, capable of modifying itself for every instance of execution of the attack. The modification of the attack is utilized to defeat detection of the attack. In one embodiment, the system determines generation of an effective signature of the attack has failed. The signature is utilized to prevent execution of the attack. The system then adjusts access to an interface to prevent further damage caused to the computer system by the attack. |
| US08413242B2 |
External storage device and method of controlling the device
After an initialization process (S10), the access controller of the external storage device performs authentication using a password (S20, S30). If authentication is successful, the successfully authenticated state is saved, and the host computer is notified that the HD storage portion is accessible (S40). Subsequently, it is decided whether SOF packets are being periodically sent from the host computer (S50), and if periodic sending has been interrupted (S50: NO), the connection to the host computer will be deemed lost, and the saved authenticated state will be deleted (S60). |
| US08413241B2 |
Integrated intrusion deflection, detection and introspection
Methods and apparatus are provided for integrated deflection, detection and intrusion. Within a single computer system configured for operating system virtualization (e.g., Solaris™, OpenSolaris™), multiple security functions execute in logically independent zones or containers, under the control and administration of a global zone. Such functions may illustratively include a demilitarized zone (DMZ) and a honeypot. Management is facilitated because all functions work within a single operating system, which promotes the ability to configure, monitor and control each function. Any given zone can be configured with limited resources, a virtual network interface circuit and/or other features. |
| US08413237B2 |
Methods of simulating vulnerability
Methods of simulating vulnerability are provided. In an example, multi-stage vulnerability across multiple systems may be simulated by first simulating a probing of at least one intermediate entity, the at least one intermediate entity connected to a target system, second simulating a probing of the target system if the first simulated probing is successful and generating an attack graph based on the results of the first and second simulating steps. In another example, multi-system vulnerability may be simulated by receiving a plurality of attributes associated with vulnerabilities of a plurality of systems within a network, the plurality of systems including at least one target system and generating an attack graph including one or more attack chains based at least in part on the received plurality of attributes. In another example, system (e.g., single-system) vulnerability may be simulated by first simulating whether vulnerabilities exploited from a first system state cause a transition to a second system state, the second system state having a higher-privilege level than the first system state within a target system and generating an attack graph based at least in part on the results of the simulation. |
| US08413235B1 |
Malware detection using file heritage data
A security module on a client monitors file creations at the client and reports heritage data describing the monitored file creations to a security server. A file categorization module at the security server receives file heritage data reports from a plurality of clients. The heritage data reports identify parent files that created executable child files at the clients. The file categorization module filters the heritage data to identify and prioritize parent files that are not categorized. The file categorization module analyzes the uncategorized files in priority order to categorize the files as “expected executable file creators” or “executable file creators of interest.” The file categorization module reports the file categorization data to the security modules of the clients. The security modules use the file categorization data to identify malware at the clients. |
| US08413234B1 |
Communications-service fraud detection using special social connection
A method, system, and medium are provided for detecting fraud, the method comprising: initializing a fraud hypothesis variable associated with a communications device, receiving data that describes a plurality of outgoing communication records that are associated with said communications device, wherein the data is related to activity that took place over a given period of time, extracting a plurality of destination identifiers from said plurality of communication records, for each of at least a portion of said plurality of destination identifiers, modifying said fraud hypothesis variable based on a fraud metric associated with said destination identifier, comparing said fraud hypothesis variable to a first predetermined threshold, and when said fraud hypothesis variable exceeds said first predetermined threshold, generating a fraud indication that is related to said communications device. |
| US08413233B1 |
Authorizing local application activity using remotely defined security data
Systems and methods, including computer software adapted to perform certain operations, can be implemented for preventing content received from non-trusted sources from accessing protected data. A sequence of instructions and multiple permission indicators associated with the sequence of instructions are received. One or more of permission indicators are associated with a protected activity. An instruction within the sequence of instructions associated with the protected activity is identified. A determination is made whether execution of the identified instruction is permitted based, at least in part, on the one or more permission indicators, and the protected activity is performed if execution of the identified instruction is permitted. |
| US08413230B2 |
API checking device and state monitor
An API checking device 300 includes an API check request reception unit 301 to receive a determination request to request determination of whether to permit the API call, a state information acquiring unit 303 to acquire state information showing a state of the device 100, a check mode setting unit 305 to set a check mode for the API call on the basis of the state information acquired, a determining unit 307 to determine whether to permit the API call on the basis of the check mode, and a check result outputting unit 309 to output the check result generated by the determining unit 307. |
| US08413225B2 |
Systems and methods for management of common application firewall session data in a multiple core system
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for efficiently an intermediary device processing strings in web pages across a plurality of user sessions. A device intermediary to a plurality of clients and a server identifies a plurality of strings in forms and uniform resource locators (URLs) of web pages traversing the device across a plurality of user sessions. The device stores each string of the plurality of strings to one or more allocation arenas shared among a plurality of user session. Each string is indexed using a hash key generated from the string. The device recognizes that a received string transmitted from a webpage of a session of a user is eligible to be shared among the plurality of user sessions. The device determines that a copy of the received string is stored in an allocation arena using a hash generated from the received string. The device uses the copy of the received string stored in the allocation arena in place of the string in the web page of the session of the user to process the web page. |
| US08413222B1 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing updates of authentication credentials
A method and apparatus for synchronously changing authentication credentials of a plurality of domains comprising detecting an authentication credential change event for a particular domain, where the authentication credential is being changed from a first credential to a second credential, determining whether the particular domain is within a domain group, and, if the particular domain is within the domain group, changing the authentication credential of at least one other domain in the domain group from the first credential to the second credential. |
| US08413221B2 |
Methods and apparatus for delegated authentication
An authentication-delegating service implemented in an authentication server or other processing device is configured to receive a request from a relying party for delegated authentication information associated with a particular user, to determine a level of trust associated with the relying party, and to provide the delegated authentication information to the relying party if the relying party has a sufficient level of trust, so as to permit the relying party to authenticate the user based on the delegated authentication information. The delegated authentication information has the property that the user can be presently authenticated based on such information. The delegated authentication information may comprise, for example, at least one value derived from a one-time password or other authentication credential of the particular user. The authentication-delegating service may be graded to provide different types of delegated authentication information based on respective levels of trust that may be associated with relying parties. |
| US08413219B2 |
Verifying access rights to a network account having multiple passwords
A computer-implemented system and method for verifying access to a network account are provided. A first user communication portal is associated with a user network account. A request to access the user network account is received from a second user communication portal. Security criteria related to the second user communication portal is determined. Access to the user network account is enabled upon receipt of a communication associated with the first user communication portal when the security criteria is of a predetermined value. |
| US08413211B2 |
Access control policy compliance check process
A storage medium on which is recorded a program for causing an information processing device. The program executes, an access right management information obtainment process for obtaining access right management information, a violation detection process for obtaining a policy from a policy storing unit for storing the policy set for the resource or the access to the resource, for checking whether or not the access right management information complies with the policy, and for detecting access right management information, a policy compliance level calculation process for calculating a risk score in accordance with a degree of risk of the violation, and for calculating a level of compliance with the policy. |
| US08413206B1 |
Participating in television programs
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enabling viewers to participate in a television program. In one aspect, a method includes transmitting a linear television program that includes a request for viewer responses to be submitted using a user device and receiving, through a communication network, an electronic message including a viewer response to the request from a user. Consideration is received from the user, and the consideration is associated with the viewer response. Credits are allocated to the user in response to receiving the viewer response and consideration. A record of the one or more credits is stored in association with an identifier of the user, and in response to a request from the user, credits associated with the identifier of the user are redeemed in exchange for virtual goods or services associated with delivery of content over a network. |
| US08413202B2 |
Content reception apparatus, content transmission apparatus, and content transmission and reception control apparatus
According to one embodiment, a content reception apparatus includes a communication module and a communication controller. The communication module is configured to communicate with a content transmission and reception control apparatus. The communication controller is configured to communicate with the content transmission and reception control apparatus by the communication module, to receive content transmittable time information of a content transmission apparatus managed by the content transmission and reception control apparatus, to request content managed by the content transmission apparatus based on the content transmittable time information, and to receive the content. |
| US08413199B2 |
Communication system and method
A media device comprising: a memory storing a communication client application; a processor, coupled to the memory and operable to execute the communication client application, wherein the client application is programmed so as when executed to allow a user to establish a call with one or more other users via a packet-based communication network; and a remote control unit comprising wireless communication means arranged to transmit data to the processor, a control means coupled to the wireless communication means and configured to control the wireless communication means, user input means coupled to the control means and arranged to receive input commands from the user and provide the input commands to the control means, and a microphone coupled to the control means and arranged to receive audio signals from a user, wherein, responsive to the control means receiving a command to establish a call from the user input means, the control means is arranged to activate the wireless communication means from a deactivated state, establish a wireless connection with the processor, and transmit data comprising audio signals from the microphone using the wireless communication means to the processor for transmission in a call over the packet-based communication network. |
| US08413197B2 |
Video delivery device, video receiver and key frame delivery method
In this video delivery device including: a storage device storing key frame information including a key frame number included in a contents file and offset from the beginning of a file; and a delivery control unit, which executes delivery in a predetermined cycle, the delivery control unit refers to the key frame information cycle by cycle in executing the trick play, and transmits the key frame having the offset closest to the delivery time among the key frames included in the contents file. |
| US08413196B2 |
Audio visual architecture
Aspects of an audio/visual architecture are disclosed. In one aspect, a system is disclosed where the system has a media manager object, an audio/visual program, and a player/recorder object so that when the program is selected, the media manager dynamically loads the player/recorder object for either playing or recording the program. For example, with respect to the media manager object, it can manage a collection of related program entities and any corresponding player/recorder components. Also, the media manager can allocate share source ports and shared sink ports in order to dynamically create virtual circuit paths for selected program entries. |
| US08413191B2 |
Program guide with a digital storage device
An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to select a program for recording onto the digital storage device. The program guide may then provide the user a list of programs that includes at least one listing for a recorded program. The user may select a recorded program listing and the program guide will transfer the corresponding program from the digital storage device to a secondary storage device. |
| US08413186B2 |
Method for transmitting/receiving broadcasting signal and broadcasting signal receiver
A method for transmitting/receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. An identifier of a burst period is obtained from program table information of the broadcasting signal including mobile data and only the burst period in which a broadcasting program desired by a user is transmitted is received. Accordingly, when the broadcasting signal is received, only a desired burst period is received such that power consumption of the broadcasting signal receiver can be reduced. |
| US08413184B2 |
Media map for capture of content from random access devices
A method and apparatus for storing and displaying information about the capture and/or transfer of digital media is provided, wherein data is stored such that a visual representation indicating characteristics of video data, such as whether portions of the video data have been transferred to another device or captured to a storage device, may be generated and displayed. |
| US08413182B2 |
Mechanism for rendering advertising objects into featured content
Advertisements may be inserted into a streaming video at an intermediary system by receiving a data stream including a video content selection having scenes configured to accommodate insertion of advertising objects, identifying an advertising descriptor based on characteristics of a scene within the data stream, selecting an advertising object based on the identified advertising descriptor, modifying the video content selection by inserting the advertising object in the data stream such that the advertising object is integrated into a scene of the video content selection, where an image scene of the video content selection is modified to integrate and enable visual display of content from within the scene of the video content selection and the advertising object concurrently, and transmitting the content selection to a recipient. |
| US08413181B2 |
System and method for selecting and delivering ADS based on cross-platform activity
A cross-platform advertising system utilizes viewing data, browsing data, and telephone call data to establish subscriber account profile and, optionally, user profiles for users at the subscriber account. An ad selection processor selects ads based on subscriber account profile and, optionally, the user profile. An ad delivery processor delivers the selected ads to a device associated with the subscriber account. |
| US08413178B2 |
Disk device
A disk device includes a frame, an optical pickup and a shock absorbing component. The frame has a receiving component. The optical pickup is slidable with respect to the frame. The shock absorbing component is fixedly coupled to the optical pickup and arranged to selectively contact the receiving component of the frame. The shock absorbing component includes a support portion and a spring piece. The spring piece has a first end portion that is fixedly coupled to the optical pickup and a second end portion that is spaced from the support portion in an unloaded rest state and that contacts the support portion to support the spring piece at both the first and second end portions with respect to the optical pickup when the spring piece is pushed by the receiving component of the frame to a loaded state. |
| US08413176B2 |
Disk device having clamper lifters with different start of movement timing
A disk device is provided with a pair of slide cam members that start movement when a disk is conveyed to a replayable position, and a pair of clamper lifters respectively having clamper support portions supporting a clamper. The clamper lifters are moved in opposite directions to each other in a horizontal direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the disk device in conjunction with the movement of the pair of slide cam members. They are arranged so that the timings of the start of movement in the opposite directions to each other are different from each other. The clamper support portions have inclined surfaces in contact with an outer peripheral part of the clamper so as to move the clamper in the thickness direction of the disk device in accordance with the movement of the pair of clamper lifters in the opposite directions to each other. |
| US08413168B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for providing an event scheme for context models
An apparatus for providing an event scheme for a context model may include a processor and a memory storing executable instructions that in response to execution by the processor cause the apparatus to at least perform operations including defining an event scheme comprising at least two phases and providing the event scheme for use in a topologically independent context model. One of the at least two phases defined may enable provision of a notification from a consumer application to a data provider and the other of the at least two phases may enable provision of a notification from the data provider to the consumer application. The context model may be configured to provide access by consumer applications to property information of data providers via the context model. |
| US08413165B2 |
Managing consistent interfaces for maintenance order business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a maintenance order business object. |
| US08413164B1 |
Presenting an interface to a computer system for use in conducting diagnostic tests
A system and method for performing diagnostics on a computer system having a plurality of physical hardware devices includes associating a logical device with a physical hardware device of the computer system. The logical device is provided with a programmatic interface that abstractly reproduces a functionality of the physical hardware device associated with the logical device and insulates the logical device from device-specific particulars needed to communicate with the physical hardware device. The logical device is associated with a translator that is capable of communicating with the physical hardware device associated with the logical device using the device-specific particulars needed to communicate with that physical hardware device. |
| US08413163B2 |
Program control device including per-timeslot switching of thread execution
Provided is a program control device which switches, per timeslot, between threads to be executed. The program control device includes: a first interrupt creation unit which creates a first interrupt signal which designates a timeslot as a destination; and a first receiving unit which [i] does not receive the first interrupt signal if the timeslot as the destination is not a current timeslot, and [ii] receives the first interrupt signal if the timeslot as the destination is the current timeslot. |
| US08413159B2 |
Classifying workload for a service
In one example embodiment, a machine implemented method is provided. The method comprises sampling a plurality of values of a parameter associated with a software service by monitoring said parameter; determining a workload signature for the software service based on statistical analysis performed during a first sampling period; and classifying the workload of said software service by selecting, based on said plurality of values, a first workload classification from a plurality of predefined workload classifications, wherein the workload of the software service is reclassified to a second workload classification, based on a workload signature calculated during a second sampling period. |
| US08413151B1 |
Selective thread spawning within a multi-threaded processing system
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for selectively spawning threads within a multiprocessing system. A computation work distributor (CWD), within the system, is responsible for performing the detailed work needed to spawn a thread grid. A request to the CWD to spawn a thread grid includes a predicate table, which includes an array of flags used to indicate which thread indices should have an associated thread block spawned and which should not. Greater efficiency is achieved by only spawning thread blocks that should perform useful computation. |
| US08413149B2 |
Priority based processor reservations
An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an information processing system, and an information processing program are provided. The present invention can execute distributed processing effectively with certainty among different information processing apparatus connected through a common network. Each of first to fourth information processing apparatus includes a main processor and sub processors. When sub processor programs are to be executed by sub processors in response to an operation of a user, the first apparatus secures a necessary number of free sub processors if this is determined possible. If the necessary number of free sub processors are not available, then the first apparatus successively issues a request to secure sub processors to the other apparatus. If the necessary number of sub processors cannot be secured from among free sub processors in the entire network, those sub processors which are executing sub processor programs having a lower priority are secured for execution of the sub processor programs. |
| US08413147B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for making a decision about virtual machine migration
A method, an apparatus, and a system for making a decision about virtual machine migration includes a source host platform, configured to send a migration request to a Migration Authority (MA), and to migrate the virtual machine to a target host platform according to a received migration decision-making result. The MA is configured to perform security checks on the source host platform and the target host platform, to obtain a first evaluation result of the source host platform and a second evaluation result of the target host platform, acquire a third evaluation result of the virtual machine, and return a corresponding migration decision-making result to the source host platform. The corresponding migration decision-making result indicates whether the virtual machine is permitted to be migrated; and the target host platform of the virtual machine to be migrated, is configured to accept the virtual machine to be migrated. |
| US08413143B2 |
Dynamic network adapter queue pair allocation
A system receives a notification at an operating system image of a change in allocation of queue pair resources to the operating system image. The system queries a physical network adapter through a hypervisor to obtain a new queue pair resource count that will exist in the virtualized system after the change in allocation. The system performs a hashing operation in the operating system image using the new queue pair resource count to distribute transmit traffic among the queue pair resources that will exist in the virtualized system after the change in allocation. |
| US08413138B2 |
System and method to securely load a management client from a stub client to facilitate remote device management
Systems and methods are described for securely downloading management client software onto a device from an embedded stub in the device. In one embodiment, the stub client is activated by a message with credentials from a management server. The stub client, after verification of the credentials, downloads and activates a full management client. The management client then participates in any authorized management session with the device management server. The messages are preferably encrypted using a key that is based on the credentials. The credentials may be specific to the device and to the service provider associated with the device. |
| US08413135B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for controlling software application installations
Methods, systems, and computer program products that automatically control the installation of software applications on a device are provided. The installation of a software application on a device is detected. The installation is temporarily halted and information about the detected software application installation is collected. A danger level of the detected software application is assessed based upon the collected information. Installation of the detected software application is allowed to continue if the assessed danger level is below a threshold level and installation of the detected software application is terminated if the assessed danger level is above the threshold level. |
| US08413130B2 |
System and method for self policing of authorized configuration by end points
A system, method, and program product is provided that distributes authorized changes to the organization's entities and has the individual computer systems police configuration changes. A system receives change approval packages, each of the change approval packages including authorized change identification data that identifies authorized changes to the system. The authorized change identification data are stored in a storage area of the system. Subsequently, a change package is received by the computer system. The change package includes a change to the computer system and metadata that identifies the change. The metadata is compared with the authorized change identification data. If the metadata matches one of the authorized change identification data, then the change is installed, otherwise the change is rejected. |
| US08413129B1 |
Application repair system, method, and computer program product for generating an alert based on information describing at least one update
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for generating an alert based on information describing at least one update associated with an application to be repaired. In operation, a request to repair an application is received. Additionally, information describing at least one update associated with the application is identified. Furthermore, an alert is generated based on the information. |
| US08413124B2 |
System and method for compiling and matching regular expressions
A system and method for compiling and matching regular expressions is disclosed. The regular expression compiling system includes a syntax analyzing module and at least two types of compiling modules. The syntax analyzing module is configured to analyze syntactic characteristics of a regular expression and send the regular expression to an appropriate compiling module according to preset syntactic rules and the syntactic characteristics of the regular expression; and the appropriate compiling module is configured to receive the regular expression and compile the regular expression into a data structure of a specific form. |
| US08413122B2 |
System and method for demonstrating the correctness of an execution trace in concurrent processing environments
Since multi-core processors have become the standard architecture for general purpose machines, programmers are required to write software optimized for parallelism. Verification of correctness is an important issue for parallel code because of its complexity. There are still tools missing that provide verification for complex code, such as testing the execution of code provides. Consequently, described herein are systems and methods to evaluate the correctness of program traces. Furthermore, the systems and methods described herein do not demand excessive computational requirements and the size of the program trace being evaluated increases. |
| US08413118B2 |
Configuration diagram with connections that represent physical couplings between devices
A system and method for creating and using configuration diagrams for configuring distributed systems. The methods described herein may be used for various types of operations in configuring distributed systems, including creating programs, managing programs in the distributed system, deploying programs to various distributed devices, configuring remote execution or inter-operation of distributed programs, and executing distributed applications. Embodiments of the invention utilize graphical iconic-based techniques for performing the above operations. The configuration diagram may include device icons which represent devices and program icons which represent programs. Device icons and program icons may be associated with each other to accomplish various program creation and deployment operations. Device icons and program icons may also interact with graphical program nodes or icons. Context sensitive device connections and/or program connections are displayed. An asynchronous data flow node may be used to facilitate asynchronous data flow between two graphical programs. The distributed system may also support distributed graphical debugging. |
| US08413115B1 |
Specifying integration points of a system-of-systems
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, specifying integration points of a system-of-systems includes identifying an integration point that associates interfaces of system components. The integration point is characterized according to the identification to generate a set of attributes describing the interfaces. The integration point is specified according to the set of attributes. |
| US08413114B1 |
Method to simplify developing software having localization
A method is provided for displaying a numeric property value. The method includes (a) reading a file from a tangible computer-readable storage medium, the file containing a set of property display patterns, (b) extracting a particular property display code from the file, the particular property display pattern corresponding to the numeric property value to be displayed, (c) extracting a unit of measure and a reference to a conversion function from the particular property display pattern, (d) calling the referenced conversion function to perform a unit conversion on the numeric property value to convert from an internal unit of measure into an display unit of measure, and (e) displaying the converted numeric property value and the extracted unit of measure to a user. In another embodiment, software is provided for executing this method. Additional methods are provided for developing software. |
| US08413112B2 |
Visualization of information using landmasses
The present invention relates to the visualization of complex information using a set of navigable landmasses. A method for generating a visualization of a programming code base using a set of navigable landmasses in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: representing each of a plurality of different code components using a respective landmass; adjusting a size of each landmass based on a number of lines of code in the code component corresponding to the landmass; and displaying the landmasses. |
| US08413110B2 |
Automating applications in a multimedia framework
The present invention provides a multimedia software framework system that allows development of customized multimedia plug-in applications for use within the system. Users can customize fields in the data entry, database, query and report forms without any programming effort. The information is packaged in an Application plug-in module which can be transported to any personal computer or network server. The information can be integrated into a core multimedia framework with features for video capturing, image processing, video and image broadcasting, entity work space elaboration, and instant multimedia messaging. The present invention also provides Internet Service Providers with a new opportunity for hosting application servers because the system resources in the core multimedia framework server can be partitioned for different applications and user accounts without any additional programming effort. |
| US08413108B2 |
Architectural data metrics overlay
A system and method for facilitating analysis of a software project. Intrinsic measures, activity-based measures, or dynamic measures associated with the project are received, including measures associated with physical program units and logical program units of the project. Mappings between physical program units and logical program units are generated. An architectural diagram including logical program units is received, and may include additional mappings of the logical program units. The mappings are used to roll up measures from physical project units to logical project units, and from logical project units to other logical project units. An overlay diagram is generated, including the rolled up measures. The overlay diagram includes the architectural diagram and a representation of rolled up measures associated with each logical project unit on the diagram. The representations employ a graphic format that facilitates a user determining risk areas of the software project. A user may view effects of project changes prior to checking them into source control. |
| US08413098B2 |
T-connections, methodology for designing T-connections, and compact modeling of T-connections
T-connections, methodology for designing T-connections, and compact modeling of T-connections. The T-connections include an electrically conductive T-junction comprising a body and first, second and third integral arms projecting from mutually perpendicular sides of the body, each arm of the three integral arms having a same first width abutting the body and a same length extending away from the body; an electrically conductive step-junction comprising a first section having the first width and an integral and abutting second section having a second width, the second width different from the first width, the first section smoothly abutting and integral with the first arm of the T-junction; and wherein top surfaces of the T-junction and the step-junction are coplanar. |
| US08413095B1 |
Statistical single library including on chip variation for rapid timing and power analysis
A statistical single library that includes on-chip variation (OCV) is created for timing and power analysis of a digital chip design. Initially, library values for all cells of a digital chip design, including ranges for environmental and process parameters, are subject to a statistical model to create statistical timing for the ranges of the parameters. A statistical timing tool is applied across the ranges of the parameters to determine statistical corners for delay and input power to a subset of cells. The statistically determined delay and input power to the subset of cells is entered into the statistical single library. Each delay of each statistical corner for the subset of cells is compared with a chip sign-off statistical delay requirement of a test macro. |
| US08413093B1 |
Method and mechanism for performing region query using hierarchical grids
Disclosed is an improved approach for managing, tracking, and querying hierarchical data in layouts. According to some aspects, hierarchical grids are employed utilizing a scheme that organizes physical objects into a set of gradually refined grids that avoids the need to maintain duplicates while enhancing the desirable characteristics of existing schemes, including fast query times, fast data structure initialization and reduced memory footprint. Each grid-cell may be further partitioned into sub-containers to more efficiently provide space pruning during query operations. According to one approach, structures maintained to track existence of objects in a descendent hierarchy. |
| US08413092B2 |
Circuit design supporting apparatus and circuit design supporting method
A circuit design supporting apparatus includes: an observation portion specifying section configured to specify a first portion with a high improvement effect of analysis easiness in failure analysis of an integrated circuit as an observation portion; and an element substitution performing section configured to substitute an element arranged in the observation portion by an analysis target element to which a failure analysis apparatus can appropriately conduct the failure analysis based on a data of the observation portion. The element substitution performing section includes a timing analyzing section configured to perform timing analysis of the integrated circuit shown by a netlist; a delay calculating section configured to calculate a delay in the integrated circuit based on a result of the timing analysis by said timing analyzing section and said netlist; a substitution element determining section configured to specify a fine element, which is arranged in said observation portion, of elements of the integrated circuit as a substitution candidate element; and an element substituting section configured to update said netlist to form a new netlist. |
| US08413089B2 |
Performing implication and decision making using multiple value systems during constraint solving
Methods and apparatuses are described for assigning random values to a set of random variables so that the assigned random values satisfy a set of constraints. An embodiment can receive a set of constraints, wherein each constraint is defined over one or more random variables from a set of random variables. Next, the embodiment can generate a circuit model based on the set of constraints, wherein assignable values for at least one node in the circuit model are represented in multiple value systems. The embodiment can then assign random values to the set of random variables based on the circuit model. |
| US08413088B1 |
Verification plans to merging design verification metrics
A method and apparatus for producing a verification of digital circuits are provided. In an exemplary embodiment on the invention, a plurality of verification scopes of an integrated circuit design as defined as part of a verification plan. A plurality of verification runs are executed within two or more verification scopes defined by the verification plan. At least two verification runs are selected to merge verification results together. Like named scenarios are merged together for each verification scope to generate merged verification results that are then stored into a merge database. A verification report is generated for the integrated circuit design from the merged verification results. A merge point may be specified so like named subtrees and subgroups may be merged across different verification scopes of selected verification runs. The merge point may combine check and coverage results obtained during simulation with check and coverage results obtained during formal verification. |
| US08413086B2 |
Methods and apparatus for adapting pipeline stage latency based on instruction type
Processor pipeline controlling techniques are described which take advantage of the variation in critical path lengths of different instructions to achieve increased performance. By examining a processor's instruction set and execution unit implementation's critical timing paths, instructions are classified into speed classes. Based on these speed classes, one pipeline is presented where hold signals are used to dynamically control the pipeline based on the instruction class in execution. An alternative pipeline supporting multiple classes of instructions is presented where the pipeline clocking is dynamically changed as a result of decoded instruction class signals. A single pass synthesis methodology for multi-class execution stage logic is also described. For dynamic class variable pipeline processors, the mix of instructions can have a great effect on processor performance and power utilization since both can vary by the program mix of instruction classes. Application code can be given new degrees of optimization freedom where instruction class and the mix of instructions can be chosen based on performance and power requirements. |
| US08413077B2 |
Input apparatus, handheld apparatus, and control method
An input apparatus includes: a motion signal output section to detect a movement of an object for controlling a movement of an image displayed on a screen and output a motion signal corresponding to the movement of the object; a control command generation section to generate a control command corresponding to the motion signal for controlling the movement of the image; an operation signal output section to detect a user operation unintended for the control of the movement of the image and output an operation signal based on the operation; an operation command generation section to generate an operation command based on the operation signal; and a control section to control the control command generation section to generate, in temporal relation with a generation timing of the operation command, the control command with a sensitivity of the movement of the image with respect to the movement of the object changed. |
| US08413070B1 |
Declarative resizeable list in electronic form
Some embodiments may provide a method comprising accessing a list descriptor declaratively specifying a resizeability indication, selecting, responsively to the resizeability indication, a first linear size for a first list rendering, the first list rendering being based on the list descriptor, and generating the first list rendering based on the list descriptor and the first linear size. |
| US08413069B2 |
Method and apparatus for the automatic completion of composite characters
The automatic completion of composite characters is supported by the generation of lists of candidate words or characters. Such lists may be generated by specifying letters or word shapes that are required to be included in candidate words or characters, independent of the order in which a specified letter or word shape is traditionally added to the completed word or character. In a subtractive mode, a user may exclude words or characters that include one or more letters or word shapes specified by the user. |
| US08413068B2 |
Visual interface element transition effect
In an electronic interaction space, transitioning between a first and second screen layout includes determining a difference between the first and second screen layouts, wherein the first and second screen layouts include at least one pod each, and rendering the difference as a dynamic and intermediate screen layout that uses a representation of physical motion to present a gradual change. |
| US08413067B2 |
Graphical icon presentation
Aspects of this disclosure may be directed to one or more techniques for a mobile device to present a graphical user-interface with different graphical user-interface layouts. The mobile device may present the different graphical user-interface layouts based on whether the mobile device is resting or not resting against a surface. For example, the mobile device may present a graphical user-interface layout that is more conducive for user interface when the mobile device is not held against a surface. The mobile device may present another graphical user-interface layout that is more conducive for user interaction when the mobile device is held against a surface. |
| US08413064B2 |
Method and apparatus for graphically indicating the progress of multiple parts of a task
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for graphically indicating a progress of multiple parts of a task involves 1) dividing the task, as a whole, into a plurality of work units, and 2) as the task is executed, and for each of the work units, separately indicating, via a graphical user interface, whether work was performed for each task part during each work unit. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08413060B1 |
Methods and systems for visually distinguishing user attribute similarities and differences
Methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems are provided to facilitate visually distinguishing common attributes of users an electronic communication network or messaging service. In particular, user profile attributes are compared between a first and second user, and similar attributes are visually highlighted by assigning, for example, a distinct font, font size, color, font effect, and/or other visual effect to the user's screen name to designate which attributes are similar. In addition, or alternatively, when the first user views a user profile of the second user, common user attributes are visually highlighted. In one embodiment, the font, font size, color, and/or font effect assigned to the highlighted attribute indicates a degree of similarity of the attribute. Such implementations may allow users to more easily recognize and interact with others that have similar interests and attributes. |
| US08413059B2 |
Image based electronic mail system
An image based email system associates images with different electronic mail (email) senders. The email system receives email messages from different email senders and then looks through either website member profiles or user contacts for associated images. Any located image is displayed in a list of recent senders. This allows the email user to associate recently received email messages with particular sender images or photographs. The images can also be used in a list of favorite or most frequent email senders. Other features of the email system extract information from received email messages to better identify the email senders. These and other features of the email system provide more intuitive and easier to perform email operations. |
| US08413054B2 |
Graphical user interface for still image capture from video footage
A graphical user interface includes a first display area configured to display a first image. The first image is associated with a capture time. The graphical user interface also includes a second display area configured to display a second image and a third display area configured to display a third image. The graphical user interface further includes a user input device. |
| US08413052B2 |
Bidded marketplace for applications
Methods and systems for presenting application modules on a graphical display page are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, content to be displayed on a graphical display page is determined. Then, content features which describe the content that is to be displayed on the graphical display page, and user features which describe characteristics of users are determined. For each application in the plurality of application modules, the probability that specific users will select the application module when displayed on the graphical display page with the determined content is determined based on the content features and the user features. For each application module in the plurality of application modules, an overall score is determined based on the determined probability that the user will select the application module and a commercial value to be paid by a publisher of the application module when it is selected. The recommended application modules are determined to be those application modules in the plurality of application modules which have the highest overall score and which satisfy a set of constraints. Representations of the recommended application modules are displayed on the graphical display page. |
| US08413051B2 |
Contextually previewing fonts
Text may be contextually previewed in various fonts using preview panes with a level of transparency. Fonts or font groups may then be applied to a document using the preview panes. In one example, text to be inserted may be previewed in different fonts against the document in which the text is to be added. Once a user has selected a desirable font, the user may choose to insert the text into the document using the preview pane. Alternatively, a user may apply a font to existing text from the preview pane. Text in fonts of different types and/or sizes may be previewed in a variety of formats in a single preview area and/or with individual font preview panes. |
| US08413046B1 |
System and method for optimizing rich web applications
A system and machine-implemented method for optimizing the displaying of a rich web user interface (UI) to a user, the method including rendering a hidden base node and one or more child nodes within a Dynamic Object Model (DOM) tree structure determining if one or more nodes of the one or more child nodes and the base node represent a useful portion of the rich web UI based on whether the one or more nodes meet a pre-defined set of criteria, and exposing the base node if the one or more nodes represent a useful portion of the rich web UI, causing rendering of the useful portion of the rich web UI by displaying display elements corresponding to each of the base node and the one or more child nodes. |
| US08413041B2 |
Apparatus and method for parsing XML document by using external XML validator
Provided are an apparatus and a method for verifying the validity of an XML document when an XML application operates in an embedded device having a relatively low-performance processor and a small memory so as to prevent errors in the XML application due to wrong information. An XML parser using an external XML validator includes an XML receiver, an external XML validator caller, and a DOM/SAX tree generator. The external XML validator includes a schema/DTD receiver, an XML validator, and an XML validity result transmitter. |
| US08413039B2 |
Computer-implemented system and method for conducting field inspections and generating reports
A system for conducting inspections and generating reports comprising: a device equipped with a global positioning system, a camera and broadband wireless Internet access and on which is installed a client application that comprises an inspection form; a Web services layer; a server; and a browser for accessing a Web application. A field worker enters data into the inspection form, the client application creates one or more records based on the data entered by the field worker, and the Web services layer transmits the record(s) to the server in real time if Internet access is available. The Web application enables a user to view records in real time and create reports based on the records transmitted to the server. A method for conducting inspections and generating reports utilizing the system described above. |
| US08413038B2 |
System for downloading digital content published in a media channel
There is provided a system for downloading digital content to a portable media player, the digital content being published in a media channel by a content creator. The system may reside on a server accessible via the Internet. The system may comprise: a data receiver module to receive the digital content from the media channel via a communication medium; a conversion module to convert the received digital content to at least one format for consumption by the player; and a download module to copy the at least one file to the portable media player. The system may further comprise a player detection module to detect file formats compatible with the portable media player. A corresponding method is also disclosed. |
| US08413030B2 |
Wireless communication system, receiver and signal processing method for received signal
The error correction capability for wireless communication carried out involving propagation path fluctuation in time and frequency selectivity can be improved. A soft decision likelihood value inputted to an error correction decoder is multiplied by a weight determined according to the distance between the data symbol and pilot symbol corresponding to the soft decision likelihood value. Namely, the soft decision bit likelihood value corresponding to the data symbol is weighted according to the distances in time or frequency between the pilot symbol and data symbol. The weight is made smaller when the distance in time or frequency is larger. |
| US08413026B2 |
Forward error correction with configurable latency
A method of performing forward error correction with configurable latency, where a configurable latency algorithm evaluates a target Bit Error Rate (BER) against an actual BER and adjusts the size of a configurable buffer such that the target BER may be achieved when utilizing the smallest buffer size possible. When errors are corrected without the utilization of each of the configurable buffer locations, the algorithm reduces the size of the buffer by y buffer locations; the algorithm may continue to successively reduce the size of said buffer until the minimum number of buffer locations are utilized to achieve the target BER. If the buffer locations have been reduced such that the buffer size is too small and the target BER cannot be achieved, the algorithm may increase the size of the buffer until the minimum number of buffer locations are utilized to achieve the target BER. |
| US08413019B2 |
Computer-implemented method for correcting transmission errors using linear programming
A computer-implemented method for correcting transmission errors. According to the method, a transmitted vector corrupted by error can be recovered solving a linear program. The method has applications in the transmission of Internet media, Internet telephony, and speech transmission. In addition, error correction is embedded as a key building block in numerous algorithms, and data-structures, where corruption is possible; corruption of digital data stored on a hard-drive, CD, DVD or similar media is a good example. In short, progress in error correction has potential to impact several storage and communication systems. |
| US08413016B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and controller for judging a normal or anomalous condition of an error-corrected bit pattern
In a nonvolatile memory device of the present application, when data of each write unit is read from a nonvolatile memory, an all-clear detector detects whether the read data is already cleared, and a control portion judges whether a flag is already written into a written flag area of the data that has been descrambled by a descrambler and then corrected by an error detection and correction portion. Using a scramble pattern that is generated by a scramble pattern generator and corresponds to the written flag area, a predetermined bit pattern is scrambled to a state that differs from the cleared state. |
| US08413015B2 |
Nonvolatile memory controller with scalable pipelined error correction
A nonvolatile memory system includes a memory controller in communication with multiple memory dies through multiple memory interfaces. Multiple ECC blocks are provided to decode data from the multiple memory interfaces. ECC blocks are provided with a clock signal that may have a frequency that is lower than another clock signal that is provided to a host interface. |
| US08413014B2 |
Cycle slip detection and correction
A method of writing data to and reading data from a storage medium includes cycle slip detection and correction. An LDPC matrix includes a first area for cycle slip detection and correction. The first area satisfies a set of conditions such that a cycle slip at a particular position creates a pattern of parity check errors indicative of the position and polarity of the cycle slip. Writing user data to the storage medium includes encoding the user data with parity data according to the LDPC matrix. Reading the user data and the parity data from the storage medium includes decoding the user data and the parity data according to the LDPC matrix. Decoding includes, upon detecting a pattern of parity check errors indicative of the position and polarity of a detected cycle slip, correcting the detected cycle slip. |
| US08413012B2 |
Burst-error correction methods and apparatuses for wireless digital communications systems
Frames of data that have transverse Reed-Solomon (TRS) coding and subsequent cyclical-redundancy-check (CRC) coding are subjected to de-interleaving before concatenated convolutional coding (CCC). The de-interleaving is related to the symbol interleaving of the outer convolutional coding prior to the inner convolutional coding so as to result in implied interleaving of data bits in the CCC on which wireless digital transmissions are based. The CCC is turbo decoded in a receiver for the wireless digital transmissions and re-interleaved to reproduce soft data, hard data bits of which data are TRS coded. CRC coding is decoded during the turbo decoding procedures and used to influence the confidence levels of the soft data. The confidence levels of the soft data are used for locating byte errors when the TRS coded hard data bits of the soft data are decoded. |
| US08412999B2 |
Method for specifying transport block to codeword mapping and downlink signal transmission method using the same
A method for specifying a transport block-to-codeword mapping relationship and a method for transmitting a downlink signal using the same are described. If a swap flag has a first logic value, a first transport block is mapped to a first codeword and a second transport block is mapped to a second codeword. If the swap flag has a second logic value, the first transport block is mapped to the second codeword and the second transport block is mapped to the first codeword. If the size of any one of two transport blocks is 0, the swap flag is not used. |
| US08412998B1 |
Restart operation with logical blocks in queued commands
Methods and systems for performing a restart operation in a storage device include in response to receiving an unsuccessful status from the host indicating a transmission error occurred for the first command, determining in which one of the logical blocks the transmission error occurred and from which data needs to be resent, thereby identifying a restart logical block. The number of blocks in the restart logical block that were sent successfully are calculated, and it is determined that the block immediately following the blocks sent successfully is the block in which the transmission error occurred and from which the data needs to be resent, thereby identifying a restart block. An amount of data successfully sent in the restart block is determined; and an indication is provided to resend at least a portion of the data in the restart block to the host. |
| US08412997B2 |
Method and system for message retransmission and intersystem message delivery
The present invention discloses a method and a system for resending messages with a minimized number of retries and maximized timeliness of delivering the message to the receiving party. The method sets a retry period for a message that needs to be resent, determines a retry time according to the retry period, and sends the message after the retry time is reached. The retry period increases as the number of retries increases. The method and the system can ensure reliable delivery of notification messages and support many transmission protocols between different systems, does not require the receiving party to implement complicated interaction protocols to reliably receive a notification message, and is suitable for widespread use in the Internet. Moreover, the disclosure supports multiple transaction processing, can be used as a common business transaction application platform, and allows flexible expansion of multiple transactions and multiple protocols. |
| US08412991B2 |
Scan chain fault diagnosis
Embodiments related to identifying a reference scan cell locationally related to a fault condition exhibited by a scan chain in which the reference scan cell is included are provided. A method for identifying a reference scan cell is provided, the method including, in a capture mode, outputting combinational logic values to scan cells in the scan chain so that scan cell values for the scan cells are based on respective combinational logic values, the combinational logic values electrically connected with the scan chain. The method further includes, in a shift mod, sequentially determining the scan cell value for each scan cell, and identifying as the reference scan cell a scan cell last determined to be at an expected logical state for that scan cell. |
| US08412990B2 |
Dynamically tracking data values in a configurable IC
Some embodiments provide a method of dynamically tracking data values in a configurable integrated circuit (IC). The method, during a run time of the configurable IC, receives a request for a data value and dynamically configures the configurable IC to monitor the data value. In some embodiments, the method, in dynamically configuring the configurable IC, dynamically configures a debug network of the configurable IC. In some such embodiments, the method, in dynamically configuring the configurable IC, further dynamically configures a set of configurable routing circuits of the configurable IC. In some embodiments the configuration is performed while the IC is implementing a user design circuit. |
| US08412986B2 |
Storage system and control method thereof
Provided is a storage system, including: one or more disk drives storing data; a disk controller for controlling data access to the disk drive; a power supply controller for autonomously turning off a power source of the disk drive according to the data access status to the disk drive, and autonomously turning on the power source of the disk drive, which was turned off, after the lapse of a prescribed period from the time the power source was turned off irrespective of the data access status to the disk drive; and a media inspection unit for inspecting a failure in the disk drive in which the power source thereof was autonomously turned on irrespective of the data access status to the disk drive. |
| US08412982B2 |
Fault tolerant routing in a non-hot-standby configuration of a network routing system
Methods and systems for facilitating fault tolerance in a non-hot-standby configuration of a network routing system are provided. According to one embodiment, a failover method is provided. One or more processing engines of a network routing system are configured to function as active processing engines, each of which having one or more software contexts. A control blade is configured to monitor the active processing engines. One or more of the processing engines are identified to function as non-hot-standby processing engines, each of which having no pre-created software contexts corresponding to the software contexts of the active processing engines. The control blade monitors the active processing engines. Responsive to detecting a fault associated with an active processing engine the active processing engine is dynamically replaced with a non-hot-standby processing engine by creating one or more replacement software contexts within the non-hot-standby processing engine corresponding to those of the active processing engine. |
| US08412979B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for data storage using progressive raid
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for data storage with progressive redundant array of independent drives (“RAID”). A storage request receiver module, a striping module, a parity-mirror module, and a parity progression module are included. The storage request receiver module receives a request to store data of a file or of an object. The striping module calculates a stripe pattern for the data. The stripe pattern includes one or more stripes, and each stripe includes a set of N data segments. The striping module writes the N data segments to N storage devices. Each data segment is written to a separate storage device within a set of storage devices assigned to the stripe. The parity-mirror module writes a set of N data segments to one or more parity-mirror storage devices within the set of storage devices. The parity progression module calculates a parity data segment on each parity-mirror device in response to a storage consolidation operation, and stores the parity data segments. The storage consolidation operation is conducted to recover storage space and/or data on a parity-mirror storage device. |
| US08412976B2 |
Data negotiation using serial voltage identification communication
According to some embodiments, a method and system are provided to initiate communication at an integrated circuit that is electrically coupled to a plurality of voltage regulators, determine a slowest one of the plurality of voltage regulators that is electrically coupled to the processor, transmit address information to the plurality of voltage regulators that are electrically coupled to the processor at a first speed associated with the slowest one of the plurality of voltage regulators, determine a second speed associated with a voltage regulator to which the address information is associated, and transmit a second portion of the packet at the second speed associated with the voltage regulator to which the address information is associated. |
| US08412973B1 |
Detection of a characteristic of a periodic waveform
A method and apparatus for providing an interface between a communications device and a medium carrying an approximately periodic waveform are presented. The method includes providing a first signal in response to detecting a predetermined characteristic of the approximately periodic waveform using switching circuitry that draws a first amount of power drawn from the medium, and in response to the first signal, detecting the predetermined characteristic of the approximately periodic waveform using detecting circuitry that draws a second amount of power drawn from the medium, where the detecting circuitry detects the predetermined characteristic with greater accuracy in time than the switching circuitry detects the predetermined characteristic, and the second amount of power drawn from the medium is greater than the first amount of power. |
| US08412966B2 |
Voltage sensing circuitry for solid state power controllers
Solid state power controllers are described that include a switch controlled by a microcontroller and communication contacts. In one aspect of the invention, the microcontroller is galvanically isolated from the communication contacts using magnetoresistive isolation. In another aspect of the invention a number of solid state power controllers are connected to an external microcontroller to form a power distribution array. In addition, messages exchanged between the external microcontroller and the solid state power controllers can be used to configure the solid state power controllers and provide a user interface. |
| US08412961B2 |
Circuit and method for detecting a legacy powered device in a power over Ethernet system
In an embodiment, a power source equipment (PSE) device includes a network port configurable to couple to a network cable and a detection circuit coupled to the network port. The detection circuit is configured to apply a powered device (PD) detection voltage signal including first and second voltages to the network port and to sample a line current of the network port in response to the first and second voltages to detect a complex impedance indicating that a legacy PD is coupled to the network port. |
| US08412957B2 |
Encryption and decryption of records in accordance with group access vectors
According to some embodiments, a system, method, means, and/or computer program code are provided to facilitate an appropriate access to secure information by a plurality of users categorized into a plurality of groups. For example, a group access vector may be determined for each of a plurality of records in a data report, each group access vector including a plurality of indicators that indicate if an associated group is authorized to access that record. It may then be arranged for an encryption key to be assigned to each unique group access vector associated with the data report. It may further be arranged for each record in the data report to be encrypted in accordance with the encryption key assigned to the group access vector of that record, the combined encrypted records comprising an encrypted data report. |
| US08412952B1 |
Systems and methods for authenticating requests from a client running trialware through a proof of work protocol
A computer-implemented method for authenticating requests from a client running trialware through a proof of work protocol is described. A request received from a client running trialware is analyzed. A cryptographic puzzle is generated if an authentication token is not included with the request. The cryptographic puzzle is transmitted to the client. A solution to the cryptographic puzzle received from the client is analyzed. A response to the request is generated if the received solution to the puzzle is validated. |
| US08412951B2 |
Control system and a security checking method thereof
A control system and a security checking method thereof is used in an embedded system. The control system includes a process module and a first memory module. The first memory module is used to store a pre-loader code and a first secure key. The security checking method includes the following steps: loading the pre-loader code and the first secure key; executing the pre-loader code to download a first program from an in-system programming module; determining whether the first program corresponds to the first secure key or not; if yes, then downloading a second program from the in-system programming module; and programming an internal program and a second secure key by the second program. |
| US08412950B2 |
Defining classification thresholds in template protection systems
A method for configuring a biometric template protected authentication system wherein the desired classification threshold is first selected to optimize the trade-off between a false accept (FAR) and a false non match or reject rate (FRR) of the system, and then an error correcting code (ECC) used in the authentication process is chosen such that the number of errors which can be corrected is equal to or greater than the selected classification threshold. During authentication, the number of errors in a first codeword derived from biometric data associated with a physical object is determined and used in the decision process to accept or reject authentication. |
| US08412944B1 |
Document certification system and method
A professional subscriber station, a document authority station and a client station are provided. The professional subscriber station has a first electronic device for creating a document for being certified. The document authority station has a second electronic device adapted to receive the document and to certify the document and to transmit a document of certification and a cover sheet with codes to the professional subscriber station. The client station is adapted to receive the document and cover sheet with codes from the professional subscriber station. The client station has a third electronic device for viewing the certificate of authenticity at the client station and the document. |
| US08412939B2 |
System and method for mutual authentication between node and sink in sensor network
Disclosed a system and method for mutual authentication between a node and a sink in a sensor network. At least one sink periodically creates a neighboring sink list including information on at least one adjacent sink, and the sink requests node authentication to a base station when receiving an authentication request from the node and transmits its own neighboring sink list to the node when the node authentication has been completed. When the node moves and requests authentication to another sink, the another sink stores a neighboring sink list received from the node, determines if a node-authenticable sink exists in its own neighboring sink list according to the authentication request, and requests re-authentication of the node to the node-authenticable sink when the node-authenticable sink exists, so that re-authentication between the node and the sink is easily performed. |
| US08412936B2 |
Binding content licenses to portable storage devices
Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for binding content licenses to portable storage devices are described. In connection with binding the content licenses to the portable storage devices (“stores”), a host may perform authentication protocols that include generating a nonce, sending the nonce to a store, and receiving a session key from the store, with the session key being generated using the nonce. The store may perform authentication protocols that include receiving the nonce from the host, generating a random session key based on the nonce, and sending the session key to the host. |
| US08412932B2 |
Collecting account access statistics from information provided by presence of client certificates
A method and system for collecting account access statistics from information provided by client certificates. In one embodiment, the method comprises requesting client certificates from remote terminals that request to access a computing resource. The method further comprises updating the account access statistics based on information provided by presence or absence of the client certificates and contents of the client certificates for the client certificates that are present. |
| US08412930B2 |
Device authentication within deployable computing environment
A deployable computing environment may facilitate interaction and data sharing between users and devices. Users, devices, and relationships between the users and devices may be represented within the deployable computing environment. A relationship between a user and a device may specify that the device is owned by the user and that the device is authorized to perform operations within the deployable computing environment on behalf of the user. Secure authentication of devices and users for interaction within the deployable computing environment is achieved by authenticating tickets corresponding to the user, the device, and the relationship. A device identification ticket and a user identification ticket are used to authenticate the device and user for interaction within the deployable computing environment. A device claim ticket allows the device to perform delegated operations (e.g., data synchronization, peer connectivity, etc.) on behalf of the user without the user's credentials (e.g., user identification ticket). |
| US08412927B2 |
Profile framework for token processing system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a profile framework for handling enrollment requests. In particular, when a token processing system receives an enrollment request, it selects an applicable profile based on information in the request. The profile may indicate a variety of parameters for fulfilling the enrollment request, such as the locations of the applicable certificate authority, token key service, and the like. The profile may also indicate items, such as the number of keys to generate on a token, a token label, and connection information to securely communicate with other components and the client making the enrollment request. |
| US08412922B2 |
On-site configuration of a hardware device module of a security system
A security system is provided. The security system comprises a plurality of hardware device modules and a plurality of sensor detection devices. At least one of the hardware device modules has a microcontroller coupled to a memory element that stores a configuration map for on-site configuration comprising configuration option information available for the at least one hardware device module. The plurality of sensor detection devices are capable of sending at least a signal to one or more of the hardware device modules. |
| US08412921B2 |
Control device for a vehicle and method for a data update for a control device for a vehicle
A control device for a vehicle and a method for a data update for a control device for a vehicle are provided, in which a first memory is provided that has a first area in which a bootloader is provided and that has a second area in which at least one application program is provided. Furthermore, a second memory is provided, in which first data for the at least one application program are provided. Furthermore, an interface is provided that provides second data for an update at least of one part of the first data. In addition, a control circuit is provided that calls up the bootloader for the update of the at least one part of the first data by the second data. The bootloader extracts from the second area of the first memory third data that indicate the third area of the second memory in which the second data for the update are to be written. |
| US08412919B2 |
Method for controlling multi-port network interface card
A method for controlling a multi-port Network Interface Card (NIC) is provided. In a computer using the multi-port NIC with a plurality of NIC ports, a plurality of control options is set into a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup menu, so that a user individually controls the NIC ports. Furthermore, due to the characteristic that after a reference code process in the BIOS restarts a system, the set of hardware becomes effective, an action of controlling the NIC ports is set before a reference code process restarts the system. |
| US08412913B2 |
Information processing system, information processing method, and program
An information processing system includes: a data processing unit that executes verification processing for a content recorded in a disk and reproduces the disk-recorded content under a condition that the verification succeeds, wherein the data processing unit randomly selects hash units, which are objects of collation, from among a plurality of hash units formed with component data items of the content, reads the selected hash units sequentially from the disk, calculates hash values, and collates the calculated hash values with collation hash values; and the data processing unit executes reading sequence determination processing so as to determine a reading sequence in which the selected hash units are sorted according to recording positions in a disk, and reads the selected hash units according to the determined reading sequence. |
| US08412910B2 |
Maintaining reverse mappings in a virtualized computer system
For a virtual memory of a virtualized computer system in which a virtual page is mapped to a guest physical page which is backed by a machine page and in which a shadow page table entry directly maps the virtual page to the machine page, reverse mappings of guest physical pages are optimized by removing the reverse mappings of certain immutable guest physical pages. An immutable guest physical memory page is identified, and existing reverse mappings corresponding to the immutable guest physical page are removed. New reverse mappings corresponding to the identified immutable guest physical page are no longer added. |
| US08412909B2 |
Defining and changing spare space and user space in a storage apparatus
A storage apparatus includes a memory unit and a controller to set up a memory space of the memory unit as a user data space and a spare space according to a signal representing at least one of the user data space and spare space. An electronic apparatus controls the storage apparatus, and a method controls at least one of the storage apparatus and the electronic apparatus to control a memory space of the storage apparatus. |
| US08412907B1 |
System, method and computer program product for application-level cache-mapping awareness and reallocation
A method of allocating resources in a data processing system is disclosed. The method includes an application designing a page reallocation scheme and sending said page reallocation scheme from said application to a kernel service that is responsible for allocation of storage locations. |
| US08412905B2 |
Storage system having secondary data store to mirror data
A storage system includes a secondary data store for backing up the primary data store, a deleted data store for retention of deleted data, and a data management application for managing the backing up of stored and deleted data of the primary data store. The deleted data store may be either separate from the secondary data store or implemented within the secondary data store. The data management application may automatically free up space for backup of data newly added to or deleted from the primary data store, by selectively removing data from the deleted data store, based application of appropriate criteria. |
| US08412900B1 |
Storage system and volume pair synchronization method
To inhibit the occurrence of communication failures in the system in which a secondary storage control apparatus acquires journal data from a primary storage control apparatus and writes the data to a secondary volume. The primary storage control apparatus comprises a command processing unit, a journal data creation unit, a journal data transfer unit which reads journal data to the secondary storage control apparatus, and a transfer control unit. In specified occasions, the transfer control unit controls at least either one of the journal data transfer amount by the journal data transfer unit and the width of the communication band utilized for journal data transfer. |
| US08412899B2 |
Real time backup storage node assignment
A method of assigning a storage node from a storage grid to a server is presented. The storage grid includes multiple storage nodes capable of backing up a policy stored on the server. The method includes receiving an assignment request which requests assignment of one of the multiple storage nodes of the storage grid to the server to backup the policy stored on the server. The method also includes performing a storage node assignment operation in an automated manner in response to the assignment request, the storage node assignment operation providing an assignment result identifying a storage node assigned to backup the policy stored on the server, the assignment result being based on an assessment of storage space requirements of the policy and available storage space resources of the storage grid. The method further includes notifying the server of the assignment result to effectuate backing up of the policy stored on the server by the storage node. |
| US08412896B1 |
Method and system for transparent restore of junction file types
A method and system for backing up and restoring data in a file system that includes junctions is provided. In a backup operation, a junction is encoded as a symbolic link (“symlink”) directive, and sent with a sequential image data stream in the backup operation and written to a tape or disk. In a restore operation, when the encoded symlink directive is encountered after data is read from the tape, the symlink is decoded by an administrator to obtain the embedded junction information contained in the symlink directive. The administrator can then recreate the junction using the information. The junction information is thereby transmitted as part of the backup and restore operation while remaining transparent to third party software performing the backup and restore processes. |
| US08412893B2 |
Data storage device and method for handling data read out from memory using a ping-pong buffer
The invention provides a method for handling data read out from a memory. In one embodiment, a controller corresponding to the memory comprises a ping-pong buffer. First, a first sector read time period required by the memory to read and output a data sector to the ping-pong buffer is calculated. A second sector read time period required by a host to read a data sector from the ping-pong buffer is calculated. A page switch time period required by the memory to switch a target read page is obtained. A total sector number is determined according to the first sector read time period, the second sector read time period, and the page switch time period. When the memory outputs data to the ping-pong buffer, a first buffer and a second buffer of the ping-pong buffer are switched to receive the data output by the memory according to the total sector number. |
| US08412888B2 |
Cache-based speculation of stores following synchronizing operations
A store request in enqueued in a store queue of a cache memory of the data processing system. The store request identifies a target memory block by a target address and specifies store data. While the store request and a barrier request older than the store request are enqueued in the store queue, a read-claim machine of the cache memory is dispatched to acquire coherence ownership of target memory block of the store request. After coherence ownership of the target memory block is acquired and the barrier request has been retired from the store queue, a cache array of the cache memory is updated with the store data. |
| US08412885B2 |
Searching a shared cache by using search hints and masked ways
In an embodiment of the present invention a method includes: sending request for data to a memory controller; arranging the request for data by order of importance or priority; identifying a source of the request for data; and if the source is an input/output device, masking off P ways in a cache; and allocating ways in filling the cache. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08412879B2 |
Hybrid implementation for error correction codes within a non-volatile memory system
Methods and apparatus for using different error correction code algorithms to encode and to decode contents of blocks within a non-volatile memory are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for storing data within a non-volatile memory includes identifying a first block into which the data is to be stored, and obtaining an indicator associated with the first block. A determination may then be made regarding whether the indicator indicates that the data is to be encoded using a first algorithm. The data is encoded using the first algorithm when it is determined that the data is to be encoded using the first algorithm, after which point the data encoded using the first algorithm is written into the first block. |
| US08412875B2 |
Switch and network bridge apparatus
A network system that is part of a main system includes: a first PCI express-network bridge with a first control unit and a first PCI express adapter terminating a first PCI express bus; and a second PCI express-network bridge connected to the first PCI express-network bridge through a network. The second PCI express-network bridge includes a second control unit and a second PCI express adapter terminating a second PCI express bus, wherein the first control unit detects a destination of a packet sent from the first PCI express adapter, searches a physical address of the destination from a packet encapsulating table, and encapsulates the packet in a frame so that the frame includes the physical address, and wherein the second control unit removes the encapsulation tagged to the packet, and transfers the packet to the destination through the second PCI express bus by referring to a PCI express configuration register. |
| US08412872B1 |
Configurable GPU and method for graphics processing using a configurable GPU
The present invention pertains to a graphics processing unit. The graphics processing unit includes a graphics processing core configured for graphics processing. A single-ended I/O interface configured to implement single-ended communication with a frame buffer memory is included in the graphics processing unit. The graphics processing unit further includes a differential I/O interface having a first portion and a second portion. In a first configuration, the first portion and the second portion implement a PCI-Express interface with a computer system. In a second configuration, the first portion implements a PCI-Express interface with the computer system and the second portion implements differential communication with a coupled device. |
| US08412863B2 |
Storage apparatus and virtual port migration method for storage apparatus
The object of the present invention is to provide a technique in which, in a storage apparatus using a PCI Express switch in an internal network, an EP can be shared among processors even if the EP is incompatible with the MR-IOV. A storage apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a first interface device which controls data input/output to and from a higher-level apparatus, and the first interface device is further provided with multiple virtual function units which provide virtual ports. The first interface device enables any of the virtual function units and does not enable any of the other virtual function units (see FIG. 14). |
| US08412861B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling USB switching circuit in portable terminal
An apparatus and method for automatically switching the operation mode of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) switching circuit in a portable terminal are provided. If an external device is connected to a USB interface unit, a signal is detected from the USB interface unit. The type of external device is identified by the detected signal. If the identified external device is a USB communication device, a communication mode is activated and a signal path is established between an internal module and the USB communication device during the communication mode. A determination is made as to whether an internal event occurs in the portable terminal and an external event occurs in the USB communication device, during the communication mode. The mode of the USB switching circuit is switched to a sleep mode if the internal and external events have not occurred. |
| US08412859B2 |
Methods and systems for interconnecting a peripheral device and an electronic system
A computer-implemented method for interconnecting a peripheral device and an electronic system includes analyzing an information (INF) file associated with the peripheral device, recognizing a resource conflict between the peripheral device and the electronic system based on the analyzing of the INF file, and resolving the resource conflict by modifying the INF file. |
| US08412856B2 |
File input/output scheduler using immediate data chunking
An input/output (I/O) method, system, and computer program product are disclosed. An incoming I/O request is received from an application running on a processor. A tree structure including processor-executable instructions defines one or more layers of processing associated with the I/O request. The instructions divide the data in the I/O request into one or more chunks at each of the one or more layers of processing. Each instruction has an associated data dependency to one or more corresponding instructions in a previous layer. The instructions are sorted into an order of processing by determining a location of each chunk and data dependencies between chunks of different layers of processing. One or more instructions are inserted into a schedule that depends at least partly on the order of processing. The I/O request is serviced by executing the instructions according to the schedule with the processor according to the order of processing. |
| US08412855B2 |
Write combining protocol between processors and chipsets
Systems and methods of processing write transactions provide for combining write transactions on an input/output (I/O) hub according to a protocol between the I/O hub and a processor. Data associated with the write transactions can be flushed to an I/O device without the need for proprietary software and specialized registers within the I/O device. |
| US08412853B2 |
Two pin serial bus communication interface
A two pin communication interface bus and control circuits are used with circuit boards, integrated circuits, or embedded cores within integrated circuits. One pin carries data bi-directionally and address and instruction information from a controller to a selected port. The other pin carries a clock signal from the controller to a target port or ports in or on the desired circuit or circuits. The bus may be used for serial access to circuits where the availability of pins on ICs or terminals on cores is minimal. The bus is used for communication, such as serial communication related to the functional operation of an IC or core design, or serial communication related to test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations of an IC or core design. |
| US08412843B2 |
Network relay apparatus
A network relay apparatus which conducts data transfer by using a plurality of network LSIs includes a transfer engine unit having at least two network LSIs and a central control unit which controls the operation state of the network relay apparatus. The transfer engine unit includes the network LSIs capable of changing over at least one of a clock and an operation which differ every function block, a load judgment unit for judging a load laid upon each of function blocks in the network LSI, and a frequency voltage control unit for individually changing over at least one of the clock and operation voltage supplied to each function block on the basis of the load judged by the load judgment unit. |
| US08412842B2 |
Controlling streaming media responsive to proximity to user selected display elements
Methods, electronic terminals, and systems are disclosed for controlling the display of video streams on an electronic terminal. A plurality of the video streams are received at the electronic terminal from the media server. The received video streams are displayed in an ordered set of elements on a display device of the electronic terminal. A user selection of at least a first one of the elements is received. Commands are communicated, responsive to the user selection, from the electronic terminal to the media server to control the quality of service of the video streams that are displayed in each of the non-selected elements in response to their respective location within the ordered set of elements relative to the selected first element. |
| US08412833B2 |
Apparatus and method for inviting users to online sessions
An invitation service performs a series of transactions to enable P2P communication between two or more mobile data processing devices. Prior to attempting to establish a P2P network communication channel, the invitation service may first collect network information for each of the mobile devices and use the network information to determine if a direct P2P network communication channel is feasible. If a direct connection is feasible, then the invitation service provides for direct P2P communication, pushing the necessary network information to each of the mobile devices. If, however, a direct connection is infeasible or if a direct connection is attempted and fails, then the invitation service may identify network information associated with a relay service. The network information may then be used by any pair of mobile devices to establish a connection through the relay service. |
| US08412826B2 |
Message exchange between software components
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for message exchange between software components. One method includes receiving a message request from a software component to send a message to a destination address. The method includes creating a message object which can be exchanged between software components, regardless of a transport mechanism or a protocol employed by one or more software components, upon receiving the request. |
| US08412823B1 |
Managing tracking information entries in resource cache components
A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing resources maintained in resource cache components are provided. A network storage provider storing one or more resources on behalf of a content provider obtains client computing device requests for content. The network storage provider provides resources that are received and maintained on resource cache components. The network storage provider either processes requests or provides notifications to the resource cache components to facilitate the management of resources that need to be updated or are otherwise treated as invalid. |
| US08412822B1 |
Optimized job scheduling and execution in a distributed computing grid
An arrangement provides optimal job scheduling in a distributed computing grid having a network of nodes. As jobs enter the system, their requirements are matched against the capabilities at each node to determine (step 202) candidate nodes. From this set of candidate nodes, a subset of valid nodes is selected (step 204) that has sufficient bandwidth for the duration of the job on each link that will need to be used by the job if run at that candidate node. For each valid node, a total cost is computed (step 206) to run the job. The cost may include such factors as bandwidth cost, server cost, storage cost, delay costs, and the like. Finally, a lowest cost node is selected (step 207), and the job is scheduled for execution (step 208) and then run (step 209) on that lowest cost node. An arrangement combining job scheduling with bandwidth on demand (BoD) involves a system for scheduling at least one job for execution on a network of nodes joined by links having respective link capacities, each job associated with a transport capacity requirement. The system has a job scheduler (element 150) configured to schedule the at least one job to be executed on at least one selected node, and a link manager (element 140) configured to reserve at least some of the link capacity of at least one of the links connected to the at least one selected node, to match the job transport capacity requirement. |
| US08412817B1 |
Load balancing voicemail server system
A load balancing server system balances the load imposed by requestor requests for services across a set of service-providing servers. A network interface receives the requestor requests from a network communication system and sends server requests for services to the service-providing servers. A data processing system creates and maintains server status information indicative of whether each service-providing server is operational, and server pointer information identifying the service-providing server to which the next server request should be sent. In response to each requestor request, the data processing system causes the network interface to send one or more server requests for one or more services related to the requestor request to the service-providing server identified by the server pointer information and increments in a round-robin manner the server pointer information to the next operational service-providing server. |
| US08412815B2 |
Alert log activity thread integration
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to alert management in an activity-centric collaborative computing environment and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for activity thread integration of an alert log. In one embodiment of the invention, an alert log activity thread integration method can be provided. The method can include logging a reference to an alert for an activity in an activity thread, and, in response to the selection of the alert from within the activity thread, displaying the content of the alert. For instance, logging a reference to an alert for an activity in an activity thread can include creating a branch of the activity thread for inserting all alerts pertaining to the activity and inserting the reference to the alert in the created branch. |
| US08412812B1 |
Client-side measurement of load times
Document load times may be determined by (a) accepting a first set of one or more document identifiers, (b) for each of the one or more document identifiers of the first set, requesting the document, downloading the document, and rendering the document, and (c) determining a first elapsed time from about the time of requesting a first document identified by the first set of one or more document identifiers to about the time of completion of the rendering of a last document identified by the first set of one or more document identifiers. This may be repeated for a second set of documents. For example, a first set of document(s) may be located at a first serving facility and the second set of document(s) may be located at a second serving facility. |
| US08412810B1 |
Provisioning and managing a cluster deployed on a cloud
A system is provided to provision and manage cloud-based clustered application deployment. In one example embodiment, a cloud-based clustered application deployment uses a three tier topology that includes a load balancing tier, an application tier, and a database tier. Each tier comprises a set of nodes, where each node is implemented using a virtual instance of a machine running within a public virtualization space, such as, e.g., the virtualization space provided by Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) service. A controller is provided to enforce sequential start sequence of a cluster using an asynchronous messaging system that provides notifications to cluster nodes as the individual nodes of the cluster become available. This messaging system is also used when the size of the cluster is increased or decreased. |
| US08412808B2 |
Method and framework for service-based remote support delivery
In a service-based remote support delivery system, service engineers supported by an analysis server receive incident reports from both personal computers and from unmanned servers within an enterprise. The incidents arise both from user-created reports of problems, from event annunciators that monitor hardware and software to report events as they occur, and from the periodic gathering of configuration data. These incident reports are combined with host information and contact information and are transmitted to the analysis server as the central site for processing. All incidents in large enterprises are first collected and stored on an SPOP node. Both proactive and reactive system monitoring is thus combined into a uniform system. |
| US08412798B1 |
Content delivery system and method
A content delivery system and method for use with plurality of digital multimedia data processing systems and legacy systems spanning across one or more network environments. The system and method enable users with freedom of mobility while maintaining access to the user's selected content while the user transitions from one device in one location to a different device in a difference location, substantially without interruption and without the need for user action to turn on and off these target data processing systems. The Instant Invention can provide high bandwidth content delivery solutions based upon hardware and software components by activating a Target device while the system is proximate to the Target device and, in one embodiment, automatically redirecting the content while the system is proximate to a new Target device without user intervention. The Target devices include digital multimedia data processing systems and legacy systems including, but not limited to, HDTVs, TV, Personal Computers, digital music systems, printers, radios, and fax machines. |
| US08412795B2 |
Control device for a system-on-chip and corresponding method
A system such as a “System-on-Chip” includes an interconnection network, a set of initiator modules for transmitting data towards the interconnection network and at least one communication arbiter for deciding, as a function of a set of configuration values, which transmissions of the initiator modules have access to the interconnection network. At least one configuration value is associated with each initiator module. A control device coupled to at least one of the initiator modules detects a communication status associated with the transmissions of the coupled initiator and generates a communication status signal whose value is representative of such status, determines a filtered value representative of a series of the values of the communication status signal, and selectively varies one of the configuration values as a function of the filtered value. |
| US08412793B2 |
Method, device and system for delivery resume of dynamic content
The present invention discloses a method for delivery resume of dynamic content comprising: after detecting a delivery channel to a client that receives dynamic content is recovered to normal, or receiving a request for delivering resume of dynamic content from the client, the dynamic content delivery server determines a delivery resume mode, and delivers the dynamic content to the client in the determined delivery resume mode. The present invention further provides a corresponding client, a corresponding server, and a corresponding dynamic content delivery system. The present invention can determine the delivery resume mode in accordance with dynamic information of the client and type of the dynamic content to be delivered, thereby it is ensured that the delivered dynamic content is the information that the client needs, and waste of network transmission resources is avoided. |
| US08412792B2 |
Network file transfer and caching system
A network file transfer and caching system is presented. The system provides multiple access utilities to select and transfer files to other users. The system is of particular use where the size of the files precludes transfer by other means such as e-mail attachments. The system is uniquely integrated into the operating systems by providing right click context menu file selection and process initiation. New utilities enable improved workflow by providing download information without the need to wait for completion of the network transfer process. Network transfer processes may progress in the background without user oversight or intervention. Files are cached and securely available to selected receivers of the files. The caching process may be managed by selected parameters related to number of downloads and time limits for availability of downloads. |
| US08412789B2 |
System and method for connecting a security system using a network
A system and method for connecting a security system using a network. The security system includes at least two discrete parts and is connected using a local area network. The security system also includes a first dedicated, hard-wired field bus, a first plurality of peripheral devices, a control panel, a first transfer device, a second transfer device, a second dedicated, hard-wired field bus, and a second plurality of peripheral devices. The control panel is configured to send data through the first field bus. Each of the first plurality of peripheral devices is coupled to the first field bus and is configured to receive the data from the control panel. The first transfer device is connected to the control panel and is configured to packetize the data from the control panel and send the packetized data through the local area network. The second transfer device is coupled to the second field bus and is configured to receive the packetized data from the first transfer device and depacketize the packetized data. Each of the second plurality of peripheral devices is coupled to the second field bus and is configured to receive the data from the second transfer device. |
| US08412788B2 |
System for facilitating thread-based message prioritization
To perform thread-based message prioritization, metadata may be extracted from a received electronic message. Based on the extracted message metadata and accumulated metadata extracted from previously received messages, a message thread to which the received electronic message belongs may be identified. Based on a set of thread priority assessment criteria, a priority level for the message thread may be determined. At least part of the message thread may be processed according to the priority level. The processing may be altering a notification behavior of an electronic messaging client for electronic messages of the message thread. Thread priority assessment may be based on user-configurable criteria that may be set via a graphical user interface. Message thread identification may also be based on user-configurable criteria that may be set via a graphical user interface. |
| US08412784B2 |
Storage model for maintaining structured document fidelity
Architecture that introduces storage of an extra (skeleton) property of a document as well as default document properties on a server. In a specific messaging implementation, a MIME skeleton property is stamped on an arriving MIME messages. An incoming MIME message is shredded and all content that is currently saved to MAPI properties continues to be saved. The remaining message content that is not saved to the MAPI properties is stored in the skeleton property. The skeleton property includes all body part headers and any body part content that was not saved as a property on the item by the server. On retrieval of this message by a MIME client, the MIME message is regenerated in full fidelity by using the default set of properties in combination with the skeleton (or extra) property and the stored body content. |
| US08412781B2 |
Image communication apparatus, image communication method, and memory medium
In an Internet facsimile apparatus, it is an object of the invention to provide means for notifying the user of details of a message disposition notification situation (MDN) of a transmission image. When E-mail data is sent, an MDN for E-mail to be sent is requested and communication management information of the sent E-mail is updated on the basis of a reception result of reply E-mail responsive to the MDN request. |
| US08412778B2 |
Junk electronic mail detector and eliminator
A method and system for parsing and analyzing incoming electronic mail messages to determine a confidence factor indicative of whether or not the messages are junk e-mail. The method and system utilize message services which attempt to contact the purported sender in order to verify that the identified host computer actually exists and accepts outgoing mail services for the specified user. The routing history is also examined to ensure that identified intermediate sites are also valid. Likewise, seed addresses can alert an e-mail provider to potential mass mailings by reporting when mail is received for ghost or non-existent accounts. |
| US08412777B2 |
Methods and systems for unifying data parameter passing in a data processing system
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide for servers processing input data regardless of whether the input data is located in an attachment to a message from a client. The server receives a message from the client instructing the server to process data. Then, the server determines whether the data is located in an attachment to the message, and if the data is located in the attachment, moves the data to another location other than in the attachment. |
| US08412776B2 |
Web-based groupware system
The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a communication network. The system comprises a network-connected server having input and access capabilities, a site builder, a transmitter, a communicator, and memory. The site-builder receives instructions input from a first user and creates a dedicated network site based on the received instructions. The transmitter communicates the existence of the dedicated network site to a nominated second user. The communicator provides accesses to the contents of the dedicated network site by the first and second users. The memory stores information input by the first and the second user in the dedicated network site. |
| US08412775B2 |
Peer to peer gateway
A method and system for interconnecting a number of peer to peer networks is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a peer to peer, gateway communicates with one or more peer to peer networks. The gateway communicates with these networks through the Internet, to which it is connected. The gateway may be configured to perform a number of functions on each of the connected networks, including but not limited to: data storage, searching, data transfer, and data translation. |
| US08412770B2 |
Providing an answer to a question from a social network site using a separate messaging site
A question is received on a first social network site from a first user. The question is sent to a second user of a second social network site who receives the question from the second social network site. The first social network site receives an answer to the question from the second user via the second social network site and provides the answer to the first user. |
| US08412769B2 |
Scalably imaging clients over a network
Techniques exist for imaging clients over a network, such as the preboot execution environment (PXE) protocol. However, such techniques may not scale well (e.g., using broadcast messages and having few facilities for distributing the imaging service over several servers) and limited capacity to choose a particular image for a particular client. Instead, a set of servers may be configured such that each server is assigned a set of clients, and when a client sends an imaging query, only the server to which the client is assigned sends a reply. For example, a PXE server also comprising a DHCP server may reply to queries only for clients having a DHCP reservation on the server. The servers may also be configured to refer to a network map (e.g., a manageability data store) in order to identify the role of the client and the appropriate image to direct the client to apply. |
| US08412767B2 |
Mobile content service
Standard content created for use on non-mobile platforms, such as personal computers, is made available and useful to mobile devices. A request for content from a mobile device is sent to a mobile server using the DNS or a redirect from a standard content server. The mobile server obtains the standard content and normalizes it for use on the mobile device. The normalized content is sent to the requesting mobile device. |
| US08412766B1 |
Method and apparatus for tracking client navigation among multiple resources in communication session information saved by a server
Techniques for tracking navigation by a client among multiple content provided by servers include receiving from the client a first request for first content. In response to receiving the first request, a first response identification is generated that is unique among all responses during a communication session. Information associated with the first request is stored in a data structure in a first record associated with the first response identification. A linking element in the first content is determined. Selection of the linking element causes the client to generate a second request for second content. The first response identification is associated with the linking element in a first response such that the second request includes the first response identification. The first response is sent to the client. The tracking succeeds with multiple windows and limitations on state information passed by a client. |
| US08412763B2 |
Podcast organization and usage at a computing device
Improved techniques that facilitate the use of podcasts are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, organizing, searching, browsing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, tags are embedded into syndication feeds (e.g., RSS feeds) that may be made available for distribution by an online media store to facilitate the management of podcasts. In accordance with one embodiment, an explicit tag may be embedded at the feed and/or episode level to indicate that the feed and/or episode includes explicit content. In accordance with another embodiment, a duration tag may be embedded at the episode level to indicate an estimated duration associated with the episode. Upon downloading the episode, the duration may be replaced by the actual duration of the episode. In accordance with yet another embodiment, a new feed-URL tag may be embedded in a syndication feed to identify a new URL at which the feed is to be accessed. |
| US08412756B1 |
Multi-operand floating point operations in a programmable integrated circuit device
A programmable logic device is programmed to add a plurality N of unnormalized numbers at once. Because the inputs are not normalized, they could all have different exponents. The largest exponent of the N exponents is found, and for each of the inputs, its mantissa is right-shifted at by the difference between the largest exponent and the exponent of that particular input. The N shifted mantissas are combined, optionally with sign data, in an (N+1):2 compressor to provide carry and save vectors which may be combined in a carry-propagate adder. Numbers may converted back to normalized form at the end of the operation. If necessary to avoid data loss, a number may be normalized after an intermediate step. |
| US08412754B2 |
Virtual system administration environment for non-root user
A virtual system environment in a computing system allows non-root users to perform administrative operations normally requiring root privileges. A virtual control module has a virtual file system with virtual directories corresponding to one or more of the system directories of a root file system. Each virtual directory contains one or more symbolic links symbolically linking to one or more system files as link targets. The symbolic links have non-root permissions that allow the non-root users to perform administrative operations in the virtual control module that delete, change or replace the symbolic links. A capability is provided to resolve the symbolic links within the virtual control module to allow the non-root users to execute the link targets via the symbolic links. One or more non-root users may be placed in the virtual control module by setting their apparent root directory to a root directory of the virtual file system. |
| US08412753B2 |
File creation API
An application program interface (API) provides means for dynamic filesystem creation, that allows complex filesystem hierarchies to be created and written on-the-fly without having to generate a complete on-disk representation. The filesystem is laid out in a one-parent many-children hierarchy of file and folder objects. The API recursively traverses the filesystem hierarchy beginning at the root node to determine the filesystem's structure. Callback functions for retrieval of file data are determined for each filesystem object and stored in memory. Output blocks are allocated for file data as needed. During the writing phase, the callback functions are executed to retrieve file data which is then written to the desired computer readable media. |
| US08412751B2 |
Determining whether a Java object has been scan-missed by a garbage collector scan
A Java object is scan-missed during the mark phase of a garbage collection cycle. A list of any unscanned objects, comprising all objects of a particular object type, is created during a sweep phase of the garbage collection cycle. After the garbage collection cycle is completed, and the application resumes, for every PUTFIELD/GETFIELD operation on the object type that is part of a specific parent object, a comparison is made with the relevant information in the unscanned objects list. A scan-miss is identified by determining whether the current object being referenced by the application is a part of the unscanned object list that has been created during the sweep phase of the garbage collection cycle. |
| US08412748B2 |
Metadata brokering server and methods
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for supplying rich multimedia metadata usable to generate, e.g., sophisticated entertainment user interfaces in the home. These methods and systems can be implemented as a server-based software application that feeds multiple, diverse clients. The server functionality could be distributed, even co-located physically with one or more clients, or centralized. The server aggregates, filters, validates, augments and links metadata from disparate sources. The server transforms the metadata into a more manageable and extensible internal format. The server communicates with client devices using a schema-independent protocol, providing metadata in the appropriate format that suites the clients needs. |
| US08412741B2 |
Product network management system and method
The invention is directed to an integrated computerized product lifecycle manager and requirements manager system for associating high-level requirements data with everyday product lifecycle management activities. The system includes a networked database comprised of one or more central computerized data servers, and a plurality of user computers (terminals, workstations) connected to the central server or servers by a computer data network. The server or servers will usually run multiple software modules such as database modules, various product lifecycle management modules, data viewer and decoder modules, and requirements management modules all operating in an integrated manner so that selected portions of the requirements tree, from the top high-level requirements to more detailed low level requirements, can be presented to users in a context relevant manner. The invention additionally includes context management module by which selected portions of the requirements data may be exposed or redacted according to organizational needs. |
| US08412739B2 |
Optimization of an upgrade process of an original system
In one general aspect, a computer system can include instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer system can include a upgrade portion identifier configured to identify a plurality of databases of an original system for upgrade, and a parameter module configured to calculate a plurality of parameter values representing aspects of the plurality of databases. The computer system can also include a fuzzy logic module configured to calculate, using fuzzy logic, a relative ranking of each database from the plurality of databases based on the plurality of parameter values, and a selection module configured to select at least a portion of the plurality of databases for upgrade during uptime of the original system based on a limitation of an upgrade resource and the relative ranking of each database from the plurality of databases. |
| US08412738B2 |
Portable infrastructure object for capturing machine images
A method for capturing an image of a machine having one or more disks is presented. The method comprises creating a snapshot of the machine, the snapshot including full machine encapsulation, querying the one or more disks on the machine to obtain information stored thereon, creating metadata able to access one or more files, one or more folders, and the application on the machine, and capturing the snapshot, the obtained information and the metadata in the image. The method may also comprise migrating the captured image and/or extracting one or more files and/or folders from the captured image on another machine. The migration can be between physical and physical, physical and virtual, physical and cloud, etc. The method may comprise capturing another image comprising the snapshot, the metadata and changed information different from the obtained information. |
| US08412735B2 |
Data quality enhancement for smart grid applications
A method, in one embodiment, can include encoding knowledge about a topic domain into a data modeling technique. Additionally, a set of candidate conditional functional dependencies can be generated based on a data set of the topic domain. Moreover, the set of candidate conditional functional dependencies and the data modeling technique encoded with the topic domain knowledge can be applied to the data set to obtain a plurality of data quality rules for the data set. |
| US08412733B1 |
Method for distributed RDSMS
Methods for processing streaming data records are provided that include facilities for defining and naming multiple input and output data streams using relational processing definitions and abstractions similar to those found in relational database management systems (RDBMS) and embodied as a set of communicating stream processing nodes. The result is a Distributed Data Stream Management System (DDSMS) which is also a kind of Relational Data Stream Management System (RDSMS). The former comprises a set of Relational Data Stream Management System (RDSMS) nodes, whereas the latter might contain only a single RDSMS node. |
| US08412731B2 |
File management method and system
The invention provides a file management method and system for managing file retrieval and access. The method operates at the operating system level within a file system of a computer device and allows creating file move links upon detection of a file move request. The file move link associates the file source location with the file target location and is stored within a file move link table of the file system for subsequent file access request. File path to target location is automatically retrieved and file reached transparently for the user. |
| US08412729B2 |
Sharing of presets for visual effects or other computer-implemented effects
This application describes a system and associated methods for enabling users of video editing, compositing, motion graphics, and other applications to easily store and retrieve presets, have presets modified for compatibility with other applications, share presets with each other, and search for shared presets. The users may utilize different applications that store presets according to different application-specific schemas. The system can automatically translate or conform presets from one application-specific schema to a neutral schema and from the neutral schema to another application-specific schema. This allows a user of one application to share his or her presets with users of different applications. Among other things, this cross-application sharing of presets allows the system implementor to create one user community (e.g., of users of different applications), rather than several individual ones (e.g., an individual user community for each different application). Other features of the system and associated methods are also described. |
| US08412727B1 |
Generating query refinements from user preference data
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating query refinements from user preference data. A group of query pairs are obtained. Each query pair includes a first query and a second query. A quality score is determined for each query pair from user preference data for documents responsive to both the first and the second query. A diversity score is determined for each query pair having a quality score satisfying a quality threshold, the diversity score determined from user preference data for documents responsive to the second, but not the first, query. For each query pair having a quality score satisfying the quality threshold and a diversity score satisfying a diversity threshold, the second query of the query pair is associated with the first query of the query pair as a candidate refinement for the first query. |
| US08412726B2 |
Related links recommendation
The related links recommendation technique described herein employs combined collaborative filtering to recommend related web pages to users. The technique creates multiple collaborative filters which are combined in order to create a combined collaborative filter to recommend web pages similar to a given web page to a user. One query-based collaborative filter is created by using query search clicks (e.g., user input device selection actions on search results returned in response to a search query). Another user-behavior-based collaborative filter is created by using query search clicks and user clicks while browsing websites (e.g., user input device selection actions while a user is browsing websites). Lastly, another content-based collaborative filter based on similar content of web pages is created by finding web pages with similar content. |
| US08412717B2 |
Changing ranking algorithms based on customer settings
Search term ranking algorithms can be generated and updated based on customer settings, such as where a ranking algorithm is modeled as a combination function of different ranking factors. An end user of a search system provides personalized preferences for weighted attributes, generally or for a single instance of the query. The user also can indicate the relative importance of one or more ranking factors by specifying different weights to the factors. Ranking factors can specify document attributes, such as document title, document body, document page rank, etc. Based on the attribute weights and the received user query, a ranking algorithm function will produce the relevant value for each document corresponding to the user preferences and personalization configurations. |
| US08412716B2 |
System and method of presenting relevant application components to a user
In one embodiment the present invention includes a computer implemented method of presenting relevant application components to a user of a computer system. The method includes capturing text displayed in open applications, determining key terms in the captured text based on a key terms catalog, and determining potentially relevant components by using the key terms to search a user interface dictionary. The user interface dictionary corresponds to a map between user interface strings and user interface components. The method further includes computing relevance scores for potentially relevant components, and presenting to the user the relevant components that correspond to relevant ones of the potentially relevant components, according to the relevance scores. |
| US08412713B2 |
Set function calculation in a database
A database system uses indexes to improve performance. The system can use one or more of the following: differentiated subfields for index clustering; set function calculations to reduce the amount of I/O; and/or using an inferred index in a circular table. |
| US08412708B2 |
System and method for modeling and analyzing complex scenarios
An embodiment of the present invention includes a method for analyzing and solving possibility tree. A possibility tree having a plurality of programmable nodes is constructed and solved with a solver module executed by a processor element. The solver module executes the programming of said nodes, and tracks the state of at least a variable through a branch. When a variable of said branch is out of tolerance with a parameter, the solver disables remaining nodes of the branch and marks the branch as an invalid solution. The valid solutions are then aggregated and displayed as valid tree solutions. |
| US08412707B1 |
Method and apparatus for distributing content
Some embodiments provide a system that provides a user interface (UI) for categorizing content. The UI includes (i) a first UI tool for receiving identification of a set of tags and associating the set of tags to the content and (ii) a second UI tool for receiving identifications of relationships between the tags within the set of tags in order to describe the content. In some embodiments, the set of tags includes one or more tag chains that are based on a hierarchy of the tags within the set of tags. In some embodiments, the set of tags includes one or more tag chains that are based on a set of operators. Each operator in the set identifies a relationship between two or more tags within the set of tags. In some embodiments, the UI also includes a UI tool for receiving content or presenting the list of content items through a communications network. In various embodiments, the communications network may be a network of networks (e.g., the Internet), a private network, a public network, a wireless cellular network, etc. |
| US08412703B2 |
Search engine for scientific literature providing interface with automatic image ranking
An information retrieval system for scientific literature provides a summary document for reviewing the results of a query that provides both a text-based summary and an image-based summary, the latter represented by a figure from the document that has a highest ranking indicating its centrality to the concept of the document. A ranking of figures may be done by an analysis of figure-associated text either by supervised machine learning or comparison of text similarities. |
| US08412692B2 |
Method and apparatus to insert a scanned document
A method of inserting a scanned document includes inputting a user command to select a position in a first document file where to insert a second document file, generating a file corresponding to the second document file, to have same format as the first document file, and generating a third document file in which the second document file is inserted in the first document file, at the selected position. |
| US08412691B2 |
Maintenance and access of a linked list
A method includes atomically reading a next field of a current element of the linked list to determine a first value that encodes a first pointer to the first element and a first indication of an owner of the first element. The first indication of the owner is stored in a first of a plurality of multi-field reservation data structures. The operation includes determining whether the next field of the current element still indicates the first value. The operation includes reading the first element of the linked list via the first pointer if the next field of the current element still indicates the first value. If the next field of the current element indicates a current value different than the first value, the first indication of the owner is removed from the first multi-field reservation data structure, and storing and determining with the second value is repeated. |
| US08412690B2 |
In-memory processing for a data warehouse
Embodiments of the present invention include in-memory processing for data warehouse applications. In one embodiment, data records from a data warehouse application are stored in a data storage structure of an in-memory database. Data received from the data warehouse may be stored in a queue and loaded into the data storage structure according to predefined rules. Stored data records are associated with in-memory database transactions that caused the stored data record to be stored, and may further be associated with transactions that caused the stored data records to be changed. A mapping is generated to associate requests from the data warehouse application with in-memory database transactions. The data warehouse application may retrieve data in a change data format calculated on-the-fly. |
| US08412689B2 |
Shared log-structured multi-version transactional datastore with metadata to enable melding trees
Architecture that includes an ordered and shared log of indexed transaction records represented as multi-version data structures of nodes and node pointers. The log is a sole monolithic source of datastore state and is used for enforcing concurrency control. The architecture also includes a transaction processing component that appends transaction records to the log from concurrent transactions executing on different processors. Each node of a record is assigned a log address. |
| US08412688B1 |
Delegated reference count base file versioning
A snapshot copy facility maintains information indicating ownership and sharing of child nodes in the hierarchy of a file between successive versions by delegating reference counts to the parent-child relationships between the nodes, as indicated by pointers in the parent nodes. When a child node becomes shared between a parent node of the production file and a parent node of a snapshot copy, the delegated reference count is split among the parent nodes. This method is compatible with a conventional data de-duplication facility, and avoids a need to update reference counts in metadata of child nodes of a shared intermediate node upon splitting the shared intermediate node when writing to a production file. |
| US08412687B1 |
System and method for delivering content to a communication device in a content delivery system
The present invention relates to a method, system, and a computer program product for delivering content to a communication device, in response to an image sent by the communication device. The received image is matched with a plurality of images, and, when a match is found for the received image, content corresponding to the image is delivered to the communication device. The plurality of images is stored in an image database, and the corresponding content is stored in a content repository. The present invention enables a content provider to automatically update the image database and the content repository without any human intervention. |
| US08412681B2 |
Content archival and retrieval
Content archival and retrieval, in which connections with multiple, different enterprise applications operated by an organization are established. In addition, a connection with a central archival system is established and content to archive is received from the multiple, different enterprise applications. The central archival system is controlled to archive, in a central location, the content received from the multiple, different enterprise applications such that content from a first type of enterprise application is archived in the central location together with content from a second type of enterprise application. |