| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08439291B2 |
Webbing winding device
It is provided a webbing winding device with good assembly characteristics of components in a second lock unit. In the webbing winding device, due to a leading end of a spring tab of a guide plate interacting with ratchet teeth of an internal ratchet and a second lock base rotating in the pull-out direction in this state, relative rotation occurs between the guide plate and the second lock base, and a second lock pawl is meshed with the ratchet teeth of the internal ratchet. Since this configuration is not a configuration in which relative rotation between the guide plate and a second lock base is induced by bias force of bias means, such as a compression coil spring or the like, there is no bias force received in the rotational circumferential direction when the guide plate and the second lock base are being assembled, resulting in easy assembly. |
| US08439285B2 |
Adjustable food processor with guide ramp
A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting blade. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly. A mounting arm is positioned below the cutting blade and has a ramp defined therein. The food processor includes an adjustment assembly operable to move the rotating disk relative to the cutting blade. |
| US08439284B2 |
Separation system for waste foundry sand binder using ultrasonic waves
The present invention provides a separation system for a waste foundry sand binder using ultrasonic waves, which can minimize the number of surface treatment processes by inducing interface separation between a foundry sand and a binder, and which further optimizes the working process and reduces the recycling cost of waste foundry sand. |
| US08439278B2 |
Apparatus for producing a mass of water vapor, apparatus for producing, moving and climbing a mass of water vapor, and method of causing artificial stimulation of rain
An apparatus for producing a mass of water vapor includes a water film maker and a device which prevents the water film maker from drifting. The water film maker floats on a surface of a water source and absorbs water of the water source by virtue of a capillary mechanism or a moisture-holding ability to make a thin water film on a surface of the water film maker. The thin water film is exposed to sunlight. The water film maker comprises a first hollow body capable of being filled with air, and a sheet having said capillary mechanism or having said moisture-holding ability, said sheet covering said first hollow body. Water in the thin water film is vaporized by sunlight energy to thereby produce a mass of water vapor in the sky. |
| US08439277B2 |
Air conditioning system
The present invention provides an air conditioning system that is capable of treating a conditioned space by treating outdoor air from outside the conditioned space and return air from inside the conditioned space, and mixing the outdoor air with the return air to form supply air for the conditioned space, the air conditioning system including an outdoor air latent cooling treatment stage configured to provide parallel airflow with a return air sensible cooling treatment stage, and a means for mixing outdoor air with return air to form conditioned space supply air, wherein the outdoor air latent cooling treatment stage includes at least a dehumidification heat exchanger, combination pre-cooling and heat reclaim heat exchangers, and a heat transfer pump, and the return air sensible cooling treatment stage includes at least a sensible cooling heat exchanger. |
| US08439270B2 |
Semiconductor device and wireless tag using the same
In a wireless tag with which a wireless communication system whose electric power of a carrier wave from a R/W is high, an overvoltage protection circuit is provided to prevent from generating excessive electric power in the wireless tag when the wireless tag receives excessive electric power. However, as noise is generated by operation of the overvoltage protection circuit, an error of reception occurs in receiving a signal whose modulation factor is small. To solve the problem, the maximum value of generated voltage in the wireless tag is held in a memory circuit after the overvoltage protection circuit operates, then the overvoltage protection circuit is controlled in accordance with the maximum value of generated voltage. The voltages at which the overvoltage protection circuit starts and stops operating are different from each other, and hysteresis occurs between the timing when the overvoltage protection circuit starts and stops operating. |
| US08439268B2 |
Stored-value card with multiple member housing
A financial transaction card includes a first member, a second member, a side wall, at least one substantially rigid connection member, and an account identifier. The first member defines a first panel, and the second member defines a second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel are substantially planar. The side wall extends between the first panel and the second panel such that the first panel is spaced from the second panel to define a void between the first panel and the second panel. The at least one substantially rigid connection member extends through the first member and interfaces with the second member to at least partially couple the first member to the second member. The account identifier associates the financial transaction card with an account or record having a value associated therewith. Other cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. |
| US08439267B2 |
Secure wireless indicia reader
A method of operating an indicia reader network comprising the steps of: reading an information bearing indicia of an item with a hand held indicia reader having a first wireless transceiver and generating therefrom an encrypted data message in accordance with a FIPS standard; transmitting the encrypted data message from the indicia reader to a base unit having a second wireless transceiver; decrypting the data message within the base; and transmitting the decrypted data message to a host device, wherein the network is configured so that the indicia reader and the base unit have a linking mode in which a base address of the base unit is sent to the indicia reader, and a reader address is sent to the indicia reader and a request to link is sent to the base unit by way of an encrypted wireless communication between the second wireless transceiver and the first wireless transceiver. |
| US08439256B2 |
Ballistic nomograph for small arms fire
A ballistic nomograph for determining a firing solution for small arms fire includes a first member and a second member. Alignment of first indicia on the first member with the first indicia on the second member aligns the value of a range to a target with a first environmental condition to align a first adjustment value with an indicator positioned on the first member to provide a firing solution adjustment to a user. A method of determining a firing solution for a small arm by manually manipulating a ballistic nomograph includes determining environmental conditions and aligning the value of a range to a target with a value of environmental condition. The method also includes visually identifying a firing solution adjustment value that corresponds to the particular combination of the range to the target and environmental condition, and making a firing solution adjustment based on the firing solution adjustment value. |
| US08439251B2 |
Wiring method and device
To permanently apply lead terminals to corresponding electrodes of electronic or electro-optic components, a. providing a frame including a tensioned wire, b. providing a holding jig including at least one seat in which the components can be removably and temporarily retained, c. applying the components to the seats with the respective electrodes aligned along a respective longitudinal direction, d. applying the holding jig to the frame and orienting the same so that the longitudinal direction corresponds to the direction of the tensioned wire, the tensioned wire being thereby brought substantially in contact with (all) the electrode(s) aligned to each other on a corresponding row of components, e. electrically and mechanically bonding the tensioned wire to the corresponding electrodes, and f. cutting the wire to separate the components from each other thereby forming a respective lead terminal for each electrode. |
| US08439249B2 |
Device and method for making a semiconductor device including bonding two bonding partners
A device and a method for making a semiconductor device including bonding a first bonding partner to a second bonding partner. The device comprises a lower tool and an upper tool, the upper tool including a plunger having a bottom side facing the lower tool at which bottom side a vacuum is creatable, so that the first bonding partner can be picked up by vacuum from the upper tool and positioned on the second bonding partner. |
| US08439246B1 |
Surgical stapler with cartridge-adjustable clamp gap
An exemplary surgical apparatus for treating tissue may include an anvil; a jaw pivotally connected to the anvil; and a first cartridge detachably connected to the anvil, holding staples of a first size; where a first clamp gap between the anvil and first cartridge is set by the connection between the first cartridge and jaw. An exemplary cartridge for a surgical stapler may include a cartridge housing; a plurality of staples held within the cartridge housing; and a sled slidable within, and retained by, the cartridge housing, including a central platform, at least one wedge connected to the central platform, and a knife rotatable relative to the central platform. |
| US08439244B2 |
Surgical stapler fastening device with movable anvil
A surgical fastener applier having a handle and a fastener housing extending from the handle. The housing contains at least one anvil movable within the staple housing, the anvil has a proximal position and a distal position. When in the distal position a distal end of the anvil extends distal to the distal end of the staple housing. The housing contains a plurality of surgical fasteners each of which in the shape of a loop. At least one of the fasteners is placed around a portion of the anvil when in the distal position. The applier has a first mechanism for moving the anvil distally after a fastener has been deployed, and a second mechanism for moving the anvil distally after a fastener has been deployed. The second means is independent of the first means. |
| US08439240B1 |
Carrier rack for a vehicle
Carrier racks are coupled to a vehicle such that a user can access a pack (e.g., to open and close the pack) carried by the carrier racks. When the vehicle is stationary, items may be loaded and unloaded from the pack while the pack remains securely held by the carrier rack. An all terrain vehicle can include a vehicle frame carrying an engine and a carrier rack fixedly coupled to the vehicle frame. The carrier rack has a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a center plane of the all terrain vehicle. The carrier rack extends upwardly from a rearward end of the vehicle. A longitudinally-extending straddle-type seat is between a handlebar assembly of the all terrain vehicle and the carrier rack such a pack on the carrier rack is positioned directly rearward of a rider. |
| US08439236B2 |
Bridge breaker
A bridge breaker includes a casing and an inner ring. Balls are provided between the casing and the inner ring for rotatably supporting the inner ring, without independent ball bearings, so as to make for easy and cost-effective machining. Seal rings having a square shape section are laid on same horizontal level surfaces of the casing and the inner ring, and are depressed by air pressure for preventing powder from entering into the device and to avoid frequent exchange of packing. A blade having a shaft is fixed to the inner ring through a hole of the inner ring, to prevent problems caused by looseness or releasing of connecting bolts. |
| US08439234B2 |
Non-dripping suck-back nozzle
A non-dripping suck-back nozzle has a shell comprising a press cover (1), a revolving cover (2) and a cylinder (7). A needle valve (6) comprises a round rod (61) and a convex ring (62). The upper part of the round rod (61) of the needle valve (6) passes through an inner round pole (51) of a piston (5) and extends into a hollow channel (41) of a connecting bar (4). The round rod (61) and the connecting bar (4) are locked by each other. A channel is formed between the round rod (61) and the connecting bar (4). A space is formed between the round rod (61) and the inner round pole (51) of the piston (5). |
| US08439231B2 |
Powder measuring and dispensing apparatus
A powder dispensing apparatus for storing and dispensing a measured predetermined amount of powder substance having a bottom housing chamber, a middle chamber, a removable, rotatable measuring device, a tapered top chamber, and a cap. The top end of the bottom housing chamber is engageable with the bottom end of the middle chamber, the top end of the middle chamber is engageable with the bottom end of the tapered top chamber, and the top end of the tapered top chamber is engageable with the cap or a liquid receptacle. The measuring device is slidably engageable with the internal chamber of the middle chamber and has an open cavity for measuring and dispensing a powder substance. The open cavity receives a measured predetermined amount of powder substance from the bottom housing chamber and upon rotation of the measuring device; the powder substance is dispensed from the open cavity through the tapered top chamber to a liquid receptacle. The measuring device has a locking tooth and spring mechanism which engages with the locking ring of the middle chamber. |
| US08439230B2 |
Dispenser having dispensing head moveable between use and non-use positions
A dispenser for dispensing liquid to pasty substances has a dispensing head with a dispensing mouth, a supply chamber and a dispenser head part. The dispensing head can be displaced relative to the dispenser head part out of a dispensing-standby position into a lowered position and vice versa. It is possible for the dispensing head, as a result of being supported on a fixed dispenser part, to be extended or retracted relative to the fixed dispenser part when rotated by the dispenser head part. The dispenser head covers over a dispensing tube that communicates with the pumping chamber. In order to achieve a favorable configuration of the substance path during the extension and retraction of the dispensing head. The dispensing head, in the extended position, interacts in an aligned manner with the dispensing opening and, in the retracted position, interacts with a closed region of the dispensing tube. |
| US08439229B2 |
Closure system between a dispenser head and container of a device for dispensing
A closure for a liquid container is provided between the container and a liquid dispenser head. The closure includes an intermediate body between the dispenser head and the container. The dispenser head can be rotated with respect to the container, without unscrewing the closure, except when the intermediate body is manually prevented from rotating. |
| US08439226B2 |
Liquid dispensing valve and methods
A dispensing valve is provided for dispensing liquid from a cartridge. The valve includes a valve body that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the cartridge therein. A valve member is disposed in the valve body and is adapted for fluid communication with the cartridge. A valve seat element is disposed in the valve body and includes a liquid chamber that is in communication with the liquid outlet and is mounted for reciprocating movement between a closed position engaged with the valve member to prevent liquid from exiting the liquid outlet and an open position disengaged from the valve member to allow liquid to flow from the liquid chamber through the liquid outlet. The valve body may include a longitudinal axis and a receive bore extending along the longitudinal axis, with the liquid outlet being substantially co-axial with the receiving bore. |
| US08439225B2 |
Dispenser or similar discharging container
The invention relates to a dispenser or similar discharging container, particularly for lump form food (5), having a housing (1), the bottom side (2) of which determines an installation plane, and having a gate (6) disposed in the housing (1) in a movable fashion that, when activated, is moved with a circumferential region (17) past an edge (8) of the housing (1), characterized in that said dispenser comprises an appendage (9) connected to the gate (6) via at lest one target breaking section (10); upon the activation of said gate, said appendage impacts the edge (8). The dispenser further comprises at least two feet (11) extending downward through the installation plane. |
| US08439224B2 |
Protective cover mechanism
A protective cover mechanism includes a housing, a protective cover and a latching piece. The housing includes an opening defined therethrough. The latching piece is assembled to the housing adjacent to the opening and comprises two holding arms. One holding arm defines a first locating portion and a second locating portion. A protective cover comprises a hinged post formed thereon, the protective cover is rotatably assembled to the housing by means of the latching piece with the hinged post held between the two holding arms. The protective cover is configured for selectively covering or exposing the opening of the housing as the hinged post is rotated from the first locating portion to the second locating portion. |
| US08439219B2 |
Cap seal for container such as drum, and doubly-sealing apparatus of container such as drum using the same
A cap seal and a doubly-sealing apparatus of a container such as a drum using the same, which execute a reliable sealing function of a cap part of the container such as the drum. Double sealing of the cap part of the container such as the drum due to the cap seal is fully performed despite various errors such as the difference in the curling external diameter of the cap part of the container. |
| US08439218B1 |
Dumpster lid opening system
A container has a base plate, front, rear and side walls. A chamber is defined between the walls. A lid is pivotably coupled to the rear wall. A pivot bar is attached to the lid. A long extent is attached to the lid and a short extent. An actuator housing with a trolley is movable between top and bottom positions. A spring urges the trolley to the top position. A pedal coupled to the trolley is adapted to be depressed by a user to move the trolley to the bottom position. A connector has an interior end attached to the trolley. The connector has an exterior end attached to the short extent of the pivot bar. In this manner the depression the pedal will move the connector to raise the lid. Also in this manner the release of the pedal will cause the spring to lower the lid. |
| US08439217B2 |
Barrel docking and opening apparatus
An apparatus including a flange topped by a fitting including a trap adapted to seize and drive a lid of a barrel for opening the same and two inflatable gaskets equipping the flange and the trap that are inflated for clamping the container and the lid of the barrel at the connection thereof. Contamination inside the barrel and inside the upper enclosure will only spread over small surfaces of the apparatus between the gaskets and to the connection of both parts of the barrel. |
| US08439216B1 |
Telescopic specimen holder
A two-part container for preserving material samples during storage and transport is separable and can be sealed with the presence of an elastomeric O-ring and internal threads on each part of the container. In the configuration at which the threads first engage between the two halves of the container, there is a small hole in the outer top part just above the O-ring of the bottom mating part. When the two container parts are mated and the sealing O-ring is below the small hole, inert gas can be made to flow through an inlet valve, into the container, and out through the small hole. In this configuration, the inert gas flows through the container and purges the atmospheric gas, replacing it with inert gas. After a period of time, the two container parts are rotated so that the sealing O-ring moves above the small hole. This will stop the flow into and out of the container. After this, the gas inlet valve is closed to seal the inert gas in the container. After the valve is closed, the pressure in the container is increased by screwing the two parts of the container in relation to each other such that the volume of the container is decreased. Prior to opening, the efficacy of the container can be checked by releasing the gas while the container is in the compressed state. |
| US08439214B2 |
Plastic container with elongated vertical formation
A plastic container is disclosed comprising a base portion for supporting the container on a surface, an upper portion, and a body portion. The upper portion includes a neck and a dispensing opening. The body portion extends between the base portion and the neck, the body portion including a shoulder portion below the neck and a sidewall portion between the shoulder portion and the base portion. The body portion includes at least one elongated vertical formation that substantially extends along the sidewall portion from the base portion toward the shoulder portion, the elongated vertical portion being continuous along at least 0.60 the total height of the container. |
| US08439209B2 |
Backboard container storage system
A user configurable container storage system using movable container-nest modules securely anchored to a backing allowing removal and insertion of the containers with one hand. |
| US08439206B2 |
Cyclone apparatus
A cyclone apparatus for separating a mixture containing at least one fluid and a further constituent based on the densities of the mixture constituents. The apparatus includes a first hollow pressure vessel having an overflow plate positioned at an overflow end of the first hollow pressure vessel and an end plate for sealing the overflow plate. The cyclone apparatus also comprises an underflow plate positioned at an under-flow end of the first hollow pressure vessel and a hollow pressure vessel with one end being sealed against the under-flow plate and another end being closed. The overflow plate and the end plate are shaped such that when they are brought together they form separate adjacent overflow compartments between them. The underflow plate and the second hollow pressure vessel are shaped such that when they are brought together they form separate adjacent under-flow compartments between them which correspond to the overflow compartments. |
| US08439202B2 |
Coal ash treatment method and apparatus
To effectively utilize coal ash while reducing mercury concentration in cement kiln exhaust gas. Coal ash is received from a thermal power plant or the like; the received coal ash is separated into ash and unburned carbon; the separated ash is utilized in a cement manufacturing facility as a cement raw material; and the separated unburned carbon is utilized in the cement manufacturing facility in accordance with mercury concentration in gas exhausted from a cement kiln of the cement manufacturing facility. In case that the mercury concentration in the gas exhausted from the cement kiln of the cement manufacturing facility is high, in the coal ash, unburned carbon with high mercury content can be treated in facilities other than the cement manufacturing facility without feeding the unburned carbon to the cement manufacturing facility, or the quantity of such unburned carbon fed to the cement manufacturing facility can be adjusted. It is possible to separate mercury from the separated unburned carbon, and utilize the unburned carbon from which mercury is separated in the cement manufacturing facility as a fuel. |
| US08439195B2 |
Pack of several containers and method for the production of the pack
A pack, including at least two PET containers combined with each other, which are held together by a strip-like or ribbon-like compact strapping. The pack is provided with a carrier handle, which overstretches one top side of the pack and is fixed at the lateral surface areas of two PET containers which are arranged opposite of each other, next to each other or adjacent to each other, joints between the carrier handle and the respective PET container being at least partially arranged within the strapping. |
| US08439192B2 |
Toolbox
A toolbox is configured to store at least one hand-held tool in a forward leaning position. A front end portion of a tool main body and a rear end potion of a handle are supported by a seat portion of the toolbox. |
| US08439188B2 |
Method for storing a bioabsorble medical device
A method is provided for storing a medical device. One step of the method includes providing a medical device having an initial tensile strength. The medical device is placed into a storage container so that at least a portion of the medical device is immersed in a hydrophobic liquid. Next, the medical device is stored in the storage container for a period of time. The initial tensile strength of the medical device is substantially preserved over the period of time. |
| US08439184B2 |
High speed roofing shingle making machine including cutter, catcher and stacker
The invention relates generally to a roofing shingle apparatus and more particularly to an improved such apparatus for high speed shingle making generally when handling a double shingle line (one line overlaid on the other with the high side of each line on opposite sides to make a single mostly even thickness) in a more compact arrangement from the cutter to the stackers and catchers, but not limited to a slower single line of shingle making that uses a flipper at the discharge of the catcher shuttle and not limited to a four wide overlaid to four thicknesses of shingles in one line and scissor cut, not described in detail herein, before entering a single line delivery belt section. The main purpose of this invention is to have control of the shingles coming off the cutter at a speed of up to two times the line speed of present machines, accelerate the shingle pack in a positive controlled manner for exact separation and without slowing down prior to the catchers, distribute the shingle packs to any one of four catchers for controlled stopping and feed the packs into respective stackers for distribution to the packaging machines. |
| US08439177B2 |
Wrap spring clutch coupling with quick release feature
A rotational coupling is provided. The coupling includes first and second hubs disposed about an axis of rotation. The coupling further includes a wrap spring engaging the first hub and disposed radially outwardly of the second hub. The wrap spring is configured to couple the first and second hubs together for rotation during rotation of the first hub in a first rotational direction. The coupling may include one or more shoes disposed radially between the second hub and the wrap spring and springs for biasing the shoes radially outwardly from the second hub. By urging the wrap spring away from the second hub, quick and complete release of the wrap spring occurs even where the difference in rotational speed between the hubs during clutch disengagement is low. |
| US08439175B2 |
Failure detecting apparatus for hydraulic circuit of gearbox
A failure detecting apparatus for a hydraulic circuit of a gearbox includes an operating-state detector. The operating-state detector is configured to detect an operating state of a subject to be controlled with a control-signal pressure output from a solenoid valve. A current setting device is configured to set an electrical current supplied to a solenoid so as to close an output oil passage when a modulator valve is normal and to open the output oil passage when an open failure occurs in the modulator valve, while the solenoid valve is conductive. A failure determining device is configured to detect a failure of the modulator valve when the operating state of the subject to be detected by the operating-state detector is abnormal after a value of the electrical current to be supplied to the solenoid is set at the current setting device. |
| US08439173B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a suspension system with progressive resistance
A suspension component achieves progressive resistance via a secondary bleed valve, which functions as a support for the primary compression valve at higher displacements, in conjunction with a secondary nonlinear spring element configured to alter the force on the piston at high displacements. |
| US08439172B2 |
Oil damper using a cam
The present invention relates to an oil damper for preventing a seat and a cover from rapidly rotating. The oil damper includes a shaft unit, a cam, a valve, an elastic member, a housing and a fastening member. The shaft unit has a coupling part which is coupled to the seat and the cover. The cam is rotatably coupled to a rotating shaft of the shaft unit. The valve opens or closes a coupling hole depending on movement of the cam to allow fluid to flow through the coupling hole or prevent the fluid from flowing. The elastic member is provided in the housing and is compressed by the cam. A flow rate control groove is formed in the housing and controls the flow rate of fluid in response to movement of the cam. The fastening member is fitted over the shaft unit and fastened to the housing. |
| US08439165B2 |
Collapsible saw horses
A saw horse combination includes two saw horses. Each saw horse has a beam, first and second brackets disposed respectively at the ends of the beam, and legs pivotably attached to the brackets for supporting the beam. A locking mechanism is also provided for connecting the first and second horses. The locking mechanism includes a first latch movably connected to a bracket of the first saw horse, and a second latch movably connected to a bracket of the second saw horse. These latches are movable between a first position where the latches do not engage and a second position where the latches engage. |
| US08439161B2 |
Acoustically tunable sound absorption articles
The present invention provides a tunable sound absorption facing which includes a cellulosic web and a nonwoven web entangled together. The facing has a controllable air flow resistance. |
| US08439159B1 |
Exhaust muffler for internal combustion engines
A new and improved muffler for use particularly with internal combustion engines which utilizes a tube assembly composed of a plurality of laterally nested perforated and non-perforated tubes in direct supporting lateral engagement with each other wherein the perforations provide direct communication of exhaust gases therebetween and wherein the tube assembly is supported at opposite ends by frustoconical entrance and exit collars, the larger ends of the collars being crimped or otherwise secured thereto providing a sealed connection. |
| US08439156B1 |
Muffler with controlled pressure release
A plastic muffler is configured to provide a controlled mode for releasing exhaust gas pressure during an over-pressurization event. The plastic muffler has a plastic casing that includes at least one pressure relief feature. The pressure relief feature allows exhaust gas to escape from the plastic casing when internal exhaust gas pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure level. |
| US08439151B2 |
Apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels
An apparatus includes a hydraulic power steering motor. A continuously variable transmission has an input shaft rotatable under the influence of force transmitted from the engine and an output shaft operable to drive a pump. The continuously variable transmission is operable to drive the pump at a first speed when one of the input and output shafts of the continuously variable transmission rotates at a first speed. The continuously variable transmission is operable to drive the pump at a second speed when the one of the input and output shafts rotates at a second speed. A centrifugal sensor is connected with the one of the input and output shafts. The centrifugal sensor transfers rotational movement of the one of the input and output shafts to a linearly displaceable input member of the continuously variable transmission to change the speed at which the pump is driven. |
| US08439150B1 |
Drive shaft damper assembly
A drive shaft damper assembly is structured to be installed onto a drive shaft bearing while it remains secured to a drive shaft mounted to a vehicle. The drive shaft bearing assembly includes a bearing collar assembly having a collar and a securing mechanism structured to securely attach the collar to the drive shaft bearing. The drive shaft damper assembly also includes an inner damper assembly, interconnected to the bearing collar assembly, which defines an inner bushing interface, and an outer damper assembly defining an outer bushing interface. A bushing assembly is disposed in an operative engagement between the inner and outer damper assemblies, wherein each of a plurality of bushing members are individually interconnected between the inner bushing interface and the outer bushing interface. A mounting mechanism is structured to securely attach the outer damper assembly to a portion of the vehicle. |
| US08439148B2 |
Suspension-supporting bracket for a vehicle, vehicle body frame with suspension-supporting bracket, and vehicle incorporating same
A vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, an engine attached to the vehicle body frame, and a power transmission unit for transmitting output from the engine to a wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle body frame includes a plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket which is integrally connected to front end portions of main frame sections extending in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle at a lower portion of the vehicle body frame, and also is integrally connected to lower end sides of front frame sections vertically extending at a front portion of the vehicle body frame. The plate-shaped suspension-supporting bracket includes suspension arm-supporting portions formed integrally therewith. The lightweight vehicle body frame reduces total weight of the vehicle and, at the same time, enhances assembling accuracy thereof. |
| US08439147B2 |
Motor vehicle
The invention relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a body and a drive train, wherein the drive train comprises a front axle (10), a rear axle (13), a drive unit, and a gearbox (20), wherein the drive unit is designed as a hybrid drive having an internal combustion engine (16) and at least one electric machine (17, 18, 19), wherein the internal combustion engine (16) can be supplied with fuel from at least one fuel tank (21), and wherein the or each electric machine (17, 18, 19) can be supplied with electrical energy from at least one electrical energy store (22) in motorized operation, and wherein the or each fuel tank (21) and the or each electrical energy store (22) are positioned in a common section (23) of the body. |
| US08439145B2 |
Scooter-type vehicle
A scooter-type vehicle can freely set a capacity of a fuel filter without being restricted by swing of a unit-swing type engine. A cross pipe is spanned between a pair of left and right lower frames and a lower end of a down frame is connected to a central portion of the cross pipe. A fuel filter is disposed so that its lower end is higher by distance than the lower end of cross pipe. The fuel filter is disposed between the down frame and the fuel tank. Since the fuel filter is disposed in front of the fuel tank, it is not restricted by the swing of an engine located rearward of the fuel tank. Therefore, a capacity of the fuel filter can freely be set. |
| US08439139B2 |
Method of controlling hybrid construction machine and hybrid construction machine
A method of controlling a hybrid construction machine capable of preventing a system from being rendered inoperative without increasing a capacitance of a capacitor and of inhibiting delay of a swing operation relative to an operation command at the time of swing operation, and the hybrid construction machine are provided. For this purpose, at the time of discharge of the capacitor, actual torque command values are respectively generated by referring to an assist torque limit value corresponding to capacitor voltage of a generator motor and a swing power running torque limit value corresponding to the capacitor voltage of a swing motor, as well as, at the time of charge of the capacitor, an actual target output value of the generator motor is generated. |
| US08439138B2 |
Method and apparatus for transporting construction equipment in an enclosed container within the hold of a vessel
A method and apparatus for permitting construction equipment, and particularly backhoe loaders, to be transported in the hold of a seagoing vessel within the interior of an enclosed cargo container includes front and rear rollers that temporarily replace the wheels of the equipment and allow it to be driven into and out of the container without any disassembly of the equipment. |
| US08439137B1 |
Superabrasive compact including at least one braze layer thereon, in-process drill bit assembly including same, and method of manufacture
A superabrasive compact (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond compact) is disclosed, which includes a substrate pre-coated with at least one braze layer and an in-process drill bit assembly including at least one of such superabrasive compacts. Pre-coating the substrate with at least one braze layer and dimensioning the pre-coated substrate to fit within the tolerances of a conventionally-sized cutter recess of a drill bit body enables a drill bit manufacture to easily and rapidly braze the disclosed superabrasive compacts into the conventionally-sized cutter recess without substantially decreasing the superabrasive volume of the superabrasive compact. |
| US08439133B2 |
Down hole apparatus for generating a pusling action
A down hole apparatus for generating a pulsing action includes a tubular housing a rotating first mandrel with a first cam profile and a reciprocating second mandrel with a second cam profile, which engages the first cam profile. Upon rotational movement of the first mandrel, the first cam profile exerts an axial force upon the second cam profile to initiate a pulsing action by forcing the second mandrel away from the first mandrel. Springs bias the second mandrel back toward the first mandrel, thereby completing the pulsing action and maintaining the second cam profile engaged with the first cam profile. |
| US08439131B2 |
Drill bit assembly and method of performing an operation in a wellbore
A drill bit assembly comprising a bit body connectable to a tubular drill string, and provided with a longitudinal passageway for an operating tool; an externally removable closure element for closing the passageway for the operating tool; and a passage tool attached to or connectable to the closure element in its closing position, wherein the passage tool comprises a lower part to which the closure element is attached or connectable, which lower part is arranged so that it can be moved out of the bit body together with the closure element, and an upper tubular part which is arranged so that it can be moved along the passageway in the bit body, the upper tubular part forming a passage with a downstream opening for the operating tool when the lower part of the passage tool has been moved out of the bit body. |
| US08439130B2 |
Method and apparatus for seismic data acquisition during drilling operations
An apparatus and method are provided for obtaining formation data while drilling. The apparatus may include a drill string and a plurality of sensors. At least two of the plurality of sensors are spaced apart along the drill string a approximately the same distance as a length of a segment of the drill string. The segment of the drill string is either added to or removed from the rest of the drill string as the drill string moves in the borehole during a drilling operation. The method may include providing numerous sensors along a drill string and repeating a cycle of various functions. The cycle may include performing an operation moving the drill string relative to the borehole and stopping movement of the drill string. Additional functions may include changing an overall length of the drill string and performing the formation property while the drill string is relatively stationary. |
| US08439129B2 |
Anti-stall tool for downhole drilling assemblies
An anti-stall tool in an oil well drilling assembly that controls reciprocation of the drill bit by a controller that alters weight-on-bit (WOB) depending upon measured downhole pressure or torque at the downhole motor. The controller receives preset high and low working pressure limits for the downhole motor and keeps the drill bit rotating by maintaining WOB during normal drilling operations, increasing WOB if sensed working pressure indicates that drill bit loading or torque is undesirably low, and reversing WOB by retracting the drill bit if excessive working pressure or torque is sensed. |
| US08439120B2 |
Method of sealing annular space between inner and outer upright tubes
A method of sealing annular space between an upright outer tube and an upright inner tube extending within the outer tube along an axial direction thereof involves pouring a liquid seal material into the annular space onto a support member fitted within the annular space between the outer tube and the inner tube in a manner substantially closing around the inner tube. The liquid seal material is poured in an amount sufficient to fill radial space between the inner tube and the outer tube fully around the inner tube, the liquid seal material is then cured to form an annular seal between the inner tube and the outer tube. The method is useful in sealing of the annular spacing between the surface and production casing of a gas well and installing a venting system to facilitate controlled venting of the annular space. |
| US08439112B1 |
Method and system for surface filtering of solids from return fluids in well operations
A system and method for separating solids from return fluids in well drill-out, flow back, well-test, and other production operations. Solids are collected in a filter comprising a perforate inner tube inside a solid outer tube with an annulus therebetween. The fluid stream from the well enters the filter through the inner tube so that the solids are captured inside and the filtrate flows out through the annulus. The filtrate is passed though a flow back line to a flow back tank. As needed, the solids are removed from the inner tube into a debris tube without interrupting the fluid flow through the filter. Chokes are included for equalizing the pressure along the flow path as the debris is moved from the filter to the debris tube and from the debris tube into to a debris pit so that dramatic changes in pressure are avoided. |
| US08439110B2 |
Single packer system for use in heavy oil environments
A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer comprises an outer seal layer, and the at least one drain is positioned in the outer seal layer. A viscosity system also is incorporated and enables the viscosity of a surrounding fluid to be selectively lowered for sampling. |
| US08439107B2 |
Retrievable tool with ratchet lock feature
A releasable locking system for a subterranean tool uses a split housing for a body lock ring that in one mode is retained for its normal locking function by a setting sleeve. The setting sleeve holds the potential energy in the housing that would otherwise cause the housing to grow radially and away from a locking function. The locking is defeated as a surrounding setting sleeve with a recess is moved to juxtapose the recess with the segmented housing allowing the housing to spring into the recess and away from lock ring engagement that previously maintained the locked position. The tool can be released and removed to a surface location. |
| US08439100B2 |
Modular upright for service door with flexible curtain
A vertical modular mount for a handling door (1) includes an upper plate (18) connected to a horizontal frame (4) and more particularly to a side flange (19), a lower plate (20) connected to the ground, a central web (21) connecting the upper (18) and lower (20) plates together, a cloth (23) arranged around the upper (18) and lower (20) plates in order to define an envelope (24) on the entire height of the mount (2, 3), and a guiding device (15) defining a slide for the movement of the flexible screen (6), characterized in that each of the members (21, 23, 15) forming the mounts (2, 3) of the handling door (1) are arranged so as to impart a high resilience to the latter, i.e. a high resistance to shocks due to the elastic deformation of each of the members. |
| US08439097B2 |
Pneumatic tire and manufacturing method therefor
Provided is a pneumatic tire and a manufacturing method therefor which allow a reduction in a cavity resonance sound without complicated manufacturing steps. A pneumatic tire of the present invention includes: a pair of bead portions; a carcass layer bridged between the pair of bead portions; and an inner liner layer disposed at a tire inner surface side of the carcass layer, the inner liner layer being made of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by blending a thermoplastic resin with an elastomer. The inner liner layer has a laminated structure including multiple film layers having different melting points of the thermoplastic resin from each other. The film layer having the lowest melting point of the thermoplastic resin is foamed to form multiple convex portions in the tire inner surface. |
| US08439096B2 |
Traction device for a vehicle tire
A traction device for a tire having a hub for attachment to the tire's wheel. At least one arm extends outwardly from the hub, with the arm attached to a gripping section that is capable of contacting the tire. A reversible, rotatable cam attached to the arm and the gripping section controls the movement of the device. |
| US08439095B2 |
Tire having tread with an internal softer transition rubber layer containing short fiber reinforcement
The invention relates to a tire having a rubber tread comprised of a circumferential outer cap rubber layer which contains a tread running surface and an underlying undertread layer of softer rubber than said outer tread cap rubber layer wherein said undertread layer rubber composition contains short fiber reinforcement. |
| US08439093B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having oblong holes
The present invention provides a pneumatic tire with reduced air columnar resonance noise level in comparison with the conventional pneumatic tires. The pneumatic tire comprises large-volume oblong holes 11 formed in a sidewall 10a on one side of a main groove 1 and small-volume oblong holes 12 formed in a sidewall 10b on the other side thereof, respectively, in which a width w1 and a depth d1 of the large-volume oblong hole 11 are at least not less than 0.4 mm and more than 0.05 times but less than 0.25 times a width W of the main groove 1, and a space p1 between the large-volume oblong holes 11 is at least not less than 0.8 mm and more than 0.2 times but less than 1.0 times the width W, a width w2 and a depth d2 of the small-volume oblong hole 12 are at least not less than 0.2 mm and more than 0.01 times but less than 0.05 times the width W, and a space p2 between the small-volume oblong holes 12 is at least not less than 0.4 mm and more than 0.04 times but less than 0.2 times the width W, and each height h of the oblong holes 11 and 12 in the depth direction of the main groove 1 is 50 to 80% of a depth D of the main groove 1. |
| US08439092B2 |
Tire tread surface design
A tire tread provided with a plurality of grooves delimiting blocks and/or ribs and having an average depth H. This tread has a tread surface designed to come into contact with the roadway only along a plurality of raised contact lines. The raised contact lines intersect one another to delimit, on the tread surface, a plurality of contiguous first cavities each formed by a wall which is recessed radially inwardly from the tread surface. The walls of the first cavities are intersected by respective second cavities situated radially. |
| US08439089B2 |
Temporary mobility kit with inadvertent flow prevention techniques
The present disclosure relates to a temporary mobility kit for repairing tires, including: an air compressor; a sealant assembly selectively connected to the air compressor; a sealant hose in the sealant assembly, configured to connect the air compressor to a tire valve; and a first circuit configured to assess a connection condition. |
| US08439085B2 |
Semi-rigid flexible duct
A semi-rigid, flexible duct including a pair of coaxial sleeves, namely an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed parallel to and about the inner sleeve and a resilient wound element disposed between the sleeves. Each of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve constitutes an aluminum foil ribbon. The wound element imparts corrugations to the two sleeves, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration. Optionally, at least one of the sleeves further includes a second, plastic layer bonded to the aluminum foil ribbon layer. |
| US08439079B2 |
Two plate manifold with crossovers
A manifold includes first and second plates secured together at an inner face of each plate. A plurality of chambers and passages are in the inner faces of the plates and at least one port on an outer face of each plate connected to one of the chambers and passages. A crossover element in the crossing chamber or passage of the first plate separates a chamber or passage in the first plate from a chamber or passage in the second plate in the area where the chambers or passages cross. |
| US08439078B2 |
Odour trap
The present invention relates to an odor trap intended for installing in a pipe to a drain. The odor trap comprises a tubular element (1) and a blocking means (2). The blocking means (2) makes it possible to close the pipe but is shiftable by fluid flowing in the odor trap in order to allow said fluid to pass, and in order, when the fluid has passed, to return to the position which closes the pipe. To achieve an odor trap in which the blocking means is well protected against undesirable external influences and the configuration of the odor trap is such that it is easy to fit, the tubular element (1) is made of inelastic material and the separate blocking means (2) disposed in the tubular element is made of elastically deformable material, said blocking means comprising a fitting portion (6) removably connected to a fitting portion (7) of the tubular element, and a blocking portion (8) which is integral via a peripheral edge (9) with the fitting portion of the blocking means, and which, when in the position which closes the flow cross-section of the pipe, abuts, via the peripheral edge, fluidtightly against the inside of the tubular element and which, possibly with parts of the fitting portion of the blocking means, is to a varying degree shiftable by the fluid to allow the fluid to pass. |
| US08439077B2 |
Faucet outlet structure
A faucet outlet structure includes a faucet base, an outlet pipe and two outlet ducts. The outlet pipe is made by zinc alloy using die-casting processing method to form in one piece, and the two outlet ducts are made by plastics and engaged with each other. Each engaging portion has a connecting portion, wherein a protruding edge of the first connecting portion of the first outlet duct has a through restricting hole, and a through slot is diagonally and recessedly formed at the opening of two protruding edges and the through slot and the restricting hole are connected perpendicularly. The second connecting portion has a block protrudingly on both sides and the block is engaged with the restricting hole of the first outlet duct. According to the abovementioned structure, two outlet ducts penetrate through both sides of the outlet pipe, align to engage and then turn, so the two outlet ducts can be fast, easily and securely positioned at the bended outlet pipe. Also, the outlet pipe is made of zinc alloys using die-casting processing method to form in one piece, so the process is fast and the surface is relatively fine. |
| US08439072B2 |
Hydrocarbon gas delivery system
Embodiments of the invention include a system and method for controllably delivering hydrocarbon gas to a hydrocarbon gas-fueled device. According to one embodiment, a valve having an open state and a closed state is used to control the flow of hydrocarbon gas from a pressure vessel to a supply line. A hydrocarbon gas sensor detects airborne hydrocarbon gas and generates a signal in response. A controller automatically moves the valve to the closed state in response to the signal from the hydrocarbon gas sensor while the valve is in the open state. The controller automatically releases liquid sealant to the supply line in response to a continued signal from the hydrocarbon gas sensor after at least attempting to move the valve to the closed state. |
| US08439071B2 |
Screen basket vortex breaker for vessel
A vortex breaker fits over an outlet of a vessel. The breaker has a basket disposed on a base with an opening communicating with the vessel's outlet. The basket has a cylindrical sidewall screen with profiled wires arranged around bars that extend from the base. The basket also has a top screen attached to the sidewall screen. The top screen has wires arranged across a plurality of bars. Fluid flow passing through the screens is directed by the profiled wires and the bars. Below the top screen, a baffle plate diverts the fluid flow passing through the top screen to the periphery of the top plate. Inside the basket, a flow modifier has a vanes attached to the base and disposed radially around the base's opening. At least some of the vanes have cross-tees extending from the vane's sides to break the radially directed flow inside the basket. |
| US08439069B2 |
Air release valve
A valve assembly is provided that is suitable for use as an air release valve. The valve mechanism is actuated by liquid forced through an orifice by a diaphragm under pressure from the main discharge and is less prone to valve chatter under varying pressure conditions. The use of an externally adjustable orifice and/or regulator allows the valve assembly to operate satisfactorily in a wide range of pressures. The mode of operation of the valve mechanism is externally visible. |
| US08439065B2 |
Automotive air bleed valve for a closed hydraulic system
An auto bleed valve and method of bleeding a hydraulic system of an aircraft is accomplished by illuminating a plenum of a bleed valve using an LED oriented to illuminate a phototransistor when air is present in the plenum. A comparator circuit is used on an output of the phototransistor such that a predetermined voltage output corresponds to air detected in the plenum. An integrating circuit and a second comparator in series with the first comparator circuit is used to determine when a predetermined time period is met in which air is continuously detected in the plenum. Thereafter an air bleed solenoid can be used to vent the air upon a signal from the aircraft computer logic system. |
| US08439061B2 |
Emergency ram air inlet valve of an aircraft
The present invention relates to an emergency ram air inlet valve, also designated as an ERAI valve, of an aircraft. The valve includes an actuating element for opening and/or closing the valve and a controller operatively coupled to the valve, by which the valve can be set at different open angles. The open angle is set as a function of a temperature prevailing or preset in the aircraft cabin. |
| US08439059B2 |
Device with direct control, in particular proportional and/or rectilinear control, for fluid loading and/or unloading system
The invention concerns a control device for the movement and positioning of a coupling for a marine loading system having at least one fluid transfer line with a first line end fixed to a base and a moveable second line end provided with a coupling adapted for connection to a target duct, the marine loading system further having a plurality of mechanical connections such that the coupling has at least three degrees of freedom relative to the base. The device includes at least three proportional control actuators, each for proportionally controlling the movement of the system in a degree of freedom, a position sensor for tracking each degree of freedom, an operator input interface for inputting commands to move the coupling, and a calculator for calculating the instantaneous position of the coupling from the information provided by the sensors and for calculating, from movement command inputs of the input interface, simultaneous control instructions to give to each of the actuators such that their combined movements result in a movement of the coupling corresponding to the movement command provided by the operator at the input interface. |
| US08439056B2 |
Stick allowing an umbrella to be installed therein
An easily detachable stick has an umbrella installed therein. The stick includes a grip element having a root portion extending therefrom, the root portion having a platform along an axis direction and a leaf spring installed on the platform, the leaf spring having one end fixed to the platform and the other end being a free end; and a supporting pole having a hollow cavity installed therein, the cavity having an opening at one end thereof, into which the root portion is inserted, a sliding groove disposed in the opening along an axis direction of the cavity, a sliding button embedded in the sliding groove, an elastic element installed in the sliding groove between the sliding button and the opening of the cavity, and an inner flange inward protruding from the opening of the cavity, allowing the free end of the leaf spring to be supported by the inner flange. |
| US08439055B2 |
Adjustable umbrella for stroller
An umbrella assembly for providing cover to a user pushing a stroller or similar device includes a clamp mechanism structured to be coupled to a portion of the stroller and an umbrella portion selectively coupled to the clamp mechanism. The umbrella portion is selectively rotatable relative to the clamp mechanism among a plurality of positions. |
| US08439051B2 |
Method of substrate processing, substrate processing system, and storage medium
The present invention provides a substrate processing system in which a processing liquid is supplied to a substrate W from a processing nozzle 50a situated above the substrate W so as to process the substrate W, and which makes it possible to prevent unintended dripping of the processing liquid from the processing nozzle. A substrate processing system 20 comprises a processing nozzle 50a capable of supplying a processing liquid to a substrate to be processed, an arm 54 supporting the processing nozzle, and droplet removing nozzles 60, 62 capable of blowing a gas to the processing nozzle. The arm is movable between a processing position and a waiting position, the processing nozzle being above a substrate when the arm is in the waiting position and being outside a substrate when the arm is in the processing position. The droplet removing nozzles are so situated that they are in the vicinity of the processing nozzle when the arm is in the waiting position. |
| US08439050B2 |
Self-dispensing dental floss applicator
A self-dispensing dental floss applicator that has a U-shaped elongated housing (1) with two hollow prongs (4a, 4b) set perpendicularly to the body at one end and a larger opposite end to contain the locking mechanism, the dispensing mechanism, the spool (3) of fresh floss and the spool (18 or 21) of used floss. The locking mechanism composed of a casing (5), an axle (9), two lower grip pads (17a, 17b), two upper grip pads (7a, 7b), two strip springs (8a and 8b) and a lever (6) with two eccentric friction parts is used to hold the floss in position thus creating the right tension on the floss. A tension pin (19) containing a screw (20) is provided to increase floss tension if/when needed by the user. Rotating the lever (6) up unlocks the floss. Further repeated rotations of the lever backward action the sliding mechanism containing a rack-and-pinion gear (23 and 21), together with springs 24 and 26, that in turn causes the spool of used floss (21) to rotate. Hence, new fresh floss is spanned between the prongs. In a separate embodiment, the applicator is placed on the electrical base and pressing it down will cause the spool of used floss (18) to rotate, hence pulling new fresh floss between the prongs in a very fast and easy manner. Pushing back the lever (6) to its locked position ensures the floss is tightly locked with the right tension. |
| US08439049B2 |
Braided dental floss
A dental floss is formed as a strand, including threads braided with each other in a multi-looped manner so that forming knobs connecting adjacent quasi-flat sections that, while being stretched in a straight line, are sequentially disposed and twisted relatively to each other, whose cross-sections can be approximated to a rectangle-like figure having a width and a height greater than the width. The heights of two adjacent quasi-flat sections are disposed at a predetermined angle to each other. Due to particular braiding, the quasi-flat cross-sections and the knob's cross-section encompass different numbers of thread pieces, forming a multi-planar surface with bulges, thereby providing for a unique adhesive property increasing the floss cleaning power, grabbing and removing plaque particles from the tooth surface more efficiently than the conventional ones. It's exemplarily produced by means of adapted overlock machines, of polyester, colored, flavored, un-waxed, waxed, or impregnated with specific therapeutic agents. |
| US08439042B2 |
Neck brace
A neck brace has two legs with a gap between them and the legs extend on either side of the wearer's neck and along the front of his torso. Shoulder protuberances, and chest protuberances extending laterally from each leg, are received underneath the shoulder straps of a harness, in the region of the wearer's shoulders and chest, respectively. A recess is defined on an underside of each leg between the shoulder protuberance and the chest protuberance to form a beam that is elevated above the wearer's chest. Each leg and its associated chest protuberance, define a channel in which one of the shoulder straps of the harness is receivable to be held captive. |
| US08439041B2 |
Tracheal tube with scaffolding-supported wall
Various embodiments of a medical device tube having scaffolding-supported inner and outer walls are provided. In particular, the medical device tube may include a plurality of struts extending from an inner wall to an outer wall of the medical device tube. In certain embodiments, each of the individual struts may connect to adjacent struts at the inner wall and the outer wall. As such, the plurality of struts may comprise a zigzag pattern circumferentially around the medical tube device. In other embodiments, the struts may extend radially from the inner wall to the outer wall of the medical tube device. Regardless, the area between the struts and the inner wall and/or the outer wall form a plurality of lumens, which may be used for suctioning, blowing, and various other applications of the medical device tube. |
| US08439038B2 |
Collapse resistant respirator
A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed. |
| US08439036B2 |
Exhalation valve assembly with integral flow sensor
An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap. |
| US08439031B1 |
Patient treatment system with a patient interface mounted control
A patient treatment system that comprises a gas delivery system, a patient interface, and a control interface to provide a pressurized flow of breathable gas. The patient interface is in communication with the gas delivery system, and is constructed to interface with a patient to provide the breathable gas to the patient. The control interface is carried by the patient interface, and enables the patient to control at least one aspect of the patient treatment system. |
| US08439029B2 |
Device for dispensing a fluid product
A fluid dispenser device including a body (10); a reservoir (20) containing fluid; a dispenser member (30), such as a pump or a valve, for dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (20) through a dispenser orifice (45); and a cap (50) that is adapted to cover said dispenser orifice (45) in a closed position. The cap (50) is pivotally mounted on the body (10) to turn about an axis (A) between the closed position and an actuation position, the cap (50) including an actuator mechanism (55; 56, 57) adapted to actuate the dispenser member (30) directly, while the cap (50) is turning towards its actuation position. |
| US08439027B2 |
Door control mechanism
A door control mechanism which is attached near the hinge region of a door to bias the door to a closed orientation, and after a prescribed location, bias the door toward an open location to a sufficient degree such that the door is noticeably open. The door control mechanism in one form may have a cam extension that engages a spring member to supply stored energy to and from the spring member to bias the door closed and to bias the door open after a prescribed amount of rotation. |
| US08439026B1 |
Mechanical full draw, hold, lock and arrow release device for compound bows
The invention comprises a lever support arm tube attached perpendicular at one end to a compound bow and at the other end has an attached pulley assembly. Attached in between is a shoulder rest assembly, a lever arm hinged at the tube and a slip-lock ring. The draw cable attached to a quick release aid holding the bow string passes back around the pulley assembly and passes forward to the lever arm hinged backwards toward the pulley assembly. The archer forces the lever arm forward, pulling the draw cable around the pulley assembly thereby drawing the bow string. The archer engages the slip-lock ring holding the lever arm to maintain the bow string in the full draw position. An arrow is nocked. The archer's left hand aims the bow. The right shoulder supports the invention using the shoulder rest assembly. The right hand pulls the quick release aid trigger. |
| US08439025B2 |
Narrow crossbow with large power stroke
A crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0. |
| US08439022B2 |
Ventilation device for a forced induction internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a ventilation device (19) for an internal combustion engine (1) for evacuating blow-by gas from a crankcase (3), comprising a first line (20), which is connected at the one end to the crankcase (3) and at the other end, downstream of a forced induction device (10), to a fresh-gas line (7) and contains a ventilation valve (23), and a second line (21), which is connected at the one end, upstream of the forced induction device (10), to the fresh-gas line (7) and at the other end, between the crankcase (3) and the ventilation valve (23), to the first line (20) and contains a throttle device (23). |
| US08439021B2 |
EGR system for an internal combustion engine
An EGR system for an IC engine, wherein the IC engine includes a block defining a plurality of combustion cylinders, a plurality of multi-valve heads, each multi-valve head associated with a respective combustion cylinder and including an inlet valve and an exhaust valve, an exhaust manifold fluid coupled with each exhaust valve, and an intake manifold fluidly coupled between the exhaust manifold and each inlet valve. The EGR system includes: a plurality of EGR inlet valves and a plurality of EGR exhaust valves, wherein each multi-valve head includes at least one EGR inlet valve and at least one EGR exhaust valve; an EGR exhaust manifold fluidly coupled with each EGR exhaust valve; and an EGR intake manifold fluidly coupled between the EGR exhaust manifold and each EGR inlet valve. |
| US08439020B1 |
CVT driven supercharger with selectively positionable speed multiplying gear set
A supercharger assembly includes a dry-running CVT coupled to a speed multiplying gear set, which is in turn coupled to a centrifugal supercharger. The CVT includes a CVT housing which has an opening formed therein to provide access to a face of the driven pulley, and a plurality of equally spaced bolt receivers arranged in a circle around the opening. The gear assembly includes a gear housing formed separate from the CVT housing. The gear housing has a plurality of bolt holes formed in it which are arranged in a circle and alignable with respective ones of the bolt receivers. The gear housing is selectively rotatable relative to the CVT housing by moving each of the bolt holes from alignment with a first respective one of the bolt receivers and into alignment with a second respective one of the bolt receivers and then installing fasteners therein. |
| US08439015B2 |
Fuel injection apparatus
A fuel injection apparatus including a plurality of throttle bodies, a fuel supply pipe to supply fuel to upstream and downstream side injectors; connecting pipes to connect the fuel supply pipe to the upstream side injectors and the downstream side injectors; upstream side branch passages to supply fuel branched from the fuel supply pipe to the respective upstream side injectors; downstream side branch passages to supply fuel branched from the fuel supply pipe to the respective downstream side injectors; a nip angle of the upstream side injectors is larger than a nip angle of the downstream side branch passages against the intake flow direction of the intake passage; and the nip angle of the downstream side branch passages is larger than a nip angle of the downstream side injectors against the intake flow direction of the intake passage. |
| US08439011B2 |
Method and system for pre-ignition control
Methods and systems are provided for addressing cylinder pre-ignition by adjusting a spray angle of fuel injected into a cylinder responsive to an indication of pre-ignition. A spray pattern of fuel injected in the cylinder is varied based on a cylinder pre-ignition count to reduce cylinder wall impingement of injected fuel while improving air-fuel mixing in the cylinder. |
| US08439009B2 |
Water reduction mechanism for an internal combustion engine
A system for an engine includes an engine block having a cylinder, an oil delivery system including an oil reservoir at least partially enclosing an oil emulsion and providing lubricating oil to at least one cylinder, and a controller configured to adjust the heat delivered to the engine via a heat adjustment mechanism in response to a concentration of water in the oil emulsion. |
| US08439008B2 |
Internal combustion engine comprising an integrated oil dipstick guiding element
An internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle is provided with a crankcase that contains lubricating oil and on which a cylinder block with several cylinder bores is arranged. The cylinder bores are closed with a cylinder head that is arranged on the cylinder block and features cylinder head covers for covering a valve mechanism mounted on the cylinder head. Means are provided for guiding a dipstick that serves for determining the filling level of the lubricating oil. The means for guiding the dipstick are realized in the form of cast channels that extend through at least the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The upper outlet of the channels is provided for inserting and removing the dipstick in the region of one cylinder head cover. |
| US08439004B2 |
Ball-lift device with screw for a variable compression ratio engine
A ball-lift device with screw for a variable compression ratio engine having a hydraulic double-acting control actuator (8) including an upper chamber (121) and a lower chamber (122) and at least one actuator piston (13) connected to a control rack (7) includes: at least two balls (401, 402) or valve elements each resting on a seat (403, 404) and closing off respectively one and the other end of a transfer channel (405) connecting the upper chamber and the lower chamber of the control actuator, the balls acting as a nonreturn valve element when they are held on their seat by a spring (408, 409) in order to allow the hydraulic fluid to pass in only one direction; and lifting element (410) including at least one electric motor (480) designed to rotate at least one screw (481, 482) making it possible to lift from or place on its seat at least one ball. |
| US08439001B2 |
Actuator powered by fluid and method of forming the same
A system for moving fluids includes a pump device having a housing and at least one piston movable in the housing to displace fluids thereby causing flow. An actuator device is connected to the at least one piston for moving the piston within the housing to displace fluids as the actuator device is moved. The actuator device includes a plurality of side portions connected to one another to form a vacuum therein and movable relative to one another as the actuator device moves reciprocally between first and second positions with one of the side portions being connected to at least one piston thereby moving the at least one piston within the housing. |
| US08438998B2 |
Avian flight diverter
Generally, an avian flight diverter fixed to an aerial line to divert the flight of birds. Specifically, an avian flight diverter having a body coupled to an avian flight diverting member having a first component and a second component generally a mirror image of the other joined in opposed fixed angled relation, each of the components of generally flat material having a first face and a second face having a surface area sufficient to divert flight of an avian animal when secured to an aerial line. |
| US08438995B1 |
Collapsible animal run
An animal run having first and second side panels operable to be pivotally mounted along a central plane. A front panel is pivotally coupled with one of the side panels and operable to be detachably coupled to the other side panel. The side panels are moveable between a stored position, in which each side panel is positioned parallel the central plane, and an operational position, in which they extend outward at an angle from the central plane. The front panel is moveable between a stored position, in which it is positioned parallel the central plane, and an operational position, in which it is positioned at an angle from the side panel to which it is coupled and is detachably coupled with the other side panel. The side panels and front panel define an interior space for housing an animal when in their operational position. |
| US08438990B2 |
Multi-electrode PECVD source
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for plasma generation in plasma processes. The methods and apparatus generally include a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are connected to a RF power source, which powers the electrodes out of phase from one another. Adjacent electrodes are electrically isolated from one another by electrically insulating members disposed between and coupled to the electrodes. Processing gas may be delivered and/or withdrawn through the electrodes and/or the electrically insulating members. The substrate may remain electrically floating because the plasma may be capacitively coupled to it through a differential RF source drive. |
| US08438984B2 |
Embroidery frame
An embroidery frame comprises an inner frame, wherein the inner frame is a circular form. The embroidery frame comprises a middle frame configured to be detachably attachable to the inner frame, wherein the middle frame is a circular form, an inside diameter of the middle frame is longer than an outside diameter of the inner frame, and the inner frame is configured to be mountable in the middle frame. The embroidery frame comprises an outer frame configured to rotatably hold the middle frame, wherein the outer frame is a circular form, an inside diameter of the outer frame is longer than an outer outside diameter of the middle frame, and the middle frame is configured to be mountable in the outer frame. The embroidery frame comprises an engaging portion configured to cause the middle frame to engage with the outer frame at a predetermined rotation angle. |
| US08438982B2 |
Table with a table top constructed from molded plastic
A table includes a table top and a pair of support pedestals. A first pivotal support brace can be attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support can be attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces can be pivotally attached to a retaining assembly, which may include a cross-brace member. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collaspsed position. |
| US08438979B2 |
Medical instrument
A medical instrument includes a main body including at least one of an operation part and a display part, and a detachable lever arranged on a rear portion of the main body, a cart including a desk on which the main body is positioned, a front detachable member disposed on the desk and adapted to attach and detach a front portion of the main body to/from the desk, and a rear detachable member disposed on the desk and adapted to attach and detach a rear portion of the main body to/from the desk and fix the main body to the desk by the detachable lever. |
| US08438978B2 |
Projectile with a multi-spectral marking plume
A training ammunition projectile has a projectile body comprising a head with a frangible ogive designed to burst when the projectile strikes a target. One or more marking agents, disposed in the head for marking the position of the target upon its release when the ogive has burst, include 1) chemi-luminescent components, disposed in separate frangible compartments, which mix and react chemically with each other when the compartments break up on setback, causing the mixed components to luminesce, and/or (2) a low density, fine, dry powder material disposed in the head and designed to create a plume, both for marking the target when the projectile strikes the target. A dry thermal material, disposed in a separate compartment in the head and designed to be exposed to oxygen or air upon setback, due to the initial acceleration and the centrifugal forces, produce an exothermic reaction and emit heat during flight of the projectile, thereby to increase the temperature of the marking agents during flight and provide an Infrared marking signature when the projectile strikes the target. |
| US08438976B2 |
Automatic adjustment of printer drum spacing
A method is presented for automatically controlling the spacing between printer drums. The printer includes at least two print drums (920.1, 920.2) whose parallel rotation leads to image transfer, either between the drums or onto a printed surface. First the pressure a signal indicative of the pressure between the two print drums is obtained by a measurement unit (930), and then the gap between the drums is automatically adjusted in accordance with the indicator signal by a gap adjuster (940). |
| US08438975B2 |
Printing press
A printing press includes an apparatus for handling or manipulating varnishing plates or printing plates, having a plate feed channel which is at least temporarily disposed in a plate feed position for feeding a varnishing or printing plate out of the plate feed channel to a plate cylinder. A seat or step surface for an operator is disposed above the plate feed channel. |
| US08438973B2 |
Locking device for columns of moulding presses
Locking device for columns (A) of presses with at least one stationary platen and at least one moveable platen (E), comprising, in a containment body (D), a wedge flange (G) firmly fastened to the back of the tightening wedges (B) and able to translate axially, and where after the tightening of said wedges (B) on said column (A), the group formed by the piston (C) acting on said wedges (B), said wedge flange (G), said wedges (B) and said column (A) translates with a maximum stroke (m) limited by a starting or resting position of the wedge flange (G) to an end stop position, determined by the pressing of said wedge flange (G) on the rear plate (D2) of said containment body (D). |
| US08438972B2 |
Cookie support system
A cookie support system has a lower component, an upper component, and a coupling component. The lower component includes an elongated first section having a hollow cylindrical portion configured for sipping a liquid by a user and a second section coupled to the first section and having parallel side walls with an open top portion and a bottom portion configured for receiving a cookie. The bottom portion is formed of an arcuate face coupling the side walls. The upper component includes a first section formed of parallel side walls with an open bottom portion and a top portion formed of an arcuate face coupling the side walls. An elongated second section is coupled to and protruding from the first section. A coupling component between the lower and upper components is configured to thereby open and separate the lower and upper components for positioning a cookie there between. |
| US08438971B1 |
Stand mixer and heating means combination apparatus
A stand mixer and heating means combination apparatus includes a stand mixer that has a base. A top side of the base includes a container mating member. An outer container includes a mixer mating member that is engageable with the container mating member. The outer container includes a bottom wall. A heating assembly is mounted on the base and is in thermal communication with the outer container. An inner container has a lower wall. The inner container has a size to be positioned in the outer container. A first mating member is attached to an outer surface of the inner container and is engageable with a second mating member attached to an inner surface of the outer container such that the lower and bottom walls are retained in a spaced relationship with each other. |
| US08438970B2 |
Rotisserie basting drum
A rotisserie self-basting drum is designed to allow a user to cook rotisserie style meat at home without using a large, commercial built oven. The device may be made of stainless steel or other suitable material. A series of channels are formed into a shell to collect cooking juices that fall from a cooking food item during a cooking cycle. The rotating drum transports the juices from the bottom of the food item to the top of the food item where the juices spill from the channels onto the food item for basting. The drum may be in one section or two sections latched together that slide over a spit containing the food item. |
| US08438968B2 |
Rotatable coffee maker
A coffeemaker includes a bottom of a coffeemaker adapted to be placed onto and supported by a surface. Three or more wheel assemblies are mounted onto the bottom of the coffeemaker. The wheel assemblies rotate in substantially a straight line. The wheel assemblies are mounted on an imaginary circle on the bottom of the coffeemaker, and the straight line of rotation of each of the wheels is substantially tangent to the imaginary circle. |
| US08438966B2 |
Device and piston for segregating articles
A device and a piston for segregating articles is being disclosed. The device encompasses a segregating element comprising at least one cylinder with a cylinder housing and a piston installed in the cylinder that has at least one valve. A medium can be fed into and discharged from the cylinder via at least one line. The at least one valve interacts with the at least one line so as to create a hard sealing, and a housing sealing element interacts with a piston sealing element so as to create a hard sealing. The piston can used in a device for segregating liquid containers. |
| US08438964B1 |
Gun ports
A gun port having a door with spaced-apart plates provides armor against ballistic weapons and explosive blasts. Such a gun port is useful in defense of armored vehicles, armored buildings, and other installations. Sliding or rolling such a gun port door across a gun port opening horizontally on guide rails allows for ease of use by both persons who are left handed or right handed. A door slide sub-assembly is easily mounted or un-mounted from a separate port frame installed in a vehicle or building wall, providing easy repair of the door and door slide sub-assembly, and easier replacement of the port frame. |
| US08438960B2 |
Apparatus for perforating corrugated tubing
An apparatus for cutting discontinuous apertures in the wall of a corrugated tube moving along an axial path between inlet and outlet ends of the apparatus, the apparatus including a first feeder-cutter wheel proximate to the outlet, a second feeder-cutter wheel proximate to the inlet and spaced axially from said first feeder-cutter wheel, each said wheel being disposed about the outer surface of said tube and having a cutting surface and a helical worm for engaging the tube corrugations, and means for rotating the feeder cutter wheels, wherein the improvement comprises means for axially moving the second feeder cutter wheel axially towards and away from the first feeder cutter wheel wherein to accurately position the feeder cutter wheels relative to tubing corrugations. |
| US08438951B1 |
Pill bottle opener
A pill bottle opener including a base, a utility ring, and a cap. The utility ring includes two tabs positioned in its inner portion. The cap has a hollow, cylindrical body open on one end and has a dome-shaped top on its other end. The utility ring and cap may be interlocked by a locking mechanism. |
| US08438943B2 |
Driver select paddle shift device and modes of operation
A shift mode system and method of operating includes a switch assembly that selectively and alternately connects a shift selector to one of the steering column and the steering wheel. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly has a first locking member to connect the shift selector to the steering column, and a second locking member for connecting the shift selector to the steering wheel. A lever has first and second operative positions to selectively engage the first and second locking members or pins from the shifter into operative engagement with one of first and second cable reels, respectively. |
| US08438941B2 |
Eight speed dual clutch transmission
A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member. |
| US08438939B1 |
Sample introduction system with mixing
A sample introduction system provides mixing of a sample and a diluent within the container via gas injection. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system causes a probe of an autosampler to be inserted into a container containing a sample and a diluent so that an end of the probe is submerged beneath a surface of the diluent and the sample. Gas is then injected through the probe to mix the sample and the diluent within the container. An aliquot of the mixed sample and diluent is then withdrawn through the probe. |
| US08438937B2 |
Devices and methods for detecting rates of change of torque
Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a rate of change of torque experienced by a magnetized member in response to a change in torque experienced by the member are described. Such sensors include at least one sense element capable of detecting a change in a magnetic parameter of a magnetized region of the member positioned proximate to the sense element in response to a change in torque applied to the member. Devices for detecting and/or measuring rates of changes in or of torque that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices. |
| US08438936B2 |
Sensor assembly including a collar for mounting sensors to a pipeline
A sensor assembly for use with a fluid transport system is provided. The sensor assembly includes at least two sensors that are configured to measure a rate of flow of a fluid channeled through a pipeline of the fluid transport system. Moreover, the sensor assembly includes an annular collar that is coupled to the two sensors. The collar includes at least a first opening and at least a second opening defined therein. The first opening and the second opening are each sized to receive the two sensors therein such that the two sensors are substantially coaxially aligned with each other. A first sensor of the two sensors is positioned downstream from a second sensor of the two sensors. |
| US08438934B2 |
Wriggler for gas meter endpoint
A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate. |
| US08438930B2 |
Mechanical signal processing accumulator attenuation device and method
A liquid/gas interface pressure accumulator and mechanical filter device is especially adapted for use within a propellant utilization monitoring system of a space launch vehicle. The device provides a retrofit solution for overcoming problems associated with liquid entering a pressure sensing lines and pressure noises that collectively harm the ability to accurately measure fuel and oxidizer levels. One device is attached to each fuel and oxidizer tank of the launch vehicle. Each device includes a housing and an internal sensing chamber that is used to accumulate liquid before it can enter a pressure sensing communication line connected to a pressure sensing transducer. The construction of the device also allows filtering of undesirable pressure noises due to vibration, pressure pulsations, and other vibratory events that occur during operation of the space vehicle. The device is also selectively tunable to filter out certain frequencies and frequency ranges/bands. The invention in other aspects includes methods of improving pressure sensing applications in a propellant utilization monitoring system. |
| US08438924B2 |
Method of determining multilayer thin film deposition on a piezoelectric crystal
A method for accurately calculating the thickness of deposited thin film layers onto a piezoelectric crystal blank in which dissimilar materials can be utilized, enabling determinations for various applications employing exotic materials. Additionally, the specific acoustic impedance (or equivalent z-ratio) of an unknown deposited material can be determined. The exact analytical solution nearly eliminates thickness errors when several layers of different materials are sequentially deposited on the same monitor quartz crystal. |
| US08438921B1 |
Graduated measuring container and method for measuring and mixing material compounds
A measurement container with any number of graduated scales based upon total volume of application or based upon standardized consumer sized product vessels, with the adaptability to measure large or small amounts. The container will have a pour spout to ease introductions into batches. The measurement container will also include a handle and hand grab, to ease lifting and pouring with both hands. |
| US08438919B2 |
Systems and methods for liquid level sensing having a differentiating output
A liquid level sensing system including a housing configured to hold a liquid, a first temperature sensor connected to the housing and configured to output a first signal representing a first temperature measured at the first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor connected to the housing and configured to output a second signal representing a second temperature measured at the second temperature sensor, and a circuit configured to receive the first and second signals as input and to provide an output signal proportional to the time rate of change of the difference between the first signal and the second signal. |
| US08438917B2 |
Methods of long-term gravimetric monitoring of carbon dioxide storage in geological formations
Methods for long-term gravimetric monitoring of carbon dioxide stored in a geological formation are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: joining gravimetric sensors with sidewalls of boreholes in the geological formation at various vertical depths; using the gravimetric sensors, measuring a local gravitational field or a gravity gradient at a first time to develop baseline gravimetric data; reading and transmitting the baseline gravimetric data to a data recording device exterior to the boreholes; using the gravimetric sensors, measuring a local gravitational field or a gravity gradient after the first time to develop post-baseline gravimetric data; reading and; transmitting the post-baseline gravimetric data to the data recording device; and quantifying the carbon dioxide stored in the geological formation by comparing the baseline gravimetric data to the post-baseline gravimetric data to determine both vertical and horizontal positioning of the carbon dioxide stored in the geological formation. |
| US08438913B2 |
Clog resistant wing union pressure sensor
A clog resistant wing union pressure sensor is provided that includes a transmitter housing and a flange section. The flange section is coupled to the transmitter housing and has a pressure port formed therein that includes an open first end, a closed second end, and an inner surface that defines a bore between the open first end and the closed second end. The closed second end is defined by a pressure sensitive diaphragm and has a diameter. The pressure port has a depth defined between the open first end and the closed second end, the bore is tapered between the open first end and the closed second end, and is further defined by a rounded transition between the inner surface and the closed second end, and the diameter of the closed second end is greater than twice the depth of the pressure port. |
| US08438910B2 |
Shear valve with DLC comprising multi-layer coated member
A shear valve for use in a high performance liquid chromatography system, the shear valve comprising a first shear valve member and a second shear valve member, wherein at least one of the first and second shear valve members is adapted to be moved with respect to the other, one of the first and second shear valve members comprises a plurality of ports, and the other comprises at least one fluid path for fluidly coupling respective ones of the ports in dependency on a relative movement position of the first and second shear valve members with respect to each other, wherein the first shear valve member is at least partially coated with an adhesion-promoting layer and a diamond like carbon layer on the adhesion-promoting layer. |
| US08438902B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a vapor signature based upon frequency
An apparatus for sensing analyte is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensor array columns, each sensor array column including a plurality of sensors, each sensor being adapted for sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and output a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) array including a plurality of VCOs, each VCO adapted to receive an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays and for and generating an output oscillation frequency in accordance with the level of the received output current, and a counter array including a plurality of counters, each counter adapted to receive an output from a corresponding VCO and count a number of oscillations over a predetermined time. |
| US08438900B2 |
Electronic phantom and method for electronically controlling a phantom for a quantitative ultrasound device
An electronic phantom and method for electronically controlling a phantom for a quantitative ultrasound device are provided. The electronic phantom includes a housing, a first transducer element within the housing configured to receive an ultrasonic signal from a quantitative ultrasound device and a second transducer element within the housing connected to the first transducer element. The second transducer element is configured to transmit a modified ultrasonic sound wave to the quantitative ultrasound device based on the received ultrasonic signal. The first and second transducer elements are positioned in a back to back configuration within the housing. |
| US08438898B2 |
Calibrant infusion fluid source preparation
Methods and systems for preparation of calibrant infusion fluid sources are disclosed. In one embodiment, a precise volume of glucose is injected into a saline-solution filled calibrant infusion fluid source proximate in time to conducting a calibration procedure. The glucose concentration in the calibrant infusion fluid source is subsequently calculated based on the measured weight of the saline-solution, as determined prior to glucose injection, and the volume of glucose injected. This method provides a highly accurate and convenient manner for use in a hospital environment, for example, with an intravenous blood glucose sensor system. In another embodiment, a premixed calibrant infusion fluid source is provided that includes saline solution and a predetermined concentration of glucose. In such embodiments, shelf life problems related to water evaporation are mitigated by hermetically covering or otherwise hermetically containing the calibrant infusion fluid source up until the point of use. |
| US08438896B2 |
Endoscopic insertion portion and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing an endoscopic insertion portion with high manufacturing efficiency is provided. The endoscopic insertion portion includes a plurality of bending parts provided side by side with each other, a protruding portion provided in one of each two adjacent ones of the bending parts, and a receiving portion provided in the other of each two adjacent ones of the bending parts and into which the protruding portion is inserted rotatably. The method includes forming, in at least one plate material, a first bending part preparation portion for the formation of the one bending part and a second bending part preparation portion for the formation of the other bending part, connecting the first bending part preparation portion and the second bending part preparation portion by press processing, and forming the first and second bending part preparation portion into a cylindrical shape by press processing. |
| US08438893B2 |
Method of forming two-dimensional sheet material into three-dimensional structure
A two-dimensional sheet material is provided that is suitable for bending along a bend line to form a three-dimensional object. The sheet material is provided with a plurality of displacements in a thickness direction of the sheet material on one side of the bend line. A portion of the displacements shear adjacent the bend line and define an edge and an opposed face. The edge and opposed face configured to produce edge-to-face engagement of the sheet material during bending. Alternatively, sheet material is provided with a plurality of displacements in a thickness direction of the sheet material on one or both sides of the bend line, and with a plurality of corresponding and cooperating protrusions to improve structural integrity and/or to improve electromagnetic and radio frequency shielding. The sheet material may also be provided with a self-latching structure. A method of preparing and using these sheet materials is also described. |
| US08438891B2 |
Rolling mill with cooling device and rolling process
The invention deals with a rolling mill (1) for metallic products comprising at least one pair of work rolls and at least one cooling device (2) projecting a plurality of cooling jets under pressure on at least one work roll, the cooling device projecting also at least one scraper jet between the cooling jets and the metallic product to be rolled, the scraper jets being oriented in the desired flow direction following a re-entrant angle towards the perpendicular to the surface of the work roll, as well as with a rolling process using said rolling mill (1). |
| US08438887B2 |
Door lock assembly
A door lock assembly for a door. The door lock assembly includes a handle assembly, a latch bolt assembly disposed within a portion of the handle assembly and a mounting assembly that movably couples the handle assembly to a door panel member. The latch bolt assembly includes a movable latch bolt that translates relative to the handle assembly between an extended position and a retracted position. |
| US08438883B2 |
Washing machine improving washing efficiency
Disclosed herein is a washing machine that is capable of preventing the deformation of laundry due to spin-drying holes, increasing friction between the inner surface of a washing tub and laundry to improve the washing efficiency, and reducing wash water consumption. The washing machine includes a water tub, a washing tub mounted in the water tub, a drive unit to rotate the washing tub, and a wash water circulation unit to supply wash water in the water tub into the washing tub. The washing tub has a plurality of depressions formed therein and depressed outward from the inner surface thereof in the shape of a polygonal pyramid, and a plurality of spin-drying holes formed in a deep area of the respective depressions. |
| US08438882B2 |
Method and device for treating objects with at least one treatment agent in a household device, said household device, associated packaging and a dosing device
An arrangement for treating objects with a treatment agent in a household device, includes a household device for treating objects with the treatment agent, a packaging for a dosing device for dosing the treatment agent, a first part of an identification system that identifies data of a second part of the identification system, the data of the second part of the identification system including information on the dosing device, and the data of the second part of the identification system being associated with a packaging for the dosing device, and a device for adapting one of the treatment of objects by the household device and the dosing of the treatment agent based upon the identified data. |
| US08438881B2 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance
A laundry treating appliance and method for dispensing treating chemistry, where the laundry treating appliance includes a treating chamber, a single use dispenser and a bulk dispenser. Water may be supplied to the single use dispenser through a first water flow path, which directs a dose of treating chemistry dispensed from the single use dispenser into the treating chamber. Water may be supplied to the bulk dispenser through a second water flow path, which is configured to spray a dose of treating chemistry dispensed from the bulk dispenser into the treating chamber. The laundry treating appliance may determine the presence of treating chemistry within at least one of the single use dispenser and the bulk dispenser, and, based on this determination, supply water to the flow path associated with the dispenser which contains treating chemistry. |
| US08438880B2 |
Detergent dispensing unit
A detergent dispensing unit is provided that includes a dispensing shell; a dispensing connection permitting the entry of fresh water into the dispensing shell; and a trap being located fluidly between an interior of the detergent dispensing unit and an opening that leads to the exterior, the opening which leads to the exterior being an overflow. The trap is positioned in the dispensing shell downstream of the dispensing connection, a maximum filled level of the trap lies below a lower edge of the overflow and the trap is adapted to be filled by liquid from the dispensing shell. |
| US08438875B2 |
Glass manufacturing device
A glass manufacturing device includes a main body defining a working space, a fixing device and a grit blower in communication with the working space. The fixing device includes a first fixing assembly, a second fixing assembly, and a locking assembly. The first and second fixing assemblies are rotatably connected with each other and used for clamping a glass substrate. The first fixing assembly includes a number of shielding elements spaced from each other. The locking assembly is used for locking the first and second fixing assemblies. The grit blower is disposed opposite to the first fixing assembly and used for blasting grit on the glass substrate, and thus the portions of the glass substrate which are not shielded by the shielding elements are cut off during the process of grit-blasting. Remaining portions of the glass substrate shielded by the shielding elements are the desired product. |
| US08438874B2 |
Natural gas liquefaction plant and motive power supply equipment for same
Motive power supply equipment for a natural gas liquefaction plant includes gas turbine equipment having a compressor for compressing air, a combustor for generating combustion gases by burning a fuel and the compressed air from the compressor, and a turbine rotated by the combustion gases from the combustor. A low-temperature heat source supply system is provided which, during rated load operation of the gas turbine equipment, supplies carbon dioxide as a cooling medium to the gas turbine equipment in order to cool the gas turbine equipment. The carbon dioxide supplied is generated by separation from the natural gas in the natural gas purification equipment. |
| US08438871B2 |
Refrigerator door having dispenser
A refrigerator door having a dispenser is disclosed. The refrigerator door includes an outer case forming a front appearance of the refrigerator door, an inner case forming a rear appearance of the refrigerator door, and an insulation layer disposed between the outer case and the inner case. First and second mounting frames are installed at both side ends of the refrigerator door and have first and second mounting slots longitudinally formed in the first and second mounting frames in opposition to each other. The dispenser is detachably coupled to a front surface of the outer case and includes a housing, which forms an external appearance of the dispenser and is formed with a recess section. An external plate section is coupled to the front surface of the outer case except for an area in which the dispenser is installed, forming an external appearance of the refrigerator door. |
| US08438870B2 |
Refrigerator door vacuum preservation system
A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device. |
| US08438869B2 |
Refrigerator with ice making room
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator having an ice-making chamber, and the refrigerator may include a refrigerator body and an ice-making chamber, and the ice-making chamber may include an ice-making chamber body one side of which is opened, a connecting duct provided in a first sidewall of the ice-making chamber to be connected to the refrigerator body, an ice-making chamber door provided at a second sidewall of the ice-making chamber to open and close the ice-making chamber, and a protrusion portion formed to be protruded at the first sidewall. Accordingly, the thickness of the ice-making chamber door can be secured without changing a cool air channel of the ice-making chamber, thereby increasing a cooling chamber. |
| US08438866B2 |
Defrosting apparatus of refrigerator
A defroster is provided in a refrigerator, in which a damper mounted to an inlet to a circulating duct controls air to flow in a reverse direction toward an evaporator to maximize a defrosting efficiency by using not only radiant heat but also convective heat. The defroster includes the evaporator, a heater that defrosts the evaporator by radiation, and a flow controller that controls air circulated by a fan to flow in a reverse direction toward the evaporator in defrosting. |
| US08438864B2 |
Transcritical heat pump water heater and method of operation
A method for increasing efficiency of a transcritical heat pump water heater system is provided, as well as the corresponding system. The refrigerant, such as CO2, is compressed to a supercritical point and passed through a gas cooler that is wrapped at least partially around a water storage tank, wherein the refrigerant transfers heat to water stored in the tank. The hot water is discharged from the storage tank proximate to a top of the tank, and cold water is introduced into the tank proximate to a bottom of the tank. The supercritical refrigerant is directed to flow through the gas cooler from a top point to a lowermost point in a flow direction such that the refrigerant exits the gas cooler proximate to the bottom of the tank at a location of the coldest water within the storage tank. |
| US08438861B2 |
Cooler / heater arrangement
The present invention relates to a device for heating and cooling an object in a controlled manner permitting a good thermal contact between the thermal block, the element for heating and cooling and the heat sink without the need for using a thermal interface material, an instrument comprising such a device and a method for conducting a thermal profile using the device. |
| US08438855B2 |
Slotted compressor diffuser and related method
A compressor diffuser for a gas turbine includes: a compressor diffuser having an upstream end and a downstream end, the downstream end defined by a peripheral annular edge, the annular edge formed with a plurality of substantially axially-oriented slots extending from an opening at the downstream edge in an upstream direction. |
| US08438851B1 |
Combustor assembly for use in a turbine engine and methods of assembling same
A fuel nozzle assembly for use with a turbine engine is described herein. The fuel nozzle assembly includes a plurality of fuel nozzles positioned within an air plenum defined by a casing. Each of the plurality of fuel nozzles is coupled to a combustion liner defining a combustion chamber. Each of the plurality of fuel nozzles includes a housing that includes an inner surface that defines a cooling fluid plenum and a fuel plenum therein, and a plurality of mixing tubes extending through the housing. Each of the mixing tubes includes an inner surface defining a flow channel extending between the air plenum and the combustion chamber. At least one mixing tube of the plurality of mixing tubes including at least one cooling fluid aperture for channeling a flow of cooling fluid from the cooling fluid plenum to the flow channel. |
| US08438843B2 |
Hydraulic system of work machine
A hydraulic system of a work machine with a hydraulically controlled implement includes: an operating oil flow passage for flowing operating oil from a main pump; a boost flow oil passage for supplying operating oil to the operating oil flow passage; a connection unit for connecting the implement which is provided downstream of the confluence on the operating oil flow passage; a controller for controlling the high-flow valve; and a high-flow switch which is connected to the controller and is configured to effect or cancel a command of the amount increase on a high-flow valve. Annunciation is made when the connection unit is connected to a high-flow actuator for the implement requiring an amount increase of the operating oil, and the amount increase is effected by the high-flow valve in accordance with an operation of the high-flow switch. |
| US08438841B2 |
Particulate filter regeneration in an engine
Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter positioned downstream of an engine in a vehicle are provided herein. One exemplary method includes, during combusting engine conditions, directing exhaust from the engine to a three-way catalyst and then to the particulate filter, and during non-combusting engine conditions and while the vehicle is in motion, directing fresh ram-air to between the particulate filter and the catalyst to regenerate the particulate filter. Thus, vehicle motion may be used to introduce the ram-air. |
| US08438840B2 |
Particulate filter regeneration in an engine
Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter downstream of an engine having a plurality of cylinders are provided. One exemplary method includes, during first conditions, spinning down the engine to non-combusting engine rest, and regenerating the particulate filter at least during engine rest. The method also includes, during second conditions, regenerating the particulate filter during combustion of at least one cylinder of the engine. By regenerating the particulate filter during engine shutdown and/or engine rest in some conditions, it is possible to reduce engine running regeneration, which can thereby lead to reduced engine running emissions. |
| US08438838B2 |
Fuel-fired burner and heat exchanger system for heating a NOx reducing agent supply tank
A fuel-fired burner in a vehicle exhaust system is used to heat up a frozen NOx reducing agent supply tank within a predetermined target amount of time. A method and apparatus are used to identify when a supply of agent is below a predetermined temperature, and the fuel-fired burner is activated for a sufficient amount of time to raise a temperature of the agent to at least the predetermined temperature with the predetermined target amount of time. |
| US08438837B2 |
Control of an exhaust gas aftertreatment device in a hybrid vehicle
The present invention involves a method for maintaining temperature in an exhaust gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle. The engine has a crankshaft and at least one cylinder. The hybrid vehicle has a fuel storage device and a fuel supply device. An exhaust gas treatment device is located downstream of the cylinder. The method comprises, in an engine off mode, pumping air to the exhaust gas aftertreatment device controlling the fuel supply device so that fuel is allowed to the exhaust gas aftertreatment device. Air flow to the exhaust gas aftertreatment device can be controlled by a throttle in an inlet duct to the engine and/or the fuel supply device to control the combustion and air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas treatment device. |
| US08438836B2 |
Abnormality determination apparatus for electrically heated catalyst
An abnormality determination apparatus for an electrically heated catalyst provided in a plug-in hybrid vehicle having a battery that is charged by connecting an external charging device to an external electric power supply is equipped with an abnormality determination portion that makes a determination on an abnormality in the electrically heated catalyst when the external charging device is connected to the external electric power supply. |
| US08438828B2 |
Flow divider having breaking points for a fan engine
A flow divider (1) for a fan engine which forms an annular leading edge (4) simultaneously on the outer circumference of an annular core air duct and the inner circumference of an annular secondary air duct, protrudes into the fan airflow and has an aerodynamic profile. In order to avoid blockage of the core air and/or secondary air ducts in the event of destruction or detachment of the flow divider (1), the flow divider features separable parts (6) which, whatever their orientation, are capable of passing the vane passages of the core air duct and the secondary air duct. |
| US08438824B2 |
Combine harvester draper header with floor pan rearward of central draper
A harvesting header includes a header frame, a cutterbar assembly mounted to the header frame, and a conveyor assembly supported behind the cutterbar assembly to receive crop severed by the cutterbar assembly. The conveyor assembly includes a pair of side conveyors and a fore-and-aft draper located between the side conveyors. The header further includes a central crop-conveying member that overhangs the rear margin of the fore-and-aft draper and a floor pan that at least partly defines a transition area. The floor pan presents a forwardmost edge adjacent to and rearward of the rear margin. The forwardmost edge is located above a lower run of the draper to direct severed crop materials from the upper run of the draper and to facilitate crop material flow through the transition area. |
| US08438823B2 |
Flexible draper belt drive for an agricultural harvesting machine
An agricultural harvesting machine including a flexible cutterbar and associated draper belts for carrying cut agricultural material to a center location. The belts are guided by a drive rollers and idler rollers. The idler roller for each belt is pivotable about an axis generally at 90 degrees to the axis of the belt and the drive roller for each belt is translatable axially to minimize diagonal stresses caused by flexing of the elongated endless belt. |
| US08438820B1 |
Flower handling apparatus and method
A flower handling system includes loading, cutting, finishing, and boxing stations. Flowers are unloaded from dry-packed boxes at the cutting stations. Each cutting station includes a positioning arm that secures flower bundles and transports them from a first location adjacent a loading table to a second location above a conveyor. A bucket separating device deposits buckets one at a time onto the conveyor, and the buckets are filled with conditioning fluid. A cutting blade is positioned to cut flower stems as the positioning arm moves from the first to the second location. A clamping arm closes around the flowers and lifts them out of the positioning arm before lowering them into a fluid-filled bucket on the conveyor. The flower filled bucket is then transported through the finishing station to a boxing station where the bucket is deposited into a box for shipping to a wholesaler or retailer. |
| US08438818B2 |
Methods for packaging filled bags together, machines used in these methods, and the package of snack-filled bags thus obtained
A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed. |
| US08438817B2 |
Method for packaging of mass-fabricated custom items
A system for packaging mass-customized items includes a computer system including a database containing item identification information unique to each item; (2) outer container identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each outer container in a plurality of outer containers; (3) inner pack identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each inner pack in a plurality of inner packs; and (4) inner pack filling apparatus that fills each inner pack with a specific item matched to that inner pack by the item identification information received from the database. Each item is associated with its unique item identification information and is inserted into an inner pack with matching item identification information, and each outer container is presented for loading with one or more inner packs matched to that outer container by the item identification information received from the database. |
| US08438816B2 |
Composite panel
A composite panel comprises an outer skins and an inner core. The inner core includes a frame, an elastomeric material disposed between at least a portion of the frame and the outer skin, and a foamed polymer filler. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the same. |
| US08438814B2 |
Floor covering
Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove. |
| US08438810B2 |
Web or vapor retarder with tie-strap
A vapor retarder system includes a vapor retarder sheet. At least one and typically a plurality of parallel spaced-apart tie-straps are located adjacent an inner surface of the sheet, and the tie-strap extend across a width of the sheet and are connected to the sheet at multiple connection locations that are spaced from each other along a length of the tie strap. The sheet includes drape regions where the sheet is disconnected from the tie straps between successive connection locations. The tie-straps and drape regions ensure that the vapor retarder sheet is installed over roof purlins with the proper drape between the purlins to obtain the required insulation R-values. A fall-protection net or sheet can also be constructed and/or installed in the same manner. |
| US08438809B2 |
Wave ripple panel
Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance. |
| US08438806B2 |
Composite cement panel
This invention relates to a composite panel for a rooftop surface having a core material board having a top surface and a bottom surface with a plurality of openings through said core material board extending from said top surface to said bottom surface; a rigid outer shell of solid material that encapsulates said core material board; a plurality of supports of said solid material wherein each of said plurality of supports extends through one of said plurality of openings in said core material board; and a plurality of legs on a portion of said rigid outer shell covering said bottom surface of core board material. |
| US08438805B2 |
Pedestal for ballast block decking
A deck system and pedestal for use in forming an elevated surface are provided. The pedestal for supports blocks, pavers, tiles, or panels a spaced distance above an underlying surface. The pedestal for supporting blocks, pavers, tiles, or panels a spaced distance above an underlying surface, includes a support, a sound-deadening pad, and a bosses and recess arrangement positioned between the support plate and pad. The support includes a support plate having an upper surface and a plurality of upstanding walls that define quadrants on the support plate. The sound-deadening pad is positioned on the support plate and is non-movable within the support to prevent any relative movement between the support plate and the pad. The bosses and recess arrangement includes a plurality of bosses are received by the plurality of recesses. |
| US08438804B2 |
Wall leadthrough for leading a line through a building wall
The present invention relates to a wall passage opening for passing a conduit through a through-penetration defining at least one reveal, of a building with a substantially vertical or horizontal orientation, wherein the conduit is covered with an insulation material (10) comprising an insulation shell (16), at least in the region of the passage opening, the diameter of the insulation element substantially corresponding to the inner diameter of the passage opening, wherein the insulation shell (16) includes a cavity for accommodating a conduit section (22) having an enlarged outer diameter and wherein the insulation shell (16) is made of mineral fibers, to accommodate the conduit section (22) having the enlarged outer diameter in a quick and easy manner. |
| US08438803B2 |
Cable protection sleeve for building framing
A sleeve for protecting a utility conduit or conduits passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A body portion forms a longitudinally extending hollow trough having side edges, wherein each said side edge portion has overlapable or interlockable fingers. The trough includes a circular side section, with a diameter defining a body width. This circular side section is changeable by compression with either the human hand or a conventional hand-tool to adapt the body width, and thus the sleeve, to coincide with a potential range of stud hole sizes. Engagement of the sleeve in the hole is achievable by placing an inserted end into the hole and pressing a worked end. A stop portion at the worked end stops insertion of the sleeve beyond the stud face, and a retention portion in the sleeve affirmatively retains the sleeve within the hole once thus inserted. |
| US08438800B2 |
Support structures on roofs
This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which closes an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure. |
| US08438797B2 |
Outer frame drainage structure of concentrator type solar cell module
An outer frame drainage structure of a concentrator type solar cell module, wherein, a drainage element having a predetermined height is disposed between a side board and a frame edge, hereby keeping a drainage slit between said side board and the corresponding frame edge, so that moisture will not remain inside the concentrator type solar cell module, thus the concentrator type solar cell module is able to operate in an optimal light-to-electricity conversion efficiency. In a structure mentioned above, a concave slit is formed through engaging and positioning an extended and bent positioning portion of the side board into a positioning slot of the frame edge, and the concave slit is linked to the drainage slit, thus facilitating exit of moisture and preventing intrusion of foreign objects effectively. |
| US08438796B2 |
Photovoltaic roofing elements including tie layer systems, and roofs using them, and methods for making them
The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising: an encapsulated photovoltaic element having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top layer material at its top surface and a bottom layer material at its bottom surface; a roofing substrate having a top surface; and a tie layer system disposed between the encapsulated photovoltaic element and the roofing substrate and joining the bottom surface of the encapsulated photovoltaic element to the top surface of the roofing substrate. |
| US08438793B2 |
Structural systems
A structural system for use in areas in which space is valuable. The structural system has the ability to transform from a first object or shape into a self-contained meeting center. The structural system may be used for interior and exterior applications. The structural system may also include a mobile, micro-climate controlled chair system. |
| US08438789B2 |
Energy efficient scuttle cover kits
Insulated scuttle covers configured for placement within a building scuttle opening are provided. The insulated scuttle cover includes a scuttle panel configured to cover the building scuttle opening and further configured to be supported when positioned within the building scuttle opening. An insulative assembly is attached to the scuttle panel. The insulative assembly includes insulation material encapsulated by a jacket. The insulated scuttle cover is configured to prevent or substantially retard the flow of air passing through the building scuttle opening. |
| US08438787B2 |
De-iced gutter debris preclusion system
The invention includes a substantially rigid body providing underlying support for a filter screen. The invention further includes at least one heating wire disposed adjacent to the body, which is formed of heat conductive material. The body is configured with multiple ribs extending up from a floor so that heat transfer from the body to the screen can occur in a variety of different locations to keep the screen sufficiently heated. The body also includes a wing for interfacing with roofing and openings to allow water filtering through the screen to migrate down into the gutter. A cover overlies a channel, which contains one or more of the heating wires. The system includes a flange attached to the body and extends into the gutter enhancing the heat transfer from the body to within the gutter to keep the water flowing in gutter. |
| US08438786B2 |
Flexible venue system
A flexible venue system includes a system that can be configured in multiple ways depending on the type of event being hosted. This system can be applied in whole or in part to telescopic seating platforms or similar structures which may include multiple usable tiers, movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and the potential for at least one partially retracted configuration. The system may include any or both of a program support system integrated into or assembled to the system prior to retraction; and vertically adjustable seating configurations for use with the platform systems. The present invention is intended to aid in venue changeover and reduce overall cost, instructions and labor required to do so. |
| US08438783B2 |
Opening mechanism for coplanar doors with combined movement
An opening mechanism (1) includes a longitudinal guide (3) fixed to the frame of a furniture unit and, for each door (2), a first slide (4) sliding along the longitudinal guide (3), a second slide (5) which carries the door (2) and which slides transversally on the first slide (4) from a retracted position to an extracted position and vice versa and return elements to bring the second slide (5) back to the retracted position. The second slide (5) is able to rotate with respect to the first slide (4) and presents a curved space (8) in which guide elements (7), integral with the first slide (4). The first slide (4) further includes holding elements (10), controlled by a control surface (51) situated in the longitudinal guide (3), able to lock the second slide (5) in the extracted position when the door (2) is open to prevent the second slide (5) from being brought back to the retracted position by the return elements. |
| US08438781B2 |
Vertical planting module
The invention includes a box, vertical and horizontal dividers, a plant-growth mat, and a mounting bar. The dividers are permanently linked to form an insert, which slides into insert grooves inside the box. Insert grooves have upper and lower rails. At the insert groove openings rail ends feature upward bends. The plant-growth mat is secured against the box inner-back by the insert which is prevented from sliding out by the upward bends of the lower rails. A support mount and a fastener on the back of the box and compatible groove surfaces on the mounting bar prevent box movement when mounted. The invention increases the rigidity of the dividers and reduces their deformability. It facilitates inserting the integrated dividers into the box with convenient insert grooves. The plant-growth mat can store water, prevent soil erosion, and provide aeration to plant roots. The mounting bar stabilizes the module for easy installation. |
| US08438780B1 |
Bouquet making apparatus and method
A bouquet making apparatus comprises a plurality of bouquet forms movably supported at spaced locations along a conveying device. Each bouquet form includes fixed upper and lower stem supports that hold bouquet elements, such as flowers, at an angle with respect to vertical. As each bouquet maker travels along the conveying device, workers spaced along the conveying device sequentially insert sets of flowers into upper and lower stem supports until each bouquet maker hold a final bouquet set. Each of the final bouquet sets are removed from the bouquet form and secured with a fastener, thereby forming a plurality of twisted stem-type bouquets having a substantially identical design appearance. |
| US08438777B2 |
Repeating live catch animal trap
A live catch animal trap has a trap floor positioned above an animal holding cage, a bait station positioned adjacent to the trap floor, and a mechanical trigger mechanism. The trap floor is rotatably moveable between a generally horizontal closed position and a downwardly inclined open position. The trap floor is normally biased toward its closed position by a return spring and/or its center of gravity location relative to its pivot point. The trigger mechanism is arranged to be tripped by an animal standing on the trap floor as the animal attempts to access the bait station. The trigger mechanism has a trip plate connected to a locking element that engages a spring-loaded latch on the trap floor. The trip plate and the locking element are arranged to automatically return the trigger mechanism to an untripped condition as the trap floor returns from its open position to its closed position. |
| US08438774B2 |
Pistol cocking assistive device
At least one cam lock and an opposing structure form a compression channel for receiving and engaging a pistol slide. When the pistol is moved in a certain direction through the compression channel, the one or more cam locks and opposing structure engage the pistol's slide and translate some of the forward motion force into a compressive force on the sides of the slide. At a point where the compressive force overcomes the force of the main spring of the pistol, the pistol frame driven by the user moves forward relative to the slide, thereby racking the slide of the pistol. |
| US08438770B2 |
Firearm handguard system
A firearm includes a receiver with a socket defined by a forwardly extending circumferential rim having an inner surface, a barrel extending from the socket of the receiver and terminating in a muzzle, and a cocking lever housing carried above the barrel. A partial tubular body is received over the barrel with a rearward end abutting the receiver at the forwardly extending circumferential rim. A clamp element is carried by the partial tubular body and is movable between a release position and an engaged position in which a clamp end of the clamp element frictionally engages the inner surface of the circumferential rim. |
| US08438767B2 |
Expanding projectile
An improved projectile having a penetrator and a body is disclosed. The penetrator is secured to the body. Upon impacting a target, the penetrator travels into the body and deforms the body. The body optionally has one or more portions, such as slots in the body, to promote deformation of the body upon the penetrator impacting the target. The body optionally has a bore extending at least partially therethrough that permits attachment of the penetrator at a second end of the body opposite the first end. |
| US08438765B2 |
Removable license plate protector
A removable license plate protector 10 has an outer impact plate 12, an impact bumper 14 and at least one permanent magnet 20. The impact plate 12 is the size of a license plate 22 or slightly greater. The impact bumper 14 is made of a resilient material permanently affixed to an inner surface of the impact plate 12. The at least one permanent magnet 20 is permanently affixed to an exterior surface of the impact bumper 14. The at least one permanent magnet 20 is positioned to attach magnetically to a metal license plate 22 thereby providing an easy attachment and detachment of the license plate protector 10 to the license plate 22. |
| US08438760B2 |
Mechanical attachment system and associated failure mechanism
An attachment system for connecting a first member such as a lip plate of a mechanical digging device to a second member such as a ground engaging tool. The first member has a lug attached thereto, and the second member has a recess which is located about the lug A stabilizing member is located within a slot in the recess. A clamping member is between the lug and the stabilizing member, and includes a resilient portion such as a compression spring. A compressive force supplied to the resilient portion restricts the movement of the second member relative to the lug. |
| US08438759B2 |
Vibration damping device and bucket for construction machine
A bucket for a construction machine including a side plate (11); a bottom plate (12), at least a portion of which is connected to the side plate (11); and a laminated plate (20) that is attached to an outside of the side plate (11). At least a part (16) of the portion where the side plate (11) and the bottom plate (12) are connected on an inside of the side plate (11) and the bottom plate (12) is reinforced. |
| US08438755B2 |
Laundry machine
A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam supply unit mounted in the machine body for generating steam, the steam supply unit being constructed to receive water for steam generation through the water inlet port exposed to the outside while the water inlet port communicates with one side of the machine body, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam supply unit into the drum. |
| US08438752B2 |
Yankee cylinder for paper producing machine
The steel-made Yankee cylinder includes a cylindrical shell (11) joined to two ends (13, 15), to which are fixed respective-support journals (3). The cylindrical shell (11) is joined to the ends through a circumferential weld formed between opposing surfaces of each end and of the cylindrical shell. |
| US08438751B2 |
Dryer with heat recovery and method of operation thereof
A dryer is provided having a drying chamber for items to be dried and a process air duct in which are located a heater for heating the process air, a blower for driving the process air from the heater through the drying chamber, and a heat exchanger arrangement. Via the heat exchanger arrangement, heat can be withdrawn from the process air flowing away from the drying chamber, and the process air flowing toward the heater can be fed to the heat exchanger. The process air duct is divided into a main duct and a secondary duct, the secondary duct having an evaporator in which condensate that was separated from the process air in the heat exchanger arrangement can be evaporated into the process air flowing therethrough and is connected to the exhaust opening. |
| US08438750B2 |
Dryer having a lint filter and a cleaning device
A dryer has a drying chamber to receive damp items and a process air duct to feed process air into and extract process air out of the drying chamber. The process air duct has a heat source and a heat sink to heat the process air before the process air enters the drying chamber and to cool the process air after the process air leaves the drying chamber, respectively. A cleaning device has an accumulator for a liquid; a rinsing line connected to the accumulator; a control organ in the rinsing line; a distributor connected to the rinsing line to distribute the liquid conveyed through the rinsing line on a lint filter and to receive the lint caught by the lint filter; and a drain line to drain the liquid with the received lint away from the lint filter and towards the accumulator. |
| US08438748B1 |
Caliper mounting accessories
Caliper mounts are provided that include a shallow channel for receiving a caliper scale bar, a retainer with a stepped cone washer positioned adjacent one side wall of the channel, and one or more shelves cantilevered over an opposite side wall of the channel. The shelves and retainer cooperate to retain the scale bar of a conventional sliding caliper in the channel. One caliper mount is formed as a rectangular miter slot base configured for insertion into the miter slot of a saw or router table. Another caliper mount is formed as cylindrical housing that incorporates a permanent disc magnet. Container shells and molded platforms adapted to mount a sliding caliper perpendicular to an elongated miter slot are also provided. |
| US08438746B2 |
Coordinate measuring machine
A coordinate measuring machine includes: a probe for measuring an object; a movement mechanism for moving the probe; and a motion controller for controlling the movement mechanism. The motion controller includes: a current value detecting unit that detects a current value for moving the probe by the movement mechanism; and a load judging unit that judges a status of a load applied on the movement mechanism based on the current value detected by the current value detecting unit and a threshold that is set in accordance with a target speed for moving the probe by the movement mechanism. The target speed is in proportion to the threshold. |
| US08438739B2 |
Scissors
A scissors includes a pair of scissors constitution bodies which have a cutting portion and a holding portion formed continuously from the cutting portion. The cutting portion has cutter blades formed on both sides in a width direction. The pair of scissors constitution bodies are rotatably joined by a shaft portion in a base end portion of the cutting portion. The pair of scissors constitution bodies cross and rotate in both directions through the shaft portion. The holding portion includes a handle portion mounted therein so as to be visually unrecognized from the outside, the handle portion projected only in one width direction. A slider provided in the holding portion is operated to form a handle portion. |
| US08438738B2 |
Safety folding knife
The present invention is to provide a safety folding knife comprising a blade having an end pivotally coupled to an end of a handle, such that the other end of the blade can be rotated out of or into the handle. The handle includes an elastic stop plate therein, which has an end fixed onto the handle and the other end tilted and extended towards a side of the blade. When the blade is turned fully out of the handle, the other end of the elastic stop plate can be abutted against the end of the blade so as to maintain the blade in a fully opened state, and a resisting block installed inside the handle then moves and firmly blocks the elastic stop plate to avoid the blade from being accidentally turned backward to the handle. |
| US08438731B2 |
Method of using step flange catch basin adaptor
A method of mounting a grate adapter unit beneath a stormwater collection grate includes steps of providing a grate adapter unit having a plurality of outwardly extending mounting flanges, each mounting flange being adapted to fit a different size commercially common stormwater collection grate. The grate adapter unit is trimmed, either at the factory, at the contractor's facilities or at the installation site, at the desired location to select a desired one of the mounting flanges that is appropriate for the collection grate to which the grate adapter is being fit. The grate adapter unit is then mounted beneath the stormwater collection grate using the selected mounting flange. A stormwater remediation unit may be pre-mounted to a lower end of the grate adapter unit or mounted to the lower end after installation. |
| US08438728B2 |
Flat tube, flat tube heat exchanger, and method of manufacturing same
A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins. |
| US08438727B2 |
Multilayer printed circuit board and multilayer printed circuit board manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board having interlayer insulating layers and conductor layers repeatedly formed on a substrate, via holes formed in the interlayer insulating layers, and establishing electrical connection through the via holes, including containing an electronic component in said substrate, forming a positioning mark on said substrate based on a positioning mark of said electronic component, and conducting working or formation based on the positioning mark of said substrate. |
| US08438726B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed circuit board
A resist film is formed on a conductor layer of a two-layered base material composed of a carrier layer and the conductor layer. Next, the resist film is exposed and developed, so that an etching resist pattern is formed. A region of the conductor layer that is exposed while not covered with the etching resist pattern is removed by etching. A conductor pattern is formed by removing the etching resist pattern. Then, an adhesive layer precursor is applied on an entire surface including an upper surface of the conductor pattern. The adhesive layer precursor is exposed and developed, so that an adhesive pattern is formed on the conductor pattern. After that, a base insulating layer is joined onto the conductor pattern with the adhesive pattern sandwiched therebetween. Finally, a carrier layer is separated from the conductor pattern, so that the FPC board is manufactured. |
| US08438723B2 |
Electromagnet battery handler
A device to transfer a tiny hearing aid battery to the battery compartment of a hearing aid. Pressure on a button at the top creates contact to a single AAA battery, thus energizing an electromagnet which then holds the hearing aid battery. When the pressure at the devices's top button is released, the AAA battery is turned off and the battery is released undisturbed in the hearing aid's battery compartment. |
| US08438719B2 |
Method for manufacturing antenna
Provided is a method for manufacturing an antenna which is minimized and used in a low frequency band. The method includes forming and preparing a radiator for an antenna, mounting the radiator inside a dam molding part including an upper dam molding part and a lower dam molding part, injecting a molding material into the dam molding part through an inlet provided at one side of the dam molding part, the molding material including a composite material with a controlled diameter and content, hardening the injected molding material, and separating the hardened molding material covering the radiator from the dam molding part. Accordingly, a miniaturized antenna can be provided, which can achieve a high integration density, prevent deformation of the radiator caused by external pressure generated in processes, and be used in a low frequency band by covering the radiator with a molding material having a high permittivity and a low-loss characteristic. |
| US08438718B2 |
Manufacturing method of combined sensor
A movable device of acceleration sensors and a vibration device of a gyroscope are formed on the same sensor wafer spaced apart from each other by a wall. A cap wafer having gaps corresponding to the movable mechanical components of the acceleration sensors and gyroscope is provided for the wafer and an adsorbent divided into a plurality of divisional portions is disposed in the gap for the gyroscope. After the sensor wafer and the cap wafer have been bonded together at a temperature of inactivation of the adsorbent and in an atmospheric pressure ambience of noble gas and activated gas, the adsorbent divisional portions are activated in sequence to adsorb the activated gas so as to adjust the pressure inside the gyroscope, thus manufacturing a combined sensor wafer. |
| US08438711B1 |
Tool and method for removing sweeper bristles from a railway track broom
Embodiments of a tool and method for removing sweeper bristles from a railway track broom are disclosed. An exemplary tool may include a tube member for insertion into a sweeper bristle gripped onto a nipple element, wherein two or more slits split a front portion of the tube member into flexible prongs each having outward-facing gripping elements near its tip. A plunger element, located inside the tube member, can be propelled forward into a front end of the tube member to cause the flexible prongs to substantially expand at least part of the front portion of the tube member, thereby loosening the sweeper bristle's grip on the nipple element. A hydraulic assembly coupling the plunger element to a hydraulic pressure source is controlled by a trigger mechanism to supply hydraulic pressure to propel the plunger element. |
| US08438706B2 |
Vacuum press fit zipper assembly
A vacuum press fit zipper assembly designed for watersports apparel and gear and other water related applications. Overmolding construction forms an effective seal around the entire perimeter of the fastener assembly, and a vacuum fit is created between the two mating portions of the zipper assembly. |
| US08438705B2 |
Double layer zipper with tadpole-shaped interlocking teeth
A double layer zipper includes two zipper tapes, each zipper tape having a seal strip covered on transverse top and bottom edges and one longitudinal side edge thereof and stitched with the associating interlocking series of teeth, and an interlocking series of teeth formed of a series of coils and respectively fastened to each of opposing top and bottom sides of each of the zipper tapes, each coil having a coil head and a coil body connected to the front side of the coil head, the coil body having a recessed face disposed adjacent to the associating coil head, two flank portions disposed at two opposite lateral sides of the recessed face and a neck connected between the recessed face and associating coil head so that each coil has a tadpole-shaped profile. |
| US08438701B2 |
Formed hybred floor glide
A furniture glide is provided that is mountable on the terminal end of a furniture leg having an outer surface. The furniture glide includes a cup having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cavity for receiving the furniture leg. Matted material is molded into the outer surface of the cup. |
| US08438693B2 |
Electric cleaner
A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body capable of standing and inclining, an electric blower accommodated in the cleaner body, a floor nozzle capable of cleaning a surface while the cleaner body inclines, a mode detector detecting whether the cleaner body stands or inclines, and a controller controlling a power supplied to the electric blower. The controller is operable to supply a first power the electric blower if the mode detector detects that the cleaner body inclines, and to supply a second power lower than the first power to the electric blower if the mode detector detects that the cleaner body stands. This vacuum cleaner prevents the electric blower from overheating. |
| US08438690B2 |
Cleaning tool and cleaning element holder
It is an object of the invention to provide an elongate cleaning element holder which contributes to a smoother cleaning operation, for a cleaning tool in which a cleaning element for cleaning an object to be cleaned is attached to the cleaning element holder. The representative cleaning element holder 120 includes a holding element 132 to be inserted into an insert region of the cleaning element. The holding element 132 has an inclined part 136 wherein a height of the inclined part 136 in a direction transverse to an extending direction of the holding element 132 gradually increases toward the connection. |
| US08438689B2 |
Brush and broom bristle
A broom having a head part to which a first and a second plurality of bristles are coupled. The second plurality of bristles preferably comprising a hooking member positioned at an end of the bristle opposite the head part, wherein the hooking member preferably forms a cap on the second end of the body. Alternatively, a bristle device having a plurality of bristles each with a hooking member at one end, wherein the bristle device is releasably couplable to bristles or a head part of a broom. In operation, as the plurality of bristles with hooking members sweep over the debris or material to be swept along a surface, the bristle with hooking members catch, hook or hold onto the debris being swept. The row of bristles with hooking members preferably form a hooking barrier that traps the material being swept making sweeping very easy and effective. |
| US08438686B2 |
Device for removing insects with disposable paper
A device to remove pests from a living area that includes a disposable piece of paper attached thereto. Includes a flat flexible paddle-like head and an elongated handle. Attached to the head is a paper holding clip for holding the disposable paper. The disposable paper has lightly tacky adhesive glue on one side. The paper holding clip is squeezable to retain or release the paper. Connected to the paper holding clip is a trigger on the elongated handle to open the paper holding clip, thereby releasing the paper. To utilize the present invention, a user opens the jaws of the paper holding clip. The jaws are clamped down onto the paper. A user touches the tacky side of the paper to the pest. thereby adhering the pest. Utilizing the trigger and opening the paper holding clip, the paper having the adhered pest is dropped harmlessly into the trash. |
| US08438685B2 |
Floor treatment apparatus
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface. |
| US08438683B1 |
Sliding fold out ramp
A ramp assembly is suitable for use in a vehicle to provide a transition surface from the vehicle floor to an alighting surface. The ramp assembly includes an inner panel fixedly associated with the vehicle floor and ramp support slidingly associated with the inner panel. The ramp support is reciprocal between (1) a retracted position when the ramp assembly is in a stowed position and (2) an extended position when the ramp assembly is in a deployed position. A ramp portion is rotatably coupled at a first end to a first end of the ramp support. An intermediate panel is coupled to the ramp support and extends from the inner panel to the ramp portion when the ramp assembly is in the deployed position. When the ramp assembly is in the stowed position, the ramp portion extends inwardly from the first end of the ramp support. |
| US08438680B2 |
Hospital beds with four corner braking
A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame. |
| US08438679B2 |
Bedding system and the like having orientation means
An article for use on a mattress includes a bedding article and means for orienting the bedding article on a mattress. The means for orienting the bedding article on a mattress may be hidden from view when the bedding article is installed on a mattress. The means for orienting the bedding article on a mattress may be one or more of color contrasting sections, indicia, labels, or stitching. The bedding article has two sides, a top end, a bottom, an opening for seating around the bed, an edge around the opening, and four corners, with two corners being at the top end and two corners being at the bottom end. An article for use as a cover for an underlying item is also disclosed, with the article including a cover article and means for orienting the cover article on an underlying item. |
| US08438676B2 |
Seating unit convertible to bed
A seating unit containing a foldable bed includes: a seating unit frame having a pair of opposed arms; a housing including a storage cavity, the housing fixed to the arms of the seating unit frame; a seat section; an intermediate section; a head section; and a mechanism having pivotally interconnected links, the mechanism interconnecting the base with the head, intermediate and seat sections. The mechanism controls the movement of the head, intermediate and seat sections between a folded position, in which the head, intermediate and seat sections are positioned in vertically stacked relationship, with the head section below the intermediate section and the seat section above the intermediate section, the head and intermediate sections being positioned in the cavity of the housing, and the head and intermediate sections being generally horizontally disposed and the seat section having a pitch angle of between about 1 and 7 degrees to horizontal, and an unfolded position, in which the head, intermediate and seat sections are horizontally disposed and serially aligned to form a sleeping surface. |
| US08438675B2 |
Devices and methods for body elevation
Devices and methods are presented for elevating seat devices. The device allows a vertical and forward motion of a seat from a first position to a second position. Such motion more resembles a natural body motion during the standing motion. A similar but converse motion is also possible with movement from a standing position to a sitting position. |
| US08438674B1 |
Dishwashing pan
A dish washing pan constructed of a housing having a bottom and multiple sidewalls integrally formed with the bottom to provide a washing chamber, a plurality of legs attached at the underside of the housing bottom to support the bottom over a sink surface and a plurality of holes provided in each of the sidewalls at a location spaced downwardly from a top rim of the sidewall. The plurality of holes is disposed closer to the top rim than the bottom of the housing. An outlet is provided in one of the sidewalls that can be closed to retain water in the washing chamber or opened to enable the water to be discharged from the washing chamber. The outlet is disposed closer to the bottom of the housing than the top rim. |
| US08438671B2 |
Automated pool-deck lid lift system for below deck pool cover housing troughs
The present invention relates to a system for sequentially supporting, opening and closing a pool-deck lid covering below-deck troughs housing coordinated with the operation of powered pool cover systems housed in the troughs. In certain embodiments the system comprises in combination: a front, longitudinal seating structure, an upwardly movably, cantilever bracket structure, hydraulic/pneumatic means, and a hydraulic/pneumatic actuation control means. |
| US08438670B2 |
High performance siphonic toilet capable of operation at multiple flush volumes
A gravity flush toilet system is provides that includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl and a tank, wherein the bowl includes a trapway extending from the bottom of the toilet bowl to a sewage line. The toilet system is capable of operating at multiple flush volumes without loss of siphonic function or significant change in the surface area of the water in the bowl. The multiple flush volumes allow the user to select appropriate water usages for the required waste removal without diminishing the performance of the toilet, resulting in significant water savings. |
| US08438669B2 |
Apparel incorporating a protective element
Protective components may include a plate element and a cushioning element that are secured together with a hook-and-loop fastening system. The cushioning element may include a pair of material layers and a plurality of pads located between the material layers. The plate element may include a polymer material and the pads may include a polymer foam material, with the polymer material of the plate element having greater rigidity and density than the polymer foam material of the pads. |
| US08438668B2 |
Occipital stabilization strap for helmets
A stabilization strap apparatus for a helmet having a shell with at least one chin strap having a left section and a right section connected to the shell, includes an adjusting assembly shaped to fit a rear occipital portion of a wearer's cranium; and a left occipital strap section and a right occipital strap section, each strap section having a first end securable respectively to the left section and the right section of the at least one chin strap, downwardly of and spaced-apart from the casket shell and a second end slidably attached to the adjusting assembly. |
| US08438666B2 |
Ear warmer with adjustability
An ear warmer includes a frame with a first band and a second band coupled to the frame. The first band includes a first ear portion coupled thereto. The second band includes a second ear portion coupled thereto. The first band and the second band can be adjusted relative to each other to adjust the overall length of the band and the distance between the first ear portion and the second ear portion. |
| US08438665B2 |
Hooded garment with adjustable hood side portions and method of adjusting the same
A garment includes a hood that can be adjusted by its wearer. The hood has opposite side portions and a face opening. The wearer can use the hood's drawstring to scrunch the face opening around the wearer's face with the side portions of the hood covering the wearer's ears. The wearer can also adjust the hood of the garment by folding the side portions of the hood back over a portion of the remainder of the hood in a manner such that the wearer's ears are exposed. |
| US08438664B2 |
Rapid intervention rescue harness
Rescue harness devices are designed for incorporation into protective coats of firefighter or other types of first responders such that when deployed, the rescue harness forms a closed loop that cinches around an upper torso region under the armpits of an individual donning the protective coat, to thereby positively secure the individual and pull directly on the individual's body. |
| US08438662B2 |
Face protector lens assembly and method of use
A lens assembly for securing in an opening in a face plate of a face protector has a first, retainer lens of shape and dimensions configured to be secured in the front opening of a face plate and having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the face plate. A second lens of smaller dimensions is secured behind the first lens to provide a lens-in-a-lens configuration. The second lens extends across a wearer's eyes when the face protector is worn and the first lens has side portions which extend around at least part of the opposite sides of the face to provide peripheral vision. The lens assembly may be releasably secured in the face plate opening and one or both lenses may be interchangeable with sets of lenses having different properties such as lens shade. |
| US08443460B2 |
Method and structure for characterising an atomic force microscopy tip
A method for characterizing an atomic force microscopy tip using a characterization structure having two inclined sidewalls opposite one another and of which at least one actual lateral distance separating the two inclined sidewalls corresponding to a given height is known, the method including scanning the surfaces of the inclined sidewalls by the tip, the scanning being carried out while the tip oscillates solely vertically; measuring, for the given height, the lateral distance separating the two inclined sidewalls, the measurement incorporating the convolution of the shape of the tip with the shape of the characterization structure; and determining a characteristic dimension of the tip as a function of the measured lateral distance, and of the actual lateral distance. |
| US08443456B2 |
Providing multiple layers of security to file storage by an external storage provider
A method that may include detecting, by a processor of a computing device, a network communication regarding transmission of a file to an external storage provider. The method may include causing encryption of the file to obtain an encrypted file, and associating authorization information with the encrypted file. The authorization information may include one or more restrictions on access to the encrypted file. The method may include transmitting the encrypted file to the external storage provider, and intercepting a request for access to the file. The method may include identifying requestor information regarding a requestor associated with the request, and determining, using the requestor information and a portion of the authorization information, that the requestor is authorized to access the encrypted file. The method may include causing decryption of the encrypted file to obtain the original file, and providing, to the requestor, by the processor, access to the original file. |
| US08443454B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing illegal reuse of digital right management content in portable terminal
A method and apparatus for preventing illegal reuse of Digital Right Management (DRM) content in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes performing user authentication when there is an attempt to restore a Right Object (RO) backup file, and identifying information on the RO backup file to be pre-restored in a terminal, and determining if the RO backup file can be restored according to the identified information. |
| US08443450B1 |
Operation of a dual instruction pipe virus co-processor
Circuits and methods are provided for detecting, identifying and/or removing undesired content. According to one embodiment, a method for virus processing content objects is provided. A type associated with a content object is determined. Based on the type, a subset of instructions is read from a virus signature memory containing intermixed op-codes of a first instruction type associated with primitive instructions and of a second instruction type associated with Content Pattern Recognition (CPR) instructions. Then, instructions of the first instruction type are assigned for execution to a primitive instruction pipe of a virus co-processor and instructions of the second instruction type are assigned for execution to a CPR instruction pipe of the virus co-processor. An instruction is executed by the CPR instruction pipe, including accessing a portion of the content object from a system memory and comparing the portion of the content object against a string associated with the instruction. |
| US08443445B1 |
Risk-aware scanning of objects
Scanning is disclosed. A system is monitored to detect object events. A risk level is determined for an object event, and a scan is scheduled for an object associated with the object event according to the risk level. The risk level may be based on the risk level of the object type, and on the risk level of the operation. An immediate on access scan may be scheduled for a first risk range, a differential scan may be scheduled for a second risk range, and an incremental scan may be scheduled for a third risk range. The scheduled scan is performed. |
| US08443441B2 |
System and methods for detecting malicious email transmission
A system and methods of detecting an occurrence of a violation of an email security policy of a computer system. A model relating to the transmission of prior emails through the computer system is defined which is derived from statistics relating to the prior emails. For selected emails to be analyzed, statistics concerning the selected email are gathered. Such statistics may refer to the behavior or other features of the selected emails, attachments to emails, or email accounts. The determination of whether a violation of an email security policy has occurred is performed by applying the model of prior email transmission to the statistics relating to the selected email. The model may be statistical or probabilistic. A model of prior email transmission may include grouping email recipients into cliques. A determination of a violation of a security policy may occur if email recipients for a particular email are in more than one clique. |
| US08443440B2 |
System and method for intelligent coordination of host and guest intrusion prevention in virtualized environment
A distributed and coordinated security system providing intrusion-detection and intrusion-prevention for the virtual machines (VMs) in a virtual server is described. The virtualization platform of the virtual server is enhanced with networking drivers that provide a “fast path” firewall function for pre-configured guest VMs that already have dedicated deep packet inspection security agents installed. A separate security VM is deployed to provide virtual security agents providing deep packet inspection for non pre-configured guest VMs. The network drivers are then configured to intercept the data traffic of these guest VMs and route it through their corresponding virtual security agents, thus providing a “slow-path” for intrusion detection and prevention. |
| US08443436B1 |
Systems and methods for diverting children from restricted computing activities
A computer-implemented method for diverting children from restricted computing activities. The method may include maintaining a list of safe computing activities, maintaining a list of restricted computing activities, and detecting a child's attempt to perform a restricted computing activity identified in the list of restricted computing activities. The method may also include selecting a safe computing activity from the list of safe computing activities. The method may further include, in response to the child's attempt to perform the restricted computing activity, blocking the restricted computing activity and initializing the safe computing activity selected from the list of safe computing activities. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08443434B1 |
High availability security device
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for processing a first plurality of packets using one or more processors and maintaining one or more flow records associated with the first plurality of packets, and processing a second plurality of packets without maintaining flow records associated with the second plurality of packets and allowing the second plurality of packets to pass to one or more destinations. |
| US08443431B2 |
Authenticator relocation method for WiMAX system
A method is provided for Authenticator Relocation in a communication system applying an Extensible Authentication Protocol, or the like, which provides replay protection and mitigates the rogue ASN-GW problem during relocation of the Anchor Authentication, and without conducting re-authentication of the MS. The method of the invention optionally allows secure refresh of the MSK. |
| US08443427B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling access to a network resource
According to one aspect, there is provided a method of controlling access to a network resource. The method comprises receiving a request to grant a user access to the network resource, the request including a user identifier, determining whether the received user identifier is stored in a local user data store associated with the resource, and where it is not so determined determining, from user details stored in a master user data store, whether the user is authorized to access the resource, and where it is so determined obtaining a password, and storing the obtained password and user details in the local data store associated with the network resource. |
| US08443425B1 |
Remotely authenticating using a mobile device
In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for authenticating using a mobile device of a user. The method involves receiving a request for access to a secure resource and requesting credentials for accessing the secure resource from the user. The method further involves receiving a request to obtain the credentials from the mobile device, where the mobile device includes a mobile device user interface and a credential interface, and requesting the credentials from the mobile device. The method still further involves, in response to the credential interface authenticating the user on the mobile device using input received from the mobile device user interface, receiving the credentials from the mobile device. The method further involves determining that the user is authorized to access the secure resource based on the credentials and providing the user with access to the secure resource. |
| US08443424B2 |
Method and system for reducing the proliferation of electronic messages
A method and system for reducing the proliferation of electronic messages is disclosed. An electronic message or a portion thereof is transmitted by the server system. A spam notification signal may be received related to the electronic message or the portion thereof. Access to said electronic message is restricted solely in response to receiving the spam notification signal. |
| US08443423B2 |
Secure information processing
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive from a requesting device, at a memory device, a request to access a memory domain associated with the memory device, and to deny, by the memory device, the request if the memory domain comprises any part of a secure domain, and the requesting device has not asserted a secure transfer indication. Additional operations may include granting the request if the memory domain comprises some part of the secure domain and the requesting device has asserted the secure transfer signal, or if the memory domain comprises only a non-secure domain. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08443421B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing communication of stand-alone software
The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus for implementing communication of stand-alone software applications. In one aspect, a method for implementing communication of stand-along software applications comprises: establishing an instant communication connection between a first user device and a second user device by a first instant communication client on the first user device and a second instant communication client on the second user device, the first user device and the second user device being remote from each other; and communicating, by a first stand-alone software application on the first user device, with a second stand-alone software application on the second user device via the instant communication connection. |
| US08443420B2 |
System for communicating with a mobile device server
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium operating in a mobile device server that has computer instructions to execute a web server application at the mobile device server. The web server application can be operable to detect a media resource center while roaming in a communication zone of the media resource center and to transmit a pairing key to the media resource center responsive to acquiring communication access to the communication zone. The web server application can be further operable to receive from the media resource center an indication that a roaming charge will be applied to a subscriber account associated with the mobile device responsive to the media resource center identifying from the pairing key that the mobile device server is a guest device. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08443415B2 |
System and method of supporting transport and playback of signals
A method and system of supporting transport and playback of signals, such as audio, video, and data signals. A reference model configured to support transport of signals according to a baseline, extended mode (1), and extended mode (2) architecture, and a subscriber video device (SVD) configured to support playback of the signals transported according to any of the architectures. |
| US08443412B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and data processing method
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A time zone identifier is inserted into program table information of a broadcasting signal and the broadcasting signal is transmitted/received. The digital broadcasting system can calculate a local time of a region, in which the digital broadcasting system is located, using the time zone identifier. Accordingly, although the position of the digital broadcasting system is changed, it is possible to process the broadcasting signal related to the local time without an error. |
| US08443410B2 |
Method and a user equipment for reserving bandwidth
At a user equipment a conditional bandwidth renegotiation method is provided for managing bandwidth renegotiations when the user equipment is engaged in an IPTV session with an IPTV network and a channel switch has been requested. When it is determined that the requested channel requires less bandwidth than the presently selected channel, a conditional bandwidth re-negotiation process is initiated wherein, upon having switched to the requested channel, a timer is started. If, a timeout of the pending timer is recognized prior to another channel switch request, a band-width re-negotiation procedure is initiated, while no bandwidth re-negotiation is to be executed if another channel switch request is recognized prior to timeout of the pending timer. |
| US08443409B2 |
System and method for channel selection for local broadcasting
A video controller selects a channel for premises broadcasting to a premises television based on a fast scan of signal strength in channels available over a premises media. The signal strength of certain filtered channel frequencies can be evaluated to determine if a channel is occupied. Unoccupied channels can be ranked in relation to nearby occupied or unoccupied channels. The nearby channels may be ranked in terms of the signal strength content in relation to the channel being evaluated. The video controller can select an unoccupied channel with an optimal ranking to permit premises broadcasting with reduced interference or conflict with other channels. |
| US08443408B2 |
Method and system for managing bandwidth
A bandwidth management system, receiver, and method of managing bandwidth in a content delivery system are described. In one embodiment, the method includes: identifying two or more content items which are associated with at least some common content and which are temporally related; determining a relative priority of the least some of the identified content items; and allowing a receiver requesting the content associated with a lower priority content item to access a multicast associated with a higher priority content item. |
| US08443406B2 |
Ethernet over coaxial coupling system, method and apparatus
A device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller to provide low loss connectivity to a plurality of coaxial ports over a broadband range of frequencies in a coaxial network providing Ethernet networking, detune secondary coaxial splitters in the coaxial network that reduces an output-to-output isolation loss among secondary coaxial splitter output ports, and enable re-distribution of modulated radio frequency video signals from a point on the coaxial network to any alternative point on the coaxial network. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08443405B2 |
Broadcasting service system using mobile communication terminal
According to an embodiment of the present Invention, an apparatus includes an audio video contents receiver configured to receive signals and information, a digital signal processor configured to perform demodulating, demultiplexing and decoding of digital video and audio data, and to provide output data, a storage configured to receive and temporarily store the output data from the digital signal processor, a format converter configured to receive the output data from the storage, to perform protocol conversion on the output data, and to provide format-converted output data, and a signal outputter configured to receive the format-converted output data from the format converter, and to control an encoding rate and a transmission rate of the format-converted output data to be outputted to a mobile device that is compatible with a mobile telecommunications network. |
| US08443403B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing voice mail services
Methods and apparatus for retrieving and providing voice mail messages from a server are described. In accordance with the invention voice mail messages may be retrieved via requests made via a set top box. Voice mail messages are retrieved in response to the request from a voice mail server which is also accessible via the telephone network. Retrieved voice mail is transcoded and included in a video on demand (VOD) file. Text, call ID information and/or other information as, e.g., an automatically generated transcript of the voice mail message, may be included in the VOD file. The VOD file is supplied to a VOD server which provides the file including the message to the set top box for display. A user can view the messages and switch from viewing one message to the next by using video play back commands. |
| US08443398B2 |
Architecture for delivery of video content responsive to remote interaction
Systems and methods pertaining to a client-server architecture for communicating video frames across a network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a first engine residing on a first device, with the first engine adapted to encode a succession of video frames of a user interface of a program for transmission across the network. The encoding of the video frames is based on one or more feedback parameters and includes video compression techniques. In the same embodiment, the system includes a first command process engine operatively coupled to the program. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second engine residing on a second device, the second engine adapted to decode the succession of video frames after transmission across the network. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second command process engine operatively coupled to the first command process engine and adapted to communicate user input of the second device to the program via the first command process engine. |
| US08443392B2 |
Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT. |
| US08443390B2 |
Enhanced method and apparatus for enhancing support for service delivery
A service distribution system supports creation of a personalized and virtual service broadcast that can be selectively clipped and cached based on content descriptors of popularity, freshness, etc. A method for selectively receiving broadcast of one or more content items associated with a service to provide a unicast or multicast user experience is described. The method may comprise: detecting a characteristic of a service, or detecting a characteristic of one or more content items, wherein the one or more content items are associated with the service, and wherein the characteristic is generated by a mobile operator and pertains to an objective measure of current user interest, selectively receiving by broadcast, to the mobile device, one or more content items associated with the service based on the characteristic, and storing the one or more content items associated with the service for access through a user interface of the mobile device. |
| US08443386B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program and information processing system
An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a content information acquisition unit that acquires content related information related to content data managed by a content management server from the content management server managing the content data, a selection unit that selects content from a content list which is a list of the content based on the content related information, and an externally connected device control unit that notifies, when the selected content is executed by an externally connected device connected externally, the externally connected device of location information of content data corresponding to the selected content and acquires reproduction state information representing a reproduction state of content when the externally connected device reproduces the selected content from the externally connected device. |
| US08443384B2 |
Systems and methods for targeted advertising
Methods of generating recommendations may include obtaining social network data from one or more network resources. Word relationships may be created between selected words in the social network data to produce relationship data. Advertisement or other asset recommendations may be generated for a target user by analyzing browse information of the target user to identify one or more words. Other words in the relationship data may be identified that are related to the words in the target user's browse information. One or more advertisements may be identified having at least one keyword that corresponds to the other words. At least a portion of these advertisements may be selected from a data repository to provide to the target user. |
| US08443383B2 |
Use of messages in program signal streams by set-top terminals
Methods of operating a communications system comprise inserting advertising in a program stream by a receiving device based, at least in part, on an embed, encrypted segmentation message embedded in the program stream. The at least one segmentation message defines an expanse of the program stream to receive the advertising. At least one embedded decoy message is included in the program stream, as well. The receiving device, which may be a set-top terminal, for example, is coupled to a display device, such as a television, at a user location. A method of operating a receiving device coupled to a display device at a user location is also disclosed, comprising programming the receiving device to record a program and recording the program based, at least in part, on at least one segmentation message in a program stream. Systems are disclosed, as well. |
| US08443382B2 |
Access controls for multimedia systems
A media client stores separate account settings for multiple user accounts, where each of the separate user accounts includes access time limits for use of devices associated with the media client. The media client also receives a login request for one of the user accounts, and retrieves, based on account settings for the active account, interactive content for the active account. The media client presents to a user of the active account the interactive content and receives user input responding to the interactive content. The media client adjusts the access time limits for the devices, based on the user input and the account settings for the active account, and monitors usage time of the devices by the user of the active account. The media client blocks access to one of the devices when a monitored usage time exceeds the adjusted access time limit for the corresponding device. |
| US08443381B2 |
API evaluation system in embedded device
An API evaluation system which includes: a test procedure description device in which an API execution procedure is described; a virtual API device for issuing a command to call the API and acquiring a return value by supplying the API of a target device to the test procedure description device; a script execution device for performing script interpret; a command transmission device for transmitting the command to the target device; and a log reception device for receiving a result log obtained after the API execution from the target device. A user program installed on the target device is controlled and verified on per-API basis. |
| US08443378B2 |
Method and apparatus for associating rules with messages and using the rules for message processing
A method and apparatus for using rules in a distributed computing system. A message is generated. One or more rules are associated with the message, each of the one or more rules pertaining to an action to be performed. The message is sent to a destination with the associated rules. |
| US08443376B2 |
Hypervisor scheduler
Techniques for configuring a hypervisor scheduler to make use of cache topology of processors and physical memory distances between NUMA nodes when making scheduling decisions. In the same or other embodiments the hypervisor scheduler can be configured to optimize the scheduling of latency sensitive workloads. In the same or other embodiments a hypervisor can be configured to expose a virtual cache topology to a guest operating system running in a virtual machine. |
| US08443370B2 |
Method of assigning resources to fulfill a service request by a programming model abstraction layer at a data center based at least in part on a reference of the requested resource class indicative of an abstract amount of resources
An exemplary method includes hosting a service at a data center, the service relying on at least one software component developed according to a programming model and the data center comprising a corresponding programming model abstraction layer that abstracts resources of the data center; receiving a request for the service; and in response to the request, assigning at least some of the resources of the data center to the service to allow for fulfilling the request wherein the programming model abstraction layer performs the assigning based in part on reference to a resource class in the at least one software component, the resource class modifiable to account for changes in one or more resources of the data center. Various other devices, systems and methods are also described. |
| US08443369B1 |
Method and system for dynamically selecting a best resource from each resource collection based on resources dependencies, prior selections and statistics to implement an allocation policy
Systems, methods, and computer readable medium for optimizing storage allocations based on system resources are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for dynamic, policy-based allocation of system resources. The method includes specifying a plurality of system resource collections for representing sets of like system resources and their dependencies. An order in which the collections are to be evaluated during selection of a resource is also specified. A policy for determining the best resource within each collection is also specified. Statistics about the system resources in the collections are maintained. A request for a resource is received. In response to receiving the request, the collections are evaluated in the specified order. The best resource is selected from each collection based on the dependencies, prior selections, and statistics to implement the policy. |
| US08443366B1 |
Techniques for establishing a parallel processing framework for a multi-tenant on-demand database system
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided techniques for establishing a parallel processing framework in a multi-tenant on-demand database system. These techniques for establishing a parallel processing framework in a multi-tenant on-demand database system may enable embodiments to provide great flexibility to a tenant of the architecture to perform desired functions on content of the database without unduly consuming the resources of the system. |
| US08443355B2 |
Life cycle management system for intelligent electronic devices
This invention relates to the Life Cycle Management System for distributed Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED) starting from the design phase to the end of service phase. Hence, it caters to the needs from installation via engineering, installation/commissioning phases, until asset management and remote service support of the devices during the operational phase The increasing decentralization of the involved components via networks, especially via the Internet, is a key criterion and needs to be addressed by the life cycle management. The added value for the customer grows disproportionately with the degree of integration of multiple independent software components into a complex and often highly distributed control system. The architecture of today's control systems must be sufficiently flexible to allow customers to regard their plant components from various locations. Additionally, the stability, security and maintainability of such a system is strongly dependent on the homogeneity and interoperability of all involved components. |
| US08443352B2 |
Processing strings based on whether the strings are short strings or long strings
The specification of a string within source code written in a programming language is received. The source code is processed for ultimate execution of a computer program encompassing the source code, by at least performing the following. It is determined whether the string specified is a short string or a long string. The string is processed in accordance with a first manner where the string is a short string. The string is processed in accordance with a second manner where the string is a long string. |
| US08443350B2 |
System and method for scaling simulations and games
A system and method for modeling simulation and game artificial intelligence as a data management problem are described. A scripting language provides game designers and players with a data-driven artificial intelligence scheme for customizing behavior for individual agents. Query processing and indexing techniques efficiently execute large numbers of agent scripts, thus providing a framework for games with a large number of agents. |
| US08443348B2 |
Application program interface of a parallel-processing computer system that supports multiple programming languages
A runtime system implemented in accordance with the present invention provides an application platform for parallel-processing computer systems. Such a runtime system enables users to leverage the computational power of parallel-processing computer systems to accelerate/optimize numeric and array-intensive computations in their application programs. This enables greatly increased performance of high-performance computing (HPC) applications. |
| US08443347B2 |
Translating declarative models
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for translating declarative models. Embodiments of the present invention facilitate processing declarative models to perform various operations on applications, such as, for example, application deployment, application updates, application control such as start and stop, application monitoring by instrumenting the applications to emit events, and so on. Declarative models of applications are processed and realized onto a target environment, after which they can be executed, controlled, and monitored. |
| US08443343B2 |
Context-sensitive slicing for dynamically parallelizing binary programs
In one embodiment of the invention a method comprising (1) receiving an unstructured binary code region that is single-threaded; (2) determining a slice criterion for the region; (3) determining a call edge, a return edge, and a fallthrough pseudo-edge for the region based on analysis of the region at a binary level; and (4) determining a context-sensitive slice based on the call edge, the return edge, the fallthrough pseudo-edge, and the slice criterion. Embodiments of the invention may include a program analysis technique that can be used to provide context-sensitive slicing of binary programs for slicing hot regions identified at runtime, with few underlying assumptions about the program from which the binary is derived. Also, in an embodiment a slicing method may include determining a context-insensitive slice, when a time limit is met, by determining the context-insensitive slice while treating call edges as a normal control flow edges. |
| US08443342B2 |
Static analysis using interactive and integration tools
Systems, methods, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that facilitate static software program analysis using an interactive tool and/or a disassembly integration tool are provided. An interactive tool enables a user to view alternative error paths in association with an error such that the user can identify any valid errors within program code. A disassembly integration tool provides source code that is interleaved with an intermediate representation of such source code. |
| US08443339B2 |
Method and/or system for transforming between trees and strings
Embodiments of articles, apparatuses, devices and/or systems for manipulating hierarchical sets of data are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a method of transforming one or more trees to one or more corresponding symbol strings according to an association of trees and symbol strings is disclosed. In another embodiment, as another example, a method of transforming between at least a first and at least a second expression is disclosed in which the expressions have a common view that is other than one. Additional embodiments are also described. |
| US08443338B2 |
Logical extensions to intermediate code
An assembly aggregate comprising a virtual, logical view of an arbitrarily defined collection of intermediate code and metadata can be authored, factored, accessed, modified, and distributed. Multiple physical containers of assembly information can be aggregated to create a single logical assembly called an assembly aggregate. An assembly can thus be redefined as a logical view against (or projection over) the assembly aggregate. Such an assembly can be targeted to the requester: that is, an assembly can be redefined according to tool and/or execution context rather than conforming to explicit or implicit requirements enforced by the runtime. |
| US08443337B2 |
Methodology and tools for tabled-based protocol specification and model generation
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for associating and storing a code fragment for each cell of a table for a protocol specification in a semantic mapping corresponding to the table, and automatically generating a formal model for the protocol specification using the table and the semantic mapping. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08443333B2 |
Computer product, apparatus, and method for supporting design
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a design supporting program causes a computer to perform: acquiring non-complying line lengths of a plurality of wiring paths; drawing for each of the wiring paths a wiring pattern connecting a transmission origin and a transmission destination based on a line length and a wiring route of the wiring path; and controlling the drawing to draw a line for each of the wiring paths, the line being divided into a first line amounting to a non-complying line length acquired at the acquiring and a second line being a wiring pass less the non-complying line length. |
| US08443332B2 |
Program calling system and method
A program calling system includes a memory, an interface establishing unit, a detecting unit, and a calling unit. The memory stores functions for PCB layout design. Each function corresponds to a path and a name, and can be accessed via the corresponding path and name. The interface establishing unit establishes a user interface. The user interface includes a first area for displaying the names of the functions. A one to one relationship exists between the names and the paths of the functions. The detecting unit detects whether a calling signal is generated, and obtains a name of a to-be-called function when the calling signal is generated. The calling unit responds to the calling signal to obtain a path of the to-be-called function according to the name of the to-be-called function and the one to one relationship, and call the to-be-called function according to the obtained path and name. |
| US08443331B2 |
Synchronizing TAP controller after power is restored
A system includes multiple TAP controllers that can be independently powered up and down. When a first TAP controller is powered up from a powered-down state while a second TAP controller is already in a powered-up state, the first TAP controller is reset causing the first TAP controller to enter a reset state in response to the power-up of a module on which the first TAP controller is disposed. The first TAP controller enters an idle state and its control signal is gated to hold the first TAP controller in the idle state until the second TAP controller enters the idle state. Subsequently, the first TAP controller is released such that the control signal supplied to the first and second TAP controllers are equal, thereby synchronizing the first TAP controller and the second TAP controller. |
| US08443330B2 |
Methods and systems for measuring and reducing clock skew using a clock distribution network
A technique for a delay measurement system to measure the skews in a clock distribution network is presented. It uses the principle of sub-sampling to measure and amplify small clock skews and determine an estimate of clock skew by further manipulation if these sampled measurements. The technique can be applied to measure clock skew on a computer chip, between bit-line of a communication bus, or between elements connected by an electronic or optical interconnect. |
| US08443326B1 |
Scan chain re-ordering in electronic circuit design based on region congestion in layout plan
A method for reordering scan chain segments of scan chains in an electronic circuit design includes identifying congestion areas on a congestion map. A routing preference for each congestion area is determined. Scan cells associated with each congestion area are formed into the scan chain segments and then the scan chain segments are re-ordered based on the routing preference of the corresponding congestion area. |
| US08443325B1 |
Method and apparatus for utilizing constraints for the routing of a design on a programmable logic device
A method for designing a system on a programmable logic device (PLD) is disclosed. Routing resources are selected for a user specified signal on the PLD in response to user specified routing constraints. Routing resources are selected for a non-user specified signal on the PLD without utilizing the user specified routing constraints. |
| US08443323B1 |
Method and system for implementing a structure to implement I/O rings and die area estimations
Disclosed are improved methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing an I/O ring structure to generate an I/O ring arrangement for an electronic design, and for performing chip planning and estimation based upon the I/O ring arrangement. Nodes in the I/O ring structure are used to track objects in the I/O ring. |
| US08443320B2 |
Extracting methods for circuit models
The present invention relates to an extracting method for a circuit model, configured to represent output driving capability and an input capacitor of an interface pin of an application circuit. The extracting method comprises: receiving a netlist describing a circuit structure of the application circuit, which comprises a plurality of transistors; selecting an interface pin of the application circuit in the netlist; selecting a bias pin of the application circuit in the netlist; selecting at least one path between the interface pin and the bias pin in the netlist; and obtaining sum of equivalent width/length ratios according to the width/length ratios of all first transistors coupled to the at least one path. |
| US08443318B2 |
Method for modeling a magnetic tunnel junction with spin-polarized current writing
The junction comprising a stack of at least two magnetic layers, a first layer, for example a soft magnetic layer with controllable magnetization, and a second layer, for example a hard magnetic layer with fixed magnetization, the magnetization of the soft layer being described by a uniform magnetic moment, the dynamic behavior of the junction being modeled by an equivalent electrical circuit comprising at least two coupled parts: a first part representing the stack of the layers, through which a current flows corresponding to the polarized current flowing through said layers whose resistance across its terminals depends on three voltages representing the three dimensions of the magnetic moment along three axes, modeling the tunnel effect; a second part representing the behavior of the magnetic moment, comprising three circuits each representing a dimension of the magnetic moment by the three voltages, each of the three voltages depending on the voltages in the other dimensions and on the voltage across the terminals of the stack, modeling the torque effect exerted by the polarized current on the magnetization of the soft layer. |
| US08443316B1 |
Accelerating coverage convergence and debug using symbolic properties and local multi-path analysis
In a method for increasing coverage convergence during verification of a design for an IC, symbolic elements can be generated for the variables and the variable expressions in the hardware code of the design and a test bench. Simulation semantics can be modified and local multi-path analysis can be provided to expand symbolic property collection and symbolic element propagation. Modifying simulation semantics can include transformation of conditional statements, flattening of conditions, avoidance of short circuiting logic, and/or symbolic triggering of events. Symbolic elements are propagated through the design and the test bench during multiple simulation runs to collect symbolic properties. Coverage information from the multiple simulation runs is analyzed to identify coverage points to be targeted. For each identified coverage point, the constraints resulting from the collected symbolic properties are solved to generate directed stimuli for the design. These directed stimuli increase the coverage convergence. |
| US08443314B1 |
Abstraction level-preserving conversion of flip-flop-inferred hardware description language (HDL) to instantiated HDL
A logic design and synthesis program, method and system provides intelligibility and independence of separate blocks in digital logic designs at the synthesis level. The sequential and combinational logic are separated and the sequential logic is then mapped to flip-flop library components. State-retaining elements, i.e., flip-flops detected in the input hardware description language (HDL) are represented in the sequential logic HDL output. The combinational logic HDL and the sequential logic HDL are connected only by signals, so signals are introduced to represent the flip-flop signals and variables detected in the input HDL. The sequential and combinational logic HDL are then synthesized to produce the design. |
| US08443311B2 |
Flare value calculation method, flare correction method, and computer program product
In a flare value calculation method according to an embodiment, an average optical intensity is calculated for each of mask patterns in a case where an exposure process is performed on a substrate using the mask patterns. Then, pattern correction amounts for the mask patterns corresponding to the average optical intensity and information about the dimensions of the mask patterns are calculated for each mask pattern. Then, post-correction mask patterns are prepared by performing pattern correction on each of the mask patterns using the pattern correction amount. Then, a flare value of an optical system of an exposure apparatus is calculated using a pattern average density of the post-correction mask patterns. |
| US08443298B2 |
Method and apparatus for repositioning a horizontally or vertically maximized display window
A method, apparatus, and computer usable program to reposition a display window that has been adjusted along a dimension. The method includes displaying a display window on a desktop, the display window having a first boundary, a second boundary opposite the first boundary, a third boundary about perpendicular to the first boundary, and a fourth boundary opposite the third boundary. The method further includes receiving a resize command and, responsive to receiving the resize command, moving the first boundary with respect to a first window limit and moving the second boundary with respect to a second window limit. The method includes receiving a reposition command and, responsive to receiving the reposition command, moving the third and fourth boundaries of the resized display window while maintaining the fixed distance between the third and fourth boundaries and maintaining the position of the first and second boundaries with respect to the first and second window limits. |
| US08443296B2 |
Progress displaying system and method thereof
A progress displaying system and the method thereof are provided. The system and the method thereof are applicable to mileage calculating devices. By generating progress displaying graphs during mileage calculations according to the moving speeds and completed percentages at different time points, and continuously showing progress displaying graphs until the completed percentage is completely fulfilled, the system and the method thereof can achieve the goal of vividly reflecting user's current status during the progress display. |
| US08443292B2 |
Scripting application with privacy mode coordination
In at least some embodiments, a computer system includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor and storing a scripting application. The scripting application, when executed, is configured to coordinate use of a browser engine privacy mode with emulation of user operations on a browser-hosted application. |
| US08443290B2 |
Mood-based organization and display of instant messenger buddy lists
A mood state may be modeled using mood information for a content selection (e.g., a digitally-encoded song) and/or by using mood information determined by how a user is interacting with a media player. For example, a playlist engine on a host may determine that a particular song is associated with an uplifting mood, thus determining that a user who has selected that particular song currently is in an uplifting mood, and correspondingly may select additional songs and advertisements consistent with, or responsive to, the uplifting mood. Mood information also may be used to present a mood state of users (e.g., co-users) in a network for display in a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, a user's screen name appearing in an America Online (AOL) Instant Messenger's Buddy List may indicate a determined user's mood, such as “happy”, “sad”, “silly”, or “angry.” |
| US08443289B2 |
Display instruction apparatus, display instruction method, and computer program product
A display instruction apparatus transmits a display screen on which symbols representing network devices connected to a network are displayed to a client terminal connected to the network; and transmits, when a drag-and-drop operation between symbols of network devices is received from the client terminal, an instruction for executing a predetermined process between the network devices that are subjected to the drag-and-drop operation to the network devices. |
| US08443288B2 |
Ubiquitous companion agent
Methods and apparatus for controlling and interacting with devices across a network using a ubiquitous companion. In one implementation, a ubiquitous companion includes: an agent interface for communicating with an agent residing on a host device accessible to the companion, and accessing host device data indicating one or more capabilities of the host device; a command interface for building one or more agent commands according to the host device data and a request selection received from a user through the host device; an output interface for providing feedback to the user through the host device in a format that is adapted according to the host device data; and a controller for controlling interaction among the agent interface, the command interface, and the output interface. |
| US08443284B2 |
Script-integrated storyboards
A storyboard presentation is generated by launching a scene design tool that includes actor and camera placement tools. Using the actor and camera placement tools, a first actor icon and a first camera icon are added on a scene layout, the first actor icon representing a first actor that will appear in a scene and the first camera icon representing a first camera that will film the scene. The user is enabled to control a location and orientation of the first actor icon using the actor placement tool and a location and orientation of the first camera icon relative to the first actor icon using the camera placement tool. Based on the location and orientation of the first actor icon and the first camera icon, a first projection of the scene featuring the first actor as seen from the first camera is generated. |
| US08443283B2 |
Visual screen indicator
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and method for viewing electronic documents. Briefly described, one embodiment of the system, among others, includes an electronic viewer application to display contents of an electronic document; and a visual indicator logic configured to display at least one visual indicator on the electronic display, each visual indicator indicating a portion of the contents that are to be subsequently displayed on the electronic display in response to a navigation command. Other systems and methods are also provided. |
| US08443278B2 |
Identification of tables in an unstructured document
Some embodiments provide a method for analyzing an unstructured document that includes a number of glyphs. The method identifies boundaries between sets of glyphs. The method identifies that several of the boundaries form a table. The method defines a tabular structural element based on the table. The tabular structural element includes several cells arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, each of which includes an associated set of glyphs. |
| US08443272B1 |
Methods, algorithms, software, circuits, receivers and systems for decoding convolutional code
Methods, software, circuits and systems involving a low complexity, tailbiting decoder. In various embodiments, the method relates to concatenating an initial and/or terminal subblock of the serial data block and outputting decoded data from an internal block of the modified data block. The circuitry generally includes a buffer, logic configured to concatenate an initial and/or terminal subblock to the serial data block, and a decoder configured to decode the data block, estimate starting and ending states for the data block, and output an internal portion of the serial data block and the one or more sequences as decoded data. The invention advantageously reduces the complexity of a suboptimal convolutional decoder, ensures smooth transitions at the beginning and end of the serial data block during decoding, and increases the reliability of the starting and ending states, without adding overhead to the transmitted data block. |
| US08443271B1 |
Systems and methods for dual process data decoding
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, data processing systems are disclosed that include a data decoding system. The data decoding system includes a data decoder circuit and a simplified maximum likelihood value modification circuit. The data decoder circuit is operable to apply a data decode algorithm to a decoder input to yield a first decoded output and an indication of at least one point of failure of the first decoded output. The simplified maximum likelihood value modification circuit is operable to identify a symbol of the first decoded output associated with the point of failure, and to modify a subset of values associated with the identified symbol to yield a modified decoded output. |
| US08443269B2 |
System and method for handling forward error correction code blocks in a receiver
A receiver apparatus can identify a plurality of patterns corresponding to scrambled synchronization bytes of a transport stream in a number of successive signal frames containing FEC code blocks, determine a pattern distribution into which most of the patterns identified in the successive signal frames map, and generate a synchronization signal locked to a distribution of the FEC code blocks associated with the pattern distribution. With this synchronization signal, FEC code blocks can be timely handled in a reliable manner through a FEC decoder, making the receiver apparatus more efficient and robust. In other embodiments, methods of handling FEC code blocks in a receiver apparatus are also described. |
| US08443260B2 |
Error correction in copy back memory operations
A method of storage and retrieval of data in a flash memory system, the flash memory system comprising a cache storage area of relatively high reliability, and a main storage area of relatively low reliability, the method comprising adding to data a level of error correction redundancy higher by a predetermined margin than that required for the cache storage area, writing the data to the cache storage area, and from the cache storage area copying the data directly to the main storage area, the predetermined margin being such as to allow subsequent error correction to compensate for errors accumulated from the cache storage area and the main storage area. In this way the memory die copy back operation can be used for copying the data from the cache to the main memory and two out of four transfers over the data bus to the flash controller are avoided. |
| US08443257B1 |
Rate-scalable, multistage quasi-cyclic LDPC coding
Encoding is performed by dividing a quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) parity check matrix into a first sub-matrix and a second sub-matrix. The first sub-matrix includes a plurality of circulant vectors and the plurality of circulant vectors is associated with a circulant size. Input data is received having a length which is a product of an integer multiplier and the circulant size. A first stage of multi-stage LDPC encoding is performed using the input data and a subset of the plurality of circulant vectors; the number of circulant vectors in the subset equals the integer multiplier. |
| US08443255B2 |
Parity check matrix optimization and selection for iterative decoding
A method of generating a parity check matrix for iterative decoding of a linear block code includes: determining a set of parity check vectors for the linear block code; ordering according to Hamming weight non-zero parity check vectors of the set; selecting a criterion for generating the parity check matrix; and building the parity check matrix by incrementally selecting according to the criterion a parity check vector for each consecutive row of the parity check matrix, wherein the parity check vector is selected from the ordered non-zero parity check vectors remaining in the set. |
| US08443251B1 |
Systems and methods for out of order processing in a data retry
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing that includes selectively reporting results out of order or in order. |
| US08443250B2 |
Systems and methods for error correction using irregular low density parity check codes
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for generating a code format. One method discussed includes: receiving a first matrix having a row width and a column height that is greater than one; incorporating a circulant into a first column of the first matrix; testing the first column for trapping sets, wherein at least one trapping set is identified; selecting a value to mitigate the identified trapping set; and augmenting the first matrix with a second matrix to yield a composite matrix. The second matrix has the selected value in the first column, and wherein the identified trapping set is mitigated. |
| US08443239B2 |
High resiliency network infrastructure
The invention provides a highly resilient network infrastructure that provides connectivity between a main network such as the Internet and a subnetwork such as a server-based (e.g., web server) local area network. In accordance with the invention, a network interface incorporated into a server hosting center provides a resilient architecture that achieves redundancy in each of three different layers of the Open System Interconnect (OSI) stack protocol (i.e., physical interface, data link, and network layers). For every network device that is active as a primary communication tool for a group of subnetworks, the same device is a backup for another group of subnetworks. Based on the same connection-oriented switching technology (e.g., asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) found in high-speed, broadband Internet backbones such as that provided by InternetMCI, the network interface architecture provides a high degree of resiliency, reliability and scalability. In accordance with the invention, interface network routers which provide routing functionality and connectivity between the Internet backbone and the customer subnetworks are fully meshed with those deployed in the Internet backbone. Permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) providing a multitude of logical transmission paths between each hosting center router and every router in the Internet backbone, greatly reduces processing delays of data traffic through the infrastructure as only a single “hop” routing step is required between any external access point on the Internet backbone and a hosting center router. |
| US08443237B2 |
Storage apparatus and method for controlling the same using loopback diagnosis to detect failure
An objective is to allow a storage apparatus to accurately locate a failure site upon occurrence of a failure. Provided is a storage apparatus 10 including: a controller 11 that performs data input and data output into and from a storage drive 171 in response to a data input/output request sent from an external device 2; and expanders 112, 121 each having a switch circuit 1122 provided with a physical port (Phy 1121). In this storage apparatus 10, the controller 11 performs a loopback diagnosis on the expanders 112, 121, and performs a connection-based diagnosis on a target device by sending a connection frame thereto, the target device being a device detected as having a failure. When a response to the connection frame includes information indicating a failure, the controller 11 disables the physical port to which the target device is coupled, or the physical port of the switch circuit 1121 existing on a path from the controller 11 to the target device. |
| US08443232B1 |
Automatic clusterwide fail-back
Systems and procedures may be used to coordinate the fail-back of multiple hosts in environments where the hosts share one or more data-storage resources. In one implementation, a procedure for coordinating fail-backs includes monitoring a failed data path to detect a restoration of the data path, polling remaining nodes in response to the restoration, and allowing the first node to resume communications if access has been restored to the remaining nodes. |
| US08443228B2 |
Transitional replacement of operations performed by a central hub
A central hub is coupled to a plurality of computational devices. The central hub stores a data structure that grants locks for accessing common data stored at the central hub, wherein the common data is shared by the plurality of computational devices. Each computational device maintains locally those locks that are held by the computational device in the data structure stored at the central hub. In response to a failure of the data structure stored at the central hub, a selected computational device of the plurality of computational devices is determined to be a manager system. Other computational devices besides the manager system communicate to the manager system all locks held by the other computational devices in the data structure stored at the central hub. The data structure and the common data are generated and stored at the manager system. Transactions are performed with respect to the data structure stored at the manager system, until the data structure stored at the central hub is operational. |
| US08443227B2 |
Processor and method for workaround trigger activated exceptions
A processor includes a microarchitecture for working around a processing flaw, the microarchitecture including: at least one detector adapted for detecting a predetermined state associated with the processing flaw; and at least one mechanism to modify default processor processing behavior; and upon modification of processing behavior, the processing of an instruction involving the processing flaw can be completed by avoiding the processing flaw. |
| US08443223B2 |
Method and system for balancing receive-side supply load
Described are digital communication systems that transmit and receive parallel sets of data symbols. Differences between successive sets of symbols induce changes in the current used to express the symbol sets, and thus introduce supply ripple. A receiver adds compensation current to reduce supply ripple. The compensation current is calculated based upon prior data samples rather than the current symbols, and consequently increases the maximum instantaneous current fluctuations between adjacent symbol sets as compared with circuits that do not include the compensation. The frequency response of the power-distribution network filters out the increased data dependence of the local supply current, however, and consequently reduces the fluctuations of total supply current. Some embodiments provide compensation currents for both transmitted and received symbols. |
| US08443222B1 |
VBUS event based USB analysis
VBUS or other power event based USB analysis is disclosed. Occurrence of a power related event on a monitored bus, such as an inrush current event, is detected. In some embodiments, a rate at which a power related data is sampled at the hardware protocol analyzer is change automatically in response to the power related event being detected. In some embodiments, a capture of a stream of data packets observed on the monitored bus is triggering automatically in response to the power related event being detected. |
| US08443217B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method, and program
An information processing apparatus including a baseband signal manager, a determining unit, and a power supply controller is connected to one or more apparatus via an interface. The interface includes a signal channel for transmitting baseband signals and a control channel for bidirectionally transmitting control signals. The baseband signal manager transmits a baseband signal sent from a first apparatus to a second apparatus as-is when the information processing apparatus is in a standby power state. The determining unit determines the power state of the second apparatus on the basis of a control signal sent from the second apparatus. When it is determined by the determining unit that the second apparatus is not powered on, the power supply controller suspends power supply to the baseband signal manager. |
| US08443216B2 |
Hardware automatic performance state transitions in system on processor sleep and wake events
In an embodiment, a power management unit (PMU) may automatically transition (in hardware) the performance states of one or more performance domains in a system. The target performance states to which the performance domains are to transition may be programmable in the PMU by software, and software may signal the PMU that a processor in the system is to enter the sleep state. The PMU may control the transition of the performance domains to the target performance states, and may cause the processor to enter the sleep state. In an embodiment, the PMU may be programmable with a second set of target performance states to which the performance domains are to transition when the processor exits the sleep state. The PMU may control the transition of the performance domains to the second targeted performance states and cause the processor to exit the sleep state. |
| US08443211B2 |
Hibernation or suspend using a non-volatile-memory device
This disclosure describes techniques for using a non-volatile-memory device such as flash memory to store memory data during hibernation or suspend. By so doing, hard drives and/or data are safer, and less power may be used. |
| US08443209B2 |
Throttling computational units according to performance sensitivity
A power allocation strategy limits performance of a subset of a plurality of computational units in a computer system according to performance sensitivity of each of the plurality of computational units to a change performance capability, e.g., frequency change. The performance of the subset of computational units may be limited by setting a power state in which the subset may be operated and/or reducing a current power state of the subset to a lower power state. The subset whose performance is limited includes computational units that are least performance sensitive according to stored sensitivity data. The subset may include one or more processing cores and performance of the one or more processing cores may be limited in response to a CPU-bounded application or graphics processing unit (GPU)-bounded application being executed. |
| US08443207B2 |
File system filter authentication
A method of accessing content includes installing a file system filter for a secure removable memory device on a host device. A challenge is sent from the file system filter to a software entity on the host device, and a software entity response is received at the file system filter in response to the challenge. A file system filter response is calculated at the file system filter using the challenge, and access to first content on the secure removable memory device is provided if the software entity response matches the file system filter response. |
| US08443204B2 |
Ticket authorized secure installation and boot
A method and apparatus for secure software installation to boot a device authorized by a ticket are described herein. A ticket request including a device identifier of the device is sent for the ticket which includes attributes for one or more components to boot the device into an operating state. The ticket is cryptographically validated to match the one or more components with corresponding attributes included in the ticket. If successfully matched, the one or more components are executed to boot the device. |
| US08443203B2 |
Secure boot method and semiconductor memory system using the method
A semiconductor memory system includes an external memory, an internal memory, and a one-time programmable (OTP) memory. The external memory includes a kernel, a public key, first boot information used to authenticate the public key and generate a test secret key, and a second boot loader verifying integrity of the kernel. The internal memory includes a first boot loader that verifies integrity of the second boot loader and generates the test secret key. The OTP memory includes second boot information generated using the public key and a secret key. Since the secure boot method and the semiconductor memory system using the method do not need an additional OTP memory to store a secret key unlike conventional technology, the capacity and recording time of the OTP memory can be reduced to about half compared to the conventional technology. |
| US08443201B2 |
Biometric authentication system, enrollment terminal, authentication terminal and authentication server
The present invention captures user's biometric data during enrollment and converts it by a given conversion parameter to create a template. It creates verification information for the conversion parameter, and enrolls it in an authentication server together with the template. The conversion parameter is stored in an IC card or the like for issuance to the user. During authentication, the authentication server verifies that the authentication terminal knows the conversion parameter, using conversion parameter verification information. Next, the authentication terminal converts user's biometric data newly captured by a conversion parameter to create matching information, and transmits it to the authentication server. The authentication server matches the matching information with the template to determine whether the user is a principal. |
| US08443199B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the mobile terminal
A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are provided. The method includes storing a plurality of pieces of fingerprint information on at least one of a finger-by-finger basis, a user-by-user basis, and a pattern-by-pattern basis; receiving a fingerprint-touch input through a display module capable of performing fingerprint identification; and if fingerprint information of the received fingerprint-touch input matches with one of the plurality of pieces of fingerprint information for locking a predefined operating menu, locking the predefined operating menu. Therefore, it is possible to easily lock or unlock the mobile terminal in response to a fingerprint-touch input. In addition, it is possible to effectively perform various operations performed by the mobile terminal in response to a fingerprint-touch input. |
| US08443197B2 |
Voice-capable system and method for authentication using prior entity user interaction
A system and method for use with a voice-capable system, includes but is not limited to a method including accessing by the voice-capable system of one or more entities computationally networked to the voice-capable system, obtaining one or more user interactions with the one or more entities and generating an authentication session using the one or more user interactions with the one or more entities. |
| US08443196B2 |
Signing method, apparatus, and system
A signing method, apparatus, and system, which relate to the information security field. The present invention overcomes the problem of signature counterfeit in prior art. The client host generates a transaction message and determines the key information of the message after receiving transaction information entered by a user, forms a data packet for signing, and transmits the data packet to the USB key, which will then extract the key information and output it for confirmation by the user, and if a confirmation is received, the USB key signs the data packet and transmits a signature to the client host; after receiving the signature and the transaction message from the client host, the server extracts the key information from the transaction message to form a data packet for signing and verifies the signature against the data packet. The embodiments of the present invention are mainly applicable to the field of information security. |
| US08443195B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing security communication
Provided is a method of performing secured communication. In the method, a secured communication request for performing secured communication is received from the second device, a security key required for the secured communication is randomly generated and output, and a plurality of pieces of data encrypted using the security key are transmitted and received to and from the second device. |
| US08443194B2 |
Method of authentication and session key agreement for secure data transmission, a method for securely transmitting data, and an electronic data transmission system
The invention relates to a method of authentication and session key agreement for secure data transmission between a first and second data communication entity in an electronic data transmission system. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic transmission system to perform a method of authentication and session key agreement. |
| US08443190B2 |
Method for securing a two-way communications channel and device for implementing said method
The present invention relates to a method for securing a two-way communications channel between at least a network N1 and a network N2 with a lower level of security than N1, and a device to implement the method. The method comprises at least the following steps: defining one or more types of data authorized to be transmitted from N1 to N2; routing a datum to an encryption/decryption module or to a filtering module, according to the datum type. The invention notably allows communications to be established between a plurality of networks with different levels of security. |
| US08443188B2 |
Using code access security for runtime accessibility checks
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that use code access security for providing runtime accessibility checks. A request is received from a first program to access at least one private member of a second program at runtime. If the first program has a greater than or equal security context than the second program, then the first program is granted access to the at least one private member of the second program. This code access security check can be provided in a framework environment that is responsible for managing programs that are from unknown or untrusted sources. |
| US08443187B1 |
Authentication of computing devices in server based on mapping between port identifier and MAC address that allows actions-per-group instead of just actions-per-single device
In one or more embodiments, attributes other than a supplicant's MAC address can be used for the user name in the authentication process in a network computing environment. In at least some embodiments, doing so utilizes an association structure, such as a table, that is already resident at the authentication server. By using attributes other than a supplicant's MAC address, various matching scenarios can be provided by the authentication server in which authentication or authorization takes place responsive to satisfying conditions defined in the authentication server's association or database. Furthermore, a variety of non-authentication scenarios can be supported using the authentication server's association. |
| US08443184B2 |
System and method for personalizing devices
A system and method for personalizing a device is disclosed herein. A user configures a plurality of settings associated with a device. Each setting is identified as a user setting or a platform setting. The user settings are stored in a personalization virtual object with the user. Platform settings are stored separately from the personalization virtual object. Software for personalizing a device provided on a computer readable medium is disclosed herein. The software comprises a code for execution on a central processing unit operable to configure a plurality of settings associated with a device by a user. The software identifies each setting as a user setting or a platform setting. The user settings are stored in a personalization virtual object associated with the user, and the platform settings are stored separately from the personalization virtual object. |
| US08443181B2 |
Processor boot security device and methods thereof
Securing network authentication information at a data processing device includes determining a boot source from which to boot the device and comparing the boot source to an expected source. If the boot source is not the expected source, access to the network authentication information is inhibited, such as by disabling access to the portion of memory that stores the network authentication information. Further, if the boot source is the expected source, boot code authentication information is retrieved from memory and verified during the boot sequence. If the boot code authentication information is not authenticated, access to the network authentication information is inhibited. Accordingly, access to the network authentication information is allowed only if the data processing device is booted from an expected source, and only if the boot code is authenticated, thereby reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access to the network authentication information. |
| US08443180B2 |
Method for operation system startup
A method for operation system startup includes steps of switching on hardware startup; determining whether there is a trigger signal; reading an initial parameter from a storage device, and loading the initial parameter into a startup program when there is no trigger signal, executing the startup program; and entering operational system. |
| US08443173B2 |
Method for instructing a data processor to process data
A data processor which executes instructions described in first and second instruction formats. The first instruction format defines a register-addressing field of a predetermined size, while the second instruction format defines a register-addressing field of a size larger than that of the register-addressing field defined by the first instruction format. The data processor includes: instruction-type identifier, responsive to an instruction, for identifying the received instruction as being described in the first or second instruction format by the instruction itself; a first register file including a plurality of registers; and a second register file also including a plurality of registers, the number of the registers included in the second register file being larger than that of the registers included in the first register file. |
| US08443172B2 |
Apparatus and method for marking start and end bytes of instructions in a stream of instruction bytes in a microprocessor having an instruction set architecture in which instructions may include a length-modifying prefix
An apparatus in a microprocessor that has an instruction set architecture in which instructions may include a length-modifying prefix used to select an address/operand size other than a default address/operand size, wherein the apparatus marks the start byte and the end byte of each instruction in a stream of instruction bytes. Decode logic decodes each instruction byte of a predetermined number of instruction bytes to determine whether the instruction byte specifies a length-modifying prefix and generates a start mark and an end mark for each of the instruction bytes based on an address/operand size. Operand/address size logic provides the default operand/address size to the decode logic to use to generate the start and end marks during a first clock cycle during which the decode logic decodes the predetermined number of instruction bytes. If during the first clock cycle and any of N subsequent clock cycles the decode logic indicates that one of the predetermined number of instruction bytes specifies a length-modifying prefix, the operand/address size logic provides to the decode logic on the next clock cycle the address/operand size specified by the length-modifying prefix to use to generate the start and end marks. |
| US08443164B2 |
Data management device and data management method
A data management device includes a memory configured to save data and a processor. The processor is configured to save acquired data into the memory when the save command is received. The processor is further configured to execute a process which processes the data acquired by the acquisition unit when the specific command is received. The process is different from saving the data into the memory. The processor is still further configured to generate a first data name in accordance with a first rule and attach the first data name to the acquired data. Moreover, the processor is configured to generate a second data name in accordance with a second rule different from the first rule and attach the second data name to the acquired data. |
| US08443161B2 |
Cache memory systems having a flexible buffer memory portion and methods of operating the same
A cache memory system includes a cache memory that includes a first memory portion and a flexible buffer memory portion. A cache controller is coupled to the cache memory and is configured to control allocation and/or deallocation of blocks from the first memory portion to and/or from the flexible buffer memory portion. |
| US08443156B2 |
Virtualization system using hardware assistance for shadow page table coherence
One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for maintaining a shadow page table in at least partial correspondence with guest page mappings of a guest computation. The method marking with a traced write indication at least those entries of the shadow page table that map physical memory locations which themselves encode the guest page mappings, the marking identifying, for a hardware facility, a subset of memory access targets for which updates are to be recorded in a guest write buffer accessible to the virtualization system. Responsive to a coherency-inducing operation of the guest computation, the method reads from the guest write buffer and introduces corresponding updates into the shadow page table. |
| US08443155B2 |
Lock-free concurrent object dictionary
An object storage system comprises one or more computer processors or threads that can concurrently access a shared memory, the shared memory comprising an array of equally-sized cells. In one embodiment, each cell is of the size used by the processors to represent a pointer, e.g., 64 bits. Using an algorithm performing only one memory write, and using a hardware-provided transactional operation, such as a compare-and-swap instruction, to implement the memory write, concurrent access is safely accommodated in a lock-free manner. |
| US08443152B2 |
Cache memory capable of adjusting burst length of write-back data in write-back operation
A cache memory includes a write-back determination unit and a burst length determination unit. The write-back determination unit determines whether a block is a write-back block based on an n-bit dirty value of the block. The burst length determination unit determines a burst length of write-back data included in the write-back block based on the n-bit dirty value and an minimum burst length, when the block is the write-back block. J:\SAM\1309\subspecredline.doc |
| US08443151B2 |
Prefetch optimization in shared resource multi-core systems
An apparatus and method is described herein for optimization to prefetch throttling, which potentially enhances performance, reduces power consumption, and maintains positive gain for workloads that benefit from prefetching. More specifically, the optimizations described herein allow for bandwidth congestion and prefetch accuracy to be taken into account as feedbacks for throttling at the source of prefetch generation. As a result, when there is low congestion, full prefetch generation is allowed, even if the prefetch is inaccurate, since there is available bandwidth. However, when congestion is high, the determination of throttling falls to prefetch accuracy. If accuracy is high—miss rate is low—then less throttling is needed, because the prefetches are being utilized—performance is being enhanced. Yet, if prefetch accuracy is low—miss rate is high—then more prefetch throttling is needed to save power, because the prefetch are not being utilized—performance is not being enhanced by the large number of prefetches. |
| US08443150B1 |
Efficient reloading of data into cache resource
A storage proxy includes a cache resource. A processor is configured to receive read and write requests sent from an initiator to a target over a first proxy path. The processor invalidates the cache lines when the read and write requests are redirected over a second direct path between the initiator and the target or when some other event indicates the data in the cache lines may no longer be consistent with corresponding data in the target. The processor identifies addresses for at least some of the cache lines that were previously valid and reloads the data for the identified addresses from the target back into some the cache lines when the read and write requests are redirected back over the first proxy path or when consistency can resumed between the data in the cache lines and corresponding data in the target. |
| US08443147B2 |
Memory interleave for heterogeneous computing
A memory interleave system for providing memory interleave for a heterogeneous computing system is provided. The memory interleave system effectively interleaves memory that is accessed by heterogeneous compute elements in different ways, such as via cache-block accesses by certain compute elements and via non-cache-block accesses by certain other compute elements. The heterogeneous computing system may comprise one or more cache-block oriented compute elements and one or more non-cache-block oriented compute elements that share access to a common main memory. The cache-block oriented compute elements access the memory via cache-block accesses (e.g., 64 bytes, per access), while the non-cache-block oriented compute elements access memory via sub-cache-block accesses (e.g., 8 bytes, per access). A memory interleave system is provided to optimize the interleaving across the system's memory banks to minimize hot spots resulting from the cache-block oriented and non-cache-block oriented accesses of the heterogeneous computing system. |
| US08443146B2 |
Techniques for cache injection in a processor system responsive to a specific instruction sequence
A technique for performing cache injection includes monitoring an instruction stream for a specific instruction sequence. Addresses on a bus are then monitored, at a cache, in response to detecting the specific instruction sequence a determined number of times. Ownership of input/output data on the bus is then acquired by the cache when an address on the bus (that is associated with the input/output data) corresponds to an address of a data block stored in the cache. |
| US08443145B2 |
Distributed memory usage for a system having multiple integrated circuits each including processors
A plurality of integrated circuits in a system, each having a program memory loaded with different sections of a program, and a second memory. The integrated circuits perform the program, such that, when one of the integrated circuits requires a portion of the program, which is contained in its own program memory, it extracts it from the program memory and uses it, but when it requires a portion of the program, which is not contained in its own program memory, it reads it from the program memory of one of the other integrated circuits into its second memory and runs that portion of the program from there. In one example, the system is a line card, and the program is specific to one DSL protocol. |
| US08443141B2 |
Intelligent write caching for sequential tracks
Write caching for sequential tracks is performed by a processor device in a computing storage environment for destaging data from nonvolatile storage (NVS) to a storage unit. If a first track is determined to be sequential, and an earlier track is also determined to be sequential, a temporal bit associated with the earlier track is cleared to allow for destage of data of the earlier track. If a temporal bit for one of a plurality of additional tracks in one of a plurality of strides in a modified cache is determined to be not set, a stride associated with the one of the plurality of additional tracks is selected for a destage operation. If the NVS exceeds a predetermined storage threshold, a predetermined one of the plurality of strides is selected for the destage operation. |
| US08443139B2 |
SCSI protocol emulation for virtual storage device stored on NAS device
A virtualization technique, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes emulating the small computing system interface (SCSI) protocol to access a virtual SCSI storage device backed by a file stored on network attached storage (NAS). |
| US08443138B2 |
Recording medium storing management program, management device and management method
A management device obtains, from the plurality of storage nodes, information of accesses which are made to the actual storage areas included in the storage nodes, generating load information of the actual storage areas based on the access information, and storing the generated load information in a load information storage unit. The device changes, based on the load information stored in the load information storage unit, the assignment relations of the actual storage areas with respect to the virtual storage areas such that loads of the storage nodes are leveled. The device instructs the plurality of storage nodes to move the data in the actual storage areas depending on change in the assignment of the actual storage areas to the virtual storage areas. |
| US08443135B2 |
Exhaustive parameter search algorithm for interface with nand flash memory
The Exhaustive Parameter Search (EPS) algorithm of this invention enables communicating devices to access to a large variety of NAND Flash memories. The EPS algorithm exploits the fact that the parameters needed for successful initial communication with NAND Flash memory (block Size and page Size) have only few possible values. The EPS algorithm tries all possible values to find a magic number stored in the NAND Flash memory. The correct parameters for the particular NAND Flash memory are read after detection of the magic number. This ensures that accurate parameters are used after successful detection of the magic number detection. The OEM must write the known parameters of the NAND Flash memory in a predetermined location following the magic number. |
| US08443133B2 |
Memory system storing management information and method of controlling same
A memory system includes a management-information restoring unit. The management-information restoring unit determines whether a short break has occurred referring to a pre-log or a post-log in a NAND memory. The management-information restoring unit determines that a short break has occurred when the pre-log or the post-log is present in the NAND memory. In that case, the management-information restoring unit determines timing of occurrence of the short break, and, after selecting a pre-log or a post-log used for restoration, performs restoration of the management information reflecting these logs on a snapshot. Thereafter, the management-information restoring unit applies recovery processing to all write-once blocks in the NAND memory, takes the snapshot again, and opens the snapshot and the logs in the past. |
| US08443132B2 |
Method and apparatus for cascade memory
A system and method of operating a cascade of a plurality of memory devices connected in series is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a memory controller operatively connected to the memory cell and a cascade circuit configured to enable a subsequent memory device in a cascade of memory devices. |
| US08443131B2 |
Non-volatile memory device
Operational information read out by a read-out sense amplifier (19) is transferred via the data line DB to a volatile memory section. The volatile memory section is configured with the volatile memory section (21) having a SRAM configuration and the second volatile memory section (23) configured with latch circuits, both sections respectively connected in parallel with the data line DB. The operational information, which may be provided depending on an operation state of the write-protect information and other information stored in the non-volatile memory cell MC selected by the word line WLWP, is written and read out with respect to the first volatile memory section (21) in response to the identification information linked with the operational information. The operational information which must be constantly accessible, is written into the second volatile memory section (23). Thus, the operational information is available in response to attributes of the operational information. |
| US08443126B2 |
Hot plug process in a distributed interconnect bus
A distributed PCIe adapted to support a hot-plug process triggered by any change in a status of a distributed link, comprises an upstream bus unit including a first bridge connected to a root component and adapted to maintain a first configuration space and a copy of a second configuration space, the first configuration space bridge includes at least hot-plug registers specifying at least capabilities and status of a slot of the first bridge; and a second bridge connected to an endpoint component and adapted to maintain the second configuration space, the second configuration space includes at least hot-plug registers specifying at least capabilities and status of a slot of the second bridge. |
| US08443121B1 |
Common block interface for data and protocol with handshake
A method and apparatus for handshaking using a 2-wire protocol is described. An electronic component may be divided into blocks, with the blocks performing one or more functions. The blocks may be in series with one another to form a pipeline. The blocks may use interface circuitry to transfer information upstream from or downstream to another block. The interface circuitry uses the 2-wire handshaking for the transfer including a transmit readiness wire configured to carry a signal indicative of readiness of the upstream circuit to output data and a receive readiness wire configured to carry a signal indicative of readiness of the downstream circuit to receive the data. |
| US08443120B2 |
Method for accessing multiple card slots and apparatus for the same
The present invention discloses a method for accessing multiple card slots and an apparatus for the same, which relate to data communication field. The method comprises establishing a connection from a CCID to a host, declaring at least a pair of IN/OUT endpoints used for implementing a response pipe and a command pipe as BULK-IN and BULK-OUT endpoints, declaring at least one IN endpoint used for implementing an event notification pipe as an interrupt endpoint, and declaring, by the CCID, the CCID itself as a device compliant with a CCID standard and the number of card slots supported by the CCID to the host; accessing the CCID by the host; receiving, by the CCID, a BULK-OUT packet and determining, by the CCID, a type of a CCID command issued by the host according to the BULK-OUT packet; in case the CCID command is a channel extension command, determining if it is a channel switch command; and if so, parsing the channel switch command and activating a card slot the host tries to access. |
| US08443119B1 |
System and method for disabling auto-trespass in response to an automatic failover
Auto-trespass can be at least temporarily disabled subsequent to an automatic failover. The automatic failover exchanges roles between an active path and a passive path, such that the passive path becomes the active path and vice versa. By disabling auto-trespass, hosts that are unaware that the automatic failover has occurred will not trigger another failover when those hosts attempt to perform I/O operations via the formerly-active path. This can reduce performance decreases that would otherwise occur due to the active role being traded in a “ping-pong” manner between the paths. |
| US08443118B2 |
Data flow control within and between DMA channels
In one embodiment, a direct memory access (DMA) controller comprises a transmit circuit and a data flow control circuit coupled to the transmit circuit. The transmit circuit is configured to perform DMA transfers, each DMA transfer described by a DMA descriptor stored in a data structure in memory. There is a data structure for each DMA channel that is in use. The data flow control circuit is configured to control the transmit circuit's processing of DMA descriptors for each DMA channel responsive to data flow control data in the DMA descriptors in the corresponding data structure. |
| US08443115B2 |
Method and system for managing access to presence attribute information
A presence attribute information server and manager application, and corresponding method is provided for managing access to presence attribute information. In addition to the presence attribute information entries, access authorization entries associated with at least some of the presence attribute information entries are provided which define conditions in which access to the presence attribute information is authorized. Generally, the defined conditions can include temporal and/or spatial requirements associated with either the user requesting the presence attribute information or the person/item associated with the presence attribute information, for purposes of establishing authorization to access the presence attribute information. |
| US08443113B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus is configured to execute testing of whether or not the responding module is correctly responding to the plurality of commands transmitted and received between a transmission module and a reception module, the testing being performed via a loop-back mode transmission and reception path configured such that the reception module receives the command transmitted by the transmission module; and during the testing, following procedure is performed, which includes: transmitting the specific command by the transmission module; receiving the specific command by the reception module via the transmission and reception path; deactivating reception of the specific command; and transmitting a command different from the specific command subsequent to transmitting the specific command by the transmission module. |
| US08443110B2 |
Approach for discovering devices on a common bus without direct communication
A system for discovering devices on a common bus without direct communication. Each device on the bus has a unique identification. One of the devices or a computer may be a master or a host. The host may broadcast a request asking every device with an identification value in a particular range to respond. If no device or one device exists on the bus in this particular range, then there is no or one response, respectively. If multiple devices exist within the range, then multiple responses may be received by the host. In a case of multiple responses, the host may re-transmit its request to one or more half ranges. If multiple responses are again received, then the host may again re-transmit its request where the half range or ranges are again split in half. This approach of half-range reduction may be repeated until no more collisions occur. |
| US08443104B2 |
Routing engine with filtering capabilitiess
A routing engine functions to respond to a request for routing options for a communication session from a querying node by providing a list of routing options. The original request includes signaling information that is utilized by the routing engine to determine a preliminary list of routing options that identifies vendors capable of handling the communication session. Pre-defined routing definitions may be applied to alter the list of vendors as identified in the preliminary list. Filtering processes may be applied to remove undesirable vendors from the preliminary routing options, resulting in a list of routing options for the communication session. The preliminary list may be ordered according to some parameter, and when a filtering process is applied the process may end upon reaching a first non-compliant vendor. |
| US08443103B2 |
Method and system for intelligently forwarding multicast packets
A routing system utilizes a layer 2 switch interconnecting several routers to intelligently forward multicast packets throughout an internet exchange carrying multicast content. The layer 2 switch performs protocol snooping to extract a lookup key that is based on network layer protocol information. The lookup key is uniquely formulated to support either shared or explicit source distribution trees. The lookup key is used to query a forwarding memory that returns an outgoing port index. The outgoing port index points to one or more outgoing ports that are eligible to receive the multicast packet. The outgoing ports are also connected to the neighboring device(s) that are designated to receive the multicast packet. The routing system also supports real time maintenance and updating of the forwarding memory based on the periodic exchange of control messages. The routing system is configured to support PIM routers operating in PIM SM or PIM SSM modes. However, the routing system can also support other multicast protocols and/or standards. |
| US08443102B1 |
Pipeline of a packet processor programmed to extract packet fields
A packet processor includes a memory and a programmable compute pipeline. The memory stores microcode that specifies respective sets for the packet types, and the respective set for each type specifies packet fields. The programmable compute pipeline includes a sequence of stages beginning with an initial stage. The initial stage includes an operand selector that extracts a data vector from each packet. The operand selector is programmable to extract the data vector that includes each field specified in the respective set for the type of each packet. Each stage except the initial stage inputs a first version of the data vector and each stage outputs a second version of the data vector. Each stage except the initial stage generates the second version of the data vector that replaces a part of the first version of the data vector with a result that the stage computes from the part. |
| US08443097B2 |
Queue management unit and method for streaming video packets in a wireless network
The present invention relates to a queue management unit and method for streaming video packets in a wireless network. The method includes determining a type of frame from a header of a video packet received at a transmit buffer. The method further includes discarding the received frame if the received frame is dependent upon any previously discarded frame, otherwise storing the received frame in one of a plurality of sub-queues of the transmit buffer according to the type of frame, where each sub-queue of the plurality of sub-queues stores frames corresponding to one type of frame. Also, the method includes creating space in the transmit buffer if there is insufficient space for a higher priority frame by discarding lower priority frames, as well as discarding frames in the transmit if the received frame is delayed more than a maximum period of time. |
| US08443088B2 |
File transfer server
A technique allows shared use of a file between different networks via the Internet. File transfer servers on different LANs access file servers on the respective LANs to prepare a list of shared files, respectively. The file transfer servers are registered in a SIP server, and then send a SUBSCRIBE method to each other to issue a request to transfer the file list, respectively. In response to the request, the file lists are exchanged. A communication terminal on each LAN makes a request to acquire a specific file on the basis of information about the shared files stored in the file transfer server. Through a media session, one of the file transfer servers issues a request to acquire the file to the other file transfer server. As a result, the file is transferred to the communication terminal. |
| US08443085B2 |
Resolving information in a multitenant database environment
Disclosed herein are techniques for creating a representation of dependency relationships between computing resources within a computing environment. In some implementations, one or more sources for dependency analysis may be identified. Each source may be capable of being accessed to provide computing functionality via the computing environment. Each source may include one or more references to a respective one or more computing resources. Each computing resource may define a unit of the computing functionality available within the computing environment. A plurality of dependency relationships may be identified based on the one or more sources. A dependency relationship representation may be created based on the identified dependency relationships. |
| US08443084B2 |
Enhanced upgrade path
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for establishing upgrade paths. In one aspect, a method includes establishing an interim environment and platform, migrating the data from the legacy environment and platform to the interim environment and platform, and migrating the data from the interim environment and platform to the upgraded environment and platform. |
| US08443077B1 |
System and method for managing disk volumes in a hosting system
Some embodiments provide a method for managing a hosting system that includes several nodes for hosting several virtual machines. The method identifies a particular size of disk volume to monitor within the hosting system. The method determines whether the number of disk volumes of the particular size that are (i) built on a set of hardware resources of a node of the hosting system and (ii) not allocated to a specific virtual machine falls below a threshold. When the number of disk volumes of the particular size falls below the threshold, the method determines at least one particular node on which to build a new disk volume of the particular size. The method sends instructions to the particular node to build a disk volume of the particular size. Some embodiments monitor images of a particular computer system within the hosting system. |
| US08443073B2 |
Automated performance prediction for service-oriented architectures
The description relates to the field of automatically predicting the performance characteristics of a service-oriented architecture (SOA). The prediction is made by setting up a model of the service-oriented architecture, generating a queue of services to be executed, simulating execution of the services by utilizing the model while processing the queue, and determining the performance characteristics from data obtained from the simulation. |
| US08443069B2 |
Highly scalable architecture for application network appliances
A highly scalable application network appliance is described herein. According to one embodiment, a network element includes a switch fabric, a first service module coupled to the switch fabric, and a second service module coupled to the first service module over the switch fabric. In response to packets of a network transaction received from a client over a first network to access a server of a data center having multiple servers over a second network, the first service module is configured to perform a first portion of OSI (open system interconnection) compatible layers of network processes on the packets while the second service module is configured to perform a second portion of the OSI compatible layers of network processes on the packets. The first portion includes at least one OSI compatible layer that is not included in the second portion. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08443061B2 |
Data transmission method and communication control apparatus
A data transmission apparatus transmits first and second data to transmission destinations, respectively. Upon completion of transmission of the second data, the data transmission apparatus instructs the transmission destination of the first data to confirm transmission processing of the first data that is transmitted before the second data is transmitted. |
| US08443056B2 |
Client-server signaling in content distribution networks
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transmitting and processing download requests specifying download instructions and additional optional intent hints. A client computer signals intent information to an edge server resident within a content delivery network via download requests. The intent information indicates contextual information regarding the download of a digital content file, such as the reason for the download or the amount of the digital content file that might be downloaded in subsequent requests. A suitably equipped edge server adapts the processing of the download request based on the intent information specified by the client computer. In response to the download request, the edge server also transmits a response to the client computer indicating performance characteristics associated with the edge server. The response also indicates alternative servers that can be accessed by the client computer for downloading the digital content file. |
| US08443053B2 |
Software to provide geographically relevant website content
Internet based software application that identifies the geographic location of each a website visitor by their IP address to provide geographically relevant content to each individual visitor in a customized web page. In an embodiment, content can be further customized by web page viewing patterns of users in similar geographic locations. In an embodiment the software application matches the visitor's location to likely travel departure points with offerings likely to interest a visitor from said location and displays likely attractive offers dynamically to that visitor. |
| US08443040B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing presentation of a dynamic data set to a plurality of nodes
A method for synchronizing presentation of a dynamic data set to a plurality of nodes. The method includes the step of generating, by a consumer node in a plurality of nodes, a plurality of data packets representing a change to a dynamic data set. A host node in the plurality of nodes receives the plurality of data packets. The host node transmits to a synchronization engine the plurality of data packets. The synchronization engine generates metadata information representing the difference between the dynamic data set and the plurality of data packets. The synchronization engine transmits to the plurality of nodes the metadata information and the plurality of data packets. |
| US08443039B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributing virtual goods over the internet
A Virtual Collectible Distribution Network generates and distributes Virtual Collectible objects, each potentially possessing unique properties, over a computer network such as the Internet, to a group of users. The Distribution Network utilizes a client-server system. The client software can be standalone or embedded in another application, such as a web browser or game. In one scenario, the client software observes certain behaviors of the user, and communicates such behavior to the server, which process is transparent to the user. The server, based on the communications from the client, predefined algorithm, and other factors, may decide to award the user with a Virtual Collectible. |
| US08443035B2 |
System and method for collaboration using web browsers
One or more collaboration computers connected over the network may collaborate using their web browsers. Each collaboration computer may have one or more window locators that uniquely identify a web browser window on the browser. The web browser window can be a window where one or more events occur during the collaboration. One or more document locators may be derived from information describing a document path from the respective web browser window to a document within the respective web browser window. The document path can be a path in a hierarchical structure that includes the document and the respective web browser window. One or more transfer data structures may contain the window locator and the document locator and may be passed to and from the collaboration computer through a network connection to enable a collaboration session. |
| US08443033B2 |
Variable node processing unit
A variable node processing unit with N+1 inputs, having at least a first bank of two-input adders and a separate last bank of two-input adders, where the banks of adders are disposed in series. |
| US08443028B2 |
Circuits and methods for performing exponentiation and inversion of finite field elements
An exponentiation circuit for computing an exponential power of a finite field element includes combinatory logic circuits that map input digits of a multi-digit field element β to output digits of an output multi-digit field element β2m. The exponentiation circuit is capable of computing a power of a field element without performing any multiplication operations and requires only exclusive-OR logic operations to generate the output exponential field element. A circuit for generating a multiplicative inverse of a finite field element can be constructed from a set of parallel exponentiation circuits, with each of the parallel exponentiation circuits generating a different multi-digit field element β2m directly from the input field element β. Multiplier circuits multiply together the outputs of the parallel exponentiation circuits to generate the multiplicative inverse of the field element β. |
| US08443026B2 |
Partially complex modulated filter bank
An apparatus for processing a plurality of real-valued subband signals using a first real-valued subband signal and a second real-valued subband signal to provide at least a complex-valued subband signal comprises a multiband filter for providing an intermediate real-valued subband signal and a calculator for providing the complex-valued subband signal by combining a real-valued subband signal from the plurality of real-valued subband signals and the intermediate subband signal. |
| US08443024B2 |
Time-domain gated filter for RF communication systems
A time domain filter receives a double sideband (DSB) input in the frequency domain and compresses this input into a time domain signal filtered by a time gate for providing a time filtered signal that is then expanded back into the frequency domain as a single sideband (SSB) output with one sideband being filtered by the time gate for translating DSB signals into SSB signals well suited for communicating chirped modulated signals as SSB signals along an electrical line or optical fiber without dispersive nulling of the communicated signal. |
| US08443023B2 |
Frequency synthesis rational division
A system and method are provided for synthesizing signal frequencies using rational division. The method accepts a reference frequency value and a synthesized frequency value. In response to dividing the synthesized frequency value by the reference frequency value, an integer value numerator (dp) and an integer value denominator (dq) are determined. The method reduces the ratio of dp/dq to an integer N and a ratio of p/q (dp/dq=N(p/q)), where p/q<1 (decimal). The numerator (p) and the denominator (q) are supplied to a flexible accumulator module, and a divisor is generated as a result. N is summed with a k-bit quotient to create the divisor. In a phase-locked loop (PLL), the divisor and the reference signal are used to generate a synthesized signal having a frequency equal to the synthesized frequency value. |
| US08443009B2 |
Data processing system having services for providing functionalities
The invention relates to a data processing system with an improved provision of services for providing functionalities. The data processing system comprises at least one first service for activating at least one second service, whereby the services are configured as Web services. |
| US08443008B2 |
Cooccurrence dictionary creating system, scoring system, cooccurrence dictionary creating method, scoring method, and program thereof
A cooccurrence dictionary creating system includes: a language analyzing section which subjects a text to a morpheme analysis, a clause specification, and a modification relationship analysis between clauses, a cooccurrence relationship collecting section which collects cooccurrences of nouns in each clause of the text, modification relationships of nouns and declinable words, and modification relationships between declinable words as cooccurrence relationships, a cooccurrence score calculating section which calculates a cooccurrence score of the cooccurrence relationship based on a frequency of the collected cooccurrence relationship, and a cooccurrence dictionary storage section which stores a cooccurrence dictionary in which a correspondence between the calculated cooccurrence score and the cooccurrence relationship is described. |
| US08443001B2 |
Stashing of locally persisted data to network accessible storage
Techniques are disclosed for identifying and stashing all or portions of application data to a network accessible storage device or location. Identifying and stashing are accomplished in a fashion that is transparent to a user such that a user is not burdened by the process of managing and stashing a full or partial set of application data. The system, the application, or a combination of system components and the application persist and manage data locally and stash portions of the local data to one or more network accessible storage devices or locations. One or more links are provided in place of the stashed portions of data. The application uses the links in a same or similar fashion as handling local data while providing little to no loss of functionality due to all or portions of the local data being stashed. |
| US08442995B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling subscribed access to data
Embodiments are directed to providing a plurality of data provisioning tiers for datasets and to throttling access to dataset data based on the dataset's data provisioning tiers. In an embodiment, a computer system receives an input that specifies a maximum number of queries that a user is allowed to perform on a given dataset over a specified period of time. The computer system generates data provisioning tiers for the dataset based on the received input. Each data provisioning tier indicates a maximum number of queries that the user is allowed to perform on a given dataset over a specified period of time. The computer system also applies the generated data provisioning tiers to the dataset so that the user is limited to the maximum number of queries specified in the data provisioning tier. |
| US08442989B2 |
Method for assigning multimedia data to distributed storage devices
The invention concerns a method for assigning parts of multimedia files to distributed storage devices, the number of said devices being an integer n, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a step consisting in dividing each multimedia file in windows, which represent data for contiguous playback of a given duration; a step consisting, for each multimedia file, in determining a number k so that any original window of file can be recovered from any k distinct symbols; a step consisting, for each window of each said multimedia files, in assigning n corresponding symbols to said devices, one to each device, the n distinct symbols being created using erasure coding; and a step consisting in partially or totally filling the storage memory left on each device after said first steps with prefix windows of said multimedia files. |
| US08442985B2 |
System for requirement identification and analysis based on capability mode structure
A textual analysis system is configured to compare textual content of textual statements. The textual analysis system is configured to score the textual content of a first textual statement and a second textual statement. Based on the score, the textual analysis system may determine a level of correspondence between the first textual statement and the second textual statement. The textual analysis system is configured to generate an interactive visual representation of the correspondence levels between the first statement and the second statement. The visual representation may be transmitted to a display. |
| US08442981B2 |
Résumé storage and retrieval system
A method of and apparatus for storage and retrieval of résumé images in a manner which preserves the appearance, organization, and information content of the original document. In addition, summaries or “outlines” of résumé images, broken down into multiple fields, are stored, and can be searched field by field. A user interface is provided which is based on a familiar paper-based method already in common use, thus reducing the training required to effectively use the system. |
| US08442974B2 |
Method and system for ranking web pages in a search engine based on direct evidence of interest to end users
A method and system for ranking Web pages in a Web search engine is described. One illustrative embodiment receives a Web search query from a particular user, the query including at least one keyword; identifies one or more Web pages that contain the at least one keyword; determines, for each of the one or more Web pages, a raw page ranking; adjusts the raw page ranking of each of at least one Web page among the one or more Web pages based on direct evidence of how interesting that Web page is to users to produce an adjusted page ranking, the direct evidence being derived from clickstream data collected from the users; and presents, as search results, the at least one Web page to the particular user in accordance with the adjusted page rankings. |
| US08442967B2 |
Operator-assisted iterative biometric search
Biometric search methods, apparatus, and systems using operator input for an operator-assisted iterative biometric search are provided. In certain embodiments, a set of candidate records is received at a computing device. At least a first portion of the set of candidate records is displayed. An indication that a first candidate record in the set of candidate records is not a match to the probe record is received. A first search of the set of candidate records using the first candidate record is performed. A score assigned to a second candidate record in the set of candidate records is modified when the second candidate record is more likely to be a match to the first candidate record than a match to the probe record. At least a second portion of the set of candidate records is displayed. |
| US08442965B2 |
Query language identification
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for identifying the language of a search query. In one embodiment, the language of each term of a query is determined from the query terms and the language of the user interface a user used to enter the query. In another embodiment, an automatic interface language classifier is generated from a collection of past queries each submitted by a user. In some embodiments, a score is determined for each of multiple languages, each score indicating a likelihood that the query language is the corresponding one of the multiple languages. |
| US08442963B2 |
System and method for compiling geospatial data for on-line collaboration
A system and method for compiling geospatial data for on-line collaboration is provided. A database of categories is maintained. Each category includes one or more waymarks and is associated with at least one variable having one or more attributes, which each specify a type of data storable under that variable. A search is performed and one of the categories is selected. A new waymark is formed under the selected category. First, geospatial data defining a location is received from a user. Second, metadata describing a physical object associated with a location is received. One or more of the attributes, which each specify the type of data in agreement with the metadata is defined. Third, the geospatial data is compiled with the metadata for the new waymark. The new waymark is stored under the selected category. The new waymark is published on-line. |
| US08442954B2 |
Creating and managing links to deduplication information
In a method of linking to information in a deduplication data sequence, a branching point is identified. The branching point is a place where a branch data sequence diverges from a parent data sequence that has been previously stored in a data deduplication process. A signature value associated with a subsequence of the information represented in the branch data sequence is determined. A branch location where the information of the branch data sequence begins is identified. Link information is stored in association with the branching point. The link information is stored in a computer memory. The link information comprises a link to the branch location and also comprises a portion of the signature value. |
| US08442950B2 |
Data surrogate generation for data management
Multi-dimensional surrogation systems and methods are provided that generate at least one data surrogate using information of data and numerous data changes received from at least one data source. The multi-dimensional surrogation transforms data of each data surrogate from a format of the data source to at least one alternative format. Original metadata is extracted from each data surrogate. New metadata is generated by combining portions of the original metadata and components of each data surrogate. The multi-dimensional surrogation generates an extended data surrogate comprising the data surrogate and the new metadata. |
| US08442949B1 |
Systems and methods for using data archiving to expedite server migration
A computer-implemented method for using data archiving to expedite server migration may include: 1) archiving data from at least one source computing system to an archiving system in accordance with an archiving policy, 2) altering metadata associated with the archived data on the archiving system so that the metadata references a desired target computing system instead of the source computing system, and then, upon bringing the target computing system online, 3) restoring at least a portion of the archived data from the archiving system to the target computing system. Various other methods, systems, and configured computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08442948B2 |
Adapting a timer bounded arbitration protocol
Example apparatus, methods, and computers prevent a split brain scenario in a pair of high availability servers by maintaining single writer access to a resource. One example method includes monitoring control of an arbitration (ARB) block by an active file system manager (FSM). An active file system portmapper (FSMPM) simultaneously requests permission from a standby FSM to restart a dead-man timer. The active FSM attempts to maintain control of the ARB block before expiration of the dead-man timer. If the active FSM is unable to maintain control of the ARB block before expiration of the dead-man timer, a hardware reset of an apparatus running the active FSM is forced. Therefore, the active FSMPM and standby FSM negotiate for additional time to maintain control of the ARB block to maintain single writer access and avoid unnecessary hardware resets. |
| US08442941B2 |
Scalable database workload replay with mode selections
To help a database administrator assess the impact of database server changes on applications, trace files are preprocessed into intermediate files with events sorted by generation order. Unused event classes and columns of a trace file are excluded, and pre-calculated data may be included. Intermediate files are then dispatched across a set of clients, and replay occurs in a synchronization mode or a stress mode. Synchronization mode releases events in submission order, whereas stress mode releases events in emulation of their original timing. Replay parameters include server idle time cap, query timeout value, a connect-time scaling factor for scaling time between trace start and connection login, and a think-time scaling factor for scaling the time between events on a replay client—database server connection. Each replay client generates a result file, which a replay controller aggregates for administrator analysis. |
| US08442940B1 |
Systems and methods for pairing of a semantic network and a natural language processing information extraction system
Systems and methods for coupling a semantic network editing tool and a natural language processing (NLP) system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network editing tool includes or is connected to an application module configured to facilitate queries to the NLP system and extraction of data from a collection of document by the NLP system for integration of contents with the semantic network. |
| US08442938B2 |
Child data structure update in data management system
A system to update a data structure based on a plurality of parent data structures, where at least one of the plurality of parent data structures is associated with point data. Some embodiments may include reception of a notification to update from one of the plurality of parent data structures, determination that one or more of the plurality of parent data structures is updating, determination of whether a notification to update has been received from each of the one or more of the plurality of parent data structures, and, if the notification to update has been received from each of the one or more of the plurality of parent data structures, update of the data structure based on data of the one or more of the plurality of parent data structures. |
| US08442935B2 |
Extract, transform and load using metadata
The extract and transformation operation performed on multiple data sources. In the extract operation, a computing system periodically performs an extraction operation on the data sources, perhaps as defined by metadata. The transformation operation is performed on at least some the extracted data, and is periodically performed, perhaps also in a manner that is defined by metadata. When performing each iteration of the transformation operation, the computing system performs a transformation operation on valid data, marks other data as suspect (due to a dependency on data that is not present), and completes transformation on yet other data that had previously been marked as suspect or perhaps reaffirms its suspect status if the needed data is still not available. |
| US08442934B2 |
Query and result rebinding
The metadata-based intermediation between two data sources. A computing system accesses a query message (e.g., a query or a query response). The query message is structured to be compatible with the first data source. The computing system uses metadata either directly, or indirectly through the execution of code referenced by the metadata to convert the query message into a semantically equivalent query message that is compatible with the second data source. If the query message were a query, then a query response may be acquired and the metadata may perhaps be used again to convert the query response into a form that is compatible with the first data source. In one embodiment, the conversion using the metadata is performed with the assistance of a framework, making changes to the conversion process as simple as perhaps just editing the metadata itself. |
| US08442926B2 |
Information filtering system, information filtering method and information filtering program
A string matching unit 110 specifies a category of an input document 801 by string matching of the input document 801 and a classifying keyword shown by matching condition information 109. Learning data 209 shows statistic information of each category. A classifying unit 220 specifies the category of the input document 801 based on a correspondence ratio of the input document 801 and the statistic information shown by the learning data 209. A correct answer comparing unit 120 compares the category specified by the string matching unit 110 and a category of correct answer information 803. A learning unit 210 compares the category specified by the classifying unit 220 and the category of the correct answer information 803. An error rate calculating unit 310 calculates a classifying error rate of a string matching filter unit 100 and a learning filter unit 200 based on the comparison result of the correct answer comparing unit 120 and the comparison result of the learning unit 210. A result outputting unit 320 outputs the category specified by the filter having a smaller classifying error rate as a classified result 301 of a classifying target document 804. |
| US08442923B2 |
Temporal document trainer and method
An electronic document sorter is trained to classify documents based on their temporal qualities. The invention can be used in environments such as automated news aggregators, search engines and other electronic systems which compile information having temporal qualities. |
| US08442922B2 |
Sporting event image capture, processing and publication
Systems, methods and software are disclosed for capturing and/or importing and processing media items such as digital images or video (202) associated with a sporting event such as a marathon or bicycle race (FIG. 3). The media items are processed, including bib number or facial recognition if necessary (204, 206, 504), to associate them with an individual participant. Other input sources may include spectator uploads (506), external web sites and media sharing (508) or soda! networking (510) services. The system (500) aggregates, organizes and generates content, and distributes it (580) via various output channels, which may include event web sites (256), personal feeds (250), and other output channels (260, 254, 252, FIG. 4). Preferably, selected content is associated with at least one individual participant in the event, and that content is automatically distributed to channels that are associated with that individual participant. |
| US08442917B1 |
Energy distribution and marketing backoffice system and method
A retail energy provider system comprising a market transaction manager, business rules and requirements processor, usage rater, customer analysis and quality control auditor, customer billing processor and collection manager, customer payment processor, third party sales and marketing application programming interface, customer acquisition and residual income interface, having a wholesale forecaster, interactive voice response system, intranet web services, internet web services and network based external customer service and executive management systems and financial services functions, all said functions and systems interacting with a robust SQL database engine for which the novel database schema is taught herein. |
| US08442915B2 |
Modifiable authentication levels in authentication systems for transactions
A system and method are provided for authentication. A first request for a transaction is received from a communications device, the first request comprising collation information of a customer to be authenticated and a price of a product or service to be purchased by the customer. An authentication level is set based on the price. A second request is transmitted to a mobile communications device of the customer. Authentication information is received from the mobile communications device, the authentication information comprising identification information of the customer. The authentication information is transmitted to the communications device. |
| US08442914B2 |
Virtual wallet account with automatic-loading
Methods and apparatus for operating a virtual wallet system are described. In an embodiment, the process includes receiving, at a virtual wallet server, a virtual wallet account number and payment transaction details that includes a payment amount, and then mapping the virtual wallet account number to at least one funding account associated with a consumer. The method also includes validating the consumer and the payment transaction details, generating a standard purchase authorization request message and routing it to an issuer of the at least one funding account, and receiving an authorization response approving the payment transaction. The process further includes loading the consumer's virtual wallet account in real time to match the payment amount, and routing an authorization approval message to an originating acquirer. Such a virtual wallet system with automatic-loading capabilities substantially improves the operation of decoupled debit payment account schemes. In addition, the use of a virtual wallet account assigned to a consumer by virtue of a virtual wallet account number (which can be described as a pseudo-primary account number (pseudo-PAN)) allows the consumer to fund payments for multiple PSP accounts from a single funding account while simultaneously protecting personal data and protecting against identity theft. |
| US08442913B2 |
Evolving payment device
A computer apparatus is provided that comprises processor and a computer-readable medium coupled to the processor. The computer readable medium comprises code executable by the processor for implementing a method that comprises receiving a first indication at a computer apparatus that an evolving token has been used in a first transaction. Use of the evolving token in the first transaction provides a first benefit. The method further comprises that in a subsequent transaction after the first transaction, the evolving token changes so that it is associated with a payment account and the evolving token can be used to make payments. |
| US08442911B1 |
Systems and methods for a prepaid interest credit card account
A system for charging fees to a card holder of a credit card account may comprise at least one subsystem that calculates a prepaid interest amount and at least one subsystem that charges the prepaid interest amount to the credit card account in lieu of charging interest on the actual balance of the account. |
| US08442907B1 |
Method, software program, and system for ranking relative risk of a plurality of transactions
A method for ranking relative risk of a plurality of transactions, wherein each of the transactions has associated therewith a plurality of variables. In one embodiment the method includes assigning a value to each of the variables associated with each of the transactions, aggregating the values assigned to each of the variables on a transaction by transaction basis to produce an aggregate risk level for each transaction, and ranking each of the transactions relative to one another based upon the aggregate risk level corresponding to each transaction. A corresponding software program and system are also disclosed. |
| US08442902B2 |
System, method and program for preventing gaming in a trading system
System, method, and program for preventing gaming in a trading system. The systems, methods and programs can receive an order from a trader to trade securities in an alternative trading system, determine if gaming is occurring, set a price collar for the order, and submit the order to the alternative trading system with the price collar. |
| US08442901B2 |
Fuel offering and purchase management system
The present disclosure is directed to facilitating pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity. In one embodiment, a Fuel Offer Generator facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. Ultimately, a customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. The Fuel Offer Generator allows for the management of regional fuel price offerings and allows for fuel offering redemption based on fuel pump prices. |
| US08442892B2 |
REIT-based pure property return indexes
The present disclosure is directed to generating REIT-based pure property return indexes. First, REIT return data is compiled from each REIT of a plurality of REITs at a predetermined frequency. Then, the generated REIT return data is de-levered and processed according to exposures to each of a plurality of target characteristics to obtain coefficients reflecting each REIT's weight in an index. Finally, an index is generated according to the REITs, the obtained coefficients, and the weights. |
| US08442891B2 |
Intermarket analysis
A method and a system for performing intermarket analysis. The method can include, from a pool of available markets in which at least one key intermarket has been selected and removed, selecting at least one market as a general intermarket, and removing the market selected as the general intermarket from the pool of available markets. From the pool of available markets from which the general intermarket has been removed, at least one market can be selected as a predictive intermarket and removed from the pool of available markets. Market data for each of the key intermarket, the general intermarket and the predictive intermarket can be processed to train a neural network. After training the neural network, market data for the primary market can be processed with the neural network to predict future market data for the primary market. The predicted future market data can be output. |
| US08442888B2 |
Managing and evaluating price data for purchasing
A method for evaluating price data includes receiving a product specification data set that identifies different items. Also received are price data sets that include items and corresponding price data. For each price data set, metric data for each item is obtained. The metric data includes one or more market reference prices for the items in the price data set. Using the metric data, a market value of each item in the price data set is calculated for comparison to the price data in the price data set. The method may also include comparing the price data in the price data set to the calculated market value to generate a comparison value. In another embodiment, metric data is obtained for each item in the product specification data set, and a market value of each item is calculated for comparison to the price data in the price data sets. |
| US08442884B2 |
Transfer of title through intermediary
Disclosed are novel tools (including, without limitation, systems, methods and software) to facilitate the sale of items of property and/or for providing title transfer services that ensure that the purchaser of the items of property (real or personal) receives adequate title to the property. In an aspect, the tools can serve as a clearinghouse for the various components to the transaction (e.g., receiving payment from the buyer, confirming that any security interest in the property has been paid off, informing the various parties to the transaction of the transaction's status, etc.). |
| US08442874B2 |
Flight selection method
The present invention relates to a flight selection method using a computerized device. The method includes the step of processing flight data relating to flights to produce display data. The display data is displayed by a remote computer in accordance with a flight search query. The display data includes flight representations displayed relative to a timeline. At least one flight representation is associated with more than one fare indicator to provide for a more compact display of flight information. |
| US08442872B2 |
System and methods for providing financial account information over a network
A system and method for providing financial account messages to customers while accessing web sites is disclosed. Methods, systems and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention enable a financial account issuer to provide an application to customer's computer system over a network. The application may be configured to provide various messages associated with the customer's financial account provided by the financial account issuer while the customer browses web sites. The financial account messages may be configured to provide interactive and dynamically changing account status information based on attempted purchases of goods and/or services by the customer at merchants' web sites. The application may also be configured to provide rating information associated with web sites accessed by the customer. |
| US08442864B2 |
Digital device advertising system and method
A system and method for allowing users to download modified software applications for digital devices, such as mobile phones, computers, electronic devices and mobile devices capable of wireless communication by the provision by the user of an authentication code that is validated to determine that the user is permitted to download and use a modified software application for the digital device. The system authorizes the user to download and use a modified software application and provides advertisements, directly associated with the campaign's authentication code(s), to the modified software application as it runs on the digital device, where the modified software application has been modified to accept and display advertisements on the digital device. The invention further includes allocating credits to authentication codes and deducting credits based on a credit value assigned to each modified software application and/or digital product, such as a digital song. The invention further includes the capability to track the usage of such modified software applications based on the authentication codes. |
| US08442861B2 |
Multi-dimensional price determination
A system and method are provided. The method includes establishing a current belief about the multidimensional distribution of buyers' valuations for at least one item, and, based on the current belief, proposing at least one pricing mechanism, each pricing mechanism establishing a price for the at least one item. Observed buyers' responses to at least one of the set of proposed pricing mechanisms are stored. Region censored updates to the belief about the multidimensional distribution of buyers' valuations are conducted, based on the observed responses, to generate a new belief about the multidimensional distribution of buyers' valuations. Based on the new belief, a pricing mechanism establishing a price for the at least one item is proposed, that is expected to improve a seller's welfare under the new belief, relative to the originally proposed mechanism or mechanisms. |
| US08442858B1 |
Subscriber data insertion into advertisement requests
A method is provided for subscriber data insertion into advertisement requests. The method includes receiving a request for advertising content for a subscriber from a publisher. The request contains a unique subscriber identifier associated with the subscriber. The method further includes obtaining carrier controlled subscriber data related to the subscriber based on the unique subscriber identifier. The method additionally includes inserting the carrier controlled subscriber data into the request. |
| US08442853B2 |
Targeted equipment monitoring system and method for optimizing equipment reliability
An operating strategy for effectively operating a system, such as a boiler system, is provided by quantifying operation of the system based on failure characteristics modeled in a computer processor performing failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to forecast damage mechanisms from operational parameters. One method includes determining operational consequences from inherent damage impact of fixed operational parameters, enabling instruments for operation with the processor for monitoring and diagnosing potential damage mechanisms, forming a graphic component map sufficient for user review of preselected system locations, and developing macroscopic in-service and out-of-service condition monitoring plans for the system. Detailed condition monitoring plans are then created from the macroscopic plans by the processor classifying each damage mechanism as one of active, incipient, incidental and passive, and processing each classified damage mechanism based on industry and local historical data for providing yield indices and propensities as reference for the FMEA. |
| US08442851B2 |
Providing feedback to a chairperson in an electronic meeting scheduling system in order to enable improved meeting resource management
A system for providing feedback to a chairperson in an electronic meeting scheduling system to enable improved meeting resource management, in which a chairperson can indicate the attendance modes that are permitted for specific invitees to a meeting. The meeting invitations indicate to the invitees the attendance modes they are permitted to use. Meeting invitees are presented with user interface options allowing them to select from potentially multiple attendance modes, determined in response to inputs from the chairperson, and/or in response to information describing resources. As meeting resources are allocated to accepting invitees, those resources become unavailable for selection by subsequently accepting invitees. Meeting acceptances are collected such that indications of how accepting attendees will attend the meeting are made available in a chairperson interface so that the chairperson can adjust resources allocated for the meeting to reflect how accepting attendees are planning to attend. |
| US08442847B1 |
Method of making insurance comparisons between different insurance plans
A computerized method of allowing insurance customers to make better informed insurance purchases. The invention allows customers, who may be unfamiliar with the chances that various types of losses will occur and/or the true costs associated with these losses, to enter in various insurance loss scenarios and scenario parameters into a computer database which also contains information on various insurance plans. The invention outputs comparative information as to how adequately the various insurance plans perform according to the various customer selected scenarios, and comparative plan costs. The method can be implemented using computerized servers and client devices communicating using standard internet protocols over the internet. The invention may be used for any type of insurance product, and is particularly well suited for situations where consumers may have an unusually low amount of information regarding risks and associated costs, such as online purchase of various foreign coverage medical insurance plans. |
| US08442844B1 |
Methods and systems for claims management facilitation
The present invention relates to product claims management solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for maintaining purchase records and product repair, replacement, and refund claims processing. The user experience in performing claims management is simplified and enhanced over existing methods. |
| US08442840B2 |
Transparent healthcare transaction management system
A healthcare payment transaction system for managing and arranging payment for a healthcare service transaction provided by a healthcare service provider to a patient, particularly where the payment is to be paid by an insurer. The system includes an electronic deposit account for the healthcare service provider whereby the healthcare service provider records information regarding healthcare service transactions performed by the healthcare service provider for patients. It also features an electronic deposit account for the insurer whereby the insurer accesses information regarding healthcare service transactions for services provided for patients for which the insurer has payment responsibility. The insurer can also use its electronic deposit account to deposit payments for healthcare service transactions performed for patients covered by a policy issued by the insurer. A central system is used as a means for electronically transferring payments from the insurer's electronic deposit account to the healthcare service provider's electronic deposit account. A sweep function is further provided as a means for determining whether the healthcare service provider has recorded information regarding a healthcare service transaction for a patient for whom the insurer has payment responsibility. |
| US08442828B2 |
Conditional model for natural language understanding
A conditional model is used in spoken language understanding. One such model is a conditional random field model. |
| US08442826B2 |
Application-dependent information for recognition processing
Architecture for integrating application-dependent information into a constraints component at deployment time or when available. In terms of a general grammar, the constraints component can include or be a general grammar that comprises application-independent information and is structured in such a way that application-dependent information can be integrated into the general grammar without loss of fidelity. The general grammar includes a probability space and reserves a section of the probability space for the integration of application-dependent information. An integration component integrates the application-dependent information into the reserved section of the probability space for recognition processing. The application-dependent information is integrated into the reserved section of the probability space at deployment time or when available. The general grammar is structured to support the integration and improve the overall system. |
| US08442823B2 |
Methods for creating and searching a database of speakers
A method of performing a search of a database of speakers, includes: receiving a query speech sample spoken by a query speaker; deriving a query utterance from the query speech sample; extracting query utterance statistics from the query utterance; performing Kernelized Locality-Sensitive Hashing (KLSH) using a kernel function, the KLSH using as input the query utterance statistics and utterance statistics extracted from a plurality of utterances included in a database of speakers in order to select a subset of the plurality of utterances; and comparing, using an utterance comparison equation, the query utterance statistics to the utterance statistics for each utterance in the subset to generate a list of speakers from the database of utterances having a highest similarity to the query speaker. |
| US08442820B2 |
Combined lip reading and voice recognition multimodal interface system
The present invention provides a combined lip reading and voice recognition multimodal interface system, which can issue a navigation operation instruction only by voice and lip movements, thus allowing a driver to look ahead during a navigation operation and reducing vehicle accidents related to navigation operations during driving. The combined lip reading and voice recognition multimodal interface system in accordance with the present invention includes: an audio voice input unit; a voice recognition unit; a voice recognition instruction and estimated probability output unit; a lip video image input unit; a lip reading unit; a lip reading recognition instruction output unit; and a voice recognition and lip reading recognition result combining unit that outputs the voice recognition instruction |
| US08442819B2 |
Distortion-based method and apparatus for buffer control in a communication system
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a buffer in a communication system, such as a digital audio broadcasting (DAB) communication system. A more consistent perceptual quality over time provides for a more pleasing auditory experience to a listener. The disclosed bit allocation process determines, for each frame, a distortion d[k] at which the frame is to be encoded. The distortion d[k] is determined to minimize (i) the probability for a buffer overflow, and (ii) the variation of perceived distortion over time. A buffer level is controlled by partitioning a signal into a sequence of successive frames; estimating a distortion rate for a number of frames; and selecting a distortion such that the variance of the buffer level is bounded by a specified value. |
| US08442818B2 |
Apparatus and method for adaptive audio coding
An audio encoder capable of implementing a plurality of encoding functions, wherein an adaptation controller adjusts the implementation of the encoding functions in response to feedback received by the adaptation controller during use. The adjustment may involve adapting encoding algorithms or selecting alternative encoding algorithms. The encoder may also include an operations scheduler to adjust the order in which the encoding functions are applied. The feedback may be received from internally of the encoder, for example from the currently implemented encoding functions, or from externally of the encoder. A corresponding decoder is also provided. |
| US08442813B1 |
Methods and systems for assessing the quality of automatically generated text
A set of ordered characters is received in association with information specifying the locations of the characters within the image of the document. Language-conditional character probabilities for each character are determined based on a set of language models and the ordering of the characters. Neighbor characters associated with a target character are identified based on the locations of the characters. Language-conditional character probabilities associated with the neighbor characters and language-conditional character probabilities associated with the target character are combined to generate a local language-conditional likelihood associated with the target character, the local language-conditional likelihood representing a concordance of the target character to a language model. |
| US08442810B2 |
Deep model statistics method for machine translation
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for machine translation of a source document in an input language to a target document in an output language, comprising generating translation options corresponding to at least portions of each sentence in the input language; and selecting a translation option for the sentence based on statistics associated with the translation options. |
| US08442803B2 |
Method of measuring radiation doses on different directions
The present disclosure measures radiation doses on different directions. A partition is used, which has a certain attenuation ratio. With the partition, radiation doses on different directions can be determined without knowing the thickness or material of the partition. |
| US08442797B2 |
Directional tap detection algorithm using an accelerometer
A directional tap detection algorithm and a single tri-axis accelerometer are employed to extend the number of unique button less input commands available for a small mobile electronic device. The algorithm analyzes acceleration data from the tri-axis accelerometer to detect the direction and number of taps imparted to any of the six sides of a housing of the device, yielding 12 unique inputs. The algorithm employs a parameter referred to as the performance index (PI) to identify tap induced movements. The PI is determined by calculating the time derivative of each acceleration signal for each axis and then calculating the sum of the absolute values of the calculated acceleration derivatives. A tap is determined to have occurred if the sum exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined amount of time. If a second tap is detected within a predetermined time after the first tap, then a double tap is determined to have occurred. |
| US08442796B2 |
Method and system for simulating a proximity-based transaction device
A system and method for testing and calibrating electronic contactless payment devices including reference payment cards and readers. The contactless payment devices transmit data by load modulating a subcarrier of an RF carrier signal. The system and method involve use of a common mode rejection (CMR) circuit to demodulate a received load-modulated data signal and to extract the data signal. The CMR circuit also generates a synchronous clock signal, a sample & hold signal and a sample & hold clock signal. Further, the input signal is feed to a zero-crossing detector and digital delay which in combination with an Analog-to-Digital Converter circuit is used to recreate the load (i.e. modulating) signal and to eliminate the large carrier portion of the selected input signal. |
| US08442792B1 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating intelligent AC outlets
A method and apparatus for measuring and calibrating the power consumption reporting by intelligent AC outlets, sub outlets and sockets including optoport and RFID antenna using a hand held loader and propagating optical signals via a lightguide or fiber optic cable and via RFID signals and tags, including the setting up of location, AC outlet identification and appliance particulars. Simpler loaders or calibrators communicate standard power consumption values to the AC outlet for self-calibration using the received values. The appliance particulars are introduced via the loader keys or a touch screen and via the reading of a RFID tag attached to the plug of an appliance and processed via the loader for propagation through an optical grid of a residence automation system via current drain or power consumption receivers. |
| US08442791B2 |
Correction of a vehicle position by means of landmarks
A position for a vehicle is corrected by detecting landmarks on the journey route and correcting the measured vehicle position when a landmark of this kind has been identified. The landmarks are stored in a database in the vehicle with associated exact GPS positions. When a landmark is reached, the associated exact GPS position is compared with the position measured in the vehicle, whereupon the measured position is corrected. In this way, the position finding can be improved. |
| US08442788B2 |
Measuring device, test device, electronic device, measuring method, program, and recording medium
Provided is a measurement apparatus that measures a signal under measurement, including a strobe timing generator that sequentially generates strobes arranged at substantially equal time intervals; a level comparing section that detects a signal level of the signal under measurement at a timing of each sequentially provided strobe; a capture memory that stores therein a data sequence of the signal levels sequentially detected by the level comparing section; a window function multiplying section that multiplies the data sequence by a window function; a frequency domain converting section that converts the data sequence multiplied by the window function into a spectrum in the frequency domain; and an instantaneous phase noise calculating section that calculates instantaneous phase noise on a time axis of the signal under measurement, based on the spectrum. |
| US08442785B2 |
System and method for streetlight monitoring diagnostics
One or more example diagnostics may be implemented as part of an intelligent luminaire manager or other radio frequency (RF) device that is in communication with an equipment or fixture such as a luminaire. Example diagnostics can determine a status such as a fixture malfunction, a cycling condition, a miswiring configuration, or another condition. The determined status can be wirelessly transmitted from the intelligent luminaire manager or other radio frequency device to a network server via a network. The network may be a network of intelligent luminaire managers and/or RF devices. |
| US08442783B2 |
Method of and apparatus for recording fuel supplied to a vehicle
A fuel measuring device, for mounting on the inlet to a vehicle fuel tank, has a sensor for recording a flow rate of fuel flowing through the inlet into the vehicle fuel tank. A processor for integrating the fuel flow rate to determine amount of fuel supplied to the fuel tank and a data storage device, for storing data indicative of the volume of fuel supplied to the vehicle fuel tank, are provided. A connector, for enabling the stored data on fuel volume to be transferred from the fuel measuring device on the vehicle to another device separate from the vehicle. A signal from a sender unit of a vehicle fuel tank may be used. A related method enables fuel usage to be tracked by, for example, the renter of a vehicle, and a further related method provides improved fuel gauges for use in fleets of rental cars. |
| US08442781B2 |
Coriolis flowmeter
A drive device for operating an electromagnetic oscillator includes an OP amplifier for amplifying an analog input signal from an electromagnetic pick-off and an A/D converter for converting an analog signal output from the OP amplifier into a digital signal. The drive device also includes a D/A converter for converting, after digital processing performed by a DSP on the digital signal output from the A/D converter based on phase detection, a digital signal having a processed data amount into an analog signal, and a D/A converter for converting, after the digital processing performed by the DSP on the digital signal output from the D/A converter based on the phase detection, a digital signal having a processed data amount into an analog signal. |
| US08442779B2 |
Identifying degraded fans in datacenters
A method for identifying a degraded fan measures acoustic data from an operating datacenter fan. A motor rotation frequency and a vane passing frequency are determined from the acoustic data. Amplitudes of the frequencies are determined from the acoustic data. If the amplitude of the motor rotation frequency is greater than the amplitude of the vane passing frequency, then it is determined that the fan is degraded. |
| US08442778B2 |
Data acquisition system for condition-based maintenance
Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components. |
| US08442774B2 |
Diagnosing fetal chromosomal aneuploidy using paired end
Embodiments of this invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for determining whether a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy exists from a biological sample obtained from a pregnant female. Nucleic acid molecules of the biological sample are sequenced, such that a fraction of the genome is sequenced. Respective amounts of a clinically-relevant chromosome and of background chromosomes are determined from results of the sequencing. The determination of the relative amounts may count sequences of only certain length. A parameter derived from these amounts (e.g. a ratio) is compared to one or more cutoff values, thereby determining a classification of whether a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy exists. Prior to sequencing, the biological sample may be enriched for DNA fragments of a particular sizes. |
| US08442771B2 |
Methods and apparatus for term normalization
Methods and data processing apparatus for normalization of mentions of subcellular entities, such as proteins and/or genes, in a natural language biomedical text document, in which the species of the individual mention of a subcellular entity is determined before an identifier is assigned to the individual mention of a subcellular entity and the identified species is taken into account when assigning an identifier to the said individual mention of a subcellular entity. |
| US08442769B2 |
Method of determining and utilizing high fidelity wellbore trajectory
Various methods are disclosed, comprising obtaining a plurality of raw depth measurements for a wellbore; obtaining survey data about a bottom hole assembly; obtaining depth compensation information; calculating a plurality of compensated depth measurements from the raw depth measurements and the depth compensation information and one or more additional corrections for residual pipe compliance, tide, and rig heave; calculating sag angle and correcting the survey data with the sag angle; determining a high fidelity wellbore trajectory from the compensated depth measurements and the survey data; and then employing the high fidelity wellbore trajectory in various drilling, formation evaluation, and production and reservoir analysis applications. Depth compensation information may comprise at least one of weight on bit, a friction factor, temperature profile, borehole profile, drill string mechanical properties, hookload, and drilling fluid property. The surveys may include both static and continuous surveys. |
| US08442768B2 |
Navigation system, portable terminal device, and in-vehicle device
A navigation system is configured such that: an in-vehicle device collects and provides position information and movement information of a vehicle to a portable terminal device, and displays image data sent from the portable terminal device. The portable terminal device acquires map information from a map center device based on the position information and the movement information sent from the in-vehicle device, calculates an actual location of the vehicle based on the position information and the movement information sent from the in-vehicle device, and generates image data in which the calculated actual location is superposed on the acquired map information. |
| US08442766B2 |
Marking apparatus having enhanced features for underground facility marking operations, and associated methods and systems
Marking information relating to use of a marking device to perform a marking operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the marking information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the marking device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the marking device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g., GPS coordinates) of a dispensing tip of the marking device during use, a group/solo mode, and tactile functionality of a user interface. |
| US08442765B1 |
Shared state selection and data exchange for collaborative navigation using conditionally independent parallel filters
A method for collaborative navigation comprises initializing a conditionally independent filter on a local platform, propagating the conditionally independent filter forward in time, and when a local measurement has been made, updating the conditionally independent filter with the local measurement. When a common measurement has been made, the conditionally independent filter is updated with the common measurement, and a determination is made whether a remote conditioning node has arrived from a remote platform. If a remote conditioning node has arrived, a determination is made whether the remote conditioning node needs to be fused with a local conditioning node of the conditionally independent filter. If the remote conditioning node needs to be fused, a node-to-node fusion is performed in the conditionally independent filter to merge the remote conditioning node with the local conditioning node to produce a merged conditioning node. A conditional update of the conditionally independent filter is then performed. |
| US08442762B2 |
Method for the three-dimensional representation of a digital roadmap
In order to provide a method for the three-dimensional representation of a digital roadmap, which makes greater use of areas near the horizon of the visual representation and provides the user with supplementary information, a provision is made to draw in these areas navigation or orientation-related information as image elements. |
| US08442761B2 |
Navigation device, display method of navigation device, program of display method of nagivation device and recording medium recording program of display method of navigation device
There is provided a navigation device having a current location detection unit for detecting a current location, a current location correction unit for correcting the current location detected by the current location detection unit using map matching and a display unit for displaying a map, switches an operation mode between a normal mode, which is an operation mode based on in-vehicle use, and a pedestrian mode, which is an operation mode based on use when moving on foot, displays the map of the current location by the display unit by arranging a mark indicating the current location based on the current location corrected by the current location correction unit in the normal mode, and displays the map of the current location by the display unit by arranging the mark indicating the current location based on the current location detected by the current location detection unit in the pedestrian mode. |
| US08442759B2 |
System and method for providing multiple portions of a route in a telematics system
A method for communicating navigational information to a telematics unit. The method comprises receiving route requirements; calculating a plurality of portions of a route, each portion calculated according to different sets of criteria, the criteria determined from the route requirements; and sending the plurality of portions to the telematics unit. The portions of the route can be provided to the telematics unit sequentially, with non-final portions including a trigger for indicating to the telematics unit when to request the next portion. The portions can also be provided to the telematics unit as a complete route comprising concatenated route portions. |
| US08442758B1 |
Systems and methods for a vehicle smart calendar
Systems and methods for a vehicle smart calendar are described. One embodiment includes obtaining information related to a user preference, a user schedule, and third party information and receiving a communication directly from a vehicle computing device of a vehicle, the communication including authenticating information for a user. Some embodiments include, in response to authenticating the user, automatically providing, by a remote computing device, a reminder for an event on the user schedule to the vehicle computing device, a predetermined time prior to the event. |
| US08442756B2 |
Navigation apparatus
A navigation apparatus includes a base unit fastenable to a dashboard at a driver's seat of a vehicle, a front panel unit attachable to and detachable from the base unit and with a display displaying map data, and a microcomputer adapted to perform a navigation function to indicate a determined location of the vehicle on the map data. The navigation apparatus is configured such that a part of the front panel unit projects from a surface of the dashboard toward a user seated in the driver's seat, as viewed from side, when the front panel unit is attached to the base unit. With this, the degree of freedom of front panel unit attachment/detachment with respect to the base unit is improved without sacrificing the appearance of the navigation apparatus. |
| US08442750B1 |
Remotely controlled traffic management system
A traffic control system can include a remote control station and a plurality of traffic control assets. Each asset is networked to the control station with a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver and an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU can receive commands from the control station. In response, ECU can activate a light, or an audio device that is located on the traffic control asset. To move and position the traffic control asset can include at least two wheels and a corresponding motor for each wheel, which can be operated by the ECU to maneuver the traffic control asset according to the user's needs. The traffic asset can be a stop sign or a traffic cone. In some instances, the traffic control asset can have a flat configuration, for convenient storage and a deployed configuration, which can be established from the control station. |
| US08442749B2 |
Method for incorporating individual vehicle data collection and detection and recording of traffic violations in a traffic signal controller
The present disclosure teaches a software and hardware system capable of operating on a signal controller platform which detects and records individual vehicle data including but not limited to dangerous driving behavior such as red light running and speeding. The disclosure teaches sharing of the computing platform and infrastructure of the traffic control system. The disclosure also teaches receiving, interpreting, and organizing data collected through the traffic control system's vehicle detection infrastructure, and driving cameras, video, or other recording devices to provide additional evidence of an individual vehicle's behavior. |
| US08442746B2 |
Ignition control device
In order to provide an ignition control device 30 which can efficiently control timing of thermal ignition of gaseous mixture in a combustion region 10, the peak estimation part 32, the ignition timing determination part 33, the control timing determination part 34, and the plasma control part 35 control timing of thermal ignition of the gaseous mixture in the combustion region 10 by controlling the pulse generator 36, the electromagnetic wave oscillator 37, the mixer circuit 38, and the spark plug 15 so as to increase the amount of OH radicals in the combustion region 10 during a low-temperature oxidation preparation period that occurs prior to a peak of a heat release rate before the thermal ignition of the gaseous mixture. |
| US08442742B2 |
Torque control apparatus and control method for vehicle driving unit
The prevention of the occurrence of a shock during acceleration is enabled without impairing acceleration response as to a control apparatus for a vehicle driving unit. By changing a control amount of a specific one or specific ones of the plurality of the control elements when a torque-up request is issued, the output torque of the vehicle driving unit is increased toward a target output torque. In this case, a torque gradient upon changing the control amount of the specific one or the specific ones of the control elements is estimated and calculated on the basis of a current output torque of the vehicle driving unit according to a calculation rule formulated in advance. The control amounts of the respective control elements including the specific one or the specific ones of the control elements are set such that the estimated torque gradient coincides with a predetermined target torque gradient. |
| US08442735B2 |
Traction control system and method
In one example, a first vehicle traveling on a road is provided. The vehicle comprises a communication device coupled in the first vehicle configured to receive information transmitted by a second vehicle traveling on the road, the information identifying road surface conditions experience by the second vehicle; and a controller configured to adjust a vehicle operating parameter of the first vehicle in response to receiving the transmitted information from the second vehicle. |
| US08442733B2 |
Method for detecting the performance of a skip shift device
A skip shift device performance detecting method used to more accurately enable skip shift diagnostic execution in a manual transmission equipped vehicle where a skip shift has been requested and a transmission clutch remains engaged. Where a skip shift request ceases during clutch engagement, a timed loop is used to monitor if clutch disengagement occurs before the loop times out. Where clutch disengagement occurs before the loop times out, skip shift diagnostic execution is enabled. Where the loop times out before disengagement, skip shift diagnostic execution is disabled. Where the skip shift is requested and the clutch remains engaged, the skip shift request is monitored to determine whether it is withdrawn before clutch disengagement. If it is withdrawn before clutch disengagement, the aforementioned timed monitoring loop is executed. If it is not withdrawn before clutch disengagement, execution of the skip shift diagnostic is enabled. |
| US08442732B1 |
Method and system for determining a driveline ratio for a powertrain having an auxiliary transmission
A method for determining a driveline ratio for a powertrain having an auxiliary transmission is provided and includes identifying a transmission gear ratio, measuring a transmission output speed, and measuring an auxiliary transmission output speed. An auxiliary transmission gear ratio is identified by comparing the transmission output speed to the auxiliary transmission output speed when the powertrain is in motion. The auxiliary transmission gear ratio is identified from a switch when the powertrain is at rest. An auxiliary transmission module has an auxiliary transmission in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to identify an auxiliary transmission gear ratio, and limit an engine torque command to limit the auxiliary transmission output torque. The engine torque command is limited if the output torque exceeds a predetermined value and if the auxiliary transmission is in a reducing gear ratio. |
| US08442730B2 |
Construction equipment, method of controlling construction equipment, and program for causing computer to execute the method
A controller of a construction machine includes a target command value computing unit generating a speed target command value for normal motion of a working equipment based on a manipulating signal, a target command value correcting unit correcting the command value, and a command signal output unit outputting a command signal to a driving device based on the corrected speed target command value. The target command value correcting unit includes a vibration suppressing unit generating a speed target command value for vibration suppression to suppress generation of vibrations in the working equipment based on the command value, a peak value recognizing unit recognizing a peak value of the command value based on the command value sequentially generated by the target command value computing unit, and a target command value compositing unit compositing the command values according to the peak value to correct the command value. |
| US08442728B2 |
Control device for a vehicle having an automatically opening and/or automatically closing flap
A vehicle control system for an automatically opening and/or automatically closing flap, includes a programmable operating switch and a programmable electronic control device. The operating switch is a proximity sensor that is actuatable in a non-contact manner and, after the actuation occurs, generates an operation request signal as an input signal to the control device. In the presence of the operation request signal and, as required, of at least one further condition, the control device emits a command to a closing mechanism for opening or closing the flap. The control device and/or the operating switch is programmed such that the operation request signals are counted as long as at least a first defined condition has not yet been met, and that, when a defined maximal counter reading has been reached, the operation request signals will be ignored until at least a second defined condition has been met. |
| US08442724B2 |
Passenger protection system
A passenger protection system includes: a sensor outputting a detection digital data corresponding to collision; a passenger protection device; and an ECU. The sensor outputs a bit sequence providing an important bit group. A memory stores the data and the sequence doubly for storing first and second detection digital data and first and second bit sequences. The ECU determines based on the first or second data whether it is necessary to protect the passenger when the first data is equal to the second data. When the first data is different from the second data, and the first sequence is equal to the second sequence, the ECU replaces the important bit group in the first or second data with the first or second sequence, and determines based on the first or second data after replacement. |
| US08442723B2 |
Method for activating personal protection means
A method for activating personal protection means using at least one signal derived from an acceleration sensor. A forward displacement is determined from the signal, and the forward displacement is compared to at least one threshold value surface, which is set as a function of a velocity decrease and a deceleration. The personal protection means is activated as a function of the comparison. |
| US08442721B2 |
Steering controller for movable robot, steering control method using the steering controller and movable robot system using the steering controller
A steering controller for a movable robot is provided. The steering controller drives a plurality of motors, each of which is connected to a wheel. The wheels are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to an axis of a body of the movable robot. The steering controller comprises an input unit, an output unit and a conversion unit. The input unit receives steering signals including velocities of the movable robot according to the moving directions. The output unit outputs driving signals including rotational velocities of the motors. The conversion unit converts the steering signals to the driving signals. The use of the steering controller enables an operator to intuitionally steer the movable robot, making the movable robot convenient to use. |
| US08442720B2 |
Integrated vehicle control system using dynamically determined vehicle conditions
A vehicle includes a control system that is used to control a vehicle system. The control system determines a roll condition in response to a yaw rate sensor and a pitch rate sensor without having to use a roll rate sensor. A relative roll angle, relative pitch angle, global roll angle, and global pitch angle may also be determined. A safety system may be controlled in response to the roll condition, roll angle, or the pitch angles individually or in combination. |
| US08442715B2 |
Apparatus for tracking and recording vital signs and task-related information of a vehicle to identify operating patterns
An apparatus is provided for diagnosing the state of health of a vehicle and for providing the operator of the vehicle with a substantially real-time indication of the efficiency of the vehicle in performing an assigned task with respect to a predetermined goal. A processor on-board the vehicle monitors sensors that provide information regarding the state of health of the vehicle and the amount of work the vehicle has done. In response to anomalies in the data from the sensors, the processor records information that describes events leading up to the occurrence of the anomaly for later analysis that can be used to diagnose the cause of the anomaly. The sensors are also used to prompt the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle at optimum efficiency. |
| US08442712B2 |
System and method to thermally protect a transistor in an electric drive vehicle
An electronic system for an electric drive mobile machine includes at least one transistor that emits heat, a pressure detector that generates a pressure signal, a temperature detector providing a first temperature signal indicative of the detected first temperature and a second temperature of or substantially adjacent to the transistor, and a controller configured to determine a temperature protection set point based upon the first temperature signal and the pressure signal and execute a control strategy for thermally protecting the transistor when the first temperature signal indicates that the first temperature reaches the temperature protection set point. |
| US08442709B2 |
Underwater investigation system providing unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) guidance based upon updated position state estimates and related methods
An underwater investigation system may include a host ship, a UUV including a propulsion device and a steering device, and at least one sonar system. The system may further include a guidance controller configured to initiate sonar range measurements between the host ship and the UUV using the at least one sonar system, and estimate a respective UUV position state relative to the host ship at the initiation of at least some of the sonar range value measurements to define a series of successive UUV position state estimates. The guidance controller may be further configured to update UUV position state estimates in the series based upon completion of their respective sonar range measurements, propagate the updates to subsequent UUV position state estimates in the series, and control the propulsion device and the steering device to guide movement of the UUV relative to the host ship based upon the updated position state estimates. The system thereby provides relatively precise guidance and navigation capabilities to maneuver the UUV relatively long distances away from the host ship. |
| US08442699B2 |
Vehicle integrated control system
An integrated control system includes a main control system controlling a driving system, a main control system controlling a brake system, and a main control system controlling a steering system, an adviser unit generating and providing information to be used at each control system based on environmental information around the vehicle or information related to a driver, an agent unit generating and providing information to be used at each of the main control systems to cause the vehicle to realize a predetermined behavior, and a supporter unit generating and providing information to be used at each of the main control systems based on the current dynamic state of the vehicle. |
| US08442698B2 |
Methods and apparatus for design and control of multi-port power electronic interface for renewable energy sources
Methods and systems for energy management are disclosed. An example system includes a first port connected to an energy storage device for bidirectional flow of energy, a second port connected to an energy source device for unidirectional flow of energy, a third port connected to a utility grid for bidirectional flow of energy, and a unified control system with control logic configured to simultaneously control energy flow between the first, second, and third ports based on at least two factors from the group consisting of: a state of charge of the energy storage device, a state of the energy source device, and a state of the utility grid. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08442696B2 |
Gas meter and gas safety system
Setting safety function, as appropriate, according to a user environment is enabled, thereby enhancing safety function. According to selection information from a safety function selection unit 120, a function setting unit 116 sets arbitrary function among a plurality of functions as safety function pertaining to usage of a gas. When operating conditions for safety function are fulfilled, a monitoring unit 112 detects malfunction, which would arise during usage of a gas, and outputs a safety signal to a control unit 114 in accordance with the set safety function. In accordance with a safety signal from the monitoring unit 112, the control unit 114 cuts off a gas supply when an event fulfilling operating conditions for the set function has arisen. When an event fulfilling operating conditions for an unset function has arisen, a communication unit 124 reports occurrence of malfunction pertaining to unset function to the monitoring center 200. |
| US08442695B2 |
Auto-adaptable energy management apparatus
According to an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus includes a processor operable to manage energy use at a site wherein the processor is configured to detect a user interaction with the apparatus and create a personalized schedule automatically in response to the user interaction. The apparatus can also include a first profile accessible to the processor, wherein the first profile includes a first personalized schedule, and a second profile accessible to the processor, wherein the second profile is different from the first profile and includes a second personalized schedule. In addition, the processor can be configured to determine when to use the first profile or the second profile, initiate an outgoing message using the first or second personalized schedule, and update the first or second profile in response to a user interaction with an interface of the apparatus during use of the first or second personalized schedule. |
| US08442692B2 |
Method for performing adaptive friction compensation in an actuator accounting for variation in friction characteristics of wave gear drive accompanying change in temperature
According to a method for performing adaptive friction compensation of an actuator including a wave gear drive, there is used as a friction compensation current applied to a motor drive current a static friction compensation current is when a motor shaft stops with a deviation, and a Coulomb friction compensation current ic in other circumstances. The static friction compensation current is is obtained by adding a compensation amount isr of a monotonically increasing ramp function to a compensation amount iss of a step function, and a step-function compensation amount ics is used as the Coulomb friction compensation current ic. Since the amount of friction compensation can be changed adaptively based on the data during positioning-control response, a motor shaft can be stabilized at a target angle without prominent accompanying vibration, even if the ambient temperature changes and the friction characteristics of the wave gear drive fluctuate. |
| US08442686B2 |
Articulated arm robot, control method and control program
An articulated arm robot includes a support part capable of extending and contracting upward and downward, a first arm part with one end joined to the support part through a first joint to be rotatable about a yaw axis and having a second joint rotatable about a roll axis between both ends, a second arm part with one end joined to the other end of the first arm part through a third joint to be rotatable about the yaw axis or a pitch axis, an end effector part joined to the other end of the second arm part through a fourth joint to be rotatable about the yaw axis or the pitch axis, and drivers that respectively cause the first to fourth joints to rotate and the support part to extend and contract, and a controller that performs drive control of the drivers of the first to fourth joints by switching the arm between a SCARA mode where the first, second and third arm parts rotate only in a horizontal plane and a perpendicular mode where the second and third arm parts rotate only in a vertical plane. |
| US08442683B2 |
Cleaning robot and control method thereof
A cleaning robot including a roller unit, a sensing unit, a first control unit and a second control unit is disclosed. The roller unit includes a plurality of rollers. The sensing unit receives a reflection signal and generates a detection signal according to the reflection signal. When the detection signal is less than or equal to a reference signal, the first control unit controls the traveling direction of the rollers according to the detection signal such that a distance between the cleaning robot and a wall is equal to a first distance. When the detection signal is larger than the reference signal, the second control unit controls the traveling direction of the rollers according to the detection signal such that a distance between the cleaning robot and a wall is equal to a second distance larger then the first distance. |
| US08442679B2 |
Method and device for handling an object with the aid of a location system
An object handling method for determining the positions of the arm of a handling system with the aid of a location method which is based on a reference system predetermined by an associated location system. A handling system having a moveable arm. The arm is operational within a fixed reference system using a location system. |
| US08442672B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring the transport of an object
A method and a device monitor the transport of an object, particularly of a piece of mail that is provided with a delivery point, to which the object is transported. A sorting system reads the delivery point and generates a first attribute vector differentiating the object from all other transported objects. The first attribute vector and the read delivery point are stored. At the conclusion of the transport a second attribute vector is generated for the object. The object is identified by the second attribute vector. A central computer determines from which of those objects, having run through the sorting system at a predetermined period, the information transmitted originates. |
| US08442670B2 |
Automated surface preparations for the inner surface of a tire
Automated treatment operations for preparing the inner surface of a tire for patch application is provided. One exemplary method includes the steps of locating the tire on a tire support, identifying a target area for preparing that is located on the inner surface of the tire, scanning the target area so as to acquire data regarding the inner surface of the tire at the target area, determining a treatment path using the data regarding the inner surface of the tire, treating the inside of the tire by removing material using a treatment tool, and positioning the treatment tool along the treatment path during the treating step. |
| US08442668B2 |
Handling system, work system, and program
A handling system able to efficiently process information relating to a plurality of conveyed articles, the handling system provided with a conveyer for conveying workpieces, a visual sensor for detecting positions of workpieces by acquiring images of a plurality of tracking ranges obtained by dividing a belt into sections, an encoder for detecting an amount of movement of the belt, a tracking manager for monitoring amounts of movement of the plurality of tracking ranges based on the amount of movement detected by the encoder and specifying the tracking range passing through a workpiece detection area, a workpiece manager for selecting the article in the tracking range specified by the tracking manager, and a controller for controlling operations of robots so as to hold the workpiece selected by the workpiece manager. |
| US08442667B2 |
Applications of neural networks
Software for controlling processes in a heterogeneous semiconductor manufacturing environment may include a wafer-centric database, a real-time scheduler using a neural network, and a graphical user interface displaying simulated operation of the system. These features may be employed alone or in combination to offer improved usability and computational efficiency for real time control and monitoring of a semiconductor manufacturing process. More generally, these techniques may be usefully employed in a variety of real time control systems, particularly systems requiring complex scheduling decisions or heterogeneous systems constructed of hardware from numerous independent vendors. |
| US08442666B2 |
Dynamic maintenance planning apparatus
A dynamic maintenance planning apparatus including a maintenance planning device and a priority calculating device is provided. The maintenance planning device determines a maintenance date and time on and at which the throughput of a manufacturing system is maximum from among possible maintenance dates and times based on a simulation result in which a specific manufacturing apparatus on a manufacturing system is stopped at a specified maintenance date and time, and, for the maintenance at the determined maintenance date and time, specifies a lot whose completion is predicted to be delayed. The priority calculating device calculates a priority of the lot whose completion is predicted to be delayed so as to prevent waiting time of the lot during the maintenance. |
| US08442662B2 |
Measurement parameter input control device and measurement parameter input control method
A measurement parameter input control method and a measurement parameter input control device are provided which can intuitively change measurement parameters, which are set for a target device and are necessary for various measuring processes, with high operability. The measurement parameter input control device includes: a parameter processing section that acquires measurement parameter information including measurement parameters from a target device and that rewrites changed parameters which are measurement parameters after the changing to the target device; a parameter identifying section that identifies the types of the parameters in the acquired measurement parameter information and outputs soft key constructing information for constructing a parameter setting soft key based on the identified measurement parameter information, a display control section that includes a soft key controller displaying and controlling the parameter setting soft key based on the measurement parameter information on a display screen of a display unit on the basis of the soft key constructing information from the parameter identifying section; and an input unit that operates the parameter setting soft key displayed on the display unit. |
| US08442659B2 |
Rotary actuator position sensor
A rotary actuator position sensor comprises a target with a target surface coupled to a rotatable shaft and a sensor positioned to face the target surface. The target surface is configured to vary the distance between the target surface and the position sensor as the shaft is shifted from one rotational position to another. The sensor provides an analog output signal that corresponds to distance to the target and therefore to the rotational position of the shaft. A controller processes a signal corresponding to the sensor output signal to determine the rotational position. The controller can control the rotation of the shaft from one rotational position to another. The position sensor can be used in a wafer processing system with the controller also controlling movement of a wafer cassette holder into and out of wet tanks and between tanks. The controller can also control an optional agitator and front to back and back to front movement of the shaft. |
| US08442657B2 |
Stimulation and sensing lead with non-coiled wire construction
A cardiac rhythm management device that can comprise a lead and a pulse generator. The lead can comprise lead body, a composite conductor, a stylet guide, two or more electrodes and a proximal connector. The composite conductor can comprise two or more conductors which can electrically couple the electrodes to the proximal connector. The electrodes can be disposed on a distal portion of the lead body and can be longitudinally spaced from one another. The proximal connector can be configured to couple to the pulse generator. |
| US08442655B2 |
Multiple tunable central cathodes on a paddle for increased medial-lateral and rostral-caudal flexibility via current steering
A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue. |
| US08442650B2 |
Medical electrical lead with backfilled electrode sub-assembly
A medical electrical lead that includes a lead body and at least one tubular electrode sub-assembly positioned over and attached to the external surface of the lead body. The lead body includes at least one elongated conductive element, such as a cable, that is electrically connected to an electrode of the tubular electrode sub-assembly. The tubular electrode sub-assembly includes a tubular liner and an electrode embedded in the outer surface of the liner. In some embodiments, only a portion of the inner surface of the tubular liner is attached to the lead body which may potentially improve flexibility of the medical electrode lead in the area occupied by the tubular electrode sub-assembly. |
| US08442646B2 |
Forming conductive couplings in medical electrical leads
An inner surface of a coupling component sidewall forms first and second portions of a cavity of the coupling component. A conductive coupling between an electrode and a conductor of a medical electrical lead may be formed by inserting a segment of the conductor into the first portion of the cavity, crimping the sidewall of the coupling component around the inserted segment, inserting a segment of the electrode into the second portion of the cavity, and welding an edge of the sidewall to the inserted electrode segment. The edge of the sidewall may define a slot, extending between first and second portions of the cavity, or a hole extending through the sidewall. The electrode may be part of an electrode assembly, mounted around an inner insulation layer of the lead, and the conductor may be part of a conductor assembly extending between inner and outer insulation layers of the lead. |
| US08442644B2 |
Satellite therapy delivery system for brain neuromodulation
Deep brain electrodes are remotely sensed and activated by means of a remote active implantable medical device (AIMD). In a preferred form, a pulse generator is implanted in the pectoral region and includes a hermetic seal through which protrudes a conductive leadwire which provides an external antenna for transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) pulses. One or more deep brain electrode modules are constructed and placed which can transmit and receive RF energy from the pulse generator. An RF telemetry link is established between the implanted pulse generator and the deep brain electrode assemblies. The satellite modules are configured for generating pacing pulses for a variety of disease conditions, including epileptic seizures, Turrets Syndrome, Parkinson's Tremor, and a variety of other neurological or brain disorders. |
| US08442642B2 |
Methods and apparatus for cochlear implant signal processing
A cochlear implant processing strategy increases speech clarity and higher temporal performance. The strategy determines the power spectral component within each channel, and dynamically selects or de-selects the channels through which a stimulation pulse is provided as a function of whether the spectral power of the channel is high or low. “High” and “low” are estimated relative to a selected spectral power, for example. The selected spectral power can be estimated by signal average or mean, or by other criteria. Once a selection of the channels to stimulate has been made, the system can decide that only those channels are stimulated, and stimulation is removed from the other channels. The selected channels are the ones on which the spectral power is above the mean of all the available channels. Fewer channels are stimulated at any time and the contrast of the stimulation is enhanced. Also, the temporal resolution increases as the number of channels that must be stimulated on a given frame decreases. This way, the channels which are presented to the patient are fewer in number and contain more temporal information. |
| US08442640B2 |
Neural stimulation modulation based on monitored cardiovascular parameter
An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a heart rate monitor to sense a heart rate and provide a signal indicative of the heart rate, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator to intermittently generate a stimulation signal to provide baroreflex stimulation for a baroreflex therapy, and further includes a modulator to adjust the stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the heart rate such that the stimulation signal provides a desired baroreflex stimulation corresponding to a desired heart rate. |
| US08442630B2 |
Automated assessment of atrioventricular and ventriculoatrial conduction
A method discriminates between ventricular arrhythmia and supraventricular arrhythmia by determining the direction of an electrical signal conducted through the atrioventricular node. An implantable cardiac defibrillator provides atrioventricular and ventriculoatrial pacing bursts to determine if an arrhythmia with a 1:1 atrial to ventricular relationship is due to ventricular tachycardia or supraventricular tachycardia. This discrimination capability reduces the incidence of inappropriate shocks from dual-chamber implantable cardiac defibrillators to near zero and provides a method to differentially diagnose supraventricular tachycardia from ventricular tachycardia. |
| US08442622B2 |
Vertebra segmentation apparatus, vertebra segmentation method, and recording medium with program for vertebra segmentation
Based on generated tomographic images, a first feature quantity representative of a clearness of sectional shapes crossing the Z′ axis at the vertebrae is calculated for each of respective points on the Z′ axis. Further, based on the generated tomographic images, a second feature quantity representative of a clearness of sectional shapes parallel to the Z′ axis at the vertebrae is calculated for each of the respective points on the Z′ axis. A third feature quantity representative of a regularity of an array of the vertebrae is calculated for each of the respective points on the Z′ axis, based on the calculated first feature quantity and the calculated second feature quantity. Positions of the vertebrae on the Z′ axis are calculated based on the third feature quantity, which is calculated for each of respective points on the Z′ axis. |
| US08442620B2 |
Implantable lead/electrode delivery measurement and feedback system
A lead implantation system with an introducer, a lead configured to engage with the introducer such that the introducer can convey the lead to a desired internal target location, and at least one sensor. The sensor is adapted to generate an indicator of desired engagement of the system with the desired target tissue location prior to engagement of the lead with the target tissue. Also a method of implanting an implantable patient lead including advancing a lead implantation assembly towards a desired target location along an introduction axis and monitoring at least one indicator of lead implantation assembly position along the lead introduction axis. At least one indicator can be generated by the lead implantation assembly. Advancing of the lead introduction assembly can be halted when the monitoring indicates contact with the desired target tissue. The patient lead can then be advanced towards the target tissue and fixed to the target tissue. |
| US08442618B2 |
Method and system for delivering a medical device to a selected position within a lumen
A system and method are provided for delivering a medical device on a catheter to a selected position within a lumen of the body. A medical positioning system (MPS) acquires MPS data for points within the lumen using an MPS sensor on the catheter. Each of the points is associated with a three-dimensional coordinate system and an activity state of an organ of the patient. A user interface receives position data for the selected position. The position date is associated with an MPS representation associated with one of the points. A processor determines a plurality of temporal three-dimensional trajectory representations based on the MPS data and corresponding to the respective activity states of the organ. The processor superimposes the temporal three-dimensional trajectory representations on a two-dimensional image according to the activity states of the organ thereby enabling an operator to visually navigate the medical device toward the selected position. |
| US08442617B2 |
System for magnetic resonance and X-ray imaging
A patient table for a common imaging system including Magnetic Resonance and X-Ray retains the patient stationary in position prior to, during and subsequent to the imaging and includes a base, a patient support portion cantilevered from the base and a mattress. A safety system is provided for controlling the operation of the magnet and MR system and the X-Ray systems to allow effective safe operation and controls the movement of the magnet to the table and the movement of the X-Ray imaging systems to and from the table to locations where they do not interfere with the MR imaging. |
| US08442607B2 |
Hand-held vital signs monitor
The invention features a vital sign monitor that includes: 1) a hardware control component featuring a microprocessor that operates an interactive, icon-driven GUI on an LCD; and, 2) a sensor component that connects to the control component through a shielded coaxial cable. The sensor features: 1) an optical component that generates a first signal; 2) a plurality electrical components (e.g. electrodes) that generate a second signal; and, 3) an acoustic component that generates a third signal. The microprocessor runs compiled computer code that operates: 1) the touch panel LCD; 2) a graphical user interface that includes multiple icons corresponding to different software operations; 3) a file-management system for storing and retrieving vital sign information; and 4) USB and short-range wireless systems for transferring data to and from the device to a PC. |
| US08442606B2 |
Optical sensor apparatus and method of using same
An apparatus for, and method of, sensing characteristics of a vessel and a fluid conveyed therein. |
| US08442603B2 |
Method of manufacturing case for mobile communications terminal, case for mobile communications terminal, and mobile communications terminal having the same
A method of manufacturing a case for a mobile communications terminal, includes disposing an antenna pattern inside a mold having a shape of a case for a mobile communications terminal, the mold including one or more magnets, and injecting a molding material into the mold and molding a case for a mobile communications terminal in which the antenna pattern is embedded. The antenna pattern is fixed by a magnetic force of the one or more magnets formed within the mold, and prevented from being deformed or moved while the molding material is injected. |
| US08442601B2 |
Mobile phone apparatus
A mobile phone apparatus has a first case, a second case and a third case each taking the shape of a planar rectangle. A long side of the second case is longer than a long side of the first case, and whereby, in a closed position of the first case, a top surface of the second case is divided into a covered portion and an exposed portion. Also, on a top surface of the first case, a display is provided. Moreover, on the top surface of the second case, a QWERTY keyboard is provided at the covered portion, and a touch key including a cross key being the pointing device is provided at the exposed portion. Then, on a top surface of the third case, a numeric keypad is provided so as to be exposed in response to a sliding of the third case. |
| US08442600B1 |
Mobile electronic device wrapped in electronic display
Systems and techniques for substantially wrapping a mobile electronic device in a display are provided. A mobile electronic device is described that includes a housing and a flexible electronic graphical display. The housing defines a substantially flat front surface, a substantially flat back surface opposed to the front surface and four sides that connect the front surface to the back surface. The flexible electronic graphical display forms an exterior surface of the housing and extends continuously from the front surface to the back surface and across one of the side surfaces. The flexible electronic display has an outer surface from which information that is generated on the display can be seen, that is convex around the one side surface. The flexible electronic display is operable to pan an on-screen entity in a continuous animation from the front surface of the device to the back surface. |
| US08442599B2 |
Portable information terminal equipment
Portable information terminal equipment having a function to perform the informing process at the time of reception in cooperation with a connecting section driving mechanism as well as a function to enable the open/close movement of the upper and lower units through one-touch operation making use of the connecting section driving mechanism. Depending on informing modes, a motor drive circuit drives a motor under the control of a controller on receipt of a call or a message to apply a driving force to the open/close mechanism of a hinge unit. Thereby, the portable information terminal equipment is folded/unfolded, that is, the posture of the portable information terminal equipment is changed, and a user is informed of the receipt of the call or the message. |
| US08442598B2 |
Portable terminal with camera lens assembly
A portable terminal with a camera lens assembly is disclosed. The portable terminal includes a receiving groove, a lens housing rotatably disposed in the receiving groove, a frictional piece provided in the lens housing, and a frictional projection provided at an end of the frictional piece. The frictional projection contacts and rubs against an inside wall of the receiving groove when the lens housing rotates. |