| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08459737B2 |
Spinal supporting chair attachment
A portable back support device is provided for increasing the spinal support experienced by a user of a low-back chair. The present invention comprises a winged headrest, a back support, a pair of removably attachable armrests, and an adjustable chair strap. The winged head rest and back support may be separatable and removably secured to one another, or alternatively may be may be one piece. The device has cushions of varying contour and firmness and is covered with an upholstery material. Cushioned armrests may be attached at the sides of the back support according to the preference of a user. The device is removably secured to a chair by means of an adjustable strap that fits around the back of a chair and may be tightened or loosened as necessary to affix the device. |
| US08459735B2 |
Seat with recessing section
A seat back assembly includes a back frame and an adjustable support mounted to the back frame. The adjustable support moves between a first position and a second position with respect to the back frame. A stationary back cushion is mounted to the back frame and defines an opening sized to receive the adjustable support. When the adjustable support is in the opening, both the adjustable support and the stationary back cushion provide support surfaces for the back of an occupant of the seat. When the adjustable support is moved toward the second position to at least partially remove the adjustable support from the opening, the opening accommodates equipment of an occupant of the seat. |
| US08459734B2 |
Briefcase workstation
An equipment case, briefcase sized or larger, for carrying a laptop computer or other equipment, that opens and separates into two compartments, one forming a seat, the other a table; said equipment case as seat and table stabilized by their coupling. |
| US08459732B2 |
Power actuated rocking furniture mechanism
A rocking furniture member having an electrically powered actuation mechanism includes a frame and an actuation mechanism connected to the frame. The actuation mechanism includes an extendable and retractable leg rest assembly. A drive assembly connected to the actuation mechanism having an electric motor operates to move the leg rest assembly between a retracted position and any of a plurality of extended positions inclusive including a fully extended position by a command provided by an occupant of the furniture member. A rotation member connecting the actuation mechanism to the frame permits an occupant induced rocking motion of the actuation mechanism with respect to the frame at least when the leg rest assembly is in the retracted position. |
| US08459729B1 |
Wind deflector assemblies for an opening of a vehicle roof
Wind deflector assemblies for an opening of a vehicle roof having a plurality of pretensioned movable arms. In one approach, a wind deflector assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening, is provided having a wind deflector guide attached to a vehicle along a front edge of the roof opening in a generally transverse axis of the vehicle on its lower edge; the wind deflector guide extendible above the roof opening by attachment on its upper edge to a plurality of movable deflector arms mounted to and extending rearward along a generally longitudinal axis of the vehicle; the plurality of movable deflector arms having an pretensioning element to extend the wind deflector guide from a retracted position to a deployed position. The plurality of movable deflector arms can be two reciprocal assemblies of three deflector arms, each assembly movable on four pivot mounts. |
| US08459727B2 |
Tractor cabs
A tractor cab has a floor (12) at least part of which is of a double layer construction having an upper layer (12a) and a lower layer (12b) spaced vertically below the upper layer to define a cavity (29,30) between the layers. The cavity being used for a) the passage of air associated with heating, ventilating, demisting or air conditioning the cab and/or b) the passage of electrical wiring or hydraulic pipes and hoses and/or c) the storage of fluids or other materials or equipment. Part of the floor supports an HVAC unit (11) whose output is directed between the upper and lower layers. The upper layer (12a) includes output apertures (27a, 28a) through which air from the HVAC unit can be discharged or recirculated. |
| US08459723B2 |
Body seal and inner trim module
A body sealing system for an associated automotive vehicle door that has an associated door panel (including a sliding door, lift gate, or tailgate) includes a trim panel dimensioned to overlie at least a portion of the associated door panel, an interconnecting means connected to the trim panel and extending from adjacent a periphery of the trim panel, and a sealing member secured to the trim panel via the interconnecting means. An associated method of assembling a trim panel and seal to an associated automotive vehicle door includes providing an automotive sealing system, providing a trim panel, and integrating the seal with the trim panel. |
| US08459714B2 |
Mobile radiation therapy
The invention provides techniques for diagnosing medical conditions and providing appropriate treatment at a patient's home residence. A mobile x-ray team can be dispatched to the patient's home residence. A technical team reviews patient data to determine a proper therapy plan. A mobile radiation therapy apparatus is dispatched to the patient's home as required by the therapy plan. The mobile radiation therapy apparatus includes a radiation source and shielding, and is capable of superficial radiation therapy and/or High Dose Rate (HDR), Low Dose Rate (LDR), and Medium Dose Rate (MDR) implant therapy and/or particle therapy. For HDR, LDR and MDR therapy, the mobile radiation therapy apparatus itself is a specialized radiation vault which the patient will enter. The technical team adjusts the therapy plan based on the additional analysis, and the mobile radiation therapy apparatus is dispatched in accordance with adjusted therapy plan. |
| US08459705B2 |
Door lock apparatus
Provided is a door lock apparatus which is adopted in an electronic product to lock or release a door of the door lock apparatus. The door lock apparatus includes a rocker, a rocker supporting member, a door lock main body and a locking unit. The rocker rotates when the hook of the door enters or withdraws from the door lock apparatus, to be coupled with or separated away from the hook. A rocker hinge rod and a position fixing rode positioned in parallel to the rocker hinge rod are integrated into the rocker. The rocker supporting member is hinge-coupled with the rocker hinge rod to rotatably support the rocker, reciprocatingly moves in a direction in which the hook enters or withdraws when the rocker is rotated, and receives an elastic force from a first elastic member in the direction in which the hook enters. The door lock main body supports the reciprocating movement of the rocker supporting member, and includes position fixing holes to guide movement of the rocker while being coupled with the position fixing rod when the rocker rotates and to fix the rocker while the rocker is coupled with or separated from the hook. The locking unit locks the rocker while the rocker is coupled with the hook. Accordingly, the door lock apparatus has a simple, compact structure, which has fewer failures, ensures convenience in maintenance and repair and reduces the number of assembly steps. |
| US08459704B2 |
Security system for entrance barriers
An improved security system to prevent unwanted entrance through a hinged barrier, such as, but not limited to a door, is provided and comprises a member associated with the barrier, whether internal or eternal to the barrier, and adapted to extend from a first length to a second length. An actuation mechanism is coupled to the member and is adapted to extend the member from the first length to the second length and to contract the member from the second length to the first length. A receptacle is provided adjacent the barrier for receiving a portion of the member when the member is extended by the actuating mechanism. A hinge assembly is provided and is disposed substantially opposite the receptacle and adjacent the barrier and is coupled to another end of the member, such that when the member is actuated to the extended position, the member, receptacle and hinge assembly form a security system to prevent unwanted entrance through the barrier. |
| US08459702B2 |
Cremone-bolt door-locking device
Cremone-bolt door-locking controlled by rack-and-pinion means. The cremone-bolt rod is connected to a first rack support that is slidably mounted inside a housing that houses a second slidably mounted rack support, each rack support carrying a rack segment in engagement with a pinion, at least one rack segment being hinged to its own rack support and being provided with a set of teeth that is extended over a curved portion of its end. |
| US08459700B2 |
Wet disconnect system with post disconnection pressure integrity
A wet disconnect system with post disconnection pressure integrity includes a bridge tube. One or more seals on the bridge tube that seal the bridge tube to one or more conductors passing through the bridge tube. A defeatable seal/anchor at the bridge tube sealing an outside surface of the bridge tube to an inside surface of a separate structure. The defeatable seal/anchor being defeatable upon application of an axial load above a threshold. |
| US08459698B2 |
Riser cap and irrigation piping system using same
A polymeric riser cap member includes a central tubular section defining a generally cylindrical bore for receiving a sprinkler riser, the central tubular section having open top and bottom ends, and an annular skirt coaxial with the central tubular section and having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the central tubular section. The annular skirt has an inner surface having internal threads threadably connectable with the externally threaded surface of a tubular riser adapter member of a tubular coupler. The bottom end of the central tubular section has an annular projection disposed opposite and spaced from a portion of the annular skirt. The riser cap member includes an annular recess adapted to receive a seal located in a wall extending laterally between the annular skirt and the annular projection. |
| US08459691B2 |
Curtain airbag for a motor vehicle
An inflatable curtain airbag is secured along an upper edge to a body structure of the motor vehicle and deploys downwardly when inflated. Prior to deployment, the lower edge of the curtain is not tethered to the vehicle body. When nearly or fully deployed, the lower edge of the curtain engages an adjacent part of the motor vehicle so as to form a virtual tether therebetween resisting relative movement between the curtain and the adjacent part. |
| US08459687B2 |
Air bag module
An airbag module including an inflator, an air bag, and an air bag case. The air bag case houses the air bag and is attached to the inflator. The inflator supplies a gas to the air bag housed in the air bag case. The air bag case further includes an engagement member having an opening in a rectangular shape and hooks disposed on two opposing sides of thereof, and a lower surface plate member that is attached to the engagement member by a bridge member. The hooks are shaped to engage an instrument panel, thereby attaching the air bag case to the instrument panel. The air bag module may also include a fabric housing disposed around the air bag. The fabric housing has a box-like shape with a bottom portion, an open ceiling portion, and a connecting hole disposed in the bottom portion to receive the inflator. |
| US08459682B2 |
Seat post receptacle for power and circuitry elements
A cycle seat post having an axial hollow region has formed therein or attached thereto a retaining structure for removably securing a power cell cartridge within the hollow region. The retaining structure comprises one or more shoulders for engaging corresponding shoulders on the power cell cartridge. A retaining cap in physical engagement with the power cell cartridge secures the power cell cartridge in place. An opening in the retaining cap permits connection between a power cell retained in the power cell cartridge and electronic and/or electromechanical devices external to the power cell cartridge. A biasing member and spring claim may further secure retaining cap in place. |
| US08459669B2 |
Skateboard
A skateboard includes a deck, a rear assembly and a front assembly. The rear assembly is attached to the deck. The front assembly includes a base plate, a friction-resistant plate, a hanger, a front wheel, a baring and a king pin. The base plate is attached to the deck, made of a plastic material, and formed with an inclined face. The friction-resistant plate is made of a friction-resistant metal material and located against the inclined face. The hanger includes a ring and two branches extending from the ring. The front wheel is attached to the branches. The bearing is located in the ring. The king pin is inserted in the bearing located in the ring, the friction-resistant plate and the base plate so that the axis of the king pin extends downward and toward the rear assembly. |
| US08459668B2 |
Skateboard
A skateboard is provided which includes a front board and a rear board that are connected at a predetermined distance and casters fixed to the bottoms of the boards, in which a hollow cover body is fitted in assembly holes and of housings and formed beneath the bottoms of the front board and the rear board, a first propeller shaft fitted in the assembly hole at the front board and a second propeller shaft fitted in the assembly board at the rear board are inserted in the hollow cover body in contact with each other by cam-shaped joint portions, and the first and second propeller shafts horizontally and elastically expand/contract in rolling motion of the front board and the rear board. |
| US08459667B2 |
Foot-propelled hobby and/or sport device without handlebar
The invention relates to a foot-propelled wheeled hobby and/or sport device which has a wheel (1) situated between two side-plates (2; 3), and the side-plates (2; 3) are suspended on the axle (X) of the wheel (1). Foot-boards (5) situated below the axle (X) of the wheel (1). Foot-boards (5) situated below the axle (X) of the wheel (1), protruding outwards are connected to the side-plates (2; 3). In the course of the appropriate use of the device (I; II) the side-plates (2; 3) project over the knee of the user (12) standing on one or both of the foot-boards (5), providing a supporting surface (a) for the knee. The invention is based on that at a certain distance (e) behind the wheel (1)—with respect to the travelling direction—there is a structure in the range of the track of the wheel (1) ensuring stabilisation against tilting, and in order to relieve the knees of any load the side-plates (3) are constructed with a height (L) ensuring a supporting surface (b) for the user's (12) thigh. |
| US08459664B2 |
Stackable ride-on toy with ergonomic saddle
A stackable ride-on toy includes a generally hollow body featuring a saddle, a handle and a primarily open bottom. A number of casters are mounted to the body by shrouds positioned adjacent to the primarily open bottom. The saddle includes a saddle valley and saddle peak that are ergonomically sized and shaped. The saddle also serves as a stacking surface adapted to stack the ride-on toy with similar ride-on toys in a nested configuration. |
| US08459663B2 |
Snowmobile ski edge
The snowmobile ski edge includes a main body having a plurality of mounting holes formed on a mounting face of the main body and a plurality of raised, breaker rails formed on the opposite face of the main body. The breaker rails are spaced across the width of the main body and break up ice and snow in front of the snowmobile skis to easily form new paths, which substantially reduces darting. Each breaker rail is angled to form a leading breaking face and a trailing face extending towards the back of the main body. Carbide inserts are disposed in grooves on both the breaking and trailing faces to strengthen and increase wear characteristics of the breaker rails. The main body includes sloping sides, which together with the breaker rails form channels to funnel broken ice and snow towards the back and reduce drag. |
| US08459650B2 |
Blackjack side-bet
A game of Blackjack may include a mid-game side-bet that the dealer will go bust. The side-bet offered may be placed against any dealer face-up card—Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, or King. The payoff may vary depending upon the dealer face-up card and paid in accordance with a pay table. The bet may be paid when the dealer hits their hand and exceeds the total of 21, therefore going bust. The bet may lose when the dealer receives a standing hand of 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21. The side-bet may be made once the dealer's face-up card has been determined. The side-bet may be asked for at one time similar to an insurance bet or as each player acts on their individual hands. |
| US08459649B2 |
Board game storable sleeping bag and method
Disclosed is a combination sleeping bag and means for storing a game board device within the sleeping bag structure, along with an associated method of storing flexible game boards and game pieces within a sleeping bag for travel and storage use. The sleeping bag comprises a folded and zipperable blanket having familiar design aspects, wherein within the interior of the bag is a removable blanket liner. The blanket comprises a board game design on its surface such that it can be removed from the bag and utilized as a game board, wherein the blanket otherwise attaches along the interior surface of the bag. A securable pouch within the sleeping bag is provided for containing compressible or flexible game pieces associated with the given game board, while the exterior of the bag may be adorned in a logo illustrating the exact game or games stored within the bag. |
| US08459644B1 |
Device and method for high-speed media inversion using a dual path, single reversing roll inverter
A dual path, single reversing roll inverter driven by a single actuator includes a single reversing roller with two, diametrically opposed idler rollers. The configuration of the reversing roller and idler rollers forms a first nip and a second nip that are alternately used to accept sequential sheets from a paper path. The first and second nips discharge the sheets into respective first and second inverting paths. A method for inverting sheets using the dual path, single reversing roll inverter includes rotating the roller in a first direction to direct a first sheet through the first nip. The roller is then rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction to direct the first sheet from the first nip and into the first inverting path and to simultaneously direct a second sheet into the second nip. A gate alternately directs the sequential sheets into the first and second nips. |
| US08459643B2 |
Printing apparatus
There is provided a printing apparatus including: a printing mechanism; a plurality of trays; a discharge mechanism; a plurality of detection mechanisms which detect whether a height of the sheets stacked on the trays is not less than a threshold value; and a controller which controls the discharge mechanism and the printing mechanism. When the detection mechanisms detect that all heights of the sheets stacked on the trays are not less than the threshold value, the controller controls the discharge mechanism to discontinue a discharge of the sheets. After the discharge of the sheets is discontinued, when the detection mechanisms detect that the heights of the sheets stacked on at least two trays became smaller than the threshold value, the controller controls the discharge mechanism to resume the discharge of the sheets on a tray which is other than a tray which is recovered last. |
| US08459642B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
The present invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus, comprising: a conveying portion conveying a sheet; a shutter member having an abutting surface for abutting the sheet to correct skew feeding; a biasing member for biasing the shutter member to position at a first position where the leading end abuts against the abutting surface; and a support mechanism which movably supports the shutter member to move in an order of the first position, a second position to which the shutter member moves by the sheet against biasing from the biasing member, and a third position where the shutter member abuts the sheet and stands by to move to the first position when a trailing end of the sheet passes the shutter member, while keeping the abutting surface facing upstream. |
| US08459640B2 |
Transporting device and image forming apparatus using the same
A transporting device includes steering rollers, a center roller which is disposed between the steering rollers and deflection-detecting sensors that are positioned downstream from the steering rollers. When a sheet of paper has a width which is narrower than a width of a reference sheet of paper, the positional deflection of the sheet of paper is corrected by transporting the sheet of paper to a shift roller with the sheet of paper being nipped by the center roller and thrusting a forward end of the sheet of paper against a shift roller. When a sheet of paper has a width which exceeds the width of the reference sheet of paper, the positional deflection of the sheet of paper is corrected by rotating the steering rollers separately based on a detected result of the sensors with the sheet of paper being nipped by the steering rollers. |
| US08459639B2 |
Sheet conveyor device, image reading device, and image forming apparatus
A conveyor device includes conveyor unit to convey a sheet along a path, a holder disposed at a downstream end of the path and holding sheets discharged from the conveyor unit in a stack, and a pressing unit. The pressing unit moves between a first position and a third position via a second position, contacts an uppermost sheet in the stack, and rises in an upward direction that approaches the third position as the sheets in the stack increase. The conveyor device also includes an urging member that does not apply an urging force to the pressing unit when the pressing unit is positioned between the first position and the second position; and applies an urging force to the pressing unit to urge the pressing unit toward the first position when the pressing unit is positioned between the second position and the third position. |
| US08459631B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit, a binding unit, a folding unit, a conveyance unit, a press unit, a grasping unit, and a control unit. The binding unit performs binding processing on a sheet bundle stacked in the sheet stacking unit. The folding unit folds the sheet bundle that is subjected to binding processing. The conveyance unit conveys the folded sheet bundle. The press unit presses a fold line portion of the conveyed sheet bundle. The grasping unit is separate from the conveyance unit and switches between a first state in which the grasping unit grasps the conveyed sheet bundle to fix the sheet bundle in position and a second state in which the grasping unit does not grasp the conveyed sheet bundle. The control unit shifts the grasping unit to the first state and causes the press unit to press the sheet bundle. |
| US08459629B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus comprises: a conveying portion which contacts a doubled up booklet and conveys the booklet; an end conveying portion which abuts against an open end of the booklet and pushes out the booklet, thereby conveying the booklet; a stopper which abuts against a back of the booklet to position the booklet; a holding portion which holds the booklet which abuts against the stopper; a processing portion which processes the booklet held by the holding portion; wherein the conveying portion can come into contact with and separate from the booklet, the conveying portion separates from the booklet, or a pressure for bringing the conveying portion into contact with the booklet is reduced before the back of the booklet abuts against the stopper, the back of the booklet is abutted against the stopper by the end conveying portion and then, the holding portion holds the booklet. |
| US08459627B2 |
APR plate clamping device
A strip-shaped protrusion and a corresponding strip-shaped groove are respectively configured at a first holder and a second holder of an APR plate device, such that as an APR plate is clamped by the first holder and the second holder via their clamping surfaces, the strip-shaped protrusion and the strip-shaped groove further push and slightly deform the APR plate for enhancement of the clamping toward the APR plate, thereby preventing problems of buckling or tearing of the APR plate due to insufficient clamping force of the holders. |
| US08459619B2 |
Gas spring control system and method
A vehicle suspension system includes a pump, a gas spring, and an accumulator. The suspension system also includes a controller for adjusting the suspension system. The controller has a processing circuit configured to receive a measure of gas in the spring. The processing circuit is further configured to calculate a difference between a target value and a current value based on the received measure of gas. The processing circuit is also configured to provide an output for adjusting the gas in the spring in response to the calculated difference. |
| US08459614B2 |
Dual capstan puller and method
A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include harmonic drive gear reduction elements and configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe. |
| US08459612B2 |
Device for gripping and installing wire
A wire pulling grip easy and reliably grips wire for pulling the same through a conduit or the like. The grip has cams which maintain contact with the wire even when tension is not applied and regardless of the orientation of the grip, significantly reducing the likelihood that the connection with the wire is lost. The cams are selectively releasable to allow the wire to be easily removed from the grip. |
| US08459611B2 |
System for the simultaneous introduction of two items into a conduit
A system (10) for simultaneously introducing a cable (11) and another item (21) into a conduit (12) includes a pushing machine (13) and an air blower (15) which introduces the cable (11) into the conduit (12). The conduit (12) is split near the pushing machine (13) so that the item (21) may be attached to the cable (11) by means of an attachment device (25) carried by a bullet head (23) at the leading end of the cable (11). Alternatively, a projectible (35) may be attached to the leading end of the cable (11) and the item (21) may be attached at the junction of the cable (11) and projectile (35). A block (18) then connects the split ends (16, 17) of the conduit (12), and the cable (11) and other item (21) may then be moved together through the conduit (12) by the pushing machine (13) and air blower (15) which moves air against the projectile (35) to assist such movement. |
| US08459606B1 |
Display magnetic hanger system
A display magnetic hanger system provides a hanger support that may be repeatedly attached and removed at desired locations on a structure using a remote installation tool to install the hanger support and to install items for display on the hanger support. The installation of the hanger support is to a pre-installed magnet location marker at the desired location(s) on a structure. The desired location may be out of reach of the user desiring to display an item but the system and display item is easily installed using the long-handled remote installation tool. |
| US08459605B2 |
Rail system and vehicle seat
A rail system for a vehicle seat comprises at least one profiled fitting part and at least one cross member. The cross member is arranged perpendicular to a main direction of travel. The at least one fitting part completely surrounds the cross member. The cross member is able to be moved in relation to the fitting part perpendicular to the main direction of travel. Rolling bodies guide the cross member in the interior of the fitting part, and are arranged between the cross member and the fitting part. |
| US08459596B2 |
Sky/space elevators
A sky/space elevator vehicle for going from the surface of a planet or moon up into space and back again. The vehicle has a single fuselage comprising multiple floor sections including a top and bottom cone. The movement of the vehicle is controlled by helium filled envelops as well as a combined jet and rocket propulsion system. |
| US08459595B2 |
Kite control device with free rotation
The present invention is a safety system for use in conjunction with a control bar for a kite wherein the two front lines are secured by a front line swivel positioned between the bar and the kite. One front line terminates at the swivel and one extension of the other front line, the center line, travels through a central aperture in the swivel. The center line is then routed through an aperture on the control bar and terminated with an end that can be secured to the user either manually or by a leash arrangement. The swivel allows any twists that may form in the front lines to unwind. An increased diameter element located proximally of the swivel is configured to engage the center swivel, but is configured to pass through the aperture on the control bar. When the bar is released, sufficient slack is imparted into the remaining flying lines to effectively depower the kite while retaining attachment to the kite through the restrained front line. |
| US08459593B2 |
Aerial refueling drogue deployment system
Systems and methods provide for a drogue deployment system that may be removably attached to a non-tanker aircraft to modify the aircraft for providing aerial refueling operations. Aspects of the disclosure provide a drum unit that may be secured in a cargo area of the non-tanker aircraft and connected to the fuel system of the aircraft. A drogue deployment unit may be removably attached to an external surface of the aircraft fuselage and includes a drogue extension tube that may be selectively deployed outward from the fuselage to provide separation between a refueling drogue and the aircraft. The drogue and corresponding refueling hose may be deployed from a drogue container attached to the drogue extension tube and extended rearward for providing fuel to a receiving aircraft. |
| US08459591B2 |
Methods and apparatus for aerial recovery of flying apparatus
Methods and systems are provided which may allow a first vehicle to recover a second air vehicle while both are moving. The first vehicle and the second air vehicle may be traveling at different velocities. An attachment member of the second air vehicle may attach to a recovery member of the first vehicle while the first vehicle and the second air vehicle are traveling at different velocities. The recovery member attached to the second air vehicle may move relative to and along an exterior surface of the first vehicle in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the first vehicle. |
| US08459589B2 |
External pressurization system for lighter than air vehicles
An airship system, including an inflatable airship of predetermined volume adapted to be filled with gas and to rise to a predetermined altitude, said airship having a hull formed from an inflated flexible gas containment primary envelope, at least one lifting envelope located within the primary envelope for containing the lifting gas, where the lifting envelope will expand to substantially occupy the space of the primary envelope when the airship is at its predetermined high altitude, at least one secondary envelope located within the primary envelope, which can be inflated when said lifting envelope is at lower altitudes to fill the balance of the space of the primary envelope, and air handling means external to the primary envelope and communicating with the secondary envelope for filling and emptying the secondary envelope. |
| US08459587B2 |
Center/surface rewinder and winder
A winder for winding a web to produce a rolled product is provided. The winder includes a web transport apparatus that is used for conveying the web. Also included in one exemplary embodiment is a plurality of independent winding modules. The winding modules are independently positioned to independently engage the web as the web is conveyed by the web transport apparatus. The winding modules may be configured to wind the web to form a rolled product by center winding, surface winding, and combinations of center and surface winding. The winding modules are structurally and operationally independent of one another where if one module is disabled, another may still operate to produce the rolled product without shutting down the winder. |
| US08459584B2 |
Belt tensioner for a belt retractor
Described is a belt tensioner for a seat belt having a belt retractor, a tensioner pinion (4) non-rotatably connected to the belt retractor, a tube (2) having a pyrotechnical gas generator arranged therein, and a plurality of mass bodies (6) driven by the pressure generated by the gas generator. The mass bodies (6) engage with the tensioner pinion (4) in a force transmitting manner and drive the belt retractor in the winding direction. A first and a second section (2a, 2b) of the tube (2) run parallel to each other. A third section (2c) with a curved course that projects out of the plane (E) connects the first and second sections, thereby creating a space (7) between the first, second and third sections (2a, 2b, 2c), for accommodating at least one of the mass bodies (6a, 6b). |
| US08459583B2 |
Seat belt retractor
A seat belt retractor (10) is provided with: a spindle (12) around which a seat belt (B) is wound; a torsion bar (17) disposed in a cavity (27) of the spindle (12), an axial end portion of the torsion bar (17) being attached to an axial end portion of the spindle (12); a first pretensioner (16) that is attached to the spindle (12) at least during a collision so as to cause the spindle (12) to rotate in a retraction direction using a gas pressure; and a second pretensioner (18) that is attached to another axial end portion of the torsion bar (17) at least during a collision so as to cause the spindle (12) to rotate in the retraction direction via the torsion bar (17) using the gas pressure. |
| US08459582B2 |
Surface treating method and device thereof
In a surface treating method of the present invention, a fluid suction passage 26 communicating with a fluid supply passage 25 via only a narrowed portion 27 is provided, so as to approximately concentrically surround the periphery of the fluid supply passage 25 having the narrowed portion 27 at one end thereof, and the sucking cavitation flow 5 is generated at the direct downstream of the narrowed portion 27, by sucking the processing fluid 8 into the fluid suction passage 26 using a suction pump 17, as well as a surface treating is performed on the treated surface 6a, by crushing the sucking cavitation flow 5 approximately perpendicular to the treated surface 6a. |
| US08459575B2 |
Fuel injector equipped with a metering servovalve for an internal combustion engine
A fuel injector has an injector body and a control rod, which is movable in the injector body along an axis to control the opening/closing of a nozzle that injects fuel into a cylinder of the engine; the injector body houses a metering servovalve having a control chamber, which is axially delimited by the control rod and communicates with an inlet and with a discharge channel; the metering servovalve is provided with a shutter, which slides axially on an axial guide, from which the discharge channel exits, to open and close the discharge channel and, in consequence, vary the pressure in the control chamber; the discharge channel has at least two restrictions having calibrated passage sections and arranged in series with each other to divide the pressure drop along the discharge channel. |
| US08459574B2 |
Valve and nozzle device for the injection of fuel
A valve for the injection of fuel has a valve body (4) which has a recess (5) in which a valve needle (6) that is movable in the axial direction is arranged. The valve needle (6) together with the valve body (4) forms an injection nozzle (7) in a downstream zone. In a closed position the valve needle (6) prevents a stream of fuel from passing through the injection nozzle (7) but otherwise leaves it unimpeded. At a downstream end the injection nozzle (7) has a deflecting element (20) so arranged that a stream of fuel is deflected from taking a predominantly upstream course from the deflecting element (20). |
| US08459572B2 |
Focusing particle concentrator with application to ultrafine particles
Technology is presented for the high efficiency concentration of fine and ultrafine airborne particles into a small fraction of the sampled airflow by condensational enlargement, aerodynamic focusing and flow separation. A nozzle concentrator structure including an acceleration nozzle with a flow extraction structure may be coupled to a containment vessel. The containment vessel may include a water condensation growth tube to facilitate the concentration of ultrafine particles. The containment vessel may further include a separate carrier flow introduced at the center of the sampled flow, upstream of the acceleration nozzle of the nozzle concentrator to facilitate the separation of particle and vapor constituents. |
| US08459569B2 |
Integrated heating system
An integrated heating unit operates in a first heating mode, in which the heat of combustion gases is transferred to return air, and a second heat recovery mode, in which the heat of exhaust air is transferred to fresh air. The heating unit of the present invention utilizes the same heat exchanging unit and fans to transfer the heat from the combustion gases to the return air and to transfer heat from the exhaust air to the fresh air. The exhaust air is recovered from a select group of rooms, e.g. kitchens and bathrooms. A secondary heater can also be provided in the integrated unit in the form of a fireplace for providing an alternate or an additional source of the combustion gases. |
| US08459568B2 |
Temperature moderation system and method with temperature difference considerations between indoors and outdoors
A temperature moderation system with temperature difference considerations between indoors and outdoors for facilitating an air conditioner in operation control, includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit connected with each other. The outdoor unit has an outdoor temperature detection element. The indoor unit has a processor for generating and sending a target temperature to the air conditioner for operation control. The target temperature is one selected from the indoor setting temperature and a pre-set temperature; according to which temperature is closest to the outdoor temperature. |
| US08459567B2 |
Non-linear strain gage incorporating a nested binary code symbol
A non-linear strain gage includes a target for association with an object for which at least one of strain and fatigue damage is to be measured, a sensor, and a computer. The target incorporates a nested binary code symbol for perimeter-based deformation and strain analysis and emits a detectable physical quantity. The binary code symbol includes a boundary binary code symbol having a perimeter constructed of line segments and at least a core code symbol that provides encoded data. The core code symbol is nested within and concentric with the boundary binary code symbol. A method of measuring strain on an object directly using the non-linear strain gage is also provided. |
| US08459566B2 |
Hidden tag for providing information about associated goods and services
The present invention relates to a method and system for creating and utilizing hidden tags on goods, associated labels and/or associated promotional materials related to such goods or to certain services that are only visible through the use of a viewing device. |
| US08459565B2 |
Two-dimensional code generating apparatus, image forming system, two-dimensional code reading apparatus, and computer readable medium
According to an aspect of the invention, a two-dimensional code generating apparatus includes a two-dimensional code generating unit. The two-dimensional code generating unit that generates a two-dimensional code including a plurality of region symbols, a plurality of first pattern symbols, a plurality of second pattern symbols, and an information pattern. The region symbols represent a rectangular region in which one unit of the two-dimensional code is disposed, the rectangular region having a first side and a second side opposed to the first side. |
| US08459562B1 |
System and method for processing transactions using a multi-account transactions device
A system and method for processing transactions using a multi-account transaction device. The method comprises the steps of: receiving at least one transaction particular relating to a transaction conducted with a multi-account transaction device; determining at least one first desired account associated with the multi-account transaction device to which the transaction will be posted; posting the transaction to the at least one first desired account; receiving at least one second desired account to which at least a portion of the transaction should be posted; posting the at least a portion of the transaction to the at least one second desired account; and reconciling the at least one first desired account. |
| US08459561B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A separation layer and a semiconductor element layer including a thin film transistor are formed. A conductive resin electrically connected to the semiconductor element layer is formed. A first sealing layer including a fiber and an organic resin layer is formed over the semiconductor element layer and the conductive resin. A groove is formed in the first sealing layer, the semiconductor element layer, and the separation layer. A liquid is dropped into the groove to separate the separation layer and the semiconductor element layer. The first sealing layer over the conductive resin is removed to form an opening. A set of the first sealing layer and the semiconductor element layer is divided into a chip. The chip is bonded to an antenna formed over a base material. A second sealing layer including a fiber and an organic resin layer is formed so as to cover the antenna and the chip. |
| US08459558B2 |
Device and method for optically scanning a machine-readable marking
The invention relates to a device for optically scanning a machine-readable device applied to an object, comprising a transport apparatus for transporting the object in a transport direction, the object being supported on the transport apparatus on an underside, the transport apparatus containing a first transport belt with a first upper strand and a second transport belt with a second upper strand, wherein a gap is formed between the first transport belt and the second transport belt which is arranged ahead of the first transport belt in the transport direction, and comprising a scanning apparatus for scanning the machine-readable marking, wherein the scanning apparatus has at least one scanning element associated with the gap, wherein the first upper strand and the second upper strand are arranged so as to have a height offset relative to each other in such a way that the underside of the object can be scanned by tipping the object when the object is transferred from the first transport belt to the second transport belt. |
| US08459557B2 |
Dual laser scanning code symbol reading system employing automatic object presence detector for automatic laser source selection
Method of and system for reading code symbols a dual-laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having the capacity to automatically select in a user-transparent manner, and activate either a near-field source of laser illumination, or a far-field source of laser illumination, using an automatic object presence detection subsystem in the near-field portion of the laser scanning field. |
| US08459556B2 |
Prioritized virtual scan line processing
Systems and methods are provided for prioritizing an order in which to process a plurality of sub-regions of an acquired image of an optical code. A method of processing an optical code in a data reader comprises the steps of receiving data corresponding to a plurality of sub-regions of an acquired image of an optical code, processing according to a processing order the plurality of sub-regions for decodable data corresponding to the optical code, determining based on the step of processing the plurality of sub-regions whether one or more of the plurality of sub-regions contains decodable data, and if it is determined that a sub-region contains decodable data, increasing the processing priority associated with said sub-region. If one or more of the sub-regions having the highest processing priority contains decodable data, the remaining sub-regions do not need to be processed, which may save processing resources and increase the read throughput. |
| US08459554B2 |
Large area monitoring device
A monitoring device may include a core cell including a detection circuit, and a radio frequency (RF) tag antenna configured to exchange data with a data acquisition reader device, and a single-tier corolla having sensor cells around the core cell and covering a monitoring area. The sensor cells may be configured to convert a change of a parameter at the cell location. The detection circuit may be configured to detect a change in the parameter and location based upon excitation by the reader device. |
| US08459553B2 |
Medium processing apparatus, medium processing method, and financial device
A medium processing apparatus is provided. The medium processing apparatus comprises an MR sensor, one or more differential amplifiers, a storage, and a controller. The MR sensor comprises a plurality of detection elements configured to detect a magnetic component of a medium. The one or more differential amplifiers receive respective output signals of two detection elements among the plurality of detection elements to subtract and amplify the received signals. The storage stores various pattern information of a magnetic component signal for the medium. The controller compares the pattern information, stored in the storage, with magnetic component signals respectively outputted from the detection elements and a magnetic component signal outputted from the one or more differential amplifiers to determine authenticity of the medium. |
| US08459544B2 |
Parental controls
Various techniques are provided for establishing financial transaction rules to control one or more subsidiary financial accounts. In one embodiment, a financial account management application stored on a processor-based device may provide an interface for defining financial transaction rules to be applied to a subsidiary account. The financial transaction rules may be based upon transaction amounts, aggregate spending amounts over a period, merchant categories, specific merchants, geographic locations, or the like. The device may update the financial transaction rules associated with a subsidiary account by communicating the rules to an appropriate financial server. Accordingly, transactions made using the subsidiary account by a subsidiary account holder may be evaluated against the defined rules, wherein an appropriate control action is carried out if a financial transaction rule is violated. |
| US08459542B2 |
Receipt printing processing method and receipt printing processing system
When a customer places a special order that changes the content of a product or processing thereof (non-standard order information), a receipt printing processing method and system also produces a special order seal in connection with printing the sales receipt. The receipt printing processing system has a receipt printer and a label printer that is in communication with the receipt printer. When the system receives transaction processing data generated by a POS register used to take orders, a control unit determines if non-standard order information is contained in the transaction processing data. If so, the control unit controls the generation of seal printing data for printing a special order seal, along with controlling the processing of receipt data and the printing of the receipt. |
| US08459540B2 |
Vault management method and system
A method of processing a plurality of articles of value within a cash processing center comprising sorting a plurality of articles of value according to one or more predetermined criteria, recording data corresponding to the sorted articles of value, physically associating the sorted articles of value with a radio frequency identification device, and electronically associating the data corresponding to the sorted articles of value with data corresponding to the radio frequency identification device. |
| US08459535B2 |
Carton with divider
A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least one divider panel is in the interior of the carton. The divider panel is attached to at least one of the panels. A dispenser is for allowing access to the articles in the carton. The dispenser is for separating the carton into a first portion and a second portion. At least one of the first portion and the second portion is at least partially closed by the at least one divider panel. |
| US08459533B2 |
Carton with handle
A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A handle comprises a first handle panel and a second handle panel. The first handle panel comprises a central portion in the top panel and an end portion in a first top end flap. The second handle panel comprises a first portion in the second top panel and a second portion in a second top end flap. The central portion of the first handle panel is attached to the first portion of the second handle panel and the end portion of the first handle panel is attached to the second portion of the second handle panel. |
| US08459532B2 |
Folded box for transport of cylindrical articles
A folded box is for transporting cylindrical articles such as tires. The folded box includes two octagonal base planes that are arranged in parallel to each other. At least three rectangular main side planes, that are attached to three outer edges of each octagonal base plane, connect the base planes with each other. At least one hinged cover plane is connected to another outer edge of one of the octagonal base planes. |
| US08459529B2 |
Production method of composite silver nanoparticle
A production method of composite silver nanoparticle including the steps of: arranging at least an alcohol solvent selected from alcohols with a carbon number of 1 to 12 composed of methanol, ethanol, propanol, buthanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol, octhanol, nonanol, decanol, undecanol and dodecanol; preparing an alcohol solution by mixing a silver salt into the alcohol solvent added more excessively than the mol number of the silver salt so as to become an excess alcohol solution; heating the excess alcohol solution in a reaction chamber at a generation temperature PT generating an aldehyde for a generation time; forming a silver core through reducing of the silver salt by the alcohol solvent and/or the aldehyde; and forming a composite silver nanoparticle having an organic coating layer originated from the alcohol solvent around the silver core. |
| US08459528B2 |
Assembly for head welding
The assembly is intended for application to manufacturing of tubes, bottles, boxes. Characterized by improved quality of the weld and low reject percentage. It has a mandrel (1), on which there is a head (3) and a tube body (2), put over in a typical manner, as well as a cooling element, coaxial with the mandrel (1), and a nozzle D, coaxial with the mandrel. Said nozzle contains two parts—internal 7 and external (8)—which form channel (9) for feeding heating gas HG. The assembly consists of only one work station. The cooling element is also forming element OFE and consists of cooling metal ring 4, located in forming metal ring (6). There is heat-insulating ring (5) between the latter and the cooling metal ring (4). In the position of heating, said heat-insulating ring (5) is positioned around the end of the tube body (2). The heat-insulating ring (5) is of solid-state material or gas of low thermal conduction. |
| US08459527B2 |
Apparatus for ensuring concentric weld deposition of material on a pipe interior
A welding jig for ensuring concentricity of an interior surface of a pipe with a circular outer periphery of a bolting flange thereon, comprising (i) a frame member; (ii) two spaced-apart rollers positioned at one end of said frame member, each adapted to remain in contacting engagement during welding with said circular outer periphery of said bolting flange; and (iii) a chill block, having a convexly-curved outer surface of a curvature corresponding to a desired inner diameter of said pipe, adapted to be positioned proximate said interior surface of said pipe. The rollers permit translational movement of the chill block about a center point of said pipe flange when the welding jig is placed on the pipe flange, to permit uniform diametrical deposition of weld material on said inner diameter of said pipe flange. A method of making a pipe is further disclosed and claimed. |
| US08459520B2 |
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals. |
| US08459519B2 |
High-speed electromagnetic nail gun
An electromagnetic nail gun with a lever, comprising a handle for holding the nail gun and triggering the operation of the nail gun, an electromagnetic lever driving device for driving nails with variable speeds through the movement of the lever, wherein electromagnetism is used as driving force, a firing pin slideway for allowing the lever to move therein, and a muzzle magazine assembly for loading nails inside. The present invention uses the magnetism as driving force directly and then applies the lever and variable speed drive to launch nails. Therefore, the structure of the present invention is very simple, light, the manufacture cost is decreased drastically, vibration and noise when used are quite little, very convenient to operate, dispense with the air compressor, easy to carry around. |
| US08459518B2 |
Backpacks configured to utilize safety harnesses
Novel backpacks, configured to utilize seat and/or chest harnesses are disclosed herein. Preferred backpacks are configured to attach to and be supported by intermediary connectors including hip belts or backpack supports that can operably couple to separate seat harnesses. |
| US08459516B2 |
Stake hole assembly for device attachment
An attachment mechanism is described for attaching accessories to a stake hole in the sidewall of a cargo area of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The mechanism comprises of a base plate with a grove formed in the top of the base plate having the shape of an inverted T. An attachment plate having a connector, also having the shape of an inverted T, is attached to the bottom surface of the attachment plate. An attachment such as a tie down ring, a tie down anchor, a flag pole or tent pole holder or the like is attached to the top surface of the attachment plate. The attachment plate can then be attached to the base plate by sliding the inverted T shaped connector into the inverted T shaped groove in the base plate. Another attachment mechanism is described which can be used to attach accessories to vehicles without stake holes or to other regions of a vehicle. |
| US08459512B2 |
Re-sealable spigot for a collapsible beverage container
A re-sealable spigot includes a cylindrical structure configured to be attached to a liquid receptacle, wherein said cylindrical structure further comprises a stem, having an upper portion and a base portion, and a top in a coaxial arrangement with said upper portion of said stem, and a cap having a hollow receiving portion shaped as a multi-sided geometrical element, wherein said cap seals said cylindrical structure. |
| US08459510B2 |
Dispenser assembly
In some embodiments, a dispenser for attachment to a liquid container may include one or more of the following features: (a) a tubular valve body of a generally hollow form having a liquid outlet port on one end of the valve body capable of coupling to the liquid container, the valve body further including an air vent opening and a liquid vent opening located on an opposite side of the valve body, (b) an integral lid with the valve body slidingly disposed on the opposite side of the valve body and coupled to be moved between a liquid blocking and a liquid dispensing position, and (c) a liquid seal coupled to the integral lid capable of positioning within a liquid vent opening and an air seal coupled to the integral lid capable of positioning within an air vent opening. |
| US08459506B2 |
Dispensing assembly with shut off valve, backflow preventer, and methods of operating the same
A dispensing assembly for dispensing a mixture of fluids is provided. In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly includes a first valve for selectively permitting fluid flow to a mixing chamber in which a second fluid is introduced, wherein the valve is actuated between open and closed positions responsive to fluid pressure downstream of the mixing chamber. In such embodiments, the fluid pressure downstream of the mixing chamber can change based upon whether fluid is dispensed from a spray gun, wand, nozzle, or other dispensing head of the dispensing assembly. |
| US08459503B2 |
Temperature controlled liquid dispenser, containers therefore, and bag-in-box container construction
A dispenser for relative rapid cooling or heating of the contents of a liquid storage container provides a receptacle for receiving the liquid storage container therein and positioning a thermal transfer portion of the liquid storage container in thermal conductive relationship with a thermal conduction pad associated with the receptacle. Thermal energy is effectively and efficiently transferred from the thermal conduction pad to the liquid in the liquid storage container. The thermal conduction pad is controlled to provide and maintain the desired temperature to the liquid. The liquid is dispensed directly from the container. Various types of containers can be used in the dispenser, with a special bag-in-box container having a inner container and outer box with thermal conduction windows in the box to provide good heat transfer between the thermal conduction pads and the inner container constituting an aspect of the invention. A special rigid container can also be used. |
| US08459501B2 |
Container associable with airless pumps and method for its production
A container comprising a rigid body (5) having a neck (6) defining an aperture providing access to the container cavity and a bag (9) positioned in the interior of the body (5), the bag being formed of thermoplastic material and having a neck (2) from which there radially extends a flange (3) which rests on a free edge of the neck (6) of the body (5) and defines a hole for providing access to the cavity of the bag (9) and for sealedly housing the body of a hermetic pump (P) operable manually to withdraw the fluid substance (F) from the bag and feed it to the outside through its dispensing stem (S), the bag being formed by hot blow molding of a preform placed directly within the container, a lubricant fluid being disposed between said container and said bag. |
| US08459500B2 |
Container associable with airless pumps and method for its production
A container comprising a rigid body (5) having a neck (6) defining an aperture providing access to the container cavity and a bag (9) positioned in the interior of the body (5), the bag being formed of thermoplastic material and itself having a neck (2) from which there radially extends a flange (3) which rests on a free edge of the neck (6) of the body (5) and defines a hole for providing access to the cavity of the bag (9) and for sealedly housing the body of a hermetic pump (P) operable manually to withdraw the fluid substance (F) from the bag and feed it to the outside through its dispensing stem (S), the bag being formed by hot blow molding of a preform placed directly within the container, said bag having a substantially uniform thickness and being detached from the container along its entire outer surface. |
| US08459497B2 |
Apparatus for mixing, cooling, and dispensing a containerized beverage
A smoothie dispenser (20, 20S, 20A) comprises a frame (22); a smoothie receptacle storage section (24); and a receptacle conformed chiller section (26). The smoothie receptacle storage section (24) is provided within the frame (22) and configured to house plural smoothie receptacles (30) at a first temperature. The chiller section (26) is arranged to receive a selected smoothie receptacle released from the smoothie receptacle storage section and configured to crystallize contents of the selected smoothie receptacle. The receptacle conformed chiller section (26) is “receptacle conformed” in the sense that a surface of the chiller section is configured to conform to (e.g., have a surface of shape to mate with or to form substantially greater than linear contact with) at least a portion an exterior profile or periphery of the selected smoothie receptacle. |
| US08459494B2 |
Apparatus for shading a beverage container
A shaped Styrofoam insulated sheet for shading a beverage container has fold lines thereacross to define a bottom coaster portion for resting on flat surface and shaped for supporting a base of the beverage container, an upstanding piece along one side of the beverage container shaped to follow a side elevation of the beverage container to act as a shade the beverage container and an upwardly inclined top cover piece extending over the beverage. The upstanding piece is bottle or glass shaped and carries advertising printed on the outside surface or inserted as a sheet into a transparent envelope. |
| US08459489B2 |
Organizer container for vehicle trunk or other use
An organizer container includes a fabric body movable into an expanded configuration, wherein the body defines a bottom and above the bottom, a parallelepiped-shaped enclosure divided into three compartments by first and second parallelepiped-shaped divider panels spaced from each other and perpendicularly oriented relative to the bottom. The container also can be moved into a first partially expanded configuration wherein only two compartments are established, with the first divider panel being held substantially flush against a first end wall of the body by a first holding mechanism. The second divider panel likewise may be moved flush against the second end wall and both divider panels can be moved together to entirely collapse the container. A stiffener can be moved within the enclosure to be sandwiched lengthwise between a divider panel and an end wall and/or between two divider panels. |
| US08459488B2 |
Pull out divider system
An organizer is provided. In one form, the organizer includes a storage container and at least one divider. The storage container has at least one outer wall and an opening defining an interior space. The at least one divider is sized to fit within the interior space. The at least one divider has a peripheral wall defining a storage space. An upper portion of the peripheral wall defines a divider opening. The at least one divider further includes at least one handle located adjacent the divider opening and extending inwardly towards the storage space. |
| US08459487B2 |
Adjustable strap-lock for securing container lids to the base container in closed position
A securing assembly for fastening a container lid to an open topped container, the container having a pair of container fixture elements at opposed positions at the top of the container. The securing assembly is a strap having a pair of strap spans. One strap span extends between one of a pair of lid fixture elements and one buckle member. The other strap span extends between the other lid fixture element and another buckle member, the buckle members engageable to buckle the strap spans together. The container fixture elements engage with respective lid fixture elements for fixing the buckled strap spans so that the lid is held against the container top. A loop is attached to and extends from one anchor location on the first strap span to another anchor location on the second strap span, the loop position at the one anchor location being adjustable, so as to alter the length of the loop and to correspondingly alter the length of the first strap span. |
| US08459481B2 |
Window insert
The application is directed to a window insert that may be inserted into a gap near a window such that the insert may be visible through the window. In certain embodiments, the application is directed to a window insert having a visible area that may be visible through the window and may also have a ledge area that may support, hold, or otherwise retain a removable product or removable accessory on, near, or around the window insert. The window insert may further comprise an anchor and a visible area wherein the ledge contains one or more wells for holding or retaining food stuffs. |
| US08459479B2 |
Plastic container having enhanced crush resistance and pouring stability
A molded plastic container is shaped so as to resist deformation as a result of compressive forces that may be applied by the consumer during use. The container includes a pair of recessed grip portions that are molded into forward and rearward sides of the container and an outer handle portion. Reinforcing ribs are integrally molded into the forward and rearward sidewalls of the container in areas that are substantially adjacent to the recessed grip portions in order to provide additional crush resistance as the container is squeezed. Additionally, a torsional reinforcement rib is integrated into an upper side portion of the container in order to resist deformation of the container and the pouring opening of the container during pouring. The torsional reinforcement rib is integral with the two reinforcing ribs, which provides additional strength and pouring stability to the container. |
| US08459478B2 |
Self-opening closure with air inlet channel for composite packaging or for container necks to be sealed with foil material
The self-opening closure includes a pouring spout (10), which can be assembled leak-proof on a combipack or a container spout sealed with foil material, twist cap (9) and a self-opening sleeve (1) arranged inside the pouring spout, which can be made to rotate by the twist cap. The self-opening sleeve forms on its upper edge an indentation (4), which becomes smaller towards the bottom edge (6) and tapers off into the same. There are guiding means present on the outer side of the self-opening sleeve and on the inner side of the pouring spout so that the self-opening sleeve is guided downwards by rotation on the pouring spout. The indentation (4) lies partially inside the pouring spout and partially below the same after unscrewing of the cover cap and forms an air inlet channel, which results in a steady outpour of the liquid content of a combipack. |
| US08459474B2 |
Rotary fitting for a corner cupboard comprising a rotating supporting column
A rotary fitting for a corner cupboard comprises a lower and an upper mounting bracket; a supporting column having a main tube and being designed to be rotary mounted to the mounting brackets such that it rotates about its longitudinal axis; and at least two pie cut-shaped shelves to be supported by the supporting column fixed for rotation with the main tube. The supporting column includes a lower length adjusting assembly comprising a support element fixed in the main tube and comprising a recess; a screw element having a head fitting in the recess and a threaded shaft; a nut element arranged on the threaded shaft; and a lower end element fixed to the nut element and movable within the main tube; and an upper length adjusting assembly comprising a tube element partially arranged within the main tube; and a clamping element releasably clamping the tube element. |
| US08459471B2 |
Slip free article displays
A non-slip jewelry display having a tacky top surface such that jewelry items cling to the display in a frictional fashion; thereby preventing shifting or sliding of the jewelry item on the display when moved or otherwise jolted about. |
| US08459468B2 |
Vacuum mug separable cap
A separable cap (10) for a vacuum mug is taught which consists of a removable lid (20) having a graspable shaped outwardly extending lip (22) and a stopper body (34), having a bottom portion (36) which includes a central orifice (38). The removable lid is attached to the stopper body and a resilient diaphragm plug (56) is compressed between the lid and the stopper body. A stopper mug seal (68) is attached to the stopper body providing a liquid tight seal between the cap and the vacuum mug. A beverage filter (72) is removeably attached to the stopper body bottom portion permitting a beverage a media to be placed into the vacuum mug and hot water poured over the media, after steeping, a brewed beverage is formed. When the lid is removed the compressed diaphragm plug is released and returns to its original dished shape permitting the beverage to be sipped from the stopper body and the media residue strained with the filter. |
| US08459463B2 |
Method for sorting resistant seed from a mixture with susceptible seed
The invention generally relates to a novel method of sorting seed by providing a first seed population with a fluorescent indicator and a second seed population visually identical to the first seed population under standard operating conditions. The seed populations are combined to provide a combined seed population. A lamp having an output corresponding to the activation wavelength of the fluorescent indicator and a color sorting system are paired to count or separate the seed populations, as desired. |
| US08459461B2 |
Waste recycling method
A waste recycling method for tracking targeted waste from collection to recycling. The method utilizes wireless electronically tagged plastic bags containing the targeted waste or material to be recycled. |
| US08459458B2 |
Disposable rigid container for pharmaceutical compositions
A disposable rigid package containing pharmaceutical compositions which protects tablets, capsules, soft shell pills against hard transporting conditions and undesired rupture. The package allows for personal transportation, e.g. in a pocket, and it is easy and convenient to open for people of all level of ability and dexterity. Its design allows for transport as standard mail withstanding temperature fluctuation, vibrations and shocks, mechanical pressure and variation in atmospheric pressure which may occur during transport. |
| US08459455B2 |
Catheter assembly with resealable opening
A catheter assembly includes a catheter, preferably having a hydrophilic surface coating; and a package accommodating said catheter. The package preferably also accommodates a wetting fluid. The package includes a first and a second sheet material connected around the edges; a perforation line extending along a non-closed loop in one of said sheet materials, which defines a flap opening; a third sheet material connected by means of an adhesive over said flap opening. The third sheet material with a margin covers the entire flap opening. The adhesive is adapted to maintain a sterile closure of the package before use, and to be resealable after use. The third sheet material forms a tab not provided with adhesive and the tab provides a grip portion for peel opening of the package. |
| US08459451B2 |
Integrated tabbed note and fastener
Methods and apparatus for securely but removably tabbing one or more sheets of paper are disclosed. According to another aspect of the present invention, a kit includes a container and a first tabbed note assembly. The container includes at least a first compartment, and the first tabbed note assembly includes a first tabbed note and a first fastener. The first tabbed note has a first opening defined therein, and the first fastener is at least partially disposed in the first opening. The first tabbed note is positioned, or otherwise contained, at least partially in the first compartment. In one embodiment, the kit includes a divider that is inserted at least partially in the container such that the first compartment and a second compartment are defined at least partially by the divider. |
| US08459450B1 |
Formula bottle
A formula bottle includes two separate sealed chambers, a liquid chamber and a formula chamber. A first seal seals the two chambers from one another and a second seal seals the formula chamber from the nipple on the formula bottle. Rotation of the liquid chamber counterclockwise opens the seal between it and the formula chamber, allowing the formula powder and the liquid to mix. Shaking of the bottle causes the two components to mix completely. In order for the mixed formula to be dispensed to a feeding infant, a bottle collar, which secures the nipple to the formula bottle, is rotated counterclockwise to open the second seal to allow an infant to feed. |
| US08459448B1 |
Match container and striker for a match handle
My match container and striker for a match handle or holder enables self-sufficient functionality. It does so by incorporating match containment and striking within the application device itself. No secondary component such as a disconnected box of matches is necessary. Within one device a match can be lit and applied with convenience, efficacy, and safety. |
| US08459446B2 |
Suture packaging and methods related thereto
Suture packaging and methods of use related thereto, wherein sutures are stored in suture packaging (100) having a panel (102) with apertures (104), needle parks (106, 500) removably or fixedly and selectively inserted into the apertures, and wrapping pegs (108, 400) removably or fixedly and selectively inserted into the apertures. The suture package can further comprise a tab (716) and a tab slot (718) for closing the package. |
| US08459444B2 |
Conveying equipment including at least one curved corridor
The invention is an improvement to a conveying equipment that includes at least one curved corridor in which runs a queue of products moved by an endless mobile belt, said corridor being defined by: a first wall connected to the frame and having a first fixed curvature radius and a second wall mobile relative to said frame and having a second curvature radius that varies based on the products, said second mobile wall including: a guiding profile that may comprise several members, used as a friction surface and extending from an inlet up to an outlet of said curved corridor opposite said first fixed wall; a structure bearing said guiding profile, the structure including several segments connected to moving means, said segments being in abutment and distributed between the inlet and the outlet of the curved corridor and being movably housed in said guiding profile. |
| US08459441B2 |
Component holdback system
A system with rotatable levers spaced and positioned to alternately retain or release components from a plurality of lanes simultaneously into slots of a component receiving mechanism. The levers may be differently sized and shaped to hold back certain components at different positions than others, or the levers may be attached to a rotatable member at varying angles to one another to accomplish such varying holdback patterns. Alternatively, a cam and pin arrangement may be utilized. |
| US08459440B2 |
Article sorting device
In an article sorting device including a plurality of slats (article support bodies) overlaying between a pair of endless chains (endless rotation bodies) arranged along a main conveyance route, slats having a longitudinal direction at a right angle to the main conveyance route, and shoes (article lateral pressing bodies) fitted onto the slats slidably in the longitudinal direction of the slats, and guided by a branch guide member provided in a fixed direction relative to the main conveyance route, sliding sections for each of the shoes slidably in contact with each of the slats are positioned in the vicinity of both left and right ends in a sectional view relative to the longitudinal direction of the slats, and the sliding sections are positioned in the vicinity of a lower end in the sectional view. |
| US08459438B2 |
Workpiece conveyance device
Workpiece conveyance device employs a workpiece conveying traveling body composed of a workpiece support carriage supporting a longitudinal central portion of a workpiece and two auxiliary carriages and positioned below both longitudinal end portions of the workpiece. The workpiece support carriage includes a workpiece high-position supporting means switchable between a rising posture of supporting the workpiece at a high position and a folded posture. The two auxiliary carriages nd include workpiece low-position supporting means and to support front and rear two places in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece at a height higher than the workpiece high-position supporting means in the folded posture. |
| US08459434B2 |
Article receiving and detection apparatus and method therefore
An apparatus for receiving and detecting an article having a chute configured for receiving the article therein, a stop having a stop member disposed within the chute and biased towards the article to allow the stop member to engage the article moving through the chute but which prevents the article from being withdrawn from the chute, a receipt dispenser for issuing a physical receipt indicating that an article has been received by the apparatus, and a lock mechanism operable by movement of the article in the chute so as to physically detect the presence of an article therein to prevent dispensing of a receipt when the article is not detected in the chute. A method for receiving and detecting an article is also provided. |
| US08459432B2 |
Friction clutch and method to reduce drag loss in friction clutch
A wet clutch includes a rotatable hub and a rotatable drum having an aperture extending therethrough. A plurality of outer clutch plates are fixed for rotation with the drum. A plurality of inner clutch plates are fixed for rotation with the hub and interleaved with the outer clutch plates. A piston is moveable to apply a force to the inner and outer clutch plates to transfer torque between the hub and the drum. A cover is moveable relative to the drum between first and second positions. The cover selectively restricts a flow of fluid through the aperture in the drum when in the first position. |
| US08459431B2 |
Housing member for clutch mechanism
A housing member for a friction clutch and a method for making it. The housing member is made for use with two differently sized fan members. Two annular raised mounting pilot surfaces are provided, one of which is machine finished for mounting one of the two fan members. Two sets of fan member mounting holes are also provided, one set of which is used to mount one of the two fan members thereon. |
| US08459428B2 |
Electronic clutch control apparatus for vehicle
An electronic clutch control apparatus is provided for a vehicle having a clutch assembly and a clutch lever operatively associated with the clutch assembly. The electronic clutch control apparatus includes an actuator for driving a clutch assembly, an operation amount sensor for sensing an operation amount of a clutch lever, an electronic control unit for controlling the operation of the actuator based on the detected operation amount received from the operation amount sensor, and a feedback unit for applying an operation reaction force to the clutch lever. The feedback unit includes a plurality of springs having different spring constants. The feedback unit is configured such that when the clutch lever is operated in an operation amount increasing direction thereof, the operational reactive elastic forces of the plural springs are sequentially applied to the clutch lever. |
| US08459420B2 |
Brake lever assembly with two cylinder units
A brake lever assembly includes a body connected to an oil pipe and includes a first room and a second room. A first path communicates between the storage space and the first room. A second path communicates between the first room and the second room. The oil pipe is connected to a hydraulic oil storage space in the body. A lever is pivotably connected to the body and includes a push portion. A first cylinder unit is located in the first room and connected between the oil pipe and the push portion. The first cylinder unit is operated a first travel. A second cylinder unit is located in the second room and has a first end contacting inside of the body and a second end connected to the push portion. The second cylinder unit is operated a second travel which is longer than the first travel. |
| US08459419B2 |
Fluid pressure shock absorber
A fluid pressure shock absorber comprises a cylinder 3 disposed in a tube 2 and having a base supported by the tube 2 and a head member 31 fitted onto a tip of the cylinder 3. A hole 2b is formed in the tube 2 facing the head member 31. A ring-shaped stopper member 101 is screwed onto an outer circumference of the head member 31. A pin member 102 held by the head member 31 and biased in a radial direction by a snap ring 103 penetrates the hole 2b, thereby making connection of the tube 2 and the cylinder 3 easy. |
| US08459416B2 |
Quick-release apparatus for a bicycle hydraulic caliper brake
An apparatus for a bicycle brake comprises a housing with a first piston bore, a first piston disposed in the first piston bore, and a first piston rod fixedly attached to the first piston and extending from the first piston toward the outside of the housing. The first piston rod includes a first brake arm coupling portion for coupling to a first brake arm, and an adjustment mechanism adjusts a distance of the first brake arm coupling portion relative to the piston. |
| US08459414B2 |
Lubrication and exhaust system for a powered surgical instrument
A lubrication cartridge includes a cartridge body. A cartridge coupling is located on the cartridge body and defines a first passage and a second passage. A lubricant reservoir is housed in the cartridge body and comprises a pressurized fluid inlet coupled to the first passage and a lubricant outlet coupled to the second passage. A metering insert is located between the lubricant outlet and the second passage and comprises a density that controls lubricant flow between the lubricant reservoir and the second passage. |
| US08459404B2 |
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker component includes a unitary plastic element that defines at least a portion of (i) a first acoustic volume that can be acoustically energized by an electro-acoustic driver, (ii) a first port which extends from the first acoustic volume and conducts acoustic energy from the first acoustic volume towards an environment external to a loudspeaker in which the plastic element resides, and (iii) a second port which conducts acoustic energy from a second acoustic volume, defined by the loudspeaker, towards the external environment. |
| US08459403B2 |
Front resonator for a speaker of a wireless device
A front resonator for a speaker of a wireless device, comprising: an enclosure mounted over the speaker and forming with an upper surface of the speaker a front volume for the front resonator; and, a horizontal or approximately horizontal tube formed or mounted on a surface of the enclosure, the tube coupled to the front volume, and the tube having at least one end to emit sound generated by the speaker and passing through the front volume and tube from the wireless device. |
| US08459398B2 |
Wheel motor device
A wheel motor device applicable to a working vehicle including a driving power source, a hydraulic pump main body operatively driven by the driving source and a driving wheel, the wheel motor device comprising a hydraulic motor main body forming an HST in cooperation with the hydraulic pump main body, a motor shaft supporting the hydraulic motor main body in a relatively non-rotatable manner with respect thereto, an output member outputting toward the driving wheel the rotational power that has been operatively transmitted from the motor shaft, and a casing accommodating the hydraulic motor main body and supporting the motor shaft and the output member. |
| US08459394B2 |
Rear wheel drive assist with articulation based speed modulation
A rear wheel drive assist for an articulated machine such as a wheel tractor scraper, the machine including a first frame section having a first longitudinal axis, a second frame section with a second longitudinal axis, the first and second frame sections being pivotally connected to an articulation hitch, and an articulation sensor configured to provide an articulation angle signal indicative of an articulation angle formed between the first and second longitudinal axes. The rear wheel drive assist includes a drive motor operatively connected to the rear wheel of the machine, and a controller configured to control operation of the rear wheel drive assist based upon the articulation angle signal. |
| US08459392B2 |
Snowmobile having electronically controlled lubrication
A snowmobile (10) having an electronic oil pump (72) fluidly connected to an oil tank (70) thereof is disclosed. The electronic oil pump (72) is fluidly connected to an engine (24) of the snowmobile (10) for delivering lubricant to the engine (24). An electronic control unit (150) is electrically connected to the electronic oil pump (72) for controlling actuation of the electronic oil pump (72). A method of operating an electronic oil pump (72) is also disclosed. |
| US08459387B2 |
Cyclonic motor cooling for material handling vehicles
A material handling vehicle includes a cyclonic motor cooling system for a motor compartment that accommodates an ergonomically designed operator compartment. Together, the motor compartment and cyclonic motor cooling system include a generally cylindrical housing with a tangentially arranged cooling air injection port at a lower end and exhaust port at a radially and axially opposite end. An air blower directs cooling air into the compartment where a cyclonic cooling air flow and a vortex cooling flow is produced. The cyclonic air flow cools more effectively than conventional linear air flow while also reducing dust contamination and buildup of the motors in the motor compartment. |
| US08459386B2 |
Road wheel propulsion apparatus and method of making
A road wheel propulsion apparatus for alternately propelling and retarding the rotation of a road wheel supporting an automotive vehicle. An electric drive motor is carried by a vehicle and is drivingly connected to a road wheel to provide motive force to the vehicle by driving the road wheel in rotation relative to the vehicle. The electric drive motor includes a radially inner motor stator to be fixed to a vehicle. The electric drive motor also includes a radially outer annular motor rotor to be carried within a road wheel and to be driven in rotation relative to the motor stator by electromagnetic forces developed by between the motor stator and the motor rotor. |
| US08459383B1 |
Spherical drive system
A spherical drive system for a vehicle providing movement in multiple directions. The spherical drive system can be maneuvered either by a system of driven omnidirectional wheels or by an electromagnetic field. One embodiment includes two pairs of omnidirectional drive wheels working in complement to each other providing multi-directional movement by way of electronic motors which are wired to a controller. A spherical tire will reside within the shell and will be in direct contact with the omnidirectional drive and stabilizer wheels. The spherical tire will work in tandem with the omnidirectional drive and stabilizer wheels moving the vehicle in the appropriate direction. Another embodiment is driven by an electromagnetic field created with magnets placed inside the spherical wheel and electromagnets placed on an outer shell. The electromagnetic field will drive the spherical wheel moving the vehicle in the appropriate direction. |
| US08459378B2 |
Hybrid drill bit
A bit body is configured at its upper extent for connection into a drillstring. At least one fixed blade extends downwardly from the bit body, and has a radially outermost gage surface. A plurality of fixed cutting elements is secured to the fixed blade, preferably in a row at its rotationally leading edge. At least one bit leg is secured to the bit body and a rolling cutter is mounted for rotation on the bit leg. At least one stabilizer pad is disposed between the bit leg and the fixed blade, the stabilizer pad extending radially outward to substantially the gage surface. The radially outermost gage surface of each blade can extend axially downward parallel to the bit axis or angled (non-parallel), spirally or helically, relative to the bit axis. |
| US08459376B2 |
System for drilling under balanced wells
A system for drilling a well bore with an under-balanced hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a tubular member containing a first port, a compression member disposed about the outer portion of the tubular member and having an internal sliding mandrel extending therefrom with a second port, an external sliding sleeve having a third port and being in contact with the internal sliding mandrel and operatively associated with the internal sliding mandrel, and a compressible seal disposed about the external sliding mandrel that is responsive to a longitudinal weight transferred to the compression member. In a closed position the first, second and third port are misaligned and in an open position the first, second and third ports are aligned. |
| US08459366B2 |
Temperature dependent swelling of a swellable material
A swellable packer can include a material which swells when contacted with a swelling fluid, and a barrier comprising a highly crystalline polymer which is substantially impermeable to the swelling fluid. A method of controlling swelling of a material can include positioning the material and a barrier in a well, the barrier preventing contact between the material and a swelling fluid, the barrier comprising a polymer, and increasing a permeability of the barrier to the swelling fluid in response to the barrier polymer being heated to its crystallization temperature. A well system can include a material which swells in response to contact with a hydrocarbon gas, and a barrier which comprises a crystalline polymer, the polymer being substantially impermeable to the hydrocarbon gas, whereby the polymer initially prevents swelling of the material, but the polymer becomes increasingly permeable to the hydrocarbon gas when heated to its crystallization temperature. |
| US08459365B1 |
Apparatus for creating bidirectional rotary force or motion in a downhole device and method for using same
A downhole bidirectional apparatus, including a first engagement section; a second engagement section having a rotary device; a third engagement section; and a rotary source having a first rotary member and a second rotary member, the first rotary member disposed about the second rotary member, the first rotary member connected to a first gripping member and the second rotary member connected with a second gripping member, wherein the rotary device is rotatable in a first rotational direction when the second gripping member is engaged with the third engagement section and the first gripping member is rotatably engaged with the second engagement section, and wherein the rotary device is rotatable in a second rotational direction when the second gripping member is engaged with the second engagement section and the first gripping member is engaged with the first engagement section. |
| US08459362B2 |
System, device, and method of installation of a pump below a formation isolation valve
Systems, devices, and methods of producing a fluid include a pump assembly that operates to increase the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid. The pump assembly is located in a well completion below a formation isolation valve. The pump assembly releasably connects to a polished bore receptacle in the well completion. |
| US08459360B2 |
Di-functional surfactants for enhanced oil recovery
The present invention describes the synthesis and use of cleavable di-functional anionic surfactants for enhanced oil recovery applications and/or the use of sacrificial surfactants. |
| US08459357B2 |
Milling system and method of milling
A mill for milling a window through metal casing in a well bore that includes a body having a plurality of blades; a plurality of cylindrically bodied cutting elements on said blades; and a plurality of diamond enhanced elements having a non-planar diamond working surface on said blades; wherein said cutting elements initiate cutting into said casing and mill said window into said well bore. |
| US08459356B2 |
Cement composition containing a substituted ethoxylated phenol surfactant for use in an oil-contaminated well
A well treatment composition comprises a surfactant comprising a substituted ethoxylated phenol having at least one substituent, 1 to 14 moles of ethylene oxide, and the substituent being an alkyl, alkene, or alkyne with a carbon chain length in the range of 4 to 25, wherein the substituted ethoxylated phenol is selected from the group consisting of: ortho-, para-, or meta-substituted ethoxylated phenol; cardanol ethoxylate; derivatives thereof; and combinations of any of the foregoing. Preferably, the surfactant comprises cardanol ethoxylate, a substituted cardanol ethoxylate, and derivatives thereof. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises: (A) cement; (B) water; and (C) the surfactant; and allowing the cement composition to set. |
| US08459353B2 |
Delivery of particulate material below ground
A wellbore fluid is an aqueous carrier liquid with first and second hydrophobic particulate materials suspended therein. The first hydrophobic particles have a higher specific gravity than the second hydrophobic particles and the fluid also comprises a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The fluid may be a fracturing fluid or gravel packing fluid and the first particulate material may be proppant or gravel. The lighter second particulate material and the gas both reduce the density of the agglomerates which form so that they settle more slowly from the fluid, or are buoyant and do not settle. This facilitates transport and placement in a hydraulic fracture or gravel pack. One application of this is when fracturing a gas-shale with slickwater. The benefit of reduced settling is better placement of proppant so that a greater amount of the fracture is propped open. |
| US08459352B1 |
Selective placement of conformance treatments in multi-zone well completions
Selective placement of conformance treatments in multi-zone well completions. A method includes injecting a relative permeability modifier into a zone and optimizing a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid produced from the zone, including adjusting at least one flow control device between fully open and fully closed configurations. Another method includes injecting a relative permeability modifier into multiple zones, one at a time, via respective flow control devices, and then producing fluid from each of the zones. Another method includes identifying which of the zones to treat by, for each of the zones: a) closing flow control devices corresponding to the other zones, and b) evaluating fluid produced from the zone; and injecting a conformance treatment into the zones identified as the zones to treat. |
| US08459350B2 |
Method for optimizing in-situ bioconversion of carbon-bearing formations
A process for producing methane, carbon dioxide, gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, and other valuable products from subterranean carbon bearing formations, in-situ. The process utilizes indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia that are capable of converting a carbon-bearing material such as shale or coal to desired products. The process comprises injecting fluid into a carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, and controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid, the pressure being controlled such that the fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit exceeds the fluid pressure that normally exists in that portion. |
| US08459345B2 |
Extended reach whipstock
A whipstock assembly includes a pivotable deflector movable from a retracted to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the deflector is capable of guiding a tubular member away from the whipstock. |
| US08459343B2 |
Thermal module assembly and heat sink assembly having at least two engageable heat sinks
A thermal module assembly includes a first thermal module (10) and a second thermal module (20). The first thermal module (10) has a fan (300) with an air outlet, a first heat sink (120) positioned at the air outlet and a first clamp portion (122) formed on the first heat sink (120). The second thermal module (20) has a second heat sink (220) and a second clamp portion (222) formed on the second heat sink (220). The second heat sink (220) is juxtaposed with the first heat sink (120). The first heat sink (120) and the second heat sink (220) are combined together via engagement of the first clamp portion (122) and the second clamp portion (222) so that airflow produced by the fan (300) flows past the first heat sink (120) and the second heat sink (220) in order. |
| US08459341B2 |
Heat pipe with composite wick structure
An exemplary heat pipe includes an elongated casing, a wick, an artery mesh, and working medium filled in the casing. The casing includes an evaporating section and a condensing section. The wick is disposed within an inner wall of the evaporating section of the casing. The artery mesh includes a large portion, and a small portion with an outer diameter smaller than that of the large portion. The small portion is located within and in direct physical contact with an inner surface of the wick. The large portion is in direct physical contact with an inner wall of the condensing section of the casing. The working medium saturates the wick and the artery mesh. |
| US08459337B2 |
Apparatus including a heat exchanger and equalizing vessel
An apparatus may include a heat exchanger and an equalizing vessel for equalizing changes in coolant volume. The heat exchanger may include an inflow for delivering coolant to the heat exchanger and an outflow for discharging coolant from the heat exchanger. The equalizing vessel may be closed off by a flexible membrane that follows changes in volume of the coolant. The equalizing vessel may include a first chamber that is in liquid communication with the inflow of the heat exchanger and a second chamber that is in liquid communication with the outflow of the heat exchanger. A filter may also be provided to filter the coolant. |
| US08459334B2 |
Containment for a patterned metal thermal interface
A system and method to improve long term reliability of an integrated circuit package containing a patterned metal thermal interface (PMTI), the method including: coupling a heat sink to a heat source; providing a PMTI material between the heat source and the heat sink; providing a partial containment of a compressed malleable metal to impede the PMTI from being inched-out of its location under a bearing load. |
| US08459332B1 |
Piston outer panel mold and method of constructing a piston and forming an undercut cooling gallery of a piston therewith
An outer panel mold and method of constructing a piston and forming an undercut cooling gallery of a piston therewith is provided. The outer panel mold is operably attachable to a conventional piston mold machine. The outer panel mold has a pair of gudgeon core members and a pair of gudgeon guide blocks. The gudgeon core members are moveable toward and away from one another along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of a piston. Each of the gudgeon guide blocks have an opening receiving a separate one of the gudgeon core members. A pair of outer panels are moveable into a closed position between the pair of gudgeon guide blocks to form an undercut cooling gallery of the piston and an open position to allow extraction of the piston vertically along the longitudinal central axis in response to movement of the gudgeon guide blocks. |
| US08459329B2 |
Flexible partition roller system
A system positioning a flexible partition at a desired vertical position includes an elongated cylinder extending across the entire partition, connected to the partition to divide the partition into upper and lower portions. An outer bearing is fixed to an outside surface of a first end of the elongated cylinder. A proximal end of an arm is coupled to the outer bearing outer surface, the outer bearing permitting rotation of the elongated cylinder with respect to the arm. A counterweight is fixed to a distal end of the arm, to inhibit movement of the arm during any rotation of the elongated cylinder. A rotor portion of a motor is coupled to the elongated cylinder for rotating the cylinder, and a bracket is fixed to stator portion of the motor and to the arm proximal end to inhibit rotation of the stator during any rotation of the elongated cylinder. |
| US08459327B2 |
Universal lightweight portable concealment means and methods
An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable system of concealment and methods for its construction and use. The concealment system comprises a support and a curtain. The support attaches to a structure and pivots on the attachment. Various embodiments include multiple supports and multiple curtains. A method of hiding in front of a similar pattern. An alternate support may be used to form both tree blinds and ground blinds. |
| US08459325B2 |
Operating system for arched covering for architectural opening
An operating system for a retractable covering for an architectural opening wherein one edge of the covering is fixed and the opposite edge is movable between extended and retracted positions, includes an endless cord loop having a finger slide that is slidably mounted adjacent to the fixed edge of the covering to effect circulation of the cord loop. Also included in the cord loop is an anchor plate secured to the fabric of the covering adjacent to its movable edge, with the anchor plate also moving with circulatory movement of the cord loop to move the movable edge of the covering between extended and retracted positions. The tension in the cord loop is adjustable through the connection of opposite ends of the cord loop to the finger slide and the routing of the cord loop is directed through cord guides of low friction material so that the entire operation of the covering is smooth and reliable. |
| US08459320B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having chamfered surface
A pneumatic tire comprises grooves 1 to 3 formed in a tread and land portions 4 each having an acute angle portion 5 formed by the grooves 2 and 3. The acute angle portion 5 is chamfered by a plurality of chamfered surfaces 11 and 12 to form into a step shape by the chamfered surfaces 11 and 12 and a connecting surface 21 that connects the adjacent chamfered surfaces 11 and 12. Furthermore, from one sidewall to the other sidewall of the acute angle portion 5 at an end 6 of the acute angle portion 5, a height H1 of the chamfered surface 11 and a height H2 of the chamfered surface 12 are gradually decreased while a length L1 of the chamfered surface 11 and a length L2 of the chamfered surface 12 are gradually increased. |
| US08459319B2 |
Tire with rubber tread containing combination of resin blend and functionalized elastomer
This invention relates to a pneumatic tire with an outer, running surface containing, circumferential tread comprised of a styrene/butadiene (SBR) rich rubber composition containing two SBR's with spaced apart glass transition temperatures (Tg's), one of which is a functionalized SBR with a functional group reactive with hydroxyl groups on a precipitated silica, together with a combination of at least three resins with spaced apart softening points. The filler reinforcement is a combination of precipitated silica and specialized rubber reinforcing carbon black. |
| US08459317B2 |
Hand-cranked pencil sharpeners
Disclosed is a hand-crank pencil sharpener, comprising a housing and a gearing member and a sharpening member which are installed within the housing. The gearing member is connected to a hand crank and transmits a rotation of the crank to the sharpening member. A vertical feeding path is provided for a pencil to be inserted into the sharpening member. The hand-crank pencil sharpener further comprises a feeding member in the feeding path. The gearing member comprises a gearing branch for driving the feeding member. The inserted pencil is fed into or withdrawn from the sharpener automatically by a linkage of the gearing branch and the feeding member when the crank is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. |
| US08459316B2 |
Safety cabinet for filling self-contained breathing apparatus bottles
Safety cabinet for filling self-contained breathing apparatus bottles comprising a housing body with high-strength walls, openable on its front and top sides and forming a work surface fitted with a plurality of tapered rubber rollers, linked at their narrow ends and arranged to form a bed of supporting rollers for the bottles to be filled, arranged horizontally and to which the respective filling taps are attached. The housing body is closed using a vertical front door and a horizontal top door. |
| US08459315B2 |
Filling system for filling beverage bottles in a beverage bottling plant
Container filling arrangement in which a first flow channel connects a first portion of a liquid channel, adjacent a liquid valve, and a collecting channel. A second flow channel connects the first flow channel and a second portion of the liquid channel adjacent a dispensing opening. A first valve in the first flow channel may be closed upon the liquid valve being opened during container filling, and is designed to be forced open by an increase to a first pressure in the first flow channel generated by a closing of the liquid valve. The second valve is designed to be closed until forced open by an increase to a second pressure, greater than the first pressure, in the first and second flow channels. The second pressure may be generated during a cleaning and/or sterilizing of the container filling arrangement. |
| US08459313B2 |
Gas fuel vehicle
[Problem to be Solved] A gas fuel vehicle capable of detecting a gas leakage on the back side of a fuel fill port (inside of a vehicle body) extremely easily is provided.[Means for Solving the Problem] The gas fuel vehicle includes: a gas filling port that receives a supply of a gas fuel from a fuel supply device on the outside of a vehicle body; a communicating hole that connects the inside of the vehicle body and the outside of the vehicle body; a shielding member that shields the fuel fill port and the communicating hole from the outside of the vehicle body; and a gas fuel storage unit that stores the gas fuel supplied from the fuel supply device through the fuel fill port. A rod portion of a gas leakage detector is inserted into the communicating hole from the outside of the vehicle body, thereby detecting a gas leakage inside the vehicle body. |
| US08459304B2 |
Air intake module of water feeding apparatus
An air intake module of a water feeding apparatus is provided, which includes a body and a valve, and the body includes a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel. An air intake hole runs through the body outward from a joint between the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel, and the valve is disposed at the joint. With the change of a cross-sectional area of the joint, a phenomenon of a high flow rate and a low pressure occurs to force the valve plate open, and air is sucked in mixed with the water flow. When a back pressure of the water flow is larger than an atmospheric pressure outside, the valve plate is forced to close the air intake hole, so as to avoid leakage of the water flow and prevent the air intake hole from being clogged by impurities. |
| US08459299B2 |
Fluid control apparatus
A fluid control apparatus includes a fluid system, a pump and valve array, which selectively provides a pressure or a vacuum of various degrees, and an intermediate bin, which is connected between the pump and valve array and the fluid system, the intermediate bin including a reservoir unit, which stores a fluid discharged from the fluid system. |
| US08459298B1 |
Check valve for drain pipes
A check valve for deterring intrusion into drain pipes comprises a body member having at least a first orifice and configured to mount on a drain pipe wherein the drain pipe is adapted to promote fluid flow in a single direction. Pivotably mounted on said body member will be a valve member. The mounting arrangement will provide a closed position that substantially occludes the first orifice and a range of open positions when the valve member is pivoted to open in the flow direction. In addition, at least one additional orifice is provided in either the body member or the valve member to permit fluid flow irrespective of the position of the valve member. |
| US08459297B2 |
Balanced valve cartridge
A pressure reducing valve including a balanced valve cartridge. The balanced valve cartridge has a retainer including a central bore. A valve seat and a valve plug are disposed within the central bore and cooperate to open and close the valve. A cap closes one end of the central bore, the cap including a blind bore for receiving a portion of the valve plug. Downstream fluid pressure is transmitted into the blind bore through a hollow portion of the valve plug, thus balancing the valve plug within the retainer. |
| US08459295B2 |
Localized droplet heating with surface electrodes in microfluidic chips
A microfluidic device for droplet manipulation includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically addressable thin-film electrodes disposed on the substrate, at least one of the plurality of electrodes comprising a heating element in the form of a patterned electrode. A hydrophilic region is disposed in or above a portion of the heating element. The hydrophilic region may be permanent or electronically actuable. The thin-film electrodes have multi-function capabilities including, for instance, heating, temperature sensing, and/or sample actuation. |
| US08459294B2 |
Double-seat valve, the seats of which can be cleaned
The invention relates to a double-seat valve including closing elements (3,4) which can be transferred independently of one another by a respective partial lift gap-wide into a seat cleaning position for purposes of flushing their coaxial seat surfaces (2a, 2b), the second closing element (4) by a second partial lift (T2) which acts in the same direction as the opening motion and the first closing element (3) by a first partial lift (T1) which acts in the direction opposite the opening motion travelling into its respective seat cleaning position. The second closing element (4) in its closed position has a stop face (4f) forming a second circumferential edge (U2). A deflection surface (4d) discharges in a front face (4e) of a recess (4b) which is oriented essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second closing element (4). The deflection surface (4d) has a contour (K) which runs without bends. |
| US08459293B2 |
Ampoule with integrated hybrid valve
Semiconductor manufacturing tools with chemical delivery systems, such as precursor distribution system, use reservoir assemblies as part of a distribution system. One reservoir assembly includes: a canister comprising at least one sidewall, a top, and a bottom encompassing an interior volume therein; an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the interior volume; an inlet valve for controlling fluid communication between the inlet port and the interior volume; and an outlet valve for controlling fluid communication between the outlet port and the interior volume, wherein at least one of the inlet valve or the outlet valve comprises a dual-function hybrid valve. |
| US08459292B2 |
Cassette system integrated apparatus
A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes. |
| US08459290B2 |
Material gas concentration control system
A material gas concentration control system for keeping a concentration of a material gas in a mixed gas constant comprising a tank to accommodate the material, an inlet line to input a carrier gas for evaporating the accommodated material into the tank, and an outlet line to output the mixed gas consisting of the material gas evaporated in the tank and the carrier gas, and further comprising a first valve arranged in the inlet line, a concentration measuring part that measures the concentration of the material gas in the mixed gas, and a concentration control part that controls an open degree of the first valve so as to make the measured concentration of the material gas measured by the concentration measuring part become the previously determined set concentration. |
| US08459289B2 |
Electro-pneumatic positioner and electro-pneumatic converting device
An operating mode of an electro-pneumatic converting unit is stored in advance in an electro-pneumatic converting unit operating mode storing unit. A blockage location identifying function is provided in a calculating unit. The operating unit monitors the magnitude of shift and the direction of shift of the control output, relative to the nozzle back pressure, through the blockage location identifying function, and identifies whether a blockage has occurred in the fixed orifice or the nozzle/flapper mechanism based on the magnitude of shift and direction of shift of the control output, relative to the nozzle back pressure, and based on the operating mode of the electro-pneumatic converting unit, stored in the electro-pneumatic converting unit operating mode storing unit. An electro-pneumatic converting unit operating mode identifying function may be provided in the calculating unit, and the operating mode of the electro-pneumatic converting unit may be identified through this function, and the identification result may be stored in the electro-pneumatic converting unit operating mode storing unit. |
| US08459288B2 |
Pressure reducing valve and regulator for gas
A regulator for gas having a diaphragm rod held at the center of a diaphragm of which rim is sandwiched between a body and a cover via diaphragm retainers, and a valve element capable of seating itself at a valve seat fixedly placed in the body with a valve hole opening at the center provided in an intermediate portion of a valve shaft having its one end detachably coupled to the diaphragm rod and its other end slidably fitted in a guide opening provided on the body side, wherein the body (34) is equipped with a valve action unit (120) formed by assembling in advance a valve seat member (100) having a valve hole (111) and the valve seat (112) provided thereon, a guide member (106) having a guide opening (105) and pressed into the valve seat member (100), and a valve shaft (114) having a valve element (113) provided thereon in a state of having one end of the valve shaft (114) projected from the valve hole (111) and the other end of the valve shaft (114) slidably fitted into the guide opening (105) It is thereby possible to reduce machining cost and improve assembly conformance. |
| US08459284B2 |
Method and means for the preparation of solutions from dry chemicals
An apparatus for preparing a chemical solution includes a lower housing and an upper housing. The lower housing has a base, an upper plate having a central opening, and a side wall. A grid mounted on the upper plate covers the opening. A wall within the lower housing divides the interior of the lower housing into a central inner chamber and an annular outer chamber; this wall extends into an upper portion of the lower housing. One portion of the wall has a reduced height to permit fluid flow from the inner chamber to the outer chamber. A nozzle is mounted in the inner chamber for discharging fluid into the inner chamber, and causes local elevation of a portion of the fluid surface above the grid. The nozzle may be an eductor creating a venturi effect to draw fluid into the eductor. |
| US08459280B2 |
Support structure removal system
A support structure removal system comprising a vessel and a second component. The vessel comprises a vessel body, a porous floor configured to retain a three-dimensional part, and an impeller rotatably mounted below the porous floor. The second component comprises a surface configured to operably receive the vessel, and a rotation-inducing assembly located below the surface, where the rotation-inducing assembly is configured to rotate the impeller with magnetic fields when the vessel is received on the surface of the second component to agitate and direct flows of an aqueous fluid through the porous floor. |
| US08459279B1 |
Spray nozzle tip adapter and method of cleaning paint spray nozzle
A spray nozzle tip adapter for cleaning a paint spray nozzle includes a rigid body member having an inlet port having annular sealing surfaces on one side, an exit port having annular sealing surfaces on another side and a passage connecting the inlet port and the exit port. The inlet port is shaped and sized to frictionally engage in a sealed relationship differently sized dispensing tubes of pressurized liquid solvent cans, and the exit port is shaped and sized to frictionally engage and retain a tubular inlet of a spray paint nozzle in a sealed relationship. The passage is shaped and sized to control a sealed flow of liquid to the nozzle and has a tapered region connected to the exit port to frictionally engage and retain a tubular inlet of a spray paint nozzle in a sealed relationship. |
| US08459275B2 |
In-situ cleaning system
The in situ cleaning system provides an inlet capable of providing feed water to an in situ cleaning component, one or more in situ cleaning components, including water treatment components, an oxidizing agent generating component and/or alkalinity generating component, and an outlet in fluid communication with a washing system, providing a cleaning use solution to the washing system. |
| US08459273B2 |
Accessory for use together with hair dryers
Accessory for use together with hair dryers including a hollow part and a monobloc, preferably obtained from an injected piece of plastic which has a connection terminal. The connection terminal has a tubular body and is dimensioned for coupling by locking to an end of a hair dryer. The connection terminal is disposed in an intermediate chamber. A plurality of hollow projections extend from the connection terminal. Each of the hollow projections diverts an air flow from the hair dryer to a series of openings disposed in the hollow projections and the body of the intermediate chamber. |
| US08459272B2 |
Cigarettes and filter subassemblies with squeezable flavor capsule and methods of manufacture
Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The capsule or capsules are provided between first and second absorbent members and the capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. An outer cover which is impermeable to the fluid within the capsules is provided about the capsule or capsules and the first and second absorbent members. |
| US08459271B2 |
Non-combustion type flavor suction article
A non-combustion type flavor suction article includes a capsule enclosing a liquid flavor in a shell, leak-protection members sandwiching the capsule, a wrapping material made of a flavor-impermeable and heat-conducting material and wrapped around the capsule and the leak-protection members, and a mouthpiece connected to an end of the wrapping material. |
| US08459270B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing cigarette butts
A device to process cigarette butts has top and bottoms sections, one pivotably mounted on the other for rocking movement between open and closed positions. The bottom section has two access holes which are opened and closed by the rocking movement. When the holes are open, a user can insert a butt into one access hole and then can rock the top section, thus cutting the butt into a filter tip, and tobacco and paper materials. The tobacco and paper materials fall through a passage from the one access hole to the ground but do not cause a litter problem since they quickly biodegrade. The filter tips can be inserted into the second access hole into a storage space for later treatment and disposal. The bottom section has a thinned rear portion which allows increased rocking amplitude while minimizing the device thickness. |
| US08459269B2 |
Hookah bowl
A side heat bowl for use with a hookah comprising a first receptacle having an interior portion capable of holding a first material to be smoked and a second receptacle having an interior portion capable of holding a second material for providing a heat source for heating the first predetermined material. At least a portion of the sidewall portion of the second receptacle surrounds at least a portion of the sidewall portion of the first receptacle. A plurality of apertures extending through the sidewall of the first receptacle is provided for transferring heat from the heat source to the material to be smoked. At least one aperture is disposed on the bottom portion of the first receptacle for providing fluid communication between the first predetermined material and the hookah. |
| US08459265B2 |
Unitary structured multi-tier drape
A drape having a pair of elongated sheets connected at distal ends to define a skirt, with opposing side walls in a first portion of the elongated sheets having a first width and in a second portion having a different width so the drape has a stair-step structure, with a paper and plastic laminated first and second tier panels attached to the elongated sheets in spaced-relation and a central panel attached therebetween, for covering a tiered surgical operating table. |
| US08459261B2 |
Side-stream respiratory gas monitoring system and method
A side-stream respiration monitoring system includes a sensor, a monitor, and a display. The sensor is constructed to engage respiration flows having a variable flow amounts and acquire a respiration sample from the flow. The monitor is connected to the sensor and configured to determine the amount of respiration flow as well as the amount of several constituents of the respiration flow such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, and nitrous oxide. The monitor is also configured to adjust the determined values for ambient environment variations and is self-calibrating with respect to the ambient conditions. The monitor temporally aligns the acquired data to account for dead-space respiration events and physiological respiration modifications such as cardiac events. Information generated by the monitor is communicated to an operator via a display configured to display the real-time respiration performance. |
| US08459257B2 |
Medicament inhalation delivery devices and methods for using the same
A medicament delivery device for administering a medicament to a user includes a medicament reservoir and an entrance port and an exit port each disposed adjacent the reservoir. A gas chamber disposed adjacent the entrance port. The device includes a pressurizing mechanism operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least a prescribed pressure. A first frangible membrane extends across the entrance port and separates the reservoir from the gas chamber. A second frangible membrane extends across the exit port. When the pressurizing mechanism is attached, at least one of the first and second membranes is responsive to the prescribed pressure in the gas chamber to burst to allow gas to flow through the entrance port and the reservoir and to carry the medicament through the exit port. |
| US08459254B1 |
Nasal dilator
A nasal dilator holds air passages within the nose of a person wearing the dilator by pulling outward on a pair of adhesive attachment pads attached to the person's cheeks at each side of his nose. In one version of the dilator, the pads are attached to opposite ends of a strap extending around the back of the person's head. In another version of the dilator, the pads are attached by straps to clamps, which are in turn attached to the sidepieces of eyeglasses also worn by the person. |
| US08459253B2 |
Dose counter
A dose counting device for use with a medicinal metered dose dispensing device, the device including an actuator having at least one finger that is designed for reciprocal movement comprising an outward stroke and a return stroke, an annular member having a helical thread segment formed about a circumferential arc on a part of its surface, and a drive nut positioned around a radial cross-section of the annular member and having an internal helical rib engaged with said helical thread segment on the annular member whereby rotation of the drive nut about the circumferential arc of the annular member results in rotational movement of the annular member, the outer surface of the drive nut comprising one or more driving surfaces for engagement by said at least one finger on the actuator during said reciprocal movement to cause rotation of the drive nut. |
| US08459252B2 |
Aerosol medication inhalation system
An apparatus for use in conjunction with a metered dose inhaler which includes a novel valve system to aid in the delivery of aerosolized medicament to a subject. The apparatus also includes a novel rotational flow generator to aid in the useable delivery of said medication and avoid its loss either in the apparatus or by non-useful delivery to said subject. |
| US08459251B2 |
Solar thermal unit
A solar thermal unit adapted for fitting into one or more connectors designed for receiving one or more panes of glass (2), wherein said thermal solar unit includes a fluid circuit, a light-absorbing surface (3), and a housing for the light-absorbing surface (3) and fluid circuit, which housing extends to the rear and sides of the light-absorbing surface. |
| US08459250B2 |
Solar energy collection
A solar collector apparatus with Dewar-type evacuated tubes results in the more efficient collection of solar radiation by, for example, maintaining the level of a volatile liquid flowing into the solar collector so that no more than 80% of the volume of an inner cylinder of a collection tube is filled with liquid and a corresponding manifold collects the vapor produced when heat is transferred from the surface of the inner glass cylinder that absorbs solar radiation to the volatile liquid. The aforementioned apparatus may likewise be used to heat a liquid within an absorber tube, the liquid having a volatile and a non-volatile component. As heat is transferred to the liquid, a fraction of the volatile component is converted to vapor, leaving the liquid more concentrated in the non-volatile component. |
| US08459246B2 |
Outer blade cutting wheel and making method
In an outer blade cutting wheel comprising an annular thin disc base of cemented carbide having an outer diameter of 80-200 mm, an inner diameter of 30-80 mm, and a thickness of 0.1-1.0 mm, and a blade section disposed on an outer periphery of the base, the blade section comprises diamond grains and/or CBN grains bound with a metal bond having a Young's modulus of 0.7-4.0×1011 Pa and has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the base by at least 0.01 mm. The outer blade cutting wheel is capable of cutting a workpiece at a high accuracy and a reduced allowance, improves machining yields, and reduces machining costs. |
| US08459245B1 |
Induction drive mechanism for a paintball loader
An electronically controlled, brushless DC, electromagnetic induction drive apparatus for use in a paintball marker active loader capable of directly driving the feeder element in the active loader while providing independently user selectable torque transfer capability and rotational speed whether used to continuously or intermittently rotate the loader feeder element. A plurality of selectively polarity reversible electromagnets are disposed in the loader housing and act to move a plurality of magnetic drive elements disposed on the rotating feed cone to rotate the feed cone a predetermined amount for each polarity cycle and cause paintballs to be fed into the paintball marker via a feed tube. A controller linked to the marker firing sequence manages the number and frequency of the sequential polarity changes of the electro-magnets to cause the feed cone to rotate in response to sensed movement of paintballs in the feed tube. |
| US08459244B2 |
Center-bearing limbs for an archery bow
An archery bow comprises a riser and a pair of bow limbs. The riser has a central portion and first and second end portions, each including a corresponding forward pivotable connection point and rearward bearing point substantially rigidly positioned on the corresponding end portion. A bearing member is positioned at each corresponding rearward bearing point. Each bow limb has a riser connection point and a pulley connection point, and is (i) pivotably connected at its riser connection point to the corresponding riser end portion at its pivotable connection point, (ii) positioned against the corresponding bearing member at a point along the bow limb between its riser and pulley connection points that is displaced from the riser connection point by at least one third of the distance between the riser and pulley connection points, and (iii) arranged at its pulley connection point to receive a pulley member pivotably connected thereto. |
| US08459241B2 |
Liquefied natural gas system for a natural gas vehicle
A liquefied natural gas system for a natural gas vehicle engine with flow driven by the engine includes dual flow paths through at least one heat exchanger. A return path extends from the dual flow paths to the storage tank, and an engine feed path extends from the dual flow paths configured to couple to the engine. A valve and control system are coupled to the dual flow paths capable of alternating flow through the dual flow paths so that one flow path supplies the engine through the engine feed path while the other flow path pressurizes the storage tank through the return path. |
| US08459240B2 |
Canister for vehicles and fuel supply system provided with the same
A canister for vehicles provided with an activated carbon to absorb an evaporation gas evaporated from a fuel tank, and releasing the absorbed evaporation gas to an engine, may include a housing to receive the activated carbon; an evaporation gas supply passage formed to the housing and fluid-connected to the fuel tank; an air passage formed to the housing and selectively receiving an air from the exterior of the housing; and a purge passage formed to the housing and fluid-connected to a purge line to supply the evaporation gas to the engine according to a flow of the received air, wherein the purge passage is provided with a first purge passage formed to the housing and directly fluid-connecting the housing to the purge line and a second purge passage formed to the housing and having an end portion positioned inside the first purge passage or the purge line. |
| US08459237B2 |
Fill head assembly having membrane for protecting recirculation line
A fill head assembly for a fuel storage system includes a check valve disposed within a central region of the fill head assembly. The check valve includes a membrane covering a vent outlet of the fill head assembly. The check valve prevents liquid flow from the central region into the vent outlet, while simultaneously allowing vapor flow from the central region into the vent outlet. The membrane includes a micro-porous material that is liquid impermeable, thereby preventing liquid flow through the membrane, and is vapor permeable, thereby allowing vapor flow through the membrane. |
| US08459236B2 |
Fuel supply system for motorcycle
The motorcycle includes a power unit having an output shaft in a crankcase of an internal combustion engine, a fuel injection system mounted to the power unit, the fuel tank, the fuel pump unit by which a fuel in the fuel tank is supplied to the fuel injection system through a fuel passage, the fuel filter device connected to the fuel passage on the downstream side relative to the fuel pump unit, and a shock absorber provided in a vertically oriented state on the front side of a rear wheel. The fuel supply system for the motorcycle includes the fuel pump unit being disposed outside the fuel tank, on the rear side of the output shaft and on the front side of the rear cushion, and the fuel filter device is disposed on the upper side of the crankcase. |
| US08459235B2 |
Marine fuel delivery system with plastic housing and method of construction thereof
A marine fuel delivery system and method of construction thereof provides at least one of a fuel filter housing and a fuel vapor separator housing with a lower support cap extending laterally therefrom, with the lower support cap being formed as a single piece of plastic material with the fuel filter housing and/or fuel vapor separator housing. In addition, the system includes a heat shield extending upwardly from the lower support cap. The fuel filter housing and/or fuel vapor separator housing; the lower support cap and the heat shield are constructed as a monolithic piece of thermoset plastic that does not melt when directly exposed to a 650° C. flame for 2½ minutes. |
| US08459234B2 |
Fuel injection device, fuel injection system, and method for determining malfunction of the same
A fuel injection device includes a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel, which is distributed from a pressure-accumulation vessel. A pressure sensor is located in a fuel passage, which extends from the pressure-accumulation vessel to a nozzle hole of the fuel injection valve. The pressure sensor is located closer to the nozzle hole than the pressure-accumulation vessel and configured to detect pressure of fuel. The fuel injection device further includes a storage unit for storing individual difference information, which indicates an injection characteristic of the fuel injection valve. The injection characteristic is obtained by an examination. The individual difference information indicates a relationship between an injection state when the fuel injection valve performs fuel injection and a fluctuation in detected pressure of the pressure sensor. The fluctuation is attributed to the fuel injection. |
| US08459231B2 |
Method for regulating an injection system of an internal combustion engine
In a method for pressure control in an injection system of an internal combustion engine, a pump efficiency dependent upon the type of pump is taken into account in the control of a high-pressure stored value. To this end, the pump efficiency may be determined based on a stored table or a proximity function. |
| US08459211B2 |
Pressure-applying garment for animals
A garment to reduce an animal's anxiety, fearfulness, overexcitement, or a combination thereof. The garment may include a central portion, flaps extending from opposite sides of the central portion, and, in some cases, a cinching member that extends from a central area of the central portion. The flaps may be fastened together around the chest and stomach of the animal, and the cinching member may be fastened to the central portion or one or more flaps to tighten the garment further, applying pressure to reduce anxiety, fearfulness, or over-excitement. Straps may be provided to secure the garment to the animal's neck. One material that may be used in making the garment is a fabric made of 55% cotton, 35% polyester, and 10% spandex. The animal may generally be any animal with four legs, for example, a dog or cat, or two arms and two legs, for example, a monkey. |
| US08459207B2 |
Animal feeding apparatus
An animal feeding apparatus that comprises an outside body that is made of a durable material and an inside unit attached to the outside body but located inside of it. The inside unit is made of disposable material. The outside body has grooves at the bottom. The inside unit has notches at the bottom wherein those notches fit into grooves to prevent inside unit from moving while animal is eating from the feeding apparatus. The apparatus of this invention solves the hygiene issue and does not require continuous cleaning. |
| US08459205B1 |
Birdfeeder and birdfeeder kit
A birdfeeder that is easily packed, delivered, assembled and disassembled. The birdfeeder is comprised of eight ⅛″ thick, flat parts that lock together by taking advantage of gravity and friction created by the use of a keyed mortise and tenon connection, such as that common to wood construction at the turn of the century. The eight parts disassembled pack flat as a kit for shipping and stocking. Once received the birdfeeder kit is easily assembled & disassembled, optionally without the use of tools or fasteners. |
| US08459203B2 |
Powder feeding method, powder feeding apparatus and electrostatical powder spray coating apparatus
A coating powder feed method, coating powder feeding device, electrostatic powder spraycoating apparatus containing such a coating powder feeding device. The invention includes a dense phase powder pump fitted with at least one feed chamber. A control signal to create a partial vacuum in the feed chamber is generated no earlier than simultaneously with, preferably by a predetermined delay time after, a control signal opening a powder intake valve of the feed chamber, as a result of which the beginning of partial vacuum buildup in the feed chamber shall take place no earlier than simultaneously with the initial opening of the powder intake valve or by a defined time delay after the opening of the powder intake valve. |
| US08459201B2 |
Droplet applying device, droplet applying method, liquid crystal display panel manufacturing apparatus, and liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method
A droplet applying device (2) includes: application heads (2d) configured to eject an application liquid as multiple droplets toward to-be-coated subjects (K1, K2); a moving mechanism (2c) configured to move each of the to-be-coated subjects (K1, K2) and the application heads (2d) relative to each other; and a rotating mechanism (2b) configured to rotate the to-be-coated subjects (K1, K2) in a plane intersecting with an ejecting direction in which the multiple droplets are ejected. |
| US08459197B2 |
Apparatus to track movement of a skier
Apparatus mountable to a boat tower or pylon used to tow a skier, water boarder, tuber or rafter including an elongated arm pivotally mounted to the boat tower or pylon, a tow rope post fixed to the arm and including a tether guide ring through which a tow rope may be threaded and a mounting member to which one end of the tow rope may be secured. The apparatus will also include a sensor that detects the change in position of the tow rope post from a predetermined fixed position caused by the lateral movement of the person being towed. The elongated arm may have speaker and/or light mounts to fix speakers and/or lights to the elongated arm in a position to track the movements of the towed person and may further include a securing means to fix the elongated arm in a given position. |
| US08459190B2 |
Triangular shipping container with polygonal inner support
An elongate structure that includes a hollow outer portion and a hollow inner portion disposed within the hollow outer portion. The hollow outer portion includes a first outer side surface, a second outer side surface, and a third outer side surface that define first, second and third intersecting planes respectively. The three intersecting planes form three dihedral angles whose sum is about 180°. The hollow inner portion is in contact with each inner side of the hollow outer portion. Further, the hollow inner portion includes at least one panel that extends between each inner side of the hollow outer portion to thereby form hollow inner triangular channels. |
| US08459189B1 |
Table display and shipping platform convertible apparatus
A pair of platform assemblies, each having a pair of bracket assemblies being parallel and symmetrically arranged to an underside of a platform. Each bracket assembly is sized and shaped to receive and store a pair of legs during shipping. In a shipping configuration, the platform assemblies are abutted and joined along a mating edge. The pair of legs is inserted into each bracket assembly providing support to the formed shipping platform. A series of leg-receiving apertures are formed in each bracket assembly for insertion of a shoulder of each leg to convert the platform into a table. A brace and locking system can be integrated to reinforce the leg subassembly interface and support. A series of table configurations can be joined to increase the display table width or length as desired. |
| US08459187B2 |
Gas generator
A gas generator includes a housing having a gas discharge port, a combustion chamber cup member disposed, in the housing, such that an opening portion thereof covers a bottom surface of the housing, the combustion chamber cup member having a communication hole at least a portion of its peripheral wall surface thereof, a metallic cover member covering the peripheral wall surface provided with the communication hole, and a combustion chamber being formed inside the combustion chamber cup member and accommodating a gas generating agent and an igniter therein, at the time of activation, the cover member expanding and deforming mainly in the radial direction to form a gap between the peripheral wall surface of the combustion cup member and the metallic cover member, which serves as a gas channel leading to the combustion chamber and the outside of the combustion chamber. |
| US08459185B1 |
Projectile-generating explosive access tool
A method for generating a projectile using an explosive device that can generate a projectile from the opposite side of a wall from the side where the explosive device is detonated. The projectile can be generated without breaching the wall of the structure or container. The device can optionally open an aperture in a solid wall of a structure or a container and form a high-kinetic-energy projectile from the portion of the wall removed to create the aperture. |
| US08459184B2 |
Safety and arming device for a pyrotechnic train of a projectile
A micro-machined or micro-engraved safety and arming device for a pyrotechnic train of a projectile to which an axial spin motion is imparted during firing, the device includes a shutter to interrupt the pyrotechnic and being held immobile by at least two locks, a first lock or axial acceleration lock that is released further to the application of the acceleration during firing and a second lock that is a centrifugal lock released further to the spinning of the projectile. |
| US08459181B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes a first cylinder, second cylinder, third cylinder, first driving device, second driving device, third driving device, gap amount input device, and controller. The first cylinder receives a sheet from an upstream transport cylinder and holds the sheet. The second cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and prints/coats the sheet held by the first cylinder. The third cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and supplies ink/varnish to a circumferential surface of the first cylinder. The first driving device adjusts a gap amount between the first cylinder and upstream transport cylinder. The second driving device adjusts the position of the second cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The third driving device adjusts the position of the third cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The gap amount input device inputs the gap amount between the first cylinder and upstream transport cylinder. The controller controls the first, second, and third driving devices on the basis of the gap amount input from the gap amount input device. |
| US08459174B2 |
Rod-less cylinder device and system and method for operating thereof
The disclosure provides a rod-less cylinder, device adapted to longitudinally displace loads, said device comprising a shaft, a nut confined to move longitudinally within the shaft, a slider circumscribing said shaft and coupled to said nut, a drive adapted to displace said nut within said shaft, and a sensing means adapted to affect a signal sent via wireless means towards said drive. |
| US08459170B2 |
Vehicle provided with revolving turret
A vehicle provided with a revolving turret includes an armor-plated cockpit (2), a system for the motion of the central revolving turret (4) upon which a main armament (5) can be mounted. The turret is connected to the armor-plated cockpit of the vehicle of a circumferential fifth-wheel (8) which allows the revolving of the turret around a substantially vertical axis which passes through the center of the fifth-wheel. The base (9) of the turret presents a hatch (10) for communication between the interior of the turret and the interior of the cockpit (2) of the vehicle. |
| US08459168B2 |
Semi-fabricated armor layer, an armor layer produced therefrom and method of production thereof
Provided is a semi-fabricated armor layer for use in the production of an armor panel configured to protect a body from an incoming projectile, including a carrier and a plurality of armor elements. Each armor element has front and rear end surfaces and a side surface extending therebetween along a height axis of the element. The carrier is flexible and each of a majority of the armor elements is bonded to the carrier at one of its end surfaces and is free of bonding to adjacent armor elements at its side surface. When the carrier has a planar orientation, at least a majority of the armor elements has their height axes essentially parallel to each other and, when the carrier is at least slightly bent, the height axis of at least one of the elements is inclined relative to the height axis of another of the armor elements adjacent thereto. |
| US08459163B1 |
Adjustable sizing die assembly
An action breech assembly features a one-piece action housing movable between a horizontal at rest position and a vertical cocked position to move a cocking plunger rearwardly as a result of a lateral offset between a pivot pin on which the housing is mounted and a plunger stop pin to which the plunger is attached. Pressure relief devices are provided for the powder chamber. An adjustable sizing die permits the amount of material removed from an external portion of a bullet to be adjusted to optimize the performance of the bullet in a particular rifle barrel. |
| US08459161B2 |
Ball lock punch retainer
A punch retainer can utilize a spring passage to retain a locking ball and a spring. A retaining member can be disposed in the spring passage to hold the spring and ball therein and to impart a desired compressive force on the spring. The retaining member can be axially aligned with the centerline of the spring passage and can axially compress the spring. The retaining member can be adjusted to adjust the compression of the spring. A single dowel passage can be utilized to accurately align the retainer in a desired orientation. |
| US08459160B2 |
Multiple slicing device
A multiple slicing device includes a frame including a receptacle and a plurality of cutting elements, and a working portion including an activation mechanism, a cam mechanism, and a forcing member. The activation mechanism can include two handles where moving one of the handles toward the other handle collapses the forcing member via the cam mechanism, onto a food item placed in the receptacle between the forcing member and the cutting elements, to efficiently and simultaneously cut or slice the food item into multiple pieces. |
| US08459156B2 |
Tailstock device for a lathe
A tailstock device for a lathe includes a carrier defining an accommodation space for accommodating a hub mount. The hub mount is turnable relative to the carrier and has two angularly displaced stage posts extending radially and outwardly for mounting first and second holders, respectively. By turning of the hub mount, a selected one of the holders is moved to a working position to aligned with a longitudinal axis of a workpiece held thereby. The tailstock device can hold a variety of workpieces, and allow adjustment of the angle and position of a workpiece held thereby. |
| US08459146B2 |
Dial control device
The present invention aims to provide a dial control device having a maneuverability of a control knob improved by making this in cylindrical shape and downsized by disposing another control knob installed within the first-mentioned cylindrical control knob. A dial control device comprising: a cylindrical control knob, a sun gear rotating integrally with said control knob for transmission of a driving force from said control knob, a planet gear interlocking with said sun gear, an internal gear cooperating with said sun gear to guide said planet gear in a direction of its movement, and a control cable coupled to said planet gear so as to operate an external device, wherein said driving force generated by rotational operation of said control knob is transmitted via said sun gear, said planet gear and said control cable to the external device to control operation of said external device. |
| US08459144B2 |
Bicycle shifter
A bicycle shifter is provided with a shifter housing, a winding member and an indicator unit. The winding member is movably coupled to the shifter housing. The indicator unit includes an indicating member and an adjustment member. The indicating member is operatively and adjustably connected to the winding member. The adjustment member adjusts a position of the indicating member relative to the winding member. |
| US08459142B2 |
Reach adjust for a handlebar-mounted lever assembly
A reach-adjustable lever assembly mounted to a handlebar for actuating one of a gear-change and braking device. The lever assembly generally including a support member, a lever pivotably connected to the support member and a reach adjust mechanism. The reach adjust mechanism includes a follower, a cam and a cam seat for retaining the cam in a current user-selectable position. The follower is fixedly supported on one of the support member and the lever and the cam is rotatably supported on the other of the support member and the lever. The cam has a plurality of user-selectable positions. The lever is rotatably biased toward a rest position to position the cam against the follower. The cam and the follower are configured to provide a different rest position of the lever for each of the user-selectable positions. |
| US08459140B2 |
Adjustable wrist design for robotic arm
A wrist assembly is provided for securing an end effector to a robotic arm. The wrist assembly comprises a first portion (205, 207) containing a slot for releasably engaging an end effector (231), and a second portion (203) which is attached to the first portion. The orientation of the first portion with respect to the second portion is adjustable to impart a leveling effect to the end effector. |
| US08459136B1 |
Shifter detent plate for automatic transmission
An improved shifter detent plate to replace the stock shifter detent plate used in certain automatic transmissions equipped with horseshoe shifters to provide positive stops between gears during forward shifts, thereby allowing the user to manually shift through the gears of the automatic transmission without accidentally skipping a gear. |
| US08459134B2 |
Vehicle oil pump
A vehicle oil pump that is driven by a drive gear provided on a rotating shaft that rotates in one direction when a vehicle travels forward and rotates in the opposite direction when the vehicle travel backward includes a first driven gear that is in mesh with the drive gear and provided on a drive shaft of the vehicle oil pump via a first one-way clutch, an idler gear that is in mesh with the drive gear, and a second driven gear that is in mesh with the idler gear and provided on the drive shaft of the vehicle oil pump via a second one-way clutch. The first one-way clutch is configured to transmit rotation of the first driven gear to the drive shaft when the vehicle travels in one direction, from among forward and backward, and the second one-way clutch is configured to transmit rotation of the second driven gear to the drive shaft when the vehicle travels in the other direction, from among forward and backward. |
| US08459133B2 |
Linear actuator
The swinging operation of a rotary striker turns micro switches and, which detect the position of a piston, ON/OFF. The striker includes a lower-limit switch cam and an upper-limit switch cam. The cams and engage with switch bosses and that move together with the piston. When the piston is positioned at a lower-limit stop position L, the cam becomes engaged with the boss to make the striker swing in the X-direction and pushes a switch button of the switch. When the piston is positioned at an upper-limit stop position U, the cam becomes engaged with the boss to make the striker swing in the Y-direction and pushes a switch button of the switch. |
| US08459125B2 |
Pressure sensor assembly
The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors, humidity sensors, flow sensors, etc. In some cases, a sensor assembly may include a pressure port connected to a sensor unit, an electrical connector connected to the sensor unit and an outer housing encompassing at least portions of the pressure port, sensor unit and electrical connector. In some instances, the sensor unit may include pressure signal output terminals electrically connected to electrical terminals of the electrical connector. |
| US08459124B2 |
Automobile general pressure sensor
A general pressure sensor for an automobile comprising a sensor shell, a silicon piezoresistive sensitive core, a sensor core seat, a signal conditioning circuit, and an automobile electric device interface is disclosed. The silicon piezoresistive sensitive core, the sensor core seat and the signal conditioning circuit are disposed in the inner cavity of the sensor housing. The sensor housing is installed to the automobile electric device interface, and the silicon piezoresistive sensitive core comprises a silicon piezoresistive sensitive element and a glass ring sheet. The silicon piezoresistive sensitive element is welded and fixed to a surface of the glass ring sheet. An insulation oxidation layer is formed on one surface of the glass ring sheet and the silicon piezoresistive sensitive element. The other surface of the glass ring sheet is hermetically fixed to the ring-shape recession surface provided on the sensor core seat. The sensor core seat is hermetically and rotationally fixed to a pressure inlet on the sensor housing, after the inner lead wire on the silicon piezoresistive sensitive core is led to an interposing board provided on one end of the central hole through the other end of the central hole on the ring-shape recession surface of the sensor core seat, and then is led out by the automobile electric device interface via the signal conditioning circuit. |
| US08459121B2 |
Method and system for acoustically treating material
Methods and systems for acoustically treating material using a continuous process in which material may be caused to flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of an acoustic treatment chamber where the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy. The methods and systems may be arranged to permit continuous processing for extended periods while an acoustic energy source operates at a relatively high power output. Treatment chambers may include features such as an acoustic window, a heat exchanger, inlet/outlet flow arrangements, an inspection window, insert elements that define a treatment volume size or shape, etc. Treatment system configurations relating to arrangements of a treatment chamber relative to an acoustic source and coupling medium, material flow paths, and others are provided. |
| US08459109B2 |
Reading circuit for a multi-axis MEMS gyroscope having detection directions inclined with respect to the reference axes
A multi-axis gyroscope includes a microelectromechanical structure configured to rotate with respective angular velocities about respective reference axes, and including detection elements, which are sensitive in respective detection directions and generate respective detection quantities as a function of projections of the angular velocities in the detection directions. The gyroscope including a reading circuit that generates electrical output signals, each correlated to a respective one of the angular velocities, as a function of the detection quantities. The reading circuit includes a combination stage that combines electrically with respect to one another electrical quantities correlated to detection quantities generated by detection elements sensitive to detection directions different from one another, so as to take into account a non-zero angle of inclination of the detection directions with respect to the reference axes. |
| US08459107B1 |
Manifold gauge cover device
A manifold gauge cover featuring a first half shell and a second half shell connected via a hinge. The inner surfaces of the shells are lined with foam. The shells can move between an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the inner cavities of the shells. A locking mechanism secures the shells in the closed position. A gauge aperture is disposed in the back surfaces of the shells to allows passage of the hook of a manifold gauge set. A magnet is disposed on the bottom surface of a shell. A chart holder is disposed on the top surface of a shell adapted to hold a pressure temperature chart. When the half shells are in the closed position, the half shells cover a portion of a manifold gauge set. |
| US08459105B2 |
Method for diagnosing fuel injectors
A fuel injector diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, the diagnostic can determine if that amount of fuel injected or the timing of start of injection is degraded. Thus, the fuel injector diagnostic method can distinguish between different types of injector degradation. |
| US08459104B2 |
Pressure measuring glow plug
The invention relates to a pencil-type glow plug, in particular for a self-igniting internal combustion engine. The plug includes at least one plug base with at least one essentially bar-shaped heating element, which projects on one end from the plug base, and at least one measurement element, the heating element and the measurement element being integrally bonded and/or force-locked and/or form-locked. |
| US08459099B2 |
Method for leak testing and leak testing apparatus
For leak testing closed containers (9) which are filled with a filling product containing at least one liquid component the container is introduced in a test cavity (1) which is evacuated at least down to vapor pressure of that liquid component. The pressure in the surrounding of the container (9) and thus within test cavity (1) is monitored. Monitoring is performed by a vacuum pressure sensor (7), whereas lowering pressure surrounding the container (9) is performed by a vacuum pump (5). Leakage is detected by monitoring a pressure change in the surrounding of the container which is due to evaporation of liquid emerging from a leak and being evaporated in the low pressure surrounding. |
| US08459098B2 |
Universal physiologic sampling pump (PSP) capable of rapid response to breathing
The present invention discloses a physiologic sampling pump (PSP) which uses at least one valve placed near the sampling medium to modulate air sampling to follow a person's inhalation rate and to obviate the sluggishness inherent in prior art PSPs caused by varying pump speed and by the propagation time through an air tube that connects the collection medium to prior art pumps thereby also obviating limitations inherent in system response, functionality, and accuracy. Moreover, by maintaining an essentially constant air flow through a cyclone at all times and through the collection medium while sampling, the present invention operates at known collection efficiencies, and is therefore capable of size-selective sampling of particulates as opposed to prior art PSPs that by varying the magnitude of air flow, make the separation efficiencies of pre-collection devices indeterminate and the samples worthless. When used instead with an impact sampling head, the present invention may collect total particulate as well, and may collect gases and vapors with a charcoal tube sampling head. Structural features associated with the physiological sampling pump for providing rapid response to breathing include an outer housing including a thereto-resistant case, multiple and interchangeable PSP sampling heads further including collection media and a valve(s) mounted on a valve manifold with associated tubing. |
| US08459094B2 |
Method for calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device, an accelerometer, and an electronic device having an accelerometer with improved calibration features
An accelerometer with improved calibration features, an electronic device having an accelerometer with improved calibration features, and a method of calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is method of calibrating an accelerometer of an electronic device, the accelerometer having at least a primary sensing axis and a secondary sensing axis, the second sensing axis being oriented parallel to the primary sensing axis and in the opposite direction of the primary sensing axis, the method comprising: measuring acceleration calibration data using the primary sensing axis and the secondary sensing axis of the accelerometer; determining calibration parameters in accordance with measured calibration data from the accelerometer; and storing the calibration parameters in a memory of the electronic device. |
| US08459093B2 |
Microelectromechanical gyroscope with continuous self-test function
A microelectromechanical gyroscope includes a body and a sensing mass, which is movable with a degree of freedom in response to rotations of the body about an axis. A self-test actuator is capacitively coupled to the sensing mass for supplying a self-test signal. The capacitive coupling causes, in response to the self-test signal, electrostatic forces that are able to move the sensing mass in accordance with the degree of freedom at an actuation frequency. A sensing device detects transduction signals indicating displacements of the sensing mass in accordance with the degree of freedom. The sensing device is configured for discriminating, in the transduction signals, spectral components that are correlated to the actuation frequency and indicate the movement of the sensing mass as a result of the self-test signal. |
| US08459086B2 |
Process for producing a die
A method of making an impression die comprises the steps of providing a substantially planar bendable bimetal plate 10 consisting of copper and steel bonded together, forming a relief pattern 14 in the surface of the copper for example by an etching process, forming the plate into a non-planar sleeve with the copper on the outside and joining the free edges of the sleeve together. Preferably the free edges of the sleeve 10 are joined together while the sleeve is mounted on a metal mandrel 15. |
| US08459083B2 |
Guiding system for a metal strip at a rolling mill outlet
A roller guiding system for thin strips (20) at a rolling system outlet which allows a safe guiding without take-off and consequent tipping/folding of the head of the strip and without cobbles even at high feeding speeds. The system of the invention prevents the strip from impacting or sliding on the upper containment devices (8) or on the rollers (4′) by its upwards or downwards movement, thus avoiding possible damages to the surface, such as scratches or lines. Furthermore, such a guiding system acts on the mechanical-aerodynamic phenomenon which causes instability in the head moving by making a self-centering guiding system which is thus suitable for improving the winding quality of the coil itself. |
| US08459080B2 |
Flow formed spline and design suitable for burr free machining
A method and tool for producing a flow formed part are disclosed, wherein the tool has an annular array of spline forming recesses for producing a flow formed part having splines and machining and production costs are minimized and efficiency is maximized. |
| US08459076B2 |
Method and device for producing closed profiles
A device for producing at least partly closed profiles from a blank includes at least one first die and at least one second die which can be positioned opposite the first die. The first die has a cavity and two side walls, wherein the side walls and the cavity of the first die can be raised and lowered relative to one another. A U-punch is provided to produce a U-shaped cross-sectional shape of the blank with the first die. The second die of the device has a cavity for producing an at least partly closed cross-sectional shape from a U-shaped blank. The device also has at least one supporting core. The cavity of the second die has elongated side walls in the direction of the first die, with which, the side walls of the first die can be lowered relative to the cavity of the first die. |
| US08459074B2 |
Rolling method for a strip
A strip has a strip head and a strip leg. It is rolled, beginning at the strip head, in a roll stand of a rolling device between an upper and a lower roller arrangement of the roll stand. It is monitored whether the strip foot reaches a switching point located, viewed in the rolling direction, in front of the roll stand. From the time the strip leg reaches the switching point, the roller arrangements are subjected to a bending force expanding the roller arrangements by means of an adjusting device, the force being at least as high as a minimal force. The minimal force is at least as high as a balancing force of the upper roller arrangement. The minimal force is determined as a function of the parameters of the strip and/or the operating parameters of the rolling device. |
| US08459073B2 |
Method for measuring sheet material flatness and method for producing steel sheet using said measuring method
A method for measuring flatness of a sheet material in which a light and dark pattern composed by a light portion and a dark portion is projected onto a surface of the sheet material running in a longitudinal direction, a pattern image is acquired by photographing the light and dark pattern by an image pickup device having an image pickup visual field larger than a width of the sheet material, and the flatness of the sheet material is measured by analyzing the acquired pattern image. A staggered pattern is used for the projecting step and for light to be specularly reflected for receipt by the image pickup device. Calculating the flatness also includes steps of setting a shape measurement line, averaging picture element concentrations, calculating a distribution of the concentrations, and calculating the flatness based on surface shape using the distribution. |
| US08459068B2 |
Washing machine comprising a controllable water supply and method for operating a washing machine of this type
A washing machine with a controllable fresh water intake for at least two detergent chambers which are located inside a housing of a detergent flushing device and which have an outlet for water or the mixture of detergent and water which opens onto a bottom surface of the housing which is inclined towards an outlet connection for a detergent supply line to the tub of the washing machine in which a laundry drum is mounted at least approximately horizontally, the washing machine comprising partial surfaces into which the bottom surface of the housing is divided, the partial surfaces including inclinations differing from the horizontal, the inclinations being differently directed to at least one of the other partial surfaces and each partial surface is assigned to at least one detergent chamber and includes an outlet connection in a lowest region of the partial surface. |
| US08459066B2 |
Input device of washing machine and control method of the same
An input device of a washing machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. An input device of a washing machine includes an operation part generating a plurality of identical signals for washing course designation, a control part controlling one of a plurality of preset washing courses to be designated sequentially according to a predetermined order if the signal is generated by the operation part and a display part displaying the washing course designated by the control part. A control method of an input device of a washing machine for washing course selection includes generating a plurality of identical signals by a user's operation, designating one of a plurality of preset washing courses separately according to a predetermined order whenever the signal is generate, and displaying the designated washing course. |
| US08459062B2 |
Apparatus and methods for producing a glass ribbon
Apparatus for producing glass ribbon includes a control device configured at least periodic thermal stress compensation of the glass ribbon by independently adjusting operation of a plurality of temperature adjustment elements based on stress characteristic information at least periodically obtained from a stress sensor apparatus. In further examples, methods of producing glass include at least periodically sensing a stress characteristic of a glass ribbon and at least periodically changing a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon based stress characteristic information. In further examples, methods include the step of changing a transverse temperature profile of the glass ribbon only if a measured parameter is within an operating range associated with the parameter. |
| US08459055B2 |
Auger in ice bin and refrigerating machine having the same
Disclosed is the auger in an ice bin mounted in a refrigerator, and the like. The auger in the ice bin is configured to rotate a plurality of augers having spiral-shaped transfer blades and to dispose ice in each space between the transfer blades of the auger for transfer. Accordingly, a certain amount of ice can always be discharged without simultaneously discharging a great amount of ice, and a user may select the number of ice, thus to diversity functions of an ice dispenser. In addition, since the auger is made of a flexible material, the ice can be prevented from being crushed during transfer, thereby enhancing the reliability of the ice dispenser. |
| US08459052B2 |
Refrigerant vapor compression system with flash tank receiver
A refrigerant vapor compression system includes a flash tank receiver disposed in the refrigerant circuit intermediate the refrigerant cooling heat exchanger and the refrigerant heating heat exchanger. The flash tank receiver, which receives a liquid/vapor refrigerant mix, also functions as a receiver. A refrigerant charge control apparatus includes at least one sensor for sensing an operating characteristic of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant compression device, and a controller operative to selectively adjust a secondary expansion device to increase or decrease the flow of refrigerant passing into the flash tank receiver to provide a circulating refrigerant charge consistent with maintaining a desired system operating characteristic. The sensed operating characteristic is at least one of (a) the vapor refrigerant passing through a refrigerant line from the flash tank receiver to an intermediate pressure stage of the compression device, and (b) the refrigerant discharged from the compression device. |
| US08459051B2 |
Air conditioner and method of controlling the same
An air conditioner includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a first pipe configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the first heat exchanger. A bypass pipe is branched off from the first pipe and is configured to expand refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe. A second heat exchanger is configured to allow the expanded refrigerant of the bypass pipe to heat-exchange with the refrigerant flowing along the first pipe. A second pipe couples the second heat exchanger to the compressor so that the refrigerant expanded by the bypass pipe and heat-exchanged at the second heat exchanger can be introduced into the compressor. |
| US08459047B2 |
Method and apparatus for making clear ice
Provided are a method and refrigeration appliance for making substantially-transparent ice. The refrigeration appliance includes a fresh food compartment in which a refrigeration temperature that is greater than 32° F. and less than 55° F. is maintained, and a water tray disposed within the fresh food compartment and including a bottom surface and an upwardly extending wall forming a reservoir for holding a volume of water. A plurality of fingers are supported adjacent to the water tray to be at least partially submerged in water within the water tray, and an evaporator is in thermal communication with the fingers for chilling an exposed surface of the fingers to a finger temperature that is less than 32° F. Water is introduced into the water tray, and an extent to which the fingers are submerged in the water is repeatedly adjusted. |
| US08459045B2 |
Helium-3 refrigerating machine-using magnetization measuring system
In a helium 3 refrigerator-utilizing magnetic property measurement system (MPMS) which enables magnetization measurement to be effected until 0.3 K, a main pipe, to enable magnetization measurement to be infallibly effected even when the upper limit of a magnetic field the MPMS can induce is applied, includes an upper supporting tube positioned in the uppermost part and allowing a bellows to be connected to the lateral part thereof, a condensing tube supported in the lower part of the upper supporting tube, an outer tube fixed in the lower part of the condensing tube and adapted to form an outer wall of an insulated vacuum chamber, and a lower inner tube forming an inner wall of the insulated vacuum chamber. In each of the tubes, the lower inner tube is formed of titanium. As a result, a background signal can be decreased and the measurement can be infallibly effected until the upper limit of the magnetic field of the MPMS. |
| US08459043B2 |
Apparatus and methods for producing beverages
An apparatus for producing beverages. The apparatus comprises a dispensing system, a mixing unit, and a control unit comprising a user interface, which interact to prepare a particular beverage when requested by a user. When the control unit receives user input requesting the particular beverage via the user interface, it causes the dispensing system to dispense various ingredients (e.g., fragmented ice, water, flavoring ingredients, milk product) that are mixed by the mixing unit in order to prepare the particular beverage, which is served in a cup. In various embodiments, the apparatus may produce frozen beverages that include fragmented ice (e.g., shaved or crushed ice) as one of their ingredients, such as slush beverages and smoothie beverages, and/or hot beverages that include heated water as one of their ingredients, such as coffee and flavored coffee beverages (e.g., French Vanilla, Mocha, etc.). |
| US08459040B2 |
Rear hub cooling for high pressure compressor
In one exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine includes a turbine and a high pressure compressor. The high pressure compressor includes a last stage having a last stage compressor blade and a last stage vane. The gas turbine engine includes a first flow path through which bleed air flows to the turbine and a second flow path through which air from the last stage of the high pressure compressor flows. The bleed air in the first flow path exchanges heat with a portion of the air in the second flow path in a heat exchanger to cool the air in the second flow path. The cooled air in the second flow path is returned to the high pressure compressor to cool the high pressure compressor. |
| US08459038B1 |
Two-spool turboshaft engine control system and method
A load applied to a low pressure spool of a two-spool turboshaft engine is controlled responsive to inlet pressure and temperature so as to regulate a relationship between the rotational speeds of the low and high pressure spools of the two-spool turboshaft engine so as to provide for operating the low pressure compressor attached to the low pressure spool with sufficient surge margin. |
| US08459037B2 |
Method and system for feeding a gas-turbine engine with liquid fuel
A method is provided for supplying a liquid fuel to a gas-turbine engine, e.g. aviation engine. It includes selective fuel delivery through several fuel delivery lines for different engine operating modes based on a required engine power, providing, e.g. feeding the engine operating at minimal power with base or traditional for this type of engine fuel through a base fuel delivery line; in other operating modes the fuel is fed to the engine either through conditioned fuel delivery line with preliminary conditioning of base fuel or through both said fuel delivery lines simultaneously with mixing both fuel flows directly before entering an engine combustion chamber, e.g., in a line connecting intake manifold for the base fuel and each individual fuel injector. |
| US08459035B2 |
Gas turbine engine with low fan pressure ratio
A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle axially movable relative to the fan nacelle to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust a pressure ratio of the fan bypass airflow during engine operation. |
| US08459031B2 |
Direct contact heat exchanger and methods for making and using same
A system and method are disclosed for the combined production of power and heat from an external heat source stream, where the system utilizes four basic stream of different compositions to co-generate power and to heat an external heat absorber stream from an external heat source stream. |
| US08459027B2 |
Combustion engine having mutually connected pistons
Combustion engine comprising interconnected combustion cylinders (1, 2, 3, 4), comprising at least two sets of each two opposed working combustion cylinders (1, 2, 3, 4), said two cylinders of each set being interconnected by a common piston rod (5, 6), said two piston rods (5, 6) being connected by one balance arm (7), and the exploitable energy is taken from the kinetic energy of said balance arm (7). |
| US08459026B2 |
Central turbocharger mounting configuration for a twin-turbo engine
A central turbocharger configuration in a V-engine with two turbochargers is described. In one example approach, a V-engine includes first and second in-board exhaust manifolds; first and second turbines coupled to the first and second manifolds, respectively; and a passage intermediate to and coupling outlets of the first and second turbines; and a junction branching from the passage downward into the valley. |
| US08459023B2 |
Method and device for providing a rotational speed and temperature indication of a supercharging device for an internal combustion engine
A detection circuit for providing indications of a rotational speed and a temperature of a supercharging system for an internal combustion engine is provided, which detection circuit includes: a rotational speed sensor for providing a periodic detection signal having a frequency dependent on a rotational speed in the supercharging system; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in the supercharging system; and a modification unit for providing a periodic output signal having a periodicity dependent on the periodic detection signal, and for setting a time length of a signal pulse of the periodic output signal as a function of the detected temperature, so that the periodic output signal provides the rotational speed indication by its periodicity and the temperature indication by the time length of the signal pulse. |
| US08459022B2 |
Wastegate plug
A mono-block arm and plug for closing a wastegate opening includes a shaft portion and a plug portion extending from the shaft portion where the plug portion includes a feature configured to change shape responsive to application of force to close a wastegate opening to enhance sealing of the wastegate opening. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08459020B1 |
Wave and water energy converter mounted on bridge supports
Highway bridge supporting structures that stand in large bodies of water are usefully employed in a novel manner in this invention to inexpensively extract energy from the water under the bridge using new and established apparatus. Alternate energy producing systems from water waves, currents and tides suffer from cost disadvantages incurred in designing and erecting expensive structures that hold them firmly on the ground under the water against fierce wind and water forces. This invention ingeniously uses existing or new bridge structures for mounting water-borne-energy to electricity conversion systems at much reduced cost. The invention will make water energy conversion systems more affordable and will turn existing and new bridge supporting structures into dual-use systems that can not only support bridge decks above but also produce useful renewable energy from the water below; today, bridge structures are not used in this manner. |
| US08459015B1 |
System for use with an internal combustion engine effective for increasing power and improving fuel usage
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine and, more particularly, an internal combustion engine having a new and novel system for improving the efficiency of the engine. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises an expander effective for receiving condensed engine exhaust and placing said exhaust in contact with copper or a copper alloy and for transforming the exhaust into vapor for transfer into the combustion chamber of the engine. In a preferred embodiment the system further comprises a condenser means for cooling the exhaust exiting the engine sufficiently to condense any water vapor and/or fuel vapor to form a liquid mixture or water and fuel, collecting and storing the liquid mixture, and directing the stored liquid mixture to the expander. |
| US08459014B2 |
Mounting structure for NOx reduction device for construction machine
A mounting structure for an NOx reduction system for a construction machine is provided for relaxing restrictions on a space for the arrangement of the NOx reduction system. The mounting structure includes a urea-water SCR catalyst for reducing and purifying nitrogen oxides emitted from an engine, a urea water spray device for spraying urea water into an exhaust passage of the engine, a urea water feeder for feeding the urea water to the urea water spray device, a first urea-water tank and second urea-water tank for storing the urea water to be guided to the urea water feeder, and a controller for controlling drive of the urea water spray device and urea water feeder. A counterweight is provided with a cavity formed therein, the urea water feeder, first urea-water tank, second urea-water tank and controller are integrally arranged as an assembly arranged in the cavity of the counterweight. |
| US08459013B2 |
Urea tank with closure member for vehicle exhaust system
A closure member for a urea tank used to provide urea to an exhaust treatment system of a vehicle comprises a closure member body defining respective urea inlet and outlet passages and coolant inlet and outlet passages therethrough. A valve carried by the closure member body, and a portion of the valve can be an integral one piece part of the closure member body, selectively blocks the flow coolant through the interior of the urea tank. When coolant flows into the tank, it is separated from urea in the tank by a recirculating conduit which returns the coolant from the coolant inlet passage to the coolant outlet passage. Coolant circulating within the tank heats urea therein. The coolant flow valve can comprise a solenoid controlled valve with an electrical connector carried by the coolant tank for making connections to wiring that provides power to the solenoid to control the valve. The closure member can also carry a support, such as a downtube, that can contain temperature and level sensing components with the closure member supporting a connector coupled to wiring for such components. |
| US08459011B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine
A selective reduction catalyst is disposed in an exhaust passage of an engine for reducing NOx in exhaust gases from the engine under existence of a reducing agent. The reducing agent or a reactant for generating the reducing agent is supplied to the upstream side of the selective reduction catalyst. Occurrence of a reducing-agent slip in which the reducing agent is discharged to the downstream side of the selective reduction catalyst is determined. A storage amount indicative of an amount of the reducing agent stored in the selective reduction catalyst is temporarily reduced from the state where the storage amount is at the maximum, and thereafter the storage amount is increased until the occurrence of the reducing-agent slip is detected. A supply correction amount for correcting an amount of the reducing agent is calculated according to an occurrence state of the reducing agent slip when the storage amount is changed. |
| US08459010B2 |
System and method for controlling nitrous oxide emissions of an internal combustion engine and regeneration of an exhaust treatment device
A catalyst composition is provided that includes a catalytic metal secured to a substrate, and the substrate is mesoporous and has pores that are templated. A catalyst composition includes a catalytic metal secured to a mesoporous substrate. The mesoporous substrate is a reaction product of a reactive solution, a solvent, a modifier, and a templating agent. A method for controlling nitrous oxide emissions including the catalyst composition comprising introducing a regeneration fuel into an exhaust stream upstream relative to the catalyst composition and heating the exhaust stream upstream relative to the catalyst composition. When the regeneration fuel is introduced the air/fuel ratio λ of an air/fuel mixture of a lean burn exhaust is greater than 1. |
| US08459000B2 |
Cable protection and guide apparatus
A cable protection and guide apparatus is configured to suppress collision noise otherwise generated between a peripheral member and link frames due to polygonal movements of the link frames. Wear and damage of the cables otherwise caused by contact with a connecting plate is prevented. The apparatus comprises a plurality of link frames each having a cable rectangularly-shaped, in cross-section, accommodating space formed by a pair of laterally and separately disposed link plates. Connecting plates crosslink the link plates on cable-bend inner and outer circumferential sides. Link frames are connected bendably with each other in a cable longitudinal direction between a cable stationary end and a cable mobile end to protect and guide the cables. The cable-bend outer circumferential side connecting plate is provided with cylindrical elastic members surrounding the connecting plate across the crosslinking direction thereof. |
| US08458995B2 |
Multi-layer frankfurter loading method
A method of loading a plurality of food items in multiple layers comprises collecting food items in a staging area in a first plurality of groups, each group having a plurality of food items. The first plurality of groups is displaced substantially simultaneously downwardly into an accumulating and storage area and thereby forming a plurality of first layer group. A second plurality of groups of food items is collected, each of the second plurality of groups having a plurality of food items. The second plurality of groups is displaced substantially simultaneously downwardly into the accumulating and storage area such that the second plurality of groups forms a plurality of second layer groups of food items superposed to the first layer groups, and thereby forming a plurality of two layer-groups. The plurality of two-layer groups of food items are displaced downwardly into a receptacle in a packing area. |
| US08458993B2 |
Reciprocating sealer for web converters
Various device embodiments include first and second plate assemblies. Each plate assembly includes a base, a seal plate, one or more air bladders and a servo motor to provide a linear motion of the seal plate with respect to the base. The device further includes at least one plate assembly motor operably linked to the bases of the plate assemblies to provide a linear motion of the first and second plate assemblies toward each other to perform a sealing operation and away from each other. The device further includes a controller connected to the at least one plate assembly motor and to the first and second servo motors to coordinate the motion of the first and second seal plates to perform a seal operation on a web while traveling with the web. |
| US08458992B2 |
Capping machine
Containers are closed with screw caps by a carousel machine of which a central drum (31) is rotatable about a vertical axis (A) and carries a set of capping units (36) equipped with respective capping heads (37), each presenting a gripper (38) by which the cap (3) is held, and a mechanism (66) by which the hinged jaws (39) of the gripper (38) are opened and closed; each capping head (37) is capable of axial motion induced by components incorporated into the relative unit (36), which are guided axially in their movements and supported by auxiliary components (40; 49, 50) associated rigidly with the central drum (31). |
| US08458990B1 |
General and medicinal sorting device
A device to assist in sorting and organizing any small items and, in particular, vitamins, supplements and prescription medications consisting of a series of folding, hinged panels that fold out to form troughs and transverse dividers that fit into the troughs to form bins. Once the bins are filled, the dividers are sequentially removed to allow the bin contents to be shoved along the trough into a small, resealable plastic bag for convenient storage and transportation. This saves time for people taking several different kinds of pills every day. Each pill bottle is located, opened, closed and stored away only once versus hundreds of times without using this device. |
| US08458982B2 |
Dual tension connector
The Dual Tension Connector (DTC) is a metal connector used for tying a wood or steel railing stanchion to a structural framing member. The DTC is designed to resist force applied to a railing stanchion in any direction. It is a one-piece solution for railing stanchion connections that requires no welding or separate washers. The DTC consists of a rectangular shaped section that can be attached to a structural framing member, and two elongated strap members located on each side of the rectangular shaped section. Each elongated strap has two seat members, and two triangular-shaped side members with seat members that are integrally connected. The seat members are located in such a manner so they may be folded, and locked together to act as one unit in resisting tension forces applied to the DTC. |
| US08458975B2 |
Low reflected-sound-pressure-level, low moisture-vapor-transmission-rate flooring system
A flooring system having a top floor layer, a sub-floor, and an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer is disclosed. The underlayment material may include a cross-linked, polyolefin foam having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 3.0 lb/1000 ft2/24 hr, and an average sound pressure level of less than about 15 dB over a range of about 300 Hz to about 1000 Hz. Foam density, gel fraction, and resin blend may combine to provide an underlayment material having such reflective sound and moisture vapor barrier properties. |
| US08458974B2 |
Medallion insert for modular flooring assemblies
A tray substrate for a modular tile flooring system is disclosed that allows installation of medallion floating tiles into the flooring system. This tray substrate is designed to be a smaller medallion type tray substrate installed amongst larger tray substrates in a shape that is twisted at an angle to the grout lines of the other tiles. This is known as a medallion which is inserted in the layout. |
| US08458969B2 |
Stay-in-place form systems for form-work edges, windows and other building openings
A stay-in-place buck for defining an opening in a cast concrete structure has a plurality of frame members arrangeable in an abutting relationship. Each of the frame members has a panel extending transversely between outer opposed panels of a stay-in-place form-work. Flanges extend from opposed edges of the frame member panel for abutment against outer surfaces of the outer opposed panels. Each flange has opposed mitered end edges for abutment against adjacent mitered end edges of flanges of adjacent frame members. The buck also includes fastener-receivers connectable to the panels of the frame members to form one or more fastener-receiving frames extending at least partially about a perimeter of the buck. Each fastener-receiver has mitered edge portions for abutment against adjacent mitered edge portions of adjacent fastener-receivers. |
| US08458968B2 |
Track assembly having multiple panels with drain method and device
A window or door assembly and/or system having a drain method and device that is less invasive than previous implementations. The assembly can include slidable window or door panels and an upright support allowing translational movement of the panels. Distal thereto, a weeping upright is provided. The upright support and the weeping upright can form a channel therebetween where the liquid is collected, wherein the channel in one embodiment is L-shaped. To remove liquid from the channel, an accumulator that is perpendicular to the channel can receive the fluid through an opening. Liquid can also be removed through a drainage opening within the upright support or weeping upright. An aperture along with a connector along a bottom portion of the channel can also be used to remove the liquid within the channel. |
| US08458960B2 |
Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals
Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example dock apparatus disclosed herein includes a first weather barrier and a second weather barrier. The first and second weather barriers are positioned laterally of a doorway of a loading dock and compressible by a vehicle. The lateral weather barriers include inner surfaces that are to bulge toward each other in response to the vehicle compressing the lateral weather barriers. A head curtain is at least partially positioned between the lateral weather barriers and being engagable by the vehicle, the head curtain having a lateral stiffness such that in response to the vehicle engaging the head curtain and compressing the lateral weather barriers, the head curtain becomes pinched between the bulging inner surfaces to restrict a vertical movement of the curtain. |
| US08458959B2 |
Vehicle door frame structure
A vehicle door frame structure has an upper sash member located along a roof panel of a vehicle body and also has a vertical pillar sash member located along a center pillar of the vehicle body. The upper sash member has, at its linear end joined to the vertical pillar sash member side, an aesthetically designed section and an inner frame portion. The aesthetically designed section is located on the outer side of the door, and the inner frame portion is located closer to the vehicle interior than the aesthetically designed section and is shorter in length than the aesthetically designed section. The vertical pillar sash member has at its upper end a superposed contact section that is superposed, in the direction of the thickness of the door, on an end of the inner frame portion of the upper sash member, and the superposed contact section and the inner frame portion are joined together while being superposed on each other. |
| US08458957B2 |
Sliding pocket door system
A pocket door system with a constant rail system provides a pocket door adapted for sliding into and out of an enclosed wall pocket to enable or prevent egress through a framed door opening. The pocket door includes a roller mechanism mounted at a top surface and a slotted lower guide mechanism mounted at a bottom surface. A floor track with a vertically extending, flat, planar protruding plate element is mounted upon a floor surface is secluded within the enclosed wall pocket. The vertically extending, flat, planar protruding plate element is insertable into the corresponding vertically extending flat, planar slot of the guide mechanism. The roller mechanism of the pocket door system engages an upper track as the lower guide mechanism engages with the protruding element guide wherein the pocket door slides into and out of the enclosed wall pocket without wobbling and dislocating from the tracks during use. |
| US08458956B2 |
Door drive having two motors
The present invention relates to an apparatus for a door drive, in particular for roller doors, sectional doors or the like, having a door movement element, in particular a door shaft, for the opening and closing of a door and a connection means arranged at the door movement element. In accordance with the invention, the door drive includes at least two electric motors of which one is indirectly/directly fixedly connected to the connection means arranged at the door movement element and all further electric motors are arranged radially movably around the door movement element and are connected thereto via the arranged connection means. |
| US08458951B2 |
Leader storage device
A card-like device for storing and retrieving multiple sizes of leader materials in a shirt pocket size configuration in which all the housed leader material sizes are clearly and always visible and which permits quick and easy finding of the stored leader material ends, and firm retention and easy grasping of same. |
| US08458950B2 |
Blood simulating add-on for fishing lures
A fishing lure attachment that includes (i) an elastic collar operable for fitted engagement and disengagement around a fishing lure body, and (ii) a flexible ball chain, having a plurality of spherical elements serially interconnected by rod members to form a chain of balls simulating a flow of blood droplets, attached to and extending from the collar. |
| US08458946B1 |
Bipod adapter for firearm
An adapter for connecting a bipod to a Picatinny rail of a firearm may include a base having upper and lower portions. The upper portion may include a generally planar surface with longitudinal edges. The lower portion may include a cylinder having a through bore. First and second support members may be disposed along the longitudinal edges. The first support member may define a female mating configuration of one side of the Picatinny rail. A locking bar may be detachably connected to the upper portion of the base. The locking bar may have an interior surface. A leaf spring may be fixed to an underside of the upper portion of the base. The interior surface of the locking bar and the second support member may define a female mating configuration of another side of the Picatinny rail. |
| US08458944B2 |
Firearm assembly
A firearm system includes a foregrip removably mountable to a firearm, the foregrip having a programmable button controlling at least one of an accessory of the firearm and a component of the foregrip. |
| US08458943B2 |
Adjustable framed picture hanger back
A picture frame having an adjustable back assembly enabling vertical, horizontal and rotary adjustment of the frame position on a wall is described. The frame back is sized to fit into a recess in the picture frame back, and includes an inner plate, an outer plate having an opening, an intermediate plate frictionally held between said inner and outer plates and slidable therebetween. The intermediate plate has an outer face and is smaller than the outer plate and larger than the outer plate opening. A first hanger member is secured to the outer face of the intermediate plate and extends outwardly through the opening. A second hanger member is attachable to a wall and can be joined to the first hanger member to mount the picture frame on the wall. The picture frame can be pushed up or down or rotated to adjust the picture frame position. |
| US08458941B2 |
Shipment labels and related methods
Shipment labels and related methods are described. An example method includes printing a return address on a first label layer of the label and printing a delivery address on a second label layer of the label adjacent the first label layer. The example method also includes coupling the first label layer and the second label layer on at least a portion of a container. The second label layer releasably covers at least a portion of the first label layer so that the return address is not fully visible when the second label layer is releasably coupled to the container. |
| US08458932B2 |
Optical illusion device
An apparatus for creating a visual display. The apparatus includes a mirror element and a framing element. The mirror element has a curved reflective surface and a printed primary image contacting the reflective surface. The framing element is spaced apart from the mirror element and includes a background image element positioned to face toward the reflective surface. The framing element also includes a transparent view port that is positioned opposite the primary image so as to provide a line of sight through the framing element to the reflective surface and the primary image. The apparatus further includes a lens sandwiched between the mirror and framing elements, such as a lens with a cylindrical body, formed of a transparent or translucent plastic, ceramic, glass, or other material. The apparatus may include a light source that transmits light into the lens or onto the primary image or the background images. |
| US08458927B2 |
Shoe with interchangeable foreparts and heels
A bowling footwear kit includes a left shoe and a right shoe, each having a midsole with a toe region and a heel region, wherein the toe region covers the entire area from the front of the shoe to a selected line in front of the heel region, and the peripheral shapes of the toe region of the left shoe and of the toe region of the right shoe are substantially identical. The kit further includes two or more foreparts having different traction characteristics for removable attachment to the toe region of either the left or right shoe, and having the peripheral shapes substantially identical to each other and to the peripheral shape of the toe regions of the left and right shoe. |
| US08458924B2 |
Dryer with cooled motor
The invention relates to a dryer with a housing and a drying chamber for objects to be dried, a process air duct, in which are located a heater for warming the process air and a first fan, a motor for driving the drying chamber, a heat exchanger and a cold air section in the process air duct or in a cooling air duct, with a motor cooling duct which branches off from the cold air section being able to apply cold air to the motor. |
| US08458920B2 |
Method and device for locating hole center
A device locates an apparatus to the center of a hole in a structure. The device includes a hub adapted to have the apparatus mounted thereon and a plurality of locator elements spaced around the hub which extend at least partially into the hole. Means coupled with the locator elements and the hub are used to displace the locator elements outwardly into engagement with the edges of the structure and to move the hub into axial alignment with the center of the hole. |
| US08458919B2 |
Setting device for aligning a shift transmission
A setting device for aligning a shift transmission, including, but not limited to a main bearing shaft mounted in a shift lever housing and a setting element, which can be hooked in guide means mounted on the shift lever housing, the setting element being situated along a central axis of the main bearing shaft. |
| US08458917B1 |
Multi-axis level
A multi-axis level is disclosed having a body member with two side members forming a right angle therebetween. The body has a length extending in a longitudinal direction. The multi-axis level also includes a bubble housing coupled to the body member. One or more bull's eye bubble levels are coupled to the bubble housing, which is oriented in a plane normal to the longitudinal direction. Additionally, a tubular bubble level is coupled to the bubble housing. A tube of the tubular bubble level has a length that is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. |
| US08458914B2 |
Shaving device comprising a pivotably arranged assembly of cutting elements
A shaving device includes cooperating hair cutting elements and a driver for driving the hair cutting elements. The shaving device is configured to allow for automatic contour following during its application on the skin of a user. At least one cutting element is pivotably arranged in the shaving device, wherein a pivot axis intersects at least one position where the cutting element is contacted by a driving member for imposing reciprocating movement on the cutting element. |
| US08458913B2 |
Assisted-opening folding knife
The present invention is to provide an assisted-opening folding knife, which includes a handle having a first positioning groove and a first recess, a blade capable of pivotally springing out of the handle, and a pushing device. A first post on the blade is moved along the first recess while being rotated into the handle, and a second post on the blade is exposed outside the handle while being received in the handle. The pushing device includes a pushing element located in the first positioning groove and a second spring provided between the pushing element and the first positioning groove, so as for the pushing element to move along the groove. Thus, while the blade is rotated into the handle, the first post presses and passes the tip of the pushing element and is then blocked by the pushing element, thereby preventing the blade from springing out of the handle. |
| US08458911B2 |
Electric shaver
An electric shaver includes a rod-shaped body part, a head part, and a link mechanism. The head part projects from one end portion of the body part and is swingably attached to the body part with a support base between the body part and the head part. The head part includes a shaving portion and a drive mechanism. The shaving portion is elongated in a direction orthogonal to a projecting direction of the head part and has paired blades configured to operate relative to each other. The drive mechanism is configured to drive at least one of the paired blades. The link mechanism includes two link arms each connected to the support base and the head part respectively at connecting axes parallel to a longitudinal direction of the shaving portion. The link mechanism is configured to support the head part on the support base swingably. |
| US08458908B2 |
Hair removal apparatus
The invention relates to a hair removal apparatus (100) having a base body (10) and a slide (20), which is mounted thereon to be movable (displaceably). At least one wet shaver unit (40) comprising a razor blade, such as a blade cartridge for wet shaving, is mounted on the slide. Due to the mobility of the slide (20), this wet shaver unit (40) is protected from damage in the event of impact of the hair removal apparatus, e.g., in a fall to the floor. Certain target positions of the slide (20) can be secured with a slip clutch, such that they become unlocked on exceeding a minimum force that is acting and thereby release a movement of the slide. |
| US08458906B2 |
Method of making a sunshade device
A method of making a sunshade device includes the steps of: attaching two tension cords to left and right sides of a sunshade cloth, and allowing the tension cords to extend beyond front and rear ends thereof to form front and rear cord extension sections; fixing the rear cord extension sections to a latch unit and a spring unit, respectively, and inserting the latch and spring units respectively into opposite ends of a tubular winding shaft; clamping the rear end of the sunshade cloth; drawing the front cord extension sections to move the winding shaft close to the rear end of the sunshade cloth; using two cord-pulling tools to pull the respective front cord extension sections; fixing the front cord extension sections to the respective end pieces; and fixing the winding shaft to the sunshade cloth. |
| US08458903B2 |
Method of producing an elastic plate member for a liquid jet head
A method for producing an elastic plate for a liquid jet head, which includes etching a rolled metal plate based on a rolling direction of the rolled metal plate, to form an etched portion and a non-etched portion on the rolled metal plate. The thickness of the etched portion is thinner than the thickness of the non-etched portion and the rolling direction is substantially perpendicular to a long side of the rolled metal plate. |
| US08458893B2 |
Method for assembling a magnetic component
Generally, methods and processes for assembling magnetic components are presented herein. More specifically, conductors are wound around a substantially hollow bobbin. Portions of the conductors may be temporarily positioned outside the bobbin through slots in the flanges of the bobbin during the assembly process. Insulating layers may be wrapped around the conductors. The center legs of a pair of magnetic core halves may be inserted into the bobbin. The base of the magnetic core halves may have a passage to allow a conductor to pass therethrough at a height less than the height of the base. |
| US08458890B2 |
Coil component and method for manufacturing coil component
In an inductor including a coil, a drum type core constituted by a soft magnetic metal material and a resin material, and a filling member constituted by a soft magnetic metal material and a resin material in which a magnetic flux excited by aforesaid coil goes through aforesaid drum type core and aforesaid filling member serially, the present invention constitutes an inductor, wherein aforesaid drum type core is constituted by injection molding so as to include a receiving portion, aforesaid coil is arranged in aforesaid receiving portion, and aforesaid filling member is filled therein. |
| US08458888B2 |
Method of manufacturing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)
A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes patterning a wiring layer to form at least one fixed plate and forming a sacrificial material on the wiring layer. The method further includes forming an insulator layer of one or more films over the at least one fixed plate and exposed portions of an underlying substrate to prevent formation of a reaction product between the wiring layer and a sacrificial material. The method further includes forming at least one MEMS beam that is movable over the at least one fixed plate. The method further includes venting or stripping of the sacrificial material to form at least a first cavity. |
| US08458884B2 |
Method for forming a duct
An apparatus for forming a duct includes a bending apparatus and a support apparatus. The bending apparatus includes a table, a cut off beam, and a leaf hinged to a forward edge of the table. The cut off beam is movable toward and away from the table to clamp or release a metal web being fed forward across the table and the leaf. The cut off beam repeatedly clamps the metal web to the table while the leaf pivots toward the cut off beam to form a duct section. The support apparatus includes a cross rod movable along pivoting support arms. As the metal web is bent to form the duct section, the support arms and the cross rod are moved to internally support the duct section. |
| US08458879B2 |
Method of fabricating an implantable medical device
Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments. |
| US08458878B1 |
Coil spring mounting system and method for use in a tilt-in window counterbalance assembly
A system and method for mounting a coil spring to a brake shoe in a guide track of a window frame. A brake shoe and coil spring are provided. A housing is provided to hold the coil spring. A stop mount is also provided for limiting the movement of the housing in the guide track. The housing and the stop mount are temporarily joined into a common assembly. The coil spring is placed in the housing. The stop mount is mounted in the guide track at a fixed position, wherein the housing is positioned above the stop mount. The free end of the coil spring is connected to the brake shoe below the stop mount The stop mount is then detached from the housing. This enables the housing to move freely within the guide track independently of the stop mount. |
| US08458873B2 |
Method of protecting a seat from a child safety seat positioned thereon
There is provided a seat cover for accommodating a child safety chair upon a seat. The seat cover comprises a lower protective member which is disposable upon a seating portion of the seat. This lower member can accommodate the child safety chair when positioned in a rearward-facing direction to prevent it from permanently compressing the seating portion. The seat cover further comprises an upper protective member that is disposable against a seat-back portion of the seat. This upper member is selectively attachable with and detachable from the lower member. By doing so, the upper member can further prevent the chair from permanently compressing the seat-back portion when it is repositioned in a forward-facing direction and placed in contact therewith. |
| US08458870B2 |
Needle for a textile machine
A needle (15) for a textile machine, in particular a felting needle or fork needle. A working section (17) extends along a longitudinal axis (16) and has a needle point (18). Adjoining the working section (17) are a lower shank section (20) and an upper shank section (25), both said shank sections extending coaxially with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis (16). Adjoining the upper shank section (25), there is provided a needle foot (30) that has a holding means (32) extending in a straight line in a transverse direction (31) transversely to the longitudinal axis (16). The diameter (E) of the upper shank section (25) is both greater than the diameter (D) of the lower shank section (20) and greater than the mean width of the holding means (32). |
| US08458867B2 |
Attachment mount and receiver system for removably attaching articles to garments
An attachment mount and receiver system for attaching articles to a garment. A receiver has openings for affixing the receiver to a support that is then attached to a compatible garment. The mount has openings for affixing an article thereto. A pair of flexible springs permit connected tines to be compressed inwardly, allowing the mount to be slidingly inserted into the receiver. A barb at the end of each tine engages an end wall of the receiver when the mount is fully seated. Tines are compressed inwardly and the mount is withdrawable. Selective locks can inhibit the tines from being compressed. Resistance to prying the mount away from the receiver is also provided. |
| US08458863B2 |
Magnetic connector apparatus and related systems and methods
A magnetic connector apparatus may comprise one or more magnet housings, each of which may comprise one or more magnets positioned therein to rotate within the magnet housing(s). The apparatus may be configured using one or more safety features in order to prevent access and/or removal of the magnet(s). In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise an inner retainer piece coupled with the one or more magnet housings, a first outer housing piece coupled with the inner retainer piece, and a second outer housing piece coupled with the inner retainer piece. The first outer housing piece may be positioned on an opposite side of the connector apparatus from the second outer housing piece such that the inner retainer piece is positioned in between the first outer housing piece and the second outer housing piece. Novel methods for manufacturing a magnetic connector apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08458859B2 |
Strap tensioner and associated gripping jaws
A strip clamping device having a strip to be clamped (1), a clamping mechanism (3) provided with a winding body (2) for the strip to be clamped (1), a toothed locking wheel (4) which is associated with the winding body (2) and has a locking toothed wheel work (5) in which a pawl (8) and a driving ratchet (7) associated with a driving lever (6) engage in order to rotate the winding body (2) in a defined direction by repeated pivoting of the driving lever (6). The winding body (2) has a spring accumulator (9) acting in the winding direction, and is a storage spool receiving essentially the entire length of the strip (1), one end of the strip being connected to the winding body (2) in a fixed manner. |
| US08458855B2 |
Hopper assembly with filter module for surface maintenance machine
A mobile surface maintenance machine with a debris hopper and a filter module providing at least two filter stages for separating dust and debris within the debris hopper, the filter module including a filter shaking mechanism and a housing adapted to seal against the upper opening of the debris hopper, and wherein the debris hopper is removed from air communication with the exhaust fan when the debris hopper is in a debris dump configuration and is returned to air communication with the exhaust fan when the debris hopper is lowered into an operational configuration. |
| US08458854B2 |
Device comprising at least a body and a bumper, and robot cleaner comprising such a device
A device (1) comprises at least a body (2) and a bumper (6) which is movably attached to the body so as to protect the body from shock caused by collision with an obstacle during movement of the device across a surface. The bumper is attached to the body by means of at least one spring (9) extending in a direction which is at least substantially perpendicular to the direction into which the bumper is movable with respect to the body. Furthermore, a robot cleaner comprising such a device is provided. |
| US08458851B2 |
Recovery tank assembly for an extractor cleaning machine
An extractor cleaning machine including a base or foot moveable along a surface to be cleaned, and a handle pivotally coupled to the foot and moveable between an upright storage position and an inclined operating position. The cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank insertable into a space between the foot and the handle. The handle is positioned directly over at least a portion of the recovery tank when the handle is in the upright storage position, and the recovery tank is removable from the space while the handle is in the upright storage position. |
| US08458850B2 |
Upright steam mop sweeper
An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The base assembly has a sweeper that includes a rotatably driven brush adapted to sweep dust and dirt particles into a removable dirt receptacle. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable mop cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned. |
| US08458849B2 |
Mobile robotic vacuum cleaner with a detachable electrical fan
A mobile robotic vacuum cleaner with a detachable electrical fan is disclosed to include a housing having a fan chamber, an electrical fan detachably mounted in the fan chamber, and a cover plate detachably fastened to the housing to hold down the electrical fan in the fan chamber. Subject to the use of the detachable cover plate to hold down the electrical fan in the fan chamber, the electrical fan can be installed in the fan chamber conveniently without any fastening members, such as screws, or the use of any hand tool, such as screwdriver and, after removal of the cover plate, the electrical fan can be removed from the housing easily. |
| US08458848B1 |
Multiple paint roller holder
The multiple paint roller holder includes a roller frame and a handle connected to the roller frame. The handle is preferably connected to the frame by a bent or angled neck to place the handle in a raised position. The roller frame includes an upper cross member having corresponding upper roller holding pins, a lower cross member having corresponding lower roller holding pins, and an extendable center beam interconnecting the upper and lower cross members. Each pair of upper roller holding pin and lower roller holding pin rotatably holds a paint roller therebetween. The extendable center beam allows temporary lengthening of the center beam to facilitate mounting and removal of a plurality of paint rollers disposed vertically within the frame. The multiple paint rollers held thereby facilitate faster painting of surfaces. |
| US08458847B2 |
Cleaning device affixed to a footwear and method thereof
A device comprising a cleaning device operably attached to a mounting device, wherein the mounting device is configured to engage a footwear, wherein the cleaning device facilitates the cleaning of equipment, such as a golf club. Furthermore, a method of cleaning a golf club comprising providing a cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device has a first end and a second end, coupling the first end of the cleaning device and the attachment device, wherein the attachment device and a mounting plate form a mounting device, and wherein the mounting device is configured to engage a footwear is also provided. |
| US08458846B2 |
Device for dental and/or oral care
The invention relates to a device for dental and/or oral care, especially a tooth brush, comprising a preferably rod-shaped tool support to which a cleaning tool, especially a bristle field, can be fastened. The tool support is configured as a composite body that comprises an enveloping body from a first material, preferably plastic material, and a functional body from a second material, preferably metal, which is embedded in the enveloping body. The dental and/or oral care device is characterized in that the functional body is configured in at least some sections thereof as a trelliswork girder frame that has longitudinal girders substantially extending in the longitudinal direction of the tool support and a plurality of cross-girders. The enveloping body is especially transparent so that the functional body is visible through the enveloping body. |
| US08458845B1 |
Pipe cleaning device
A pipe cleaning device having a base; a plurality of bristles disposed on the base; and a connecting component disposed on the base, the connecting component is generally rectangular in cross section and has a first channel disposed therein, the connecting component is for engaging a standard attachment piece on a snake cable, the attachment piece being generally U-shaped with a first wing and a second wing each extending upwardly from a base platform, wherein a second channel is disposed in the first wing and a third channel is disposed in the second wing; wherein the connecting component can be inserted in between the first wing and the second wing such that the first channel is aligned with the second and third channel, wherein a screw can be threaded through the first, second, and third channel to secure the base to the snake cable. |
| US08458842B2 |
Post-CMP wafer cleaning apparatus
A post-CMP wafer cleaning apparatus includes a chamber; a plurality of rollers adapted to hold and rotate a wafer within the chamber; at least one brush adapted to scrub a surface of the wafer to be cleaned; and a liquid spraying device adapted to spray a liquid on the wafer, the liquid spraying device comprising two spray bars jointed together via a joint member. |
| US08458841B2 |
Brush head for a toothbrush
The invention relates to a brush head for a toothbrush. The brush head has a brush disc (3) mounted in a rotatable fashion on a brush body (2) and a channel (7) with an opening for the application of a cleaning product and a composite part (6) that serves as a valve (12) for opening the channel (7) and as a rotational bearing for the brush disc (3). The composite part (6) comprises a tube (8) made of hard material on the one end thereof and is connected to the channel (7) there. The valve (12), which is made of an elastic material, is disposed on the other end of the composite part (6). The tube (8) of the compound part (6) is connected to the brush body (2) in a stationary fashion, for example, pressed into the brush body (2). The brush disc (3) is mounted in a rotatable fashion on the tube (8). The valve (12) is preferably designed as a slotted valve with a slot (13). |
| US08458836B2 |
Encapsulated mattress with integrated pillow
A method of integrating a pillow, including stuffing, within an encapsulated mattress having a core and covering surrounding the core is disclosed. A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core, the pillow containing stuffing, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow. Also disclosed is a mattress including a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core using a sleeve, the pillow containing stuffing, the sleeve retaining the pillow to the core, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow. |
| US08458835B2 |
Breast support pillow
A breast support pillow includes a wedge-shaped rectangular even flat surface pad thicker at a top end with an inclined upper surface and being of sufficient length to support a torso and a head of an individual/woman. The pad has a double cup recess within the upper surface at about mid-point of the length of the pad to receive the different sizes of inserts in order to different breasts' sized of the woman in a comfortable manner therein. |
| US08458833B2 |
Laterally rotating patient support apparatus
A patient support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a lift mechanism, a drive mechanism, and an upper frame. The lower frame includes a lift drive configured to at least one of expand and contract the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is pivotably coupled with the lower frame to rotate about a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is coupled between the lift mechanism and the lower frame. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the lift mechanism about the rotational axis. The upper frame is supported on the lift mechanism and responsive to the rotation of the lift mechanism to rotate a patient about the rotational axis. |
| US08458830B1 |
Sleep mat with encompassing cushion
A body enveloping sleeping device has a generally pear shaped body member that has a mat, cushioned or uncushioned, that is encompassed by a cushion about the mat's outer periphery with a pocket formed between the mat and the cushion on an interior area of the device. A scalloped pillow is located atop the cushion at the cushion's wide end. At least one side opening is located in the body member for allowing the user's arms to pass therethrough. A blanket is attached, fixedly or removably, to the body member. |
| US08458826B2 |
Washing device
A washing device (10) for dispensing water in the sanitary field, in particular in a shower or a sink, including an outlet (1) for spraying fluids with a lower throughput rate, as well as a delivery device (6) for increasing the fluid pressure before the spraying. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing device (10) includes a heating device (5) for heating the water. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the atomisation is accomplished by way of a fluid jet (21) hitting an obstacle (21; 34) with a high relative speed. Thereby, the obstacle may be a moved or stationary solid body (34) or at least one further fluid jet (21). Preferably, the spraying is accomplished by way of the outlet (1) including at least one nozzle set (2) with at least two nozzles (3), for producing impacting fluid jets (21) and for atomising the fluid. |
| US08458814B1 |
Cookie cutting glove
A cookie cutting glove having a cookie cutter or cookie stamp attached to a glove for use by children and adults to cut and shape cookie dough easily and enjoyably while requiring minimal small motor skills. The glove has an internal layer of a resilient polymer that provides a rigidity to the glove when a user presses the cookie cutter in the dough as well as provides insulation against heat and electricity. The cookie cutter is attached to the glove by many variations, such as a strap or a ribbon. The glove is not limited to one specific style, but is any style that covers a palm and a back of a hand and has a plurality of finger cavities. In one embodiment, an outer surface of the glove itself is the cookie cutter. Without the cookie cutter, the glove is useful as an oven mitt. |
| US08464355B2 |
Method and device for exchanging digital content licenses
Exchange of Digital Rights Management protected content between two devices without the need for a third party. Each user marks a license as unusable and the devices the trade licenses. A user then instructs the device to import the received license. The device verifies that a license has been rendered unusable and only then erases the unusable license and enables the device to use the new license. The content associated with a license may be traded before or after the license exchange, and may also be downloaded from a third party. Also provided is a device for exchanging licenses. |
| US08464352B2 |
Techniques for detecting and preventing unintentional disclosures of sensitive data
Protection is provided to prevent a computer user from unintentionally giving away sensitive data (e.g., security credentials, credit card number, PINs, personal data, or bank account number) to an illegitimate or unintended entity by means of a client application capable of communicating the sensitive data across a network to other computer users. To provide the protection, user input is monitored to detect a user entry of the sensitive data into the client application for communication to other users. When such an entry occurs, action is taken to reduce the likelihood of an unintentional giveaway of the sensitive data or to reduce the effects of an unintentional giveaway. |
| US08464348B2 |
Isolated computing environment anchored into CPU and motherboard
A computer is adapted for pay-for-use operation by adding a isolated computing environment to a standard computer. The isolated computing environment may include a trusted non-volatile memory, a digital signature verification capability, a clock or timer and a logic circuit for triggering execution of a validation program responsive to the clock or timer. The isolated computing environment may be protected from tampering by physical or cryptographic mechanisms, or both. The validation program measures or monitors for non-compliant states of the computer and may enforce sanctions when non-compliant states of the computer are detected. |
| US08464346B2 |
Method and system simulating a hacking attack on a network
The present invention describes a method for performing one or more social engineering attacks on a plurality of humans connected in a network for assessing vulnerabilities of the humans, wherein the Network comprises at least one of a plurality of data processing devices, memory devices and a plurality of communication links. The method includes gathering information about human profiles including collecting information about target users from actively used social and search sites and performing an automated Social Engineering (SE) phase and updating an Information Model based on the gathered information. Furthermore, the method includes generating a Multiple Attack Vector (MAV) graph based on the information gathered and one or more scan parameters. Moreover, the method includes launching one or more social engineering attacks based on the MAV graph to assess vulnerabilities in the humans in the Network. |
| US08464345B2 |
Behavioral signature generation using clustering
A behavioral signature for detecting malware is generated. A computer is used to collect behavior traces of malware in a malware dataset. The behavior traces describe sequential behaviors performed by the malware. The behavior traces are normalized to produce malware behavior sequences. Similar malware behavior sequences are clustered together. The malware behavior sequences in a cluster describe behaviors of a malware family. The cluster is analyzed to identify a behavior subsequence common to the cluster's malware family. A behavior signature for the malware family is generated using the behavior subsequence. A trace of new malware is normalized and aligned with an existing cluster, if possible. The behavioral signature for that cluster is generated based on the behavior sequence of the new malware and the other sequences in the cluster. |
| US08464342B2 |
Adaptively selecting electronic message scanning rules
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for adaptively selecting electronic message scanning rules. Embodiments of the invention relate to dynamically (and potentially unpredictably) varying the depth/thoroughness of classifying electronic messages to protect against undesirable message content (e.g., SPAM, viruses, digital leakage, etc.). A minimum effectiveness is maintained and, when available resources permit, can be exceeded to provide increased protection. An optimal subset of available message classification rules can be selected on a per message basis. The selection of rules is based on available system resources, minimum desired effectiveness (e.g., defined in a Service Level Agreement (“SLA”)), and rule characteristics. Feedback loops can be used to optimize selected classification rule subsets. |
| US08464339B2 |
Method for password based authentication trust generation and authorization thereof
A method and system is provided to authorize a user to access in a service of higher trust level. The method includes the steps of defining first password, assigning a second password to a user, generating a value for each constituent of second password on operating an exclusivity relationship, calculating the score for the second password on summing the generating value, combining trust levels of multiple users to attain a higher trust level in aggregate, and obtaining access in a service if the aggregated trust level of users are equal to or more than the predetermined trust level of the service. The present technique provides flexibility of authenticating and authorizing a user to access in a service to perform desirable functions thereon. The present technique eliminates the requirement of tokens, pins, dongles etc. while attaining a higher trust level to perform a task which belongs to a higher trust level. |
| US08464333B1 |
System and method for distributed multi-processing security gateway
A system and method for a distributed multi-processing security gateway establishes a host side session, selects a proxy network address for a server, uses the proxy network address to establish a server side session, receives a data packet, assigns a central processing unit core from a plurality of central processing unit cores in a multi-core processor of the security gateway to process the data packet, processes the data packet according to security policies, and sends the processed data packet. The proxy network address is selected such that a same central processing unit core is assigned to process data packets from the server side session and the host side session. By assigning central processing unit cores in this manner, higher capable security gateways are provided. |
| US08464332B2 |
Access gateway and method for providing cloud storage service
An access gateway establishes a link with at least one terminal device via a user interface module, and obtains a cloud storage service list from a backend server. The access gateway selects one cloud storage service from the cloud storage service list, and authenticates one cloud storage service provider server corresponding to the selected cloud storage service to obtain a backend uniform resource locator (URL). The access gateway downloads backend software from the one cloud storage service provider server according to the backend URL, and installs the backend software. The access gateway provides cloud storage service from the one cloud storage service provider server to the at least one terminal device according to the installed backend software. |
| US08464326B2 |
Accessing materials via voice and a menu
A computer implemented method for accessing materials for a meeting may include receiving a call from a meeting participant by a system, wherein the meeting participant calls a prearranged teleconference number to participate in the meeting. The method may also include validating participation of the meeting participant in the meeting by the system. The method may further include providing access to an appropriate set of materials to the meeting participant based on a predetermined attribute associated with the meeting participant. |
| US08464323B2 |
Authentication apparatus
An authentication apparatus performs local and global corrections on image data. Local correction uses the shape of a local line indicated by line information contained in a neighboring region on image data whose feature value extracted from the shape of a line is used for authentication. Global correction uses the shape of a global line indicated by line information contained in a region larger than the neighboring region. The authentication apparatus calculates the difference between line information contained in image data corrected by local correction and line information contained in image data corrected by global correction and compares the difference with a threshold. If the difference is less than the threshold, the authentication apparatus outputs, as line information contained in image data, line information corrected by local correction and, if the difference is greater, it outputs, as line information contained in image data, line information corrected by global correction. |
| US08464320B2 |
System and method for providing authentication continuity
A computer-implemented method may include receiving first monitored information relating to a user at a time of initial user authentication with a particular application or resource. It may be determined that a second authentication is required at a second time subsequent to the time of initial user authentication. Second monitored information may be captured at the second time. The second monitored information may be compared to the first monitored information to determine whether continued authentication is maintained. Access to the particular application or resource when it is determined that continued authentication is not maintained. |
| US08464316B2 |
System and methods for network authentication
Exemplary systems and methods for network authentication are provided. Exemplary systems include an application program interface configured for receiving a request for an authentication code, a code generator in communication with the application program interface, the code generator configured to generate the authentication code, and the application program interface further configured to receive the generated authentication code and allow an application to communicate digital data with a web-based social network. Further systems include the generated authentication code being received from a network device without an Internet browser and the received generated authentication code allowing an application to communicate digital data with a web-based social network for an extended period of time. Exemplary methods include receiving a request for an authentication code, generating the authentication code, receiving the generated authentication code, and allowing an application to communicate digital data with a web-based social network. |
| US08464307B2 |
Integrated digital broadcasting receiver system
An audiovisual processing system comprises a signal receiving circuit and a host device. The signal receiving circuit comprises a tuner and a demodulator. The tuner generates a tuned signal based on a radio frequency signal. The demodulator generates a digital signal based on the tuned signal, generates a frequency down-converted signal based on the digital signal, generates an audio processing signal based on the frequency down-converted signal in an audio processing mode, generates a demodulated video signal based on the frequency down-converted signal in a video processing mode, generates an output signal based on the audio processing signal in the audio processing mode, and generates the output signal based on the demodulated video signal in the video processing mode. The host device receives the output signal, and generates a demodulated audio signal based on the output signal in the audio processing mode. |
| US08464304B2 |
Content creation and distribution system
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving and distributing user-generated video content. In one aspect, a method includes receiving video data from a client computing device, where the video data is captured using a camera connected to the client computing device in accordance with instructions executed on the client computing device to provide the video data in accordance with predetermined constraints. The video data is automatically transcoded into at least one different format based on user credentials associated with a user of the client computing device and/or attributes associated with the video data. At least one format of the transcoded video data defines a video file in a format appropriate for inclusion in a linear television programming transmission. The transcoded video data is uploaded to a server for distribution. |
| US08464303B2 |
System and method for determining a cache arrangement
In an IPTV network, one or more caches may be provided at the network nodes for storing video content in order to reduce bandwidth requirements. Video content titles may be stored in the cache in accordance with a calculated cache arrangement that minimizes the total incremental transport cost of the content traffic. |
| US08464302B1 |
Method and system for sharing video with advertisements over a network
A user can create a video segment or employ an existing video segment, upload the segment to a server, indicate an advertisement to be associated with the video, and then send it to a recipient over a computer network. The user provides an indication that one or more particular video segments and advertisements are to be shared over the network. The video segment(s) is/are then automatically assessed and determined to be compatible with streaming video, or not. If the video segment(s) is/are not compatible with streaming video, it/they are converted to a compatible format automatically. An identifier for the video segment is automatically created and the segment and the identifier are automatically uploaded to a host computer over the network such as the Internet. The video segment, the identifier (optionally with other identifying material such as an identity of the sender, and an advertisement selected by the sender can be stored at the direction of the host computer. A viewer can be sent an identifier of the video, and can request that the video be served as a streaming video to the viewer's computer. Alternatively, the viewer can be sent a location of the video such as a URL, can be served the video as an embedded portion of a Web page, or can be served the video as a consequence of being sent a link in an e-mail or as an e-mail greeting card. |
| US08464299B1 |
Resource conservation for packet television services
The present invention controls delivery of television content to conserve network resources based on whether the television content is being viewed on a television monitor. A television gateway may monitor a viewer's interactions with the television gateway to determine whether the television content is being viewed at the associated television monitor, or detect whether the television monitor is on or off. Upon determining that the viewer is not viewing the television content, various actions can be taken to conserve network resources. |
| US08464295B2 |
Interactive search graphical user interface systems and methods
In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to display an interactive search graphical user interface having at least a first viewing pane and a second viewing pane. A user may input a sequence of at least one character into the first viewing pane. A search results list including at least one entry based the character sequence and corresponding to at least one media content instance may then be displayed within the second viewing pane. When an entry within the search results list is selected by the user, the media content processing subsystem is configured to transfer the display of the search results list to the first viewing pane and display information corresponding to the selected entry within the second viewing pane. |
| US08464292B2 |
Personalized television guide
A system is configured to: receive identification information from a client device; identify a corresponding profile based on the identification information, where the corresponding profile is one of user profiles, device profiles, or generic profiles; generate a personalized television guide based on the corresponding profile, and transmit the personalized television guide to the client device. |
| US08464291B2 |
System and method for searching and providing contents, and software storage media
A content searching/providing system searching a record content from a randomly accessible memory storing contents and providing the record content to a user is provided. The system comprises: a content classification unit classifying the record contents of the memory in accordance with a predetermined rule; a channel assignment unit assigning a virtual channel to each classification; a content arrangement unit arranging the record contents classified into the same classification on the corresponding virtual channels; a user operation receiving unit receiving a user operation for commanding channel selection and content search on a channel; and a content providing unit acquiring a record content from a selected virtual channel in response to the user operation received via the user operation receiving unit and providing the record content. |
| US08464289B2 |
Delivering personalized media items to users of interactive television and personal mobile devices by using scrolling tickers
A system and method of delivering personalized media items to users of an interactive television is disclosed. The system comprises a television terminal, a computing device and a remote control device. The system stores a personal profile for each of its users. Personal mobile devices associated with the users are connected wirelessly to the computing device. Identities of the users may be transmitted from the personal mobile devices to the computing device. Media items are selected based upon the personal profiles according to a predetermined algorithm. Media items may be displayed using scrolling tickers on the television terminal. In one embodiment, a detailed content of a selected media item may be delivered either on the television terminal or on a display of one of the personal mobile device. In another embodiment, scrolling tickers may also be displayed on displays of the personal mobile devices. |
| US08464288B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing personalized media in video
A system provides personalized media in video for presentation using a video decoder in a device such as a video recorder, hardware or software player, computer system, or television. The personalized media may be embedded or hidden in a video stream or provided separately. A video decoder determines profile and preference information associated with a viewer, group, or demographic and personalizes commercial content using the profile and preference information. The system includes personalized media by introducing, embedding, overlaying, etc., media on video during commercial breaks. Personalized media may be provided during normal viewing or may be provided when a skip forward or fast forward request is received. The system may also evaluate personalization mechanisms using neuro-response measurements. |
| US08464287B2 |
Digital television signal for receiving PSIP data, method of processing digital television signal, and digital television receiver
A digital television signal for receiving program and system information protocol (PSIP) data, a method for processing the digital television signal, and a digital television receiver are disclosed. The digital television signal used in the digital television receiver in order to receive a program system information protocol (PSIP) data from a broadcast transmitter includes a rating region table containing the PSIP data. Herein, the rating region table includes a global rating value field defining a global rating value which is valid for all graphical rating regions, a rating region field defining a specific graphical rating region to be associated with the rating region table, and at least one local rating value field identifying a local rating value which is valid for the specific graphical rating region only. |
| US08464285B2 |
System and method for digital rights management of digital video broadcasting
A system and method for Digital Right Management (DRM) of Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB). The system for DRM of DVB includes a DVB transmitting device for transmitting content for the DVB and information on user's rights object for the content, and a DVB receiving device for receiving and storing the transmitted content, and playing the stored data in accordance with the information on the user's rights object. A sneak post view problem occurring during the DVB is solved, and thus the digital rights for the DVB content are efficiently protected. In solving the sneak post view problem, the existing rights object and the construction of the security association database can be used, without adding a separate construction. |
| US08464283B2 |
Disc tray body insert-molded with a motor base and a disc drive using the same
A disc drive including a tray, a housing configured to receive the tray, a pickup device installed on the tray, and a spindle motor including a rotator having built therein a permanent magnet, a stator including a magnetic coil, and a rotation axis supporting portion that is configured to support a rotation axis of the rotator and fixed to the tray. |
| US08464282B2 |
Optical disc apparatus with mechanical chassis having a recess
An optical disc apparatus, presenting recording quality without degradation by an extreme temperature rise in an objective-lens drive mechanism in an optical pickup, includes a mechanical chassis on which a disc rotation mechanism, an optical pickup, and a transfer mechanism are mounted, a decorative plate that is a plate-shaped member located between the disc and the optical pickup and fixed on the mechanical chassis, a disc tray for loading and removing the disc, a circuit board for operation control, and an apparatus housing containing the components. A recess is formed in an indented shape in a portion of the mechanical chassis facing an outer peripheral region of the disc recording surface. An incline is formed in a position close to an opening of the disc tray for mounting the mechanical chassis and opposite the outer peripheral region of the disc recording surface, and slopes gently down to the recess. |
| US08464276B1 |
Channel monitoring in a messaging-middleware environment
A method, system, and medium are provided for monitoring channels running on a queue manager. Both the total number of channel instances and instances of each named channel running on a queue manager may be monitored. An alarm may be generated when the total number of channel instances exceeds a threshold value. An alarm may also be generated when the instances of a particular named channel exceed a threshold value for the particular named channel. |
| US08464275B2 |
Method of using a plurality of subscriber types in managing a message queue of a database management system
A method of using a plurality of subscriber types in managing a message queue of a database management system is described and provided. The method comprises creating a subscriber with a set of rules to the message queue. The subscriber is designated as one or more of the plurality of subscriber types. Moreover, an event notification registration representing a request to be notified if a message to the message queue satisfies the set of rules may be created. In response to a new message for enqueuing to the message queue, it is determined whether the new message satisfies the set of rules. If the new message satisfies the set of rules and if so determined by a triggered event notification registration, a notification is performed according to the triggered event notification registration. A requirement that a receiver of the notification dequeue the new message from the message queue depends on the subscriber type designation. |
| US08464274B2 |
Information processing system, program and data relay method
An information processing system includes a first process, a second process, a management process and a relay process. The first process executes a predetermined process and communicates with other processes. The second process is started in response to a start request sent from the first process and executes a predetermined process. The management process manages communication between the first process and the second process. The relay process receives, from the first process, the start request to the second process and usage data used in the first process and the second process. The relay process further starts the second process by proxy, transfers the usage data to the second process, and notifies the management process of the start of the second process. |
| US08464273B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer-readable program
An information processing apparatus improves the efficiency of use of a program capable of dynamically interrupting another program with a process. The program capable of dynamically interrupting another program with a process is received via a network and applied to the other program. A setting is received indicating whether the predetermined program should be applied to the other program when, after the predetermined program is applied, a supply of power to at least a part of the information processing apparatus is terminated and then resumed. Reapplication necessity information indicating the setting is stored in a storage unit. The predetermined program is reapplied to the other program when, after the application of the predetermined program, the supply of power to the at least a portion of the information processing apparatus is terminated and then resumed, based on the reapplication necessity information. |
| US08464271B2 |
Runtime dependence-aware scheduling using assist thread
A runtime dependence-aware scheduling of dependent iterations mechanism is provided. Computation is performed for one or more iterations of computer executable code by a main thread. Dependence information is determined for a plurality of memory accesses within the computer executable code using modified executable code using a set of dependence threads. Using the dependence information, a determination is made as to whether a subset of a set of uncompleted iterations in the plurality of iterations is capable of being executed ahead-of-time by the one or more available threads in the data processing system. If the subset of the set of uncompleted iterations in the plurality of iterations is capable of being executed ahead-of-time, the main thread is signaled to skip the subset of the set of uncompleted iterations and the set of assist threads is signaled to execute the subset of the set of uncompleted iterations. |
| US08464270B2 |
Dependency management with atomic decay
A dependency is identified between a first component of a distributed computing system and a second component of the distributed computing system if the first component invokes the second component. A dependency map of the distributed computing system that includes the dependency between the first component and the second component is built. |
| US08464269B2 |
Handling and reporting of object state transitions on a multiprocess architecture
Techniques are described for managing states of an object using a finite-state machine. The states may be used to indicate whether an object has been added, removed, requested or updated. Embodiments of the invention generally include dividing a process into at least two threads where a first thread changes the state of the object while the second thread performs the processing of the data found in the object. While the second thread is processing the data, the first thread may receive additional updates and change the states of the objects to inform the second thread that it should process the additional updates when the second thread becomes idle. |
| US08464268B2 |
Dynamic scheduling of jobs/batches using earliest completion time algorithm in cellular manufacturing with batch-splitting of jobs above certain size
The present application a new and improved system and method of enhanced Lean Document Production (LDP), which applies cellular manufacturing to document printing operations. The LDP process incorporates process friendly cells and, a push model to order to improve efficiency, reduce work in progress and smooth out the “frictions” in production environments. The current application presents an earliest-completion-time strategy for assigning jobs to cells and a dynamic-priority-based-batch-scheduling algorithm. |
| US08464266B2 |
System and method for enforcing future policies in a compute environment
A disclosed system receives a request for resources, generates a credential map for each credential associated with the request, the credential map including a first type of resource mapping and a second type of resource mapping. The system generates a resource availability map, generates a first composite intersecting map that intersects the resource availability map with a first type of resource mapping of all the generated credential maps and generates a second composite intersecting map that intersects the resource availability map and a second type of resource mapping of all the generated credential maps. With the first and second composite intersecting maps, the system can allocate resources within the compute environment for the request based on at least one of the first composite intersecting map and the second composite intersecting map. |
| US08464261B2 |
System and method for executing a transaction using parallel co-transactions
The transactional memory system described herein may implement parallel co-transactions that access a shared memory such that at most one of the co-transactions in a set will succeed and all others will fail (e.g., be aborted). Co-transactions may improve the performance of programs that use transactional memory by attempting to perform the same high-level operation using multiple algorithmic approaches, transactional memory implementations and/or speculation options in parallel, and allowing only the first to complete to commit its results. If none of the co-transactions succeeds, one or more may be retried, possibly using a different approach and/or transactional memory implementation. The at-most-one property may be managed through the use of a shared “done” flag. Conflicts between co-transactions in a set and accesses made by transactions or activities outside the set may be managed using lazy write ownership acquisition and/or a priority-based approach. Each co-transaction may execute on a different processor resource. |
| US08464258B2 |
Virtual computer and CPU allocation method
When the number of logical CPUs increases as the number of LPARs increases, a physical CPU amount which a hypervisor uses will increase and thus the physical CPU resource cannot be effectively utilized. Grouping of LPARs and physical CPUs is performed and a logical CPU to which a physical CPU is allocated is selected from logical CPUs of an LPAR within a group. |
| US08464249B1 |
Software installation package with digital signatures
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, create and use software installation packages including digital signatures. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a first installation package including program content and package information, which includes information stored in a platform independent format and useable in an installation sequence; converting the first installation package into a second installation package stored in a format native to a target platform, the second installation package including at least a portion of the program content and the information useable in the installation sequence, and the converting includes identifying a digital signature native to the target platform and combining the digital signature native to the target platform with a document native to the target platform, the document including at least a portion of the program content; and initiating installation on the target platform with the second, native installation package. |
| US08464247B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamically generating installation configuration files for software
The present invention provides methods and systems for dynamically generating configuration files used in installing software distributions and software installation testing. In particular, the present invention employs a framework comprising an API to discover and monitor an inventory of distributions, a set of templates for the configuration files, and plugins that may be selectively invoked to customize the configuration files. When performing installation testing, a server will access the distribution inventory and select appropriate templates that are to be part of the test. The server will then automatically generate the installation configuration files from the templates. The server may also execute one or more plugins that customize the configuration files as desired. Small client applications run on the target machines of the installation tests and are used to download the configuration files and the distributions. The present invention may also employ a scheduling service to coordinate the operations of the server and target machines. |
| US08464239B2 |
Real-time installation and/or configuration assistant
A system and method of assisting a user include displaying a status of at least one of an installation and configuration within a first of a plurality of windows. A point of progress of at least one of the installation and configuration is monitored. Knowledgebase information is retrieved related to the point of progress. The knowledgebase information is displayed within a second of the plurality of windows to assist the user with the at least one of the installation and configuration. An instant messaging chat session can be displayed within a third of the plurality of windows to assist a user with the at least one of the installation and configuration. |
| US08464238B1 |
Method and system for managing storage area networks
Method and system for converting identifier information after a driver upgrade is provided. The method includes updating a driver for a peripheral device in a storage area network, wherein a first driver is replaced by a second driver and the peripheral device is operationally coupled to one or more target device; reading identifier information for the target devices; and converting identifier information for the target device from a format supported by the first driver to a format supported by the second driver. |
| US08464237B1 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing compilation of a computer program
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for compiling a computer program. During operation, the system receives one or more source code files associated with a computer program at a compiler. Next, the system starts a linker which links object files into an executable program. The system then compiles the one or more source code files into one or more object files. Upon creating each object file, the system sends the object file to the linker without waiting to create the remaining object files. |
| US08464234B2 |
Pre-parsed headers for compilation
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for creating and using pre-parsed headers. One or more header files may be scanned into tokens. These tokens may then be parsed into abstract syntax trees. The abstract syntax trees may then be serialized in a modular form into pre-parsed headers on a storage device. Based upon directives in one or more source files, the pre-parsed headers may then be deserialized into abstract syntax trees and loaded from the storage device. The loaded abstract syntax trees may then be used in the compilation of the source files. |
| US08464232B2 |
Compiler compiler system with syntax-controlled runtime and binary application programming interfaces
A compiler compiler system with a design paradigm different from traditional compiler compiler systems in many aspects. First, instead of parsing tree, compiler compiler runtime and binary are designed according to compiler compiler parsing model. Second, any semantics processing is totally separated from syntax processing. Third, the whole compilation process is defined as syntax processing and semantics processing followed by syntax processing performed under compiler compiler management supervision. Fourth, syntax processing has two phases: building compiler compiler runtime, and converting compiler compiler runtime into compiler compiler binary with available option to convert back compiler compiler binary to compiler compiler runtime. Fifth, compiler compiler runtime and binary syntax-controlled APIs are defined in terms of syntax. Sixth, there are formal methods de-compiling compiler compiler runtime and/or binary into original program text accordingly to syntax. Seventh, compiler compiler runtime and binary with their syntax-controlled APIs serve as a multiplatform for obfuscation, security, binary files processing, and program-to-program communication. |
| US08464230B2 |
Methods and systems to implement non-ABI conforming features across unseen interfaces
Methods and systems to compile a code module to permit a caller routine to pass a parameter to a callee routine of a separately compiled code module, and to permit a callee routine to receive a parameter from a caller routine of the separately compiled code module, through multiple interfaces. Interfaces may include an interface by convention and an alternate interface. A caller routine may be configured to pass a parameter through an alternate interface and call to an alternate entry point of a callee routine. An associated stub routine may be configured to pass the parameter through an interface by convention and to call to a conventional entry point of the callee routine. If the callee routine includes a corresponding alternate entry point, the caller routine may be linked to the alternate entry point. Otherwise, the callee routine may be linked to the callee routine through the stub routine. |
| US08464228B2 |
Binary library
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a process that includes receiving, during a computer programming process for a software program, a specification of a software module having a defined functionality for use by the software program. The software module is stored in a central repository having different versions of the software module. The process also includes compiling the software program. The compilation initiates steps including filtering versions of the software module that do not meet the specification. The specification corresponds to more than one version of the software module. The steps also include selecting, from versions that have not been filtered out, a version of the software module. The selection is based on one or more predetermined rules. The process also includes returning the selected version of the software module for local storage with the software program. |
| US08464227B2 |
Process control script development and execution facility supporting multiple user-side programming languages
A supervisory process control and manufacturing information application development and execution system is disclosed that supports the execution of application object scripts derived from multiple different scripting languages. In particular, the system includes a script editor interface that enables submission/specification of scripts for application objects. The script editor interface supports multiple distinct user-side script languages (e.g., user-supplied script text). A script translation component that receives the user-side script includes routines for rendering execution-side script (executable by a script engine) from source script rendered by the script editor and written according to any of a set of user-side script languages supported by the script translation component. The translator supports at least a first scripting language and a second scripting language. Finally, an execution portion of the system includes an engine for processing the commands within the translated output execution-side script generated by the script translation component. |
| US08464225B2 |
Method and system for adaptive, generic code instrumentation using run-time or load-time generated inheritance information for diagnosis and monitoring application performance and failure
A system for generic, run-time adaptive placement of byte code instrumentation takes into account object oriented inheritance relationships that are stored in an inheritance repository. The inheritance repository, which mirrors the structure of the monitored application, is created at run-time and is updated if the code base of the monitored application changes either dynamically at run-time or by manually changing the configuration and restarting the application. The inheritance repository contains meta-data of application classes and their relationships, like direct and indirect inheritance. The inheritance repository information is used to evaluate generic instrumentation placement rules, like rules that match to methods of classes that inherit from a specific base class. The inheritance repository is generated concurrently with instrumentation placement at application load-time or run-time and persists between application runs to enable dedicated adaptation runs to create the repository. |
| US08464222B2 |
Method, apparatus or software for identifying dependencies between components for a given build of a componentised product
A method, apparatus and software is disclosed for identifying dependencies between components for a given build of a componentised product in which the results of testing of combinations of existing and new components that comprise the product are used to identify dependencies between new components. |
| US08464221B2 |
Visualization tool for system tracing infrastructure events
A system and method for identifying a root cause of a wait in a computer system are provided. Given the identity of a thread of interest and time window, a longest wait period for the thread of interest within the time window is identified. The longest wait period is used as a starting node to generate a ready tree by walking backwards through the data in a system trace to construct a tree of readying events that ready threads for running on a processor. A potentially anomalous chain of events is automatically identified and highlighted in the ready tree. A visualization of the ready tree is presented to a user so that the user can explore the events in the tree and annotate the automatically generated tree to aid in problem diagnosis. |
| US08464217B2 |
Object-oriented support for dynamic assignment of parallel computing resources
Improvements to object-oriented programming methods allow programmers to direct execution of dynamically generated, parallel computing tasks on variety of platforms. Data objects provide their data location information handle, plurality of which can be combined by arithmetic operations, thus providing application specific, computing platform non-specific method to inform executing environment about data needed for each programming object. During execution this information is used to produce platform specific data structure to aid in optimal processing node assignment. A new calling method greatly reduces data exchanges between objects running as separate tasks. These improvements are particularly well suited to programming method and computing machine presented by parent of this divisional patent application. As parent invention utilization results in dynamic allocation of large number of tasks, assignment of processing nodes at runtime to those tasks, load balancing with various distributed resource access schemes are critical problems to solve. |
| US08464213B1 |
Customized control building
A system and method is disclosed for creating a reusable control from various applications or portions of applications. Using a pre-existing application or one specifically developed for the control, a developer programmatically declares which functionalities of the original application are to be included in the new control. This control building logic becomes a part of the application code. On execution of the application with the added control building logic, the native code that will re-create the control functionality is automatically generated. The control developer may now extend the generated code using simple Object Oriented Programming (OOP) inheritance to add properties and parameters that will control its behavior. The resulting control may then be referenced by other developers when creating a new software application. |
| US08464211B2 |
Forms conversion and deployment system for mobile devices
A method and system for automatically converting forms generated using a desktop forms development tool to be compatible with mobile devices, for deploying the converted forms to the mobile devices, and for running converted forms on the mobile devices is provided. A forms system provides a conversion component, a deployment component, and a device component. A forms file is generated to be processed by a forms display program on a variety of devices. The forms system transforms the forms file to a target form file designed for execution by a target forms display program on a device of the target device type. |
| US08464209B2 |
Using collaborative development information in a team environment
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that provide and interact with a collaborative development information store in a team software development environment. A submission service updates an active meta-model of an application in a central information store that is used by multiple users. A notification service operating in a particular software development environment receives notice that changes have been made to the active meta-model. Information received from the notification service is then used to update a display in the particular software development environment. On the database server, a reception service is provided that receives active meta-model information of the application being developed by the multiple users as the information changes. A storage service is provided to store the received active meta-model information in a specific relational database structure that is operable to allow artifacts to be added without alteration to the specific relational database structure. |
| US08464208B2 |
Capturing and utilizing specific module dependency information
Systems and methods are described for capturing and utilizing specific module dependency information. A hierarchical model can be created to arrange the components an existing software system in a particular hierarchy. The model defines a priority of dependencies among the components. A tool is provided for analyzing each class file of the system for references to other class files and determining, for each said class file, whether each reference is acceptable according to the hierarchical model. Once the class files and references have been analyzed, a surrogate class file can be automatically generated for the references that are determined to be unacceptable according to the hierarchical model. This process can utilize white lists and black lists associated with the class files, where the white lists specify modules to which references are acceptable and the black lists specify modules to which references are unacceptable. |
| US08464206B2 |
Method and system for managing enterprise content
A method and system for providing a consistent flow documents and data content across different organizational units of a company or agency where the documents and data come from different enterprise systems and data stores but are related to linked processes that share models for organizing the content in the business context and in a format that enables a user to relate the content to the process step or steps they are performing. The system includes a network service that enables a configuration utility to automatically discover the objects and metadata and provides for a mapping of selected fields of the metadata to regions displayed in the user interface view with provision for filtering the data by mapping selected fields to a user input form. Thereby, a business analyst can create solutions without writing and maintaining complex program logic for each combination of presentation environment, enterprise system and data store. |
| US08464200B1 |
Thermal relief optimization
An approach is in which a dynamic thermal relief generator retrieves a circuit board file that identifies power plane thru pin locations and a power plane layer. The dynamic thermal relief generator selects one of the power plane thru pin locations and creates a thermal relief pattern that includes thermal relief shapes that identify conductive material voids on a power plane layer to exclude substantially conductive material. The dynamic thermal relief generator determines that one of the conductive material voids affects one or more proximate signal tracks and, in turn, automatically adjusts the thermal relief pattern accordingly. |
| US08464196B1 |
Method and system for routing optimally between terminals through intermediate vias in a circuit design
A system and method are provided for establishing an automated routing environment in an electronic design automation (EDA) work flow for the routing of a circuit design. A user may merely specify a flow via pattern, a flow via location, and a start and end terminal and thereby, the auto router or path finder will automatically find the least-cost paths between each of the start terminals through at least one intermediate via of the flow via and ending at an end terminal. Upon successful routing of all needed terminals, an at least partially routed circuit design may be output. |
| US08464195B1 |
Integrated circuit clock analysis with macro models
An integrated circuit clock analysis system receives a cell library of gates of the integrated circuit and generates a macro model for each of the gates, where each macro model includes at least one of a nonlinear current source model, an input parasitics model or a nonlinear capacitors model. The system then tunes the macro models and generates a simulation deck from an electrical netlist of a layout of the integrated circuit and the tuned macro models. The system then performs clock analysis simulation based on the simulation deck. |
| US08464194B1 |
Machine learning approach to correct lithographic hot-spots
A method, system, and computer program product for machine learning approach for detecting and correcting lithographic hot-spots in an integrated circuit (IC) design are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A layout corresponding to the IC design is received at a machine learning model (ML model). At the ML model using a hardware component, a set of input objects is identified corresponding to a target shape in the layout. A retargeting value is predicted for the target shape using the set of input objects, such that applying the retargeting value to the target shape in the layout causes the target shape to be modified into a modified target shape, wherein printing the modified target shape instead of the target shape eliminates a lithographic hot-spot that would otherwise occur from printing the target shape in a printed circuit corresponding to the IC design. |
| US08464188B1 |
Multi-rate hierarchical state diagrams
Systems and methods are provided for a scheme and mechanism for performing static analysis of a sample time aware state diagram model to compute and propagate multiple samples rates associated with the state diagram model. A graphical intermediate representation of the state diagram model, such as a directed graph or control flow graph, is used to determine how the multiple sample rates are propagated via elements of the state diagram model. The graph provides a static representation of the control of flow, including alternative and/or conditional flow paths, of the state diagram model. The present invention determines the propagation of sample rates via analysis and traversal of the intermediate representation. By using the techniques of the present invention, a state diagram model may provide multiple sample rate outputs, such as by function calls and output signals to a graphical model, such as a model representing a dynamic system. |
| US08464185B2 |
Electron beam simulation corner correction for optical lithography
Methods for approximating simulated contours are provided herein. With some implementations, a function that incorporates a Gaussian proximity kernel to approximate the electron beam exposure effects is used to simulate a printed image. Subsequently, one or more corners of the simulated printed image may be approximated by two or more straight edges. In various implementations, the number of straight edges used to approximate the corner as well as the orientation of the one or more straight edges is determined based upon the characteristics of the corner, such as, the corner having an obtuse angle larger than 135 degrees for example. With various implementations, two straight edges are used to approximate the corner, the orientation of the two straight edges being determined by a first point, a second point, and a shared corner point. |
| US08464181B1 |
Floor selection on an interactive digital map
A digital map of a geographic area is displayed via a user interface, and a 3D representation of a multi-story building located in the geographic area is displayed on the digital map. The 3D representation includes multiple stacked, individually selectable floor maps corresponding to the floors of the multi-story building. A scrolling gesture that includes a motion in a direction substantially along a vertical axis of the 3D representation of the building is received. In response, the floor maps are consecutively activated, and visual attributes of the activated floor map are changed relative to every other floor maps in the 3D representation, so that no more than one of floor maps is activated at one time. |
| US08464180B1 |
Organizing graphical representations on computing devices
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying a current configuration of graphical representations displayed in a user interface presented by a computing device, each of the graphical representations being associated with a respective computer-executable application, determining at least one usage signal corresponding to each of the graphical representations, the usage signal reflecting user interaction with the respective associated computer-executable application, determining one or more success metrics indicative of an efficiency of the current configuration of graphical representations, generating, using an optimization technique, a modified configuration of graphical representations based on the usage signals and the one or more success metrics, and presenting, in the user interface, at least a portion of the modified configuration of graphical representations. |
| US08464177B2 |
Window resizing in a graphical user interface
Replacing display content in a window of a graphical user interface includes displaying a window in a graphical user interface, and displaying first display content in the window. A request initiated by a user to change a size of the window is received. Second display content is accessed based on the request. The second display content is different from the first display content. In response to the request, the window is resized and the second display content is substituted for the first display content in the resized window. |
| US08464176B2 |
Dynamic stacking and expansion of visual items
Aspects of the present invention are directed to the stacking of visual items, and their subsequent expansion, or unstacking. Upon selection of a stack, that stack expands into the individual visual items making up that stack. Further aspects of the present invention are directed to expanding a stack in different ways depending upon the circumstances. Further aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a hot area associated with, and potentially disposed around, a stack. Selection by the user of the hot area results in selection of the associated stack. The stack may itself be considered a single item that is itself selectable. After the stack is expanded, then the individual visual items making up the original stack are each individually selectable. However, when stacked, the individual items may not be selectable except as a complete stack. |
| US08464174B2 |
User interface for exploring media content
Methods and apparatus are provided for user interface operation. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a user interface including one or more graphical elements, wherein display of the user interface is associated with a display configuration, and detecting a user command associated with navigating to one or more previously displayed user interface display configurations. The method may further include storing a user interface configuration for the display configuration, and adjusting display of the user interface based on the user command. |
| US08464172B2 |
Configuration bar for launching layer for accessing user interface elements
A user-activatable dashboard (also referred to as a unified interest layer) contains any number of user interface elements, referred to herein as “widgets,” for quick access by a user. In response to a command from a user, the dashboard is invoked and the widgets are shown on the screen. The user can activate the dashboard at any time, causing the dashboard to temporarily replace the existing user interface display on the user's screen. Once the dashboard has been activated, the user can interact with any or all of the widgets, and can configure the dashboard by adding, deleting, moving, or configuring individual widgets as desired. When the user wishes to return to the normal user interface he or she was working with, the user issues a command causing the dashboard to be dismissed. Once the dashboard has been dismissed, the previous user interface state is restored, allowing the user to resume normal interactions with the operating system. |
| US08464168B2 |
Device home page for use in a device type manager providing graphical user interfaces for viewing and specifying field device parameters
A device management utility is described that includes a generalized graphical user interface facilitating access to a variety of resources associated with selected device types. In particular, the utility includes information interfaces communicatively linking the utility of a variety of data sources. In addition, the utility includes a graphical user interface display providing a variety of information associated with a selected device type. Such information includes device identification information, links to supplemental resources, and a set of screen selection controls for exposing multiple functional modes of operation of the device management utility. |
| US08464163B2 |
Sharing on-line media experiences
A lead user may share an on-line media content experience with one or more followers by identifying content of interest being experienced on the lead user system, identifying one or more followers with whom to share the content of interest, inviting the followers to experience the content of interest, and enabling the followers to access the content of interest. |
| US08464162B2 |
System and method of ranking and searching for professional profiles
A method for searching and ranking professional profiles includes a profile ranking tool that assigns a numeric value to a professional's prestige and competence, called an overall quality score. Different weights are assigned to several different factors that rank a professional based on attributes such as one's peer rating, quality of education, breadth and depth of experience and the quality of work product. |
| US08464161B2 |
Managing permissions in a collaborative workspace
An approach for managing permissions in a collaborative workspace involves providing a permissions user interface presentation without loosing a context associated with a collaborative workspace user interface presentation. The permissions user interface presentation visually organizes a set of workspace members into two or more permission level categories. The permissions user interface presentation also allows a user to efficiently add new workspace members from a local system or an alternative system. |
| US08464159B2 |
Personalized internet interaction
A method of a user interacting with an Internet, comprising: tracking interactions of the user with an Internet; analyzing said tracked interactions to determine at least one aspect of a user's interaction with the Internet; and modifying future interactions of said user with said Internet, responsive to said determined aspect, wherein said modified interactions comprise site-content related interactions with a plurality of unrelated sites. Preferably, the aspect is adapted in real-time to reflect changes in the tracked interactions. |
| US08464158B2 |
Method and arrangement for sharing information search results
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for bookmarking information search results on page level and sharing these results between other users. The method includes at least: entering a search query; sending the query to a search engine; and receiving a search result having a list of data files matching to the search query. The method comprises at least: paginating the content of the data files retrieved; rendering page previews of the data files; selecting the pages to be previewed; and previewing the matching pages associated with the data files retrieved; then bookmarking selected preview pages and selecting one or multiple of these pages to be shared; and finally sharing selected preview pages. |
| US08464155B2 |
Method and system for facilitating delivery of content
There is provided a method for use by a server for facilitating delivery of content to a number of display devices. Each of the display devices can include, for example, an output display and a personal computer. In one embodiment, content is received from a computer coupled to the server. The content can be, for example, an image, video, or audio data. The content is stored in a source storage file, which is associated with a number of display devices coupled to the server. A group synchronization command is then received from the computer. Thereafter, the content is provided to a group of synchronization files associated with the source storage file. The content is then transmitted from the group of synchronization storage files to the number of display devices. |
| US08464153B2 |
Copying an object in an animation creation application
A first input is received in an animation creation application having a user interface showing a virtual-space area for first objects, and a timeline area for second objects representing events. To generate the first input, a user presses and holds an input control while a cursor is over one of the first or second objects. It is determined whether the input control is held for at least a predefined duration. If so, a copy of the object is assigned to the cursor, and the copy is subsequently pasted at another location in the user interface upon the input control ceasing to be held after the cursor is moved to the other location. If the input control does not remain held for at least the predefined duration the copy of the object is not assigned to the cursor. |
| US08464150B2 |
Automatic language identification for dynamic text processing
Methods and systems which utilize, in one embodiment, automatic language identification, including automatic language identification for dynamic text processing. In at least certain embodiments, automatic language identification can be applied to spellchecking in real time as the user types. |
| US08464148B1 |
Intelligent editing of web pages in a web browser
Computer-implemented methods for intelligently refreshing a web page edited within another web page in a web browser are provided. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to edit a web page within a web browser, and providing, for simultaneous display within an editing web page in the web browser, a rendering of the web page to be edited and editable source code of the web page to be edited. The method also includes receiving an edit to the source code of the web page to be edited within the editing web page, determining when to refresh the rendering of the web page being edited based on the edit to the source code of the web page being edited, and controlling the refresh of the rendering of the web page being edited based on the determination. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided. |
| US08464145B2 |
Serial interface devices, systems and methods
A serial interface device includes multiple serial link connections that receive at least address values and at least one error detection code (EDC) on different serial link connections, the EDC generated from at least the address values, the serial link connections for the address values and EDC operated separately from one another; and multiple output serial links, at least a first one of the output serial links outputting data values read from memory locations corresponding to the address values, and at least a second one of the output serial links different from and operated separately from the first one outputting EDC values generated for the data values read from the memory locations. |
| US08464143B2 |
Error detection method
An apparatus, program product, and method that run an algorithm on a hardware based processor, generate a hardware error as a result of running the algorithm, generate an algorithm output for the algorithm, compare the algorithm output to another output for the algorithm, and detect the hardware error from the comparison. The algorithm is designed to cause the hardware based processor to heat to a degree that increases the likelihood of hardware errors to manifest, and the hardware error is observable in the algorithm output. As such, electronic components may be sufficiently heated and/or sufficiently stressed to create better conditions for generating hardware errors, and the output of the algorithm may be compared at the end of the run to detect a hardware error that occurred anywhere during the run that may otherwise not be detected by traditional methodologies (e.g., due to cooling, insufficient heat and/or stress, etc.). |
| US08464141B2 |
Programmable error correction capability for BCH codes
An embodiment of the invention relates to a BCH encoder formed with linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) to form quotients and products of input polynomials with irreducible polynomials of a generator polynomial g(x) of the BCH encoder, with and without pre-multiplication by a factor xm. The BCH encoder includes multiplexers that couple LFSR inputs and outputs to other LFSRs depending on a data input or parity generation state. The BCH encoder can correct up to a selectable maximum number of errors in the input polynomials. The BCH encoder further includes LFSR output polynomial exponentiation processes to produce partial syndromes for the input data in a syndrome generation state. In the syndrome generation state the LFSRs perform polynomial division without pre-multiplication by the factor xm. The exponentiation processes produce partial syndromes from the resulting remainder polynomials of the input data block. |
| US08464140B2 |
Apparatus for appending cyclic redundancy check in communication system
The apparatus for appending CRC to the data or signaling to be transmitted in the communication systems is proposed in present invention. If the length of the CRC-bit sequence is 16, one of the CRC generation polynomials listed in present invention can be adopted. If the length of the CRC bit sequence is 18, one of the CRC generation polynomials listed in present invention can be adopted. If the length of the CRC bit sequence is 20, one of the CRC generation polynomials listed in present invention can be adopted. With the optimized CRC generation polynomials proposed in present invention, mistakes in signaling detection can be effectively reduced so that system spectrum utility can be improved. |
| US08464131B2 |
Reading a flash memory by constrained decoding
To read memory cells that have been programmed to store an ECC codeword, with each cell storing a respective plurality of bits of the codeword, a respective value of an operational parameter such as a threshold voltage of each cell is measured. Each bit is assigned a respective metric, such as a LLR estimate of the bit, based at least in part on the respective value of the operational parameter of the bit's cell. The metrics are decoded with reference both to the ECC and to mutual constraints of the metrics within each cell that are independent of the ECC. |
| US08464125B2 |
Instruction-set architecture for programmable cyclic redundancy check (CRC) computations
A method and apparatus to perform Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) operations on a data block using a plurality of different n-bit polynomials is provided. A flexible CRC instruction performs a CRC operation using a programmable n-bit polynomial. The n-bit polynomial is provided to the CRC instruction by storing the n-bit polynomial in one of two operands. |
| US08464124B2 |
Receiving apparatus, receiving method and program, and receiving system
A receiving apparatus receives a low density parity check (“LCPC”) code and decode the LCPC code to provide for error check capabilities. A bit error rate (“BER”) controlling section is the frequency of the LCPC by using an index comprised of BER conditional information that indicates communication conditions affecting the power consumption at the time of decoding. The frequency is controlled on the basis of a reception interval of the low density parity check code. |
| US08464122B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing method
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method which can improve the tolerance to errors of data. A demultiplexer 25 replaces, in accordance with an allocation rule for allocating code bits of an LDPC code to symbol bits representative of symbols, mb bits from among the code bits and sets the code bits after the replacement as symbol bits of b symbols. For example, when m is 12 and b is 1, where the i+1th bits from the most significant bit of the 12×1 code bits and the 12×1 symbol bits of one symbol are represented as bits bi and yi, replacement for allocating, for example, b0 to y8, b1 to y0, b2 to y6, b3 to y1, b4 to y4, b5 to y5, b6 to y2, b7 to y3, b8 to y7, b9 to y10, b10 to y11 and b11 to y9 is carried out. The present invention can be applied, for example, to a transmission system for transmitting an LDPC code and so forth. |
| US08464107B2 |
Surrogate circuit for testing an interface
A semiconductor die includes interface logic for performing a function on an external device, and a surrogate circuit in communication with the interface logic. The interface logic facilitates testing of the interface logic by attempting to perform the function on the surrogate circuit. The interface logic may be a memory interface, and the surrogate circuit may be a memory circuit that is a smaller and simpler replica of an external memory die. The surrogate circuit allows the interface logic to be tested before the semiconductor die is physically coupled to the external device, for exampled in a three dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC). |
| US08464106B2 |
Computer system with backup function and method therefor
A solid-state mass storage device and method of anticipating a failure of the mass storage device resulting from a memory device of the mass storage device reaching a write endurance limit. A procedure is then initiated to back up data to a second mass storage device prior to failure. The method includes assigning at least a first memory block of the memory device as a wear indicator, using other memory blocks of the memory device as data blocks for data storage, performing program/erase (P/E) cycles and wear leveling on the data blocks, subjecting the wear indicator to more P/E cycles than the data blocks, performing integrity checks and monitoring the bit error rate of the wear indicator, and taking corrective action if the bit error rate increases, including the initiation of the backup procedure and generating a request to replace the device. |
| US08464102B2 |
Methods and systems for diagnosing hardware and software faults using time-stamped events
A transportation vehicle including a high-resolution clock, an electronic network including two or more tasks, including first and second tasks, and a memory including instructions causing a processor to classify faults in the electronic network using the clock. The steps include receiving a first fault code generated at the first task, receiving a second fault trouble code generated at the second task of the electronic system in response to a second fault, and identifying an execution cycle offset associated with the first and second tasks using an execution schedule, and considering whether the first cycle is separated from the second cycle by the execution cycle offset identified by the schedule. The instructions also cause the processor to identify causal relationships for a plurality of faults via a pair-wise repetition of the above-described analysis for at least one combination of tasks other than the first and second tasks. |
| US08464098B2 |
Microcontroller device, microcontroller debugging device, method of debugging a microcontroller device, microcontroller kit
A microcontroller device comprising a receiver component configured to receive a one or more reset signals for the microcontroller device; an identification component configured to identify a source of the or each reset signals received by the receiver component; a time interval determining component configured to determine a length of a time interval in accordance with the identified source of the or each reset signals received by the receiver component; a voltage setting component configured to set a voltage of an output of the microcontroller device to a first value on receipt of a reset signal by the receiver component; and a control component configured to maintain the voltage of the output at the first value for the duration of the determined length of the time interval; and set the voltage of the output to a second value on substantial completion of the determined length of the time interval. |
| US08464092B1 |
System and method for monitoring an application or service group within a cluster as a resource of another cluster
Various systems and methods for monitoring an application or service group within one cluster as a resource of another cluster are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method involves detecting an error indication generated by a first cluster (e.g., the error indication can be generated by a cluster controller or service group within the first cluster). The first cluster is implemented on a cluster resource (e.g., a virtual machine) of a second cluster. In response to detecting the error indication, restart of the cluster resource is initiated. |
| US08464086B2 |
Software-based power capping
The present invention relates to power consumption, and specifically an apparatus, method, and computer readable medium to manage and control power consumption in computer systems. Specifically, the present invention manages power consumption by controlling the types of threads that are executed by the processor. The present invention monitors the resources of the system to determine the power consumption of the system. If the power consumption is too high, the present invention issues more low power threads to be executed by the processor. |
| US08464085B2 |
Method and device for controlling operation of a portable electronic device
A method for controlling operation of a portable electronic device includes detecting an angle between a lid of the portable electronic device and a plumb line and controlling the operation of the portable electronic device according to the angle. |
| US08464083B1 |
Exiting low-power state without requiring user authentication
According to an example embodiment, a method may include, in response to an idle time of a computing device meeting or exceeding a power-save time threshold value, placing the computing device into a low-power state; in response to receiving an input to the computing device after the computing device has been placed into the low-power state, exiting the low-power state; determining whether the idle time meets or exceeds a lockout threshold value that is greater than the power-save time threshold value; after having exited from the low-power state, if the idle time meets or exceeds the lockout threshold value, requiring a user to perform a successful predetermined authentication to the computing device before allowing the user to access applications in the computing device; and if the idle time does not meet or exceed the lockout threshold value, allowing the user to access applications in the computing device without requiring the user to perform the successful predetermined authentication to the computing device. |
| US08464082B2 |
Management apparatus, management method, program and storage medium
A management apparatus which manages plural information processors, manages information indicating at least one of the information processors, belonging to a first group and at least one of the information processors, belonging to a second group; stores first and second schedule information respectively corresponding to the first and second groups, each schedule information indicating a schedule of a power mode to be set on each information processor belonging to the corresponding group; instructs to change over the power mode based on the first or second schedule information; determines, if the power mode indicated by the first schedule information is different from that indicated by the second schedule information, which of the power modes is to be set with priority; and controls so that the power mode determined to be set with priority is set on the information processor belonging to both the first group and the second group. |
| US08464079B2 |
Battery life extending power supply system
A power supply system includes a battery and a power management system. The power management system is coupled to the battery and to an external power source that is operable to charge the battery using a first charge level. The power management system is operable to determine that a battery power level of the battery is greater than a first predetermined level that depends on a battery storage option and, in response, disable power from being supplied from the external power source such that power is supplied from the battery until the battery power level is below the first predetermined level. The power management system is also operable to determine that the battery power level of the battery is less than the first predetermined level and, in response, charge the battery with a second charge level that is less than the first charge level until the battery power level is above a second predetermined level that depends on the battery storage option. |
| US08464064B2 |
System and method for evaluating and certifying video pat software
Provided are a system and method for evaluating and certifying video PAT software, including a module for embedding a related information into the video image data and detecting the embedded information. A receiving module receives video PAT software and a certificate application associated with the video PAT software. A setting module sets an evaluation environment according to use cases of the PAT software received through the receiving module. An embedding module embeds predetermined information into a test video image data using an embedder of the received video PAT software. An attack module attacks the test video image data with the embedded information through various attack tools and generating an attacked video image data. A detecting module detects the embedded information from the attacked video image data by using a detector of the received video PAT software. An evaluating module evaluates statistic information about reliability of the video PAT software from the detected information. A certificate generating module generates a certificate containing the evaluated statistic information. |
| US08464063B2 |
Trusted group of a plurality of devices with single sign on, secure authentication
A system creates a trusted group of devices for single sign on. The trusted group is a set of two or more devices which can communicate securely to exchange information about the states of the devices. The two or more devices can arrange or establish the trusted group through the exchange of credentials or authentication information. After the establishment of the trusted group, the two or more devices may communicate through a secure connection established between the members of the trusted group. Each device may then execute normally and may encounter events that change the status of the device. Information about the locking or unlocking of the computer can be exchanged with the other members of the trusted group and the other members may also lock or unlock in concert. |
| US08464061B2 |
Secure wireless link between two devices using probes
A secure wireless communication link (pairing) between two devices can be established using cleartext wireless transmissions between devices not joined to a network (“probes”). One device can broadcast a first probe indicating that it is seeking to establish a pairing. The other device can respond with a second probe, and the two devices can establish a shared secret, e.g., by exchanging further information using additional probes. Thereafter, either device can send a message to the other by encrypting the message using a cryptographic key derived from the shared secret; encrypted messages can also be sent within probes. The receiving device can extract an encrypted message from a probe and decrypt it using the cryptographic key. The encrypted message can include credentials usable by the receiving device to join a wireless network. |
| US08464060B2 |
Method and structure for self-sealed joint proof-of-knowledge and diffie-hellman key-exchange protocols
A method (and structure) for a party (the prover) to prove its knowledge, jointly and non-malleably, of multiple secret (fixed and/or ephemeral) Diffie-Hellman exponents (DH-exponents), corresponding to its public (fixed and/or ephemeral) DH-components and with respect to the public (fixed and/or ephemeral) challenging DH-components from another party (the verifier). The joint proof-of-knowledge (JPOK) consists of secrets made by multiplying multiple DH-secrets, which can be generated and verified by each party by its own secret DH-exponents and the public DH-components of both parties. To ensure the non-malleability of the JPOK, the method makes all these multiplied DH-secrets to be independent, and makes the session-tag committed to the multiplied DH-secrets. In addition, the invented method makes the DH-secrets to be multiplied to further satisfy at least one of the following: (1) deniability; (2) pre-computability; and (3) post-ID computability. |
| US08464059B2 |
System and method for device bound public key infrastructure
Techniques are provided secured communication of data, such as in the context of a public key infrastructure (PKI). In one embodiment, the technique may involve using a private key that is bound to the device requesting the secure data, thereby making it harder for someone to copy, steal or fake. The private key may be generated by adding a filler code to a unique device identifier. The identifier may be based on at least one user-configurable parameter and at least one non-user-configurable parameter of the device. |
| US08464056B2 |
Method for secure dynamic bandwidth allocation in a TT ethernet
A communication method for transmitting TT Ethernet messages is a distributed real-time system, including a plurality of node computers. Each node computer has an Ethernet controller, which by way of a data line is directly connected to a port of a TTE star coupler, said port being uniquely associated with the node computer. A plurality of TTE star couplers are connected among each other by way of one or more data lines to form a TTE network. A TTE message scheduler dynamically calculates the conflict-free schedules for a number of time-controlled messages and signs the schedule provided for each node with a secret part of a public-key signature before it transmits said schedule to the corresponding node computer. Each node computer integrates the signed periodic schedule, which is transmitted to the node computer in the form of a TTE message header of an ETE message, into each dynamically calculated TTE message. The TTE star couplers check whether each dynamically calculated TTE message contains an authentically signed schedule. |
| US08464053B2 |
Systems, methods, and media for retransmitting data using the secure real-time transport protocol
Systems, methods, and media for retransmitting data using the SRTP are provided. In some embodiments, methods for retransmitting data using the SRTP are provided. The methods include: receiving at least one data unit associated with a media session; determining the index of the at least one data unit; determining the session key of the media session using the index; authenticating the at least one data unit using the session key; and retransmitting the at least one data unit. |
| US08464051B2 |
Method, apparatus, terminal and system for channel encryption
The disclosure discloses a method, an apparatus, a terminal and a system for channel encryption. The method includes that: a relay server receives a channel encryption request from a client, and acquires encrypted information, client information and a locally stored channel Extensible Markup Language (XML) file of the client from the channel encryption request (S101); and according to the encrypted information, the client information and the locally stored channel XML file of the client, the relay server acquires an encrypted channel XML file and stores the encrypted channel XML file, and sends the encrypted channel XML file to the client to enable the client to update the locally stored channel XML file according to the encrypted channel XML file (S102). By means of the technical solution of the disclosure, the privacy of a user is protected, and the security of Really Simple Syndication (RSS) channel management is enhanced. |
| US08464047B2 |
Method and apparatus for authorizing host to access portable storage device
A method and apparatus for authorizing a host to access a portable storage device and a method and apparatus of providing information for authorizing a host to access a portable storage device. The method includes: verifying integrity of host software requesting to transmit data; determining whether the host is authorized to access the portable storage device; and determining whether the host software is authorized to access the portable storage device. Accordingly, user information may be stored on the portable storage device and moved with security. |
| US08464045B2 |
Distributed digital certificate validation method and system
A distributed digital certificate validation method of a client connectable in communication with a host is provided. A first connection is made with the host to establish data communication with the host. A request for a certificate validation result is sent to the host. A file containing at least the requested certificate validation result is imported from the host and the imported file is stored locally for later retrieval of at least the requested certificate validation result. |
| US08464044B2 |
Wireless network probe system and method
A wireless network probe method intercepts a data packet sent from a certain station, which has established communication with an access point (AP) connected to a wireless network before a service set identifier (SSID) of the wireless network has been closed. The method further amends data in the data packet to generate two attacked data packets, transmits the two attacked data packets using a media control access (MAC) address of the certain station, to interrupt the communication between the AP and the certain station. Furthermore, the method intercepts a re-association data packet sent to the AP from the certain station, retrieves the SSID from the re-association data packet, and stores the SSID into a second station, so as to connect the second station to the wireless network. |
| US08464042B2 |
Performance adjustment apparatus and method of information processing apparatus
A performance adjustment apparatus connected to an information processing apparatus includes a performance adjustment unit that controls operation processing performance of an operation processing apparatus of the information processing apparatus based on a specified performance adjustment value, a performance type list information management unit that manages performance type list information comprising a plurality of pairs of a performance type and a performance adjustment value, a performance type specification unit that specifies a performance type in the performance type list information managed by the performance type list information management unit and changes the performance type, a performance adjustment value setting unit that obtains a performance adjustment value corresponding to the performance type specified by the performance type specification unit from the performance type list information management unit, and sets the obtained performance adjustment value in the performance adjustment unit. |
| US08464039B2 |
Circuitry for preventing generation of a hardware reset output signal by discharging a capacitor under the control of a control signal generated by software during its normal operation
Hardware reset circuitry including user interface circuitry having at least a first state and a second state and configured, when in the first state, to prevent generation of a hardware reset output signal. |
| US08464037B2 |
Computer system comprising a secure boot mechanism on the basis of symmetric key encryption
A CPU, a computer system and a secure boot mechanism are provided in which a symmetric encryption key may be incorporated into a non-volatile memory area of the CPU core, thereby substantially avoiding any tampering of the encryption key by external sources. Moreover, pre-boot information may be internally stored in the CPU and may be retrieved upon a reset or power-on event in order to verify a signed boot information on the basis of the internal symmetric encryption key. Furthermore, the BIOS information may be efficiently updated by generating a signature using the internal encryption key. |
| US08464035B2 |
Instruction for enabling a processor wait state
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having a core with decode logic to decode an instruction prescribing an identification of a location to be monitored and a timer value, and a timer coupled to the decode logic to perform a count with respect to the timer value. The processor may further include a power management unit coupled to the core to determine a type of a low power state based at least in part on the timer value and cause the processor to enter the low power state responsive to the determination. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08464034B2 |
Consolidated boot parameter management systems and methods
Methods and systems for provision of boot parameters may comprise: receiving one or more boot parameter event notification registration requests; registering one or more boot parameter event receiver clients; and providing one or more boot parameters to one or more registered boot parameter event receiver clients. |
| US08464033B2 |
Setting a flag bit to defer event handling to one of multiple safe points in an instruction stream
Methods and systems thereof for exception handling are described. An event to be handled is identified during execution of a code sequence. A bit is set to indicate that handling of the event is to be deferred. An exception corresponding to the event is generated if the bit is set. |
| US08464031B2 |
Running unary operation instructions for processing vectors
During operation, a processor generates a result vector. In particular, the processor records a value from an element at a key element position in an input vector into a base value. Next, for each active element in the result vector to the right of the key element position, the processor generates a result vector by setting the element in the result vector equal to a result of performing a unary operation on the base value a number of times equal to a number of relevant elements. The number of relevant elements is determined from the key element position to and including a predetermined element in the result vector, where the predetermined element in the result vector may be one of: a first element to the left of the element in the result vector; or the element in the result vector. |
| US08464028B2 |
Redirection table and predictor for fetching instruction routines in a virtual machine guest
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a redirect unit configured to detect a match of an instruction pointer (IP) in an IP redirect table, the IP corresponding to a guest instruction that the processor has intercepted, wherein the guest is executed under control of a virtual machine monitor (VMM), and wherein the redirect unit is configured to redirect instruction fetching by the processor to a routine identified in the IP redirect table instead of exiting to the VMM in response to the intercept of the guest instruction. |
| US08464022B2 |
Virtualization with shadow page tables
One or more embodiments provides a shadow page table used by a virtualization software wherein at least a portion of the shadow page table shares computer memory with a guest page table used by a guest operating system (OS) and wherein the virtualization software provides a mapping of guest OS physical pages to machine pages. |
| US08464016B2 |
Method and device for switching over in a memory for a control device
A method and device for switching over in a memory for a control device, a first storage area in the control unit being overlaid by a second storage area; the second storage area including at least one memory page, and each of the memory pages being able to overlay the first storage area; switching over being able to be performed between the memory pages and the overlaying being able to be switched on/switched off, and the switching over of the memory pages and the switching on/switching off of the overlaying of the second storage area being automatically carried out and/or triggered by the software of the control unit. |
| US08464015B2 |
Arithmetic processing device and data erasing method
Predetermined information is received from an external device and when receiving the information, an area in which the data stored in the first memory shall be erased is determined corresponding to a battery residual quantity of a power supply unit of the arithmetic processing device, and a data erasing process is controlled and executed with respect to the thus-determined area. |
| US08464012B2 |
Method for controlling access to a data file of an IC card
A method is for controlling access to a data file of an IC card and may include storing a plurality of access conditions to be evaluated for accessing the data file, and enabling access to the file if the access conditions are satisfied. The method may further include ordering the access conditions to be evaluated in a Reverse Polish Notation inside a memory queue of the IC card, and evaluating the access conditions starting from a head of the memory queue. |
| US08464010B2 |
Apparatus and method for data backup
A targeting storage component selects a target virtual disk for one of a full copy or an incremental copy of first data. A periodic backup component triggers a periodic point-in-time copy of the first data to a virtual disk in the cascade. A testing component tests a status of the full copy, the incremental copy and the periodic point-in-time copy. Responsive to the status, a cascade splitting component splits the cascade to remove a dependency relationship of at least one of the fully copy, the incremental copy and the periodic point-in-time copy on the first data. |
| US08464007B2 |
Systems and methods for read/write phase request servicing
Various embodiments include fault tolerant memory apparatus, methods, and systems, including a memory manager for supplying read and write requests to a memory device having a plurality of addressable memory locations. The memory manager includes a plurality of banks. Each bank includes a bank queue for storing read and write requests. The memory manager also includes a request arbiter connected to the plurality of banks. The request arbiter removes read and write requests from the bank queues for presentation to the memory device. The request arbiter includes a read phase of operation and a write phase of operation, wherein the request arbiter preferentially selects read requests for servicing during the read phase of operation and preferentially selects write requests for servicing during the write phase of operation. |
| US08464002B2 |
Burst-based cache dead block prediction
The present disclosure generally relates to cache memory systems and/or techniques to identify dead cache blocks in cache memory systems. Example systems may include a cache memory that is accessible by a cache client. The cache memory may include a plurality of storage locations for a first cache block, with a most recently used position location in the cache memory. A cache controller may be configured to predict whether the first cache block stored in the cache memory is identified as a dead cache block based on a cache burst of the first cache block. The cache burst may comprise a first access of the first cache block by a cache client and any subsequent contiguous accesses of the first cache block following the first access by the cache client while the first cache block is in a most recently used position of the cache set. |
| US08463998B1 |
System and method for managing page variations in a page delivery cache
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a high performance content delivery system in which versions of content are cached for servicing web site requests containing the same uniform resource locator (URL). When a page is cached, certain metadata is also stored along with the page. That metadata includes a description of what extra attributes, if any, must be consulted to determine what version of content to serve in response to a request. When a request is fielded, a cache reader consults this metadata at a primary cache address, then extracts the values of attributes, if any are specified, and uses them in conjunction with the URL to search for an appropriate response at a secondary cache address. These attributes may include HTTP request headers, cookies, query string, and session variables. If no entry exists at the secondary address, the request is forwarded to a page generator at the back-end. |
| US08463997B2 |
Apparatus and method of caching frame
An apparatus and method of caching a frame is provided. The method of caching a frame includes receiving information on a frame to be cached from a main storage unit, setting an initial value of a specified mode using the received information, and caching the frame from the main storage unit using the specified mode. |
| US08463992B2 |
System and method for handling IO to drives in a raid system based on strip size
A system and method for handling IO to drives in a RAID system is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a multiple disk system with a predefined strip size. IO request with a logical block address is received for execution on the multiple disk system. A plurality of sub-IO requests with a sub-strip size is generated, where the sub-strip size is smaller than the strip size. The generated sub-IO commands are executed on the multiple disk system. In one embodiment, a cache line size substantially equal to the sub-strip size is assigned to process the IO request. |
| US08463991B2 |
Intra-device data protection in a raid array
A system and method for intra-device data protection in a RAID array. A computer system comprises client computers and data storage arrays coupled to one another via a network. A data storage array utilizes solid-state drives and Flash memory cells for data storage. A storage controller within a data storage array is configured to identify a unit of data stored in the data storage subsystem, wherein said unit of data is stored across at least a first storage device and a second storage device of the plurality of storage devices, each of the first storage device and the second storage device storing intra-device redundancy data corresponding to the unit of data; and change an amount of intra-device redundancy data corresponding to the unit of data on only the first storage device. |
| US08463990B2 |
Method and apparatus to perform automated page-based tier management of storing data in tiered storage using pool groups
A storage controller performs: evaluating the pool groups based on a preset rule in order to determine an evaluation result for each pool group; using the evaluation results among the pool groups to determine which pool group is to be selected for performing allocation against portions of the one storage volume in response to receiving an instruction for rearrangement of data in the tiered storage, the instruction including a requirement to be satisfied in selecting a plurality of tiers within a pool group based on access characteristics for performing allocation against portions of the one storage volume, analyzing the pool groups according to the requirement to determine whether any of the pool groups is appropriate to possess the one storage volume for storing the data; and selecting the tiers within the pool group based on the access characteristics. |
| US08463988B2 |
System and method for matching patterns
A pattern matching system detects strings contained in a target pattern to be detected within a data stream input by 1-byte data, and detects a regular expression representing the target pattern among regular expressions constructed by the detected strings. |
| US08463986B2 |
Memory system and method of controlling memory system
A plurality of free-block management lists for respectively managing a logical block with a same bank number, a same chip number, and a same plane number as a free block, and a free block selecting unit that selects a required number of free-block management lists from the free-block management lists to obtain a free block from the selected free-block management lists are provided. |
| US08463984B2 |
Dynamic data flow management in a multiple cache architecture
The disclosure is related to systems and methods of dynamic dataflow in a multiple cache architecture. In an embodiment, a system having a data storage device with a multiple cache architecture may detect at least one attribute affecting a data storage workload or data storage performance. The system may select at least one of a plurality of data flow schemes based on the at least one attribute, which may be done to optimize the data storage workload for various conditions. In another embodiment, a data storage controller may automatically and dynamically select one of multiple data flow schemes within a data storage device having a multiple cache architecture. The data storage controller may monitor attributes to determine which data flow scheme to select for various workloads of the data storage device. |
| US08463982B2 |
Method of storing and accessing error correcting code in NAND flash
A method of storing and accessing an error correcting code in NAND Flash, includes utilizing n pages of a block of the NAND Flash as an extended space of a spare area, n≦1, wherein when writing data, the data is stored in a data area of a sector, and when the error correcting code needs a space which has correcting capability larger than 16 bytes, first 16 bytes of the error correcting code is stored in the 16 bytes spare area, and the remaining of the error correcting code is stored in the extended space of the spare area corresponding to the sector. Therefore, the method develops new storing space for the error correcting code, arranges the error correcting code in sequence of data blocks in sub-space, and loads the error correcting code into system memory for the decoder before reading original data. |
| US08463981B2 |
Storage apparatus having deduplication unit
It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage apparatus that can suppress access performance degradation owing to processing of data deduplication. The storage apparatus according to the present invention acquires a sum of the access frequencies to each of redundantly allocated pieces of data, and performs the deduplication on the pieces of data having the sum of access frequencies less than a prescribed threshold. |
| US08463980B2 |
Shared memory between child and parent partitions
A mechanism for the creation of a shared memory aperture between modes in a parent and child partition is described. The shared memory aperture can be created between any memory mode between the guest and any host. For example, a shared memory aperture can be created between the kernel mode on the child partition and the user mode on the parent partition. |
| US08463978B2 |
Computer with ability to charge electronic device in power off state and USB interface module thereof
A computer for charging an electronic device includes a computer, a power supply module, a motherboard and a USB interface module. The power supply module outputs electrical power when the computer is powered down. The USB interface module includes a USB interface and a switch. The USB interface is connected to the power supply and the motherboard and capable of charging the electronic device. The switch is set between the USB interface and the motherboard and controls a communication between the motherboard and the electronic device. |
| US08463977B2 |
Use of PCI express for CPU-to-CPU communication
CPUs that generate PCIe auxiliary signals and changing clock signals nevertheless communicate with each other using PCIe owing to PCIe switch assemblies that are disposed in the communication paths to isolate and terminate the auxiliary signals from reaching other CPUs and to isolate changing clock signals, communicating with each other using a fixed clock derived from one of the changing clock signals. Also, the CPUs directly access the memories of CPUs to which they wish to write data so that data is directly written from one CPU memory to another without store-and-forward operations being needed in the network. |
| US08463975B2 |
Integrating non-peripheral component interconnect (PCI) resources into a personal computer system
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having an adapter to communicate according to a personal computer (PC) protocol and a second protocol. A first interface coupled to the adapter is to perform address translation and ordering of transactions received from upstream of the adapter. The first interface is coupled in turn to heterogeneous resources, each of which includes an intellectual property (IP) core and a shim, where the shim is to implement a header of the PC protocol for the IP core to enable its incorporation into the apparatus without modification. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08463972B2 |
System and method for dynamic, local retriggered interrupt routing discovery
In some embodiments, the invention involves a dynamic interrupt route discovery method with local APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller) retriggering to accommodate architectures that are not PC/AT compatible. In a low power mobile device, General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins are dynamically allocated and IRQs are retriggered by a GPIO driver to multiplex the requests to an appropriate device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08463970B2 |
Method and system for managing sleep states of interrupt controllers in a portable computing device
A method and system for managing sleep states of one or more interrupt controllers of processors contained within a portable computing device are described. The method includes a processor defining wake-up interrupt settings in a storage device contained within the portable computing device. This storage device may comprise message random access memory (“RAM”). After wake-up settings have been established in message RAM, a processor may generate an alert that the wake-up settings in the message RAM have been defined. Next, a controller reviews the wake-up interrupt settings in the message RAM for a plurality of interrupt controllers that correspond with a plurality of processors contained within the portable computing device. The controller merges the wake-up settings in the message RAM and then sends the merged wake-up settings to an always-on power manager (“APM”). The APM is responsible for issuing signals to place interrupt controllers of processors into a sleep state. |
| US08463960B2 |
Synchronisation of data processing systems
A centralised synchronizing device for determining progress of at least a subset of transaction requests that are transmitted through a data processing system. A system synchronizing request is a request generated by one of the plurality of transaction generating devices and queries progress of a subset of the transaction requests. The synchronizing device includes: at least one port to and from the data processing system; a multicast circuitry configured to output a plurality of synchronizing requests for multicast to at least some of the devices within the data processing system where the requests query the progress of the subset of the transaction requests. Gather circuitry collects responses to the requests confirming that the queried progress has occurred at the respective devices. The gather circuitry determines when responses to all of the requests have been received and outputs a response to the system synchronizing request. |
| US08463957B2 |
Enabling access to peripheral resources at a processor
A method of enabling access to resources includes detecting an input to access a resource of a multi-mode processing module coupled to a host processor and a control module. The method can further include detecting an operating mode of the host processor and the control module and an availability of independent peripheral resources of the multi-mode processing module. Additionally, the method can enable the multi-mode processing module in response to the detecting the operating mode and the availability of the independent peripheral resources. |
| US08463956B2 |
Data transfer control apparatus
In a data transfer control apparatus, a transfer start address and a transfer size are acquired from a peripheral circuit. A command is issued in response to an activation signal from the peripheral circuit. When data transfer is performed between the main memory unit and the peripheral circuit, completion of issuance of all of commands corresponding to the transfer start address and transfer size is detected. The transfer size is retained until the end of data transfer. A next command is issued prior to completion of data transfer for one command, and a next activation signal is received upon detection of completion of issuance of all of the commands corresponding to the one transfer start address and transfer size. Next transfer start address and transfer size are acquired upon detection of completion of issuance of all of the commands corresponding to the one transfer start address and transfer size. |
| US08463954B2 |
High speed memory access in an embedded system
Data is processed in an embedded system by writing data read from a peripheral device in response to an event to memory external to the embedded system. The data or a portion of the data is copied to memory internal to the embedded system. Which portion of the data is stored in both the external memory and the internal memory is tracked. The copied data is retrieved from the internal memory by a processor included in the embedded system. The processor has one or more caches logically and physically separated from the internal memory. The processor uses the copied data it retrieved to begin servicing the event. |
| US08463952B1 |
Device connections and methods thereof
A first device port and a second device port are connected using a first cable and a second cable. The first device port and the second device port use a divisible number of lanes, X for communication. The first cable uses X′ lanes, where X′ is less than X. The second cable uses X-X′ lanes, where X-X′ is also less than X. If the first cable is disconnected or fails, then the second cable is used after a failover operation. |
| US08463951B1 |
Unified driver architecture device identifier strategy
Embodiments of the present invention provide for initializing a device for use in a computer system. In one embodiment a BIOS routine reads a configuration register of each device in a computer system. The configuration register contains a device identifier indicating an oldest version of a device driver for controlling the device. The device identifier for each device is saved in a configuration data space. An operating system retrieves each device identifier contained in the configuration data space, and maps each device identifier to a corresponding device driver utilizing a registry. The operating system loads and causes execution of an initialization routine of each corresponding device driver mapped to each of the device identifiers. |
| US08463947B2 |
Method of finding rings for optimal routing of digital information
A method for planning a network having a plurality of nodes. The method may include determining all possible rings in the network satisfying a predetermined condition and calculating a utilization score for each possible ring based on a combination of predetermined selection criteria. The method may include selecting the possible ring with the highest utilization score and determining whether there are remaining nodes among the plurality of nodes that are not included in the selected possible ring. The method may further include selecting another possible ring if it is determined there are remaining nodes. |
| US08463940B2 |
Method of indicating a path in a computer network
A background process is executed which dynamically determines nodes in a path from a start node to an end node. The background process examines a routing table of routing nodes in the path to determine changes in the path. Information regarding multiple paths between a first node and a second node of the network can be stored so that a point of primary failure can be more accurately determined. |
| US08463937B2 |
Non-blocking buffered inter-machine data transfer with acknowledgment
A system, method and data structures for transmitting batched data over a network in asynchronous, non-blocking operations, with acknowledgements returned to the senders. Each machine includes a sender subsystem and a receiver subsystem. Transmission items corresponding to data to be sent are buffered until a send is triggered, at which time the transmission items are sorted according to their destinations and sent as a GUID-identified batch to each destination by a send thread. At each receiver, a receiving thread adds descriptions of the data to a receive list, which a transfer thread processes when triggered. The transfer thread sends the corresponding data to a recipient program, and sends GUID-identified acknowledgements corresponding to each GUID back to the originating senders. An acknowledge thread at each originating sender buffers the acknowledgements, and when triggered, a cleanup thread uses the GUID to identify which batched transmissions were received. |
| US08463934B2 |
Unified system area network and switch
A network switch, based on the PCI EXPRESS protocol, is disclosed. The switch includes a processor, local memory and a plurality of non-transparent bridges. By configuring the non-transparent bridges appropriately, the network switch can facilitate a number of different communication mechanisms, including TCP/IP communication between servers, server clusters, and virtualized I/O device utilization. For example, the network switch may configure the non-transparent bridges so as to have access to the physical memory of every server attached to it. It can then move data from the memory of any server to the memory of any other server. In another embodiment, the network switch is connected to an I/O device, and multiple servers are given access to that I/O device via virtualized connections. |
| US08463930B2 |
Skip feature for a broadcast or multicast media station
A skip function for a broadcast or multicast media station is disclosed. In one embodiment, two content streams are simultaneously transmitted for a single radio station. A receiving device simultaneously receives the two content streams transmitted for the radio station. The receiving device provides playback of a first content stream of the two content streams. During playback of the first content stream, the receiving device buffers one or more most recently received content items from the second content stream. When a user of the receiving device initiates a skip, the receiving device performs a skip function by switching playback from the first content stream to the second content stream beginning at the start of the one or more most recently received content items from the second content stream that have been buffered at the receiving device. |
| US08463928B2 |
Efficient multiple filter packet statistics generation
Incoming data streams are managed by receiving a data stream on at least one network interface card (NIC) and performing operations on the data stream using a first process running several first threads for each network interface card and at least one group of second multiple processes each with an optional group of second threads. The first process and the one or more groups of second multiple processes are independent and communicate via the shared memory. The first threads for each network interface card are different than the group of second threads. The system includes at least one network interface card that receives a data stream, a first processor that runs a first process that uses a plurality of first threads for each network interface card and a second processor that runs at least one group of second multiple processes each with an optional group of second threads. The first process and the one or more groups of second multiple processes are independent and communicate via the shared memory. |
| US08463925B1 |
Table driven event processing of multiple stateful protocols in a high performance network stack framework
Methods and apparatus provide for a finite state machine environment to receive at least one event. The finite state machine environment converts the event to a finite state machine event. The finite state machine environment selects a first event processing table from a plurality of interoperable event processing tables. The finite state machine environment processes the finite state machine event in the first event processing table to determine an action to perform based on a state of the finite state machine embodied by the first event processing table and a type of the event. |
| US08463924B2 |
Remote access of media items
Methods and systems that facilitate the downloading of media items to a first network device from a second network device are disclosed. A plurality of media items are identified. Media item metadata associated with the plurality of media items is obtained from the second network device and stored on the first network device. Media item content data associated with a first subset of the plurality of media items is obtained from the second network device and stored on the first network device. In this manner, only media item metadata associated with a second subset of the plurality of media items is stored on the first network device. |
| US08463923B2 |
Enhanced zoning user interface for computing environments
Exemplary method, system, and computer program embodiments for managing a computing environment are provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of information, including each of an available plurality of devices, an interconnected plurality of communication paths, and quality of service (QoS) information, is gathered for at least one of the available plurality of devices and the interconnected plurality of communication paths. The plurality of information is organized into a plurality of zones according to a zoning methodology. One of an available plurality of checking operations is performed to verify consistency of the plurality of information, including performing a real-time zone checking operation to determine that at least one of the plurality of zones is functional. The plurality of information, including the at least one of the plurality of zones, is displayed to the user via a graphical user interface (GUI). |
| US08463917B2 |
Communications system and method, information processing apparatus and method, information management apparatus and method, recording medium and program
A communications system and method, an information processing apparatus and method, an information management apparatus and method, a recording medium and a program make it possible to efficiently and comfortably make use of contents, which are stored in one server, from a plurality of devices connected via a network. In a case in which the playing of content is stopped, bookmark information including a time stamp representing the stopped position of the content is stored in association with predetermined identification information. The bookmark information is available for various apparatuses transmitting the identification information. When playing the content from a position designated by the information from a predetermined apparatus, the time stamp included in the bookmark information is referred to and the playing of the content from the stopped position is started. The present invention can be applied to various apparatuses such as a personal computer, audio equipment, a PDA, a mobile phone and the like. |
| US08463916B2 |
Traffic engineering and bandwidth management of bundled links
Traffic engineering and bandwidth management of bundled links may, at times, require the selection of one of a plurality of component links in a bundled link to use in admitting a connection requiring admission. While performing the selection it may be determined that more than one of the component links has the resources required to admit the connection. An admission policy may then be selected from among a plurality of admission policies. Based on the selected admission policy, a particular component link may then be selected. Such bandwidth management, based on admission policies, may be seen to be well suited to balancing and component link recovery in traffic engineered, connection-oriented MPLS networks. |
| US08463913B2 |
System and method of responding to a request in a network environment including IMS
In one embodiment, a scheme is disclosed for facilitating responding to a request in a network environment including IMS. A component associated with a recipient is configured to receive an incoming message from a sender, wherein the incoming message is substantially free of an indication of acceptance by the sender of a body of a particular content type. A component associated with the recipient is configured to provide an outgoing message including at least one body of the particular content type. |
| US08463909B1 |
Systems and methods for managing server resources
A method, computer readable medium, and apparatus for managing server resources includes receiving at a traffic management device one or more requests in a message based protocol. The traffic management device determines a difference between a level of utilization of resources maintained by a server that handles the one or more received requests and a threshold level of utilization of resources that can be maintained by the server; and randomly delays the one or more requests based upon the determined difference. |
| US08463904B2 |
System and method of middlebox detection and characterization
A computer-implemented system and method to detect and characterize middleboxes is disclosed. Embodiments of the system and method include a middlebox detection engine to provide a plurality of middlebox detection modules, and to use at least one middlebox detection module of the plurality of middlebox detection modules to determine if a middlebox exists on a path between a first communicating entity of a network and a second communicating entity of the network. |
| US08463902B2 |
Work unit adapter for content processing with third party network elements
A method including receiving a work flow for the ingestion, transformation, and distribution of content, wherein the work flow includes one or more work unit tasks; retrieving work unit task information pertaining to the one or more work unit tasks; identifying one or more network elements to execute one of the one or more work unit tasks based on the work unit task information; translating the work unit task information from a format used by one or more devices to another format that is used by the one or more network elements based on one of an object adapter pattern or a class adapter pattern; and send the translated work unit task information to the one or more network elements. |
| US08463901B2 |
Stateful flow information table method and system for packet inspection system
A packet processing system comprises two packet inspection systems for tracking packet flows between a first network and a second network. A memory is accessible by each of the packet inspection systems for storing flow entries. Each of the flow entries includes a flow key characterizing a packet flow associated with flow entry, a flow identifier. State information is further maintained indicating ownership of the flow identifiers among the two packet inspection systems. Using stateful identifiers ensures that two packet processing systems do not become incoherent and properly indicate the status of free flow identifiers. |
| US08463897B2 |
Systems and methods to emulate user network activity
Systems and methods to emulate user network activity to change the profiling of users of the network are disclosed. A method includes monitoring network activity corresponding to a particular user. The method includes automatically generating emulated user network activity when a usage pattern is detected in the monitored network activity. The emulated user network activity may be detectable by a user tracking engine as the network activity of the particular user and the user tracking engine may attempt to profile the emulated user activity. |
| US08463892B2 |
Method and system for information leak prevention
A method for mitigating false positive type errors while applying an information leak prevention policy, the method comprising the computer implemented steps of: defining at least one positive criterion for a positive set, wherein the positive criterion comprises at least one indicator of a possible breach of the information leak prevention policy; defining at least one negative criterion for a negative set, wherein the negative criterion comprises at least one indicator of benign traffic; establishing an ambiguity set in association with an intersection between the positive set and the negative set, such that information items in the intersection enter the ambiguity set; defining at least one ambiguity resolution criterion for resolving the ambiguity; monitoring and analyzing electronic traffic, where each information item in the traffic is searched for matches with the positive set; checking for membership of each item in the positive set in the ambiguity set; resolving ambiguities using one of the ambiguity resolution criterion for each member of the ambiguity set and removing items from the positive set accordingly, and applying information leak prevention policy for all items remaining in the positive set following the removal of items using ones of the ambiguity resolution criteria. |
| US08463891B2 |
Multicast broadcast service management method, device, and system
A multicast broadcast service (MBS) management method, device, and system are provided, so that a service/content provision server is enabled to manage an MBS operated by the service/content provision server itself. The method includes: a universal service interface (USI) receives a management operation request message from a service/content provision server; the management operation request message is sent to a multicast and broadcast service (MCBCS) server/controller to enable the MCBCS server/controller to perform corresponding operations according to the management operation request message. The device includes a first receiving module and a second receiving module. Another device includes a receiving module and a request processing module. The system includes an MCBCS server/controller and a USI connected to the MCBCS server/controller in a communication mode. |
| US08463887B2 |
Systems and methods for server surge protection in a multi-core system
The present application is directed towards systems and methods for providing connection surge protection to one or more servers by an intermediary multi-core system. A packet processing engine of a multi-core device deployed as an intermediary between a plurality of clients and one or more servers determines an estimated number of total pending requests received by all packet processing engines based on a value of a local counter of received requests, the total number of pending requests received by all other packet processing engines at a last predetermined interval, and a rate of change of the total number of pending requests received by all other packet processing engines multiplied by the time since the last predetermined interval. The packet processing engine applies a surge protection policy to received pending requests responsive to the determined estimated number of total pending requests. |
| US08463886B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributed computing, and computer product
A network-segment-determining unit determines network segments including servers to be involved in a distributed processing, based on configuration information stored in a configuration information database (DB). A data dividing unit divides data based on information on the network segments determined by the network-segment-determining unit. A data transfer unit transfers the data divided by the data dividing unit to each of the network segments. |
| US08463883B2 |
Method for updating and managing an audiovisual data processing application included in a multimedia unit by means of a conditional access module
A method to force a multimedia unit to update an application for viewing broadcast conditional access content by linking said update to an update of the conditional access module firmware. The firmware update is initialized by means of version information transmitted in the content stream. In particular, this version information may be included in ECM or EMM messages or in services information tables in order to be processed by the conditional access module independently from the multimedia unit. The version information comprises of a minimum version and of an available maximum version. If the conditional access module detects that the current version of the firmware is inferior to the available maximum version, it transmits a message requesting an update of the application that initiates downloading a firmware updating from a management center. The update installation is carried out simultaneously in the conditional access module and in the multimedia unit. |
| US08463879B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for automatic verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices. In one method embodiment, the present invention accesses a machine-readable map. Additionally, validation rules are accessed in a machine-readable format. A validation step is performed, wherein the validation step comprises comparing the validation rules in machine-readable format with the machine-readable map. A report of a result of the validation step is then generated. In so doing, a verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices occurs automatically. |
| US08463872B2 |
Method and apparatus for a family center
A family center system and method is provided that allows receiving from a registered family member a family message intended for other registered family members and determines, based on a set of rules, to which of other registered family members to push the family message, mode of transport by which to push the family message, and the schedule according to which to push the family message. A technique involving a tile is provided that allows displaying a unified view of information onto a plurality of registered devices, regardless of device platform and/or communications network. The system and method provides a variety of services to registered family members and allows third party application plug-in for offering third party services. The system and method receives a SMS message and stores such message as a family message for subsequent access or family message treatment. |
| US08463870B1 |
Personalized audio system and method
A personalized audio system and method that overcomes many of the broadcast-type disadvantages associated with conventional radio stations. |
| US08463868B2 |
Information processing apparatus and associated method of content exchange
An information processor such as a personal computer is provided. A terminal is operably linked to the information processor to check out or to check in content to/from the terminal. A device driver detects that a portable device is connected to the information processor and when the device driver detects that the portable device is connected to the information processor, a start-up program reads contents-related data from the portable device and starts up a display/operation instruction program to provide a display corresponding to the data accessed from the terminal. |
| US08463867B2 |
Distributed storage network
A determination as to whether to store a data item at a computer connected to a distributed storage network of computers is made in dependence on a policy document associated with that data item. The policy document is constructed in accordance with a Document Type Definition expressed in extensible Markup Language (XML). This provides a more flexible method of system managed storage. |
| US08463866B2 |
Memory system for mapping SCSI commands from client device to memory space of server via SSD
Device, system, and method of accessing storage. For example, a server includes: a Solid-State Drive (SSD) to store data; a memory mapper to map at least a portion of a storage space of the SSD into a memory space of the server; and a network adapter to receive a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) read command incoming from a client device, to map one or more parameters of the SCSI read command into an area of the memory space of the server from which data is requested to be read by the client device, said area corresponding to a storage area of the SSD, and to issue a Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) write command to copy data directly to the client device from said area of the memory space corresponding to the SSD. |
| US08463865B2 |
Video synchronization with distributed modules
A digital system is provided that includes a number of hardware accelerators. Each hardware accelerator is paired with a synchronization module that is configured to determine when a scheduled task can be started. Each synchronization module includes a network interface configured to send and receive messages to and from other synchronization modules and a configuration interface configured to receive task information from a host processor. Each synchronization module also includes a task scheduler configured to select a task in response to a received message and a task processor interface configured to initiate the selected task on a hardware accelerator coupled to the synchronization module. |
| US08463863B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting header fields in a message
Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein facilitate the transmitting, receiving, and processing of encoded messages wherein the header fields in the message header are protected. In one embodiment, the contents of the header fields to be protected are inserted into the message body as one or more additional lines of text, for example, prior to encoding and transmitting the message to a message recipient. Upon receipt of the message, the message recipient processes the encoded message such that the contents of the protected header fields can be extracted from the message body. Accordingly, by inserting the contents of the header fields to be protected into the message body, the header fields may be protected using existing standards and protocols for facilitating secure message communication. |
| US08463862B2 |
Methods and systems for dispatching messages to mobile devices
A mail server collects messages from a number of user accounts and presents them to the user from a single location. Forwarded messages are automatically reformatted for the receiving device, while a copy of the original message is retained. Messages may be reformatted to include the phone number of the message sender. The reformatted message can then present the user with an option to return the message via a phone call. The reformatted message can include more than one phone number, in which case the sender's phone numbers can be prioritized for presentation to the user. The reformatted message can also present the user with an option to review notes or other contact-specific information prior to responding to the message. |
| US08463857B2 |
Notification of internet service events using instant messaging service
Disclosed is a notification system and method using messenger. The system includes a messenger system for controlling instant message transmission, monitoring messenger user state change, and transmitting user state change information; an external service system for monitoring occurrence of events and generating notification message indicating occurrence of the events; and a synchronization server for receiving the user state change information from the messenger system, providing the received user state change information to the at least one external service system, receiving the notification message from the at least one external service system, and transmitting the notification message to the messenger system. The external service system receives the user state change information from the synchronization server and manages messenger user online information, in case of the event occurrence. |
| US08463854B2 |
Facilitating interaction between web browsers
Users browsing the same website may join in a single communication forum by navigating to a predefined communication web server or website. Navigating to the predefined communication web server includes transmitting an access request to the web server. The access request includes various information including identification information associated with the referring website. Based on the identity of the referring website, the web server joins users into an appropriate communication forum. If a pre-existing communication forum corresponding to the referring website is unavailable, a new communication forum corresponding to the referring website may be created. The communication forum allows users viewing the same referring website to interact and communicate in a variety of ways. |
| US08463853B2 |
Duplicating digital streams for digital conferencing using switching technologies
Using switching technologies to duplicate packets of a digital stream (e.g., digital video stream) sent from one workstation to multiple recipient workstations, where the switching technologies enable the multiple streams sent from the switch to the recipient workstations to be generated from a single digital stream sent from the sending workstation to the switch. Data units, such as video data units, may be transmitted by using a switch to enable receipt of a stream of data units including a payload portion and an attribute portion from at least two conferencing participants. The switch is used to duplicate at least a subportion of the payload portion of a data unit within the stream of data units, and to enable access to the duplicated subportion of the data unit by two or more conferencing participants. |
| US08463847B2 |
System for image rendering in a computer network
A computer system for rendering user-specified image products wherein a programmed processor executes a plurality of user-interactive tasks relating to the image product and at least some of the interactive tasks specify a portion of the image product. A change probability of further changes to the image product specified by at least one of the plurality of user-interactive tasks is stored. The programmed processor determines if the change probability is below a predetermined threshold and renders the portion of the image product corresponding to the portion defined by the user-interactive task. |
| US08463842B2 |
Content acquisition apparatus, content acquisition method and content acquisition program
The present invention provides a music purchasing/transfer system allowing contents to be acquired in a remarkably efficient manner. In the system, a content acquisition apparatus, and method and program thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a content storage section used for storing contents; an output section for outputting the identification of every content that can be presented by a Content providing apparatus for presenting contents; and a content acquisition section for acquiring a content, which is identified by a content identification selected by carrying out an operation to select one of identifications output by the output section, from the content providing apparatus, wherein the output section outputs identifications of contents not stored yet in the content storage section as identifications different from other identifications output as identifications of other contents already stored in the content storage section. |
| US08463839B2 |
Distributed computing environment
A method is described which allows a very large (greater than 100,000) number of applications to communicate logically through a many-to-many multicast cloud on the common carrier Internet efficiently by exploiting characteristics of the applications' data streams which allow substantial message culling as well as more standard routing optimization (conventional multicast and optimization standard to normal Internet routing systems). The method describes the function and type of three types of systems which operate together to implement the method. The first is a network enabled client application, such as a distributed simulation or game, which joins an application cloud or federation and communicates its internal state changes into the cloud via a communication applications programming interface. The second is a lobby manager or broker which accepts entry into a communication cloud or federation and provides information to the federation and the client application for establishing communications between them. And third, is a applications-specific routing system which provides the normal function of routing packets between Internet hosts (client applications running on these hosts), but also allows the routing functions to affected by modules in the router which are associated with the distributed application or simulation being implemented. These application “personalized” routing modules implement substantial application-specific message culling through message omission, rerouting, and other quality of service modifications to substantially reduce overall federation communication traffic and at the same time still effectively implement a point-to-multipoint distributed communications model between clients. |
| US08463837B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient bi-linear interpolation and motion compensation
A method and apparatus for performing bi-linear interpolation and motion compensation including multiply-add operations and byte shuffle operations on packed data in a processor. In one embodiment, two or more lines of 2n+1 content byte elements may be shuffled to generate a first and second packed data respectively including at least a first and a second 4n byte elements including 2n−1 duplicated elements. A third packed data including sums of products is generated from the first packed data and packed byte coefficients by a multiply-add instruction. A fourth packed data including sums of products is generated from the second packed data and elements and packed byte coefficients by another multiply-add instruction. Corresponding sums of products of the third and fourth packed data are then summed, and may be rounded and averaged. |
| US08463832B1 |
Digital signal processing block architecture for programmable logic device
Various implementations of a digital signal processing (DSP) block architecture of a programmable logic device (PLD) and related methods are provided. In one example, a PLD includes a dedicated DSP block. The DSP block includes a first multiplier adapted to multiply a first plurality of input signals to provide a first plurality of product signals. The DSP block also includes a second multiplier adapted to multiply a second plurality of input signals to provide a second plurality of product signals. The DSP block further includes an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) adapted to operate on the first product signals and the second product signals received at first and second operand inputs, respectively, of the ALU to provide a plurality of output signals. |
| US08463829B2 |
Implementing transactional mechanisms on data segments using distributed shared memory
Systems, Methods, and Computer Program Products are provided for implementing transactional mechanisms by a plurality of procedures on data segments by using distributed shared memory (DSM) agents in a clustered file system (CFS). A new data segment is allocated and an associated cache data segment and metadata data segments, which are allocated for the new data segment and loaded into a cache and modified during the allocating of the new data segment, are added to a list of data segments modified within an associated transaction. The DSM agents assign an exclusive permission to the new data segment. |
| US08463823B2 |
Methods and systems for tracking backflow assemblies
A method of tracking backflow assemblies is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving backflow assembly data for water customers associated with a water supply system, generating a database based on the backflow assembly data, transmitting test reminder notifications to testers associated with the water customers, receiving test result data from the testers, updating the database based on the test result data, and transmitting the test result data to municipal administrators. The backflow assembly data includes water customer information, backflow assembly information and backflow test history information. The database is stored within a storage device. The testers are notified based at least partially on the backflow assembly data. The updated database is stored within the storage device. |
| US08463822B2 |
Data merging in distributed computing
A data merging method for distributed computing uses a configuration file to guide the insertion of computational results obtained by distributed nodes into a database table, and to merge the computational results inserted in the database table. The configuration file is established according to the task splitting conditions of distributed computing. The method uses a data merging server to import and host the configuration file and create a database table corresponding to the configuration file. Each distributed node inserting its distributed computational result into the database table after completing the respective distributed computing task, while the data merging server merges the data in the database table. An interface standard applicable to various uses and various distributed computing tasks may be used such that the user only needs to establish a job-specific configuration file based on the interface standard. |
| US08463820B2 |
System and method for memory bandwidth friendly sorting on multi-core architectures
In some embodiments, the invention involves utilizing a tree merge sort in a platform to minimize cache reads/writes when sorting large amounts of data. An embodiment uses blocks of pre-sorted data residing in “leaf nodes” residing in memory storage. A pre-sorted block of data from each leaf node is read from memory and stored in faster cache memory. A tree merge sort is performed on the nodes that are cache resident until a block of data migrates to a root node. Sorted blocks reaching the root node are written to memory storage in an output list until all pre-sorted data blocks have been moved to cache and merged upward to the root. The completed output list in memory storage is a list of the fully sorted data. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08463815B1 |
System and method for access controls
Systems and methods for controlling access to objects within a file system utilizing data associated with those objects are disclosed. More specifically, in one embodiment access controls pertaining to a user may be specified in terms of tags which may be associated with an object, and a user's access to objects may be controlled based upon these tags. These tags may reflect the content of the object, or a grouping, category or another type of classification of the object and may be determined through the processing of the object. In particular, in one embodiment, metadata associated with an object may be classified and associated with classification tags associated with those classifications. A user's access to objects may then be specified through a set of classification tags, where the user may access objects associated with those classification tags. |
| US08463811B2 |
Automated correlation discovery for semi-structured processes
A computer-implemented method, system, and article of manufacture for determining a set of correlated data among heterogeneous computer applications. The method includes providing a computer system having software modules, receiving statistics on data relating to a first event and a second event, generating a confidence score for an attribute set, where the attribute set includes an attribute from the first event data and an attribute from the second event data, and selecting the attribute set as a set of correlated data if the confidence score is within a threshold value. |